Watch crystal replacement - anyone ever done this?

[Aerows]

I have an automatic Seiko that is a fine watch. Except I bashed in the crystal at 11.

Anyone ever done a replacement crystal? I have a variety of tools, but I haven't gone this far.

I can either toss the watch, which has great, smooth sweep movement, or replace the crystal.

I would like to replace the crystal. This is not my first foray into repair of watches, but replacing a crystal is damned assured handicraft.

Just an interesting though - I found my watch that I have been looking for at the bottom of a swim bag when I was doing spring cleaning. It's still beautiful, except for the crystal. The automatic movement/date is still fine.

I was watching this:

EDIT: The press is 13.50. I did indeed order one. What the hell, I have every other tool under the sun!

http://www.amazon.com/BTSKY-trade-Professional-Crystal-Addition/dp/B00V4E6VYU/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1455761878&sr=8-7&keywords=watch+crystal+press

I guess I'm weird, but I am attached to this watch. .

[hack89]

1. Why not have a watch repair shop do it?

it is not that expensive

[Aerows]

2. Why wouldn't I learn how to do it?

I repair friends, family members and my own watches. I've taken out more links and replaced more batteries for friends and family than many people. It's just one other thing I can do.

Why the heck not?

[Xyzse]

5. I can only salute you.

I enjoy learning things to do now and then, but time constraints tend to limit that.

Perhaps if and when I retire, I will do so.

I learned some jewel-crafting last year. That was fun.

[Aerows]

8. It surprises me that some

people don't want to learn how to do things.

I didn't learn how to cook to be able to avoid eating at McDonald's every day, I learned how to cook because I enjoy it, there is autonomy in being able to construct beautiful meals, and you share it with others.

[Xyzse]

9. Exactly...

Must admit, my brother is better at me in cooking.

[Orrex]

3. Harbor Freight sells a kit for doing exactly that

I've never tried it, but it doesn't seem like brain surgery.

[Aerows]

6. Oh, thanks for the heads up

I have one of their catalogues. I've ordered stuff from them before, they are pretty much the go to for "get's the job done, no frills" type parts and tools.

[JustABozoOnThisBus]

4. Let us know how it turns out.

Did you buy the crystal AND the press?

Good luck with the repair.

[Aerows]

7. I got the press

and I am looking into a better crystal than what originally came with my watch. I'm looking into the Saphlex crystal which I didn't buy when I ordered the watch. It is impact proof, which, ironically is more of an issue with me and watches than scratches. I totaled a Gucci watch with an impact splitting even that right down the middle.