Repair of watches: replacement of glass in watches

Today's wristwatches are not just a necessity. They - an indicator of status, good taste and wealth of its owner. But even the most expensive watches can quickly lose their attractive appearance in the absence of proper care and attention.

In addition to major repairs, such as replacing glass in watches, there is also a preventive one. Virtually all modern models of mechanical watches need preventive maintenance work every 5 years. Such repairs in this case means a complete analysis of the watch movement, thorough cleaning and lubrication of all its components, and most importantly - the adjustment of the accuracy of the clock.

The order of implementation

Before proceeding directly to the disassembly of the mechanism, the workplace should be prepared. To do this, it is necessary to arrange a sufficient light flux and put a sheet of dense white paper on the table.

The process of disassembly begins with the removal of the strap and the opening of the back cover of the case. The main thing is to remember that they are different: with carving, latches or small screws.

From the opened case it is necessary to take out everything that is removed, and turn the remaining part of the mechanism with the lid down and put on a sheet of paper. After that, having carefully examined the clockwork with the help of a magnifying glass, it is necessary to find a small pin. Where it is located, and there is a clockwork shaft. To adjust the accuracy of the clock, it is required, just by pressing this pin with a thin screwdriver, pull the winding shaft.

This completes the preventive repair of the watch. It's time to put all the details together in the reverse order. In this case, it is worth to be especially careful with the arrows, because they are incredibly fragile and easily bend from the slightest touch.

If, in addition to prevention, you need to replace the glass in the clock, you need to remove the dial by unscrewing all the cogs on the rim.

Replacing the glass in the clock with your own hands

The process of replacing the glass in the clock begins with a partial disassembly of the mechanism. This is done to ensure that the body does not have a mechanism and other small parts that can interfere with the work of the master.

Very often it happens that broken pieces of glass fall on the dial, as a result of which he and the clock mechanism are damaged due to the continued movement of the arrows.

It is worth considering that when self-transferring arrows using a transfer head, the risk of possible damage increases at times. The rotating transfer head transfers the load to the arrows, which stand in place due to the glass fragments. As a result, the wheel system undergoes a huge load, and the gears break. Therefore, in the case of a broken dial, you should immediately stop the operation of the watch and contact the workshops to replace the glass in the clock.

At the end of the disassembly, it is necessary to remove the damaged glass by extruding, drilling, heating or high air pressure, and also to clean the dial from small fragments and dust.

Now it is necessary to make or choose a suitable glass, having prepared a staff place for its subsequent installation.

Replacement of plastic glass

A few years ago plastic on the watch dial was very common, because it is inexpensive and has certain advantages (however, as well as disadvantages). The main advantage of plastic is elasticity, therefore, in order to break it, you will have to make some efforts. Even a serious blow to a heavy object, as a rule, causes him minor damage in the form of several scratches. They are considered the main drawback of plastic: shallow scratches can be removed, but deep scratches will have to change the glass. In addition, the plastic rapidly becomes turbid, as it over time, there are microcracks, filled with the smallest particles of clothing and dust. By the way, these microcracks are easily applied to polishing, which gives the watch the appearance of new ones.

Replacement of mineral glass

Mineral glass in the watch industry is used more often than plastic. It is found not only in wrist watches, but also in floor, wall clocks and even alarm clocks. Of the advantages of mineral glass, it is worth noting the possibility of achieving the maximum possible tightness of the watch mechanism, high hardness, resistance to external damage and the ability to retain an attractive appearance for a long time without clouding. However, along with surprising hardness, the mineral glass is very fragile, and when struck hard against a solid object Smashed to smithereens, showering with a hail of small fragments the dial and the mechanism, making it necessary to repair the watch. Replacing the glass in the clock in this case involves a general repair of the mechanism for removing the smallest glass crumb to avoid further damage.

Replacement of sapphire crystal

Sapphire crystal - the most expensive of the three options listed. Crystals of artificially grown sapphires are sawn, polished and polished. The watches obtained in this way have incredible strength and impressive weight. It is the amazing hardness of sapphire that explains its popularity among producers of expensive Swiss watches.