Why it is urgent
The crystal is one wall of a sealed box. Crack it and the box is open. Humidity, dust and skin oil get in, and the damage they do to a movement costs far more than the crystal ever would.
A chip at the edge counts too. It looks minor and the seal is just as gone.
Do not pick the pieces out
If shards have fallen inside, leave them. Fishing them out with tweezers is how dials get scratched and hands get bent. Bring it in as it is and we will deal with it.
What we do
Identify the crystal, measure the diameter and thickness, fit the right replacement with a new gasket where it takes one, and reseal the case. If anything has fallen inside, the movement and dial get checked and cleaned before it closes up.
And what caused it
A hard knock usually. Sometimes a crystal that was previously fitted slightly wrong and has been under stress ever since. We will mention it if that is what we see.
Questions we get asked
Is a cracked crystal urgent?
Yes. The seal is gone, so dust and moisture are reaching the movement.
Can I keep wearing it?
We would not. Every hour lets more in.
Should I remove the broken pieces myself?
No. That is how dials get scratched. Bring it as it is.
Do you reseal it afterwards?
Yes, with a new gasket where the case takes one.
Not sure we can fix it?
Send a couple of details and we will call you back. Or just walk in — it is quicker, and we can actually look at the piece.
Drop it off, shop the mall, wear it tonight
We are inside Orland Square Mall in Orland Park. Walk in during mall hours, no appointment. Most repairs are finished the same day and a good number while you wait.
Where we are
Julio's Jewelry, 800 Orland Square Drive, Orland Park, IL 60462 — inside Orland Square Mall. Mon–Thu 10am–8pm · Fri–Sat 10am–9pm · Sun 11am–6pm. We are also at North Riverside Park Mall, 7501 W Cermak Rd, North Riverside, IL 60546.