Crystal replacement on an old PD Chrono

[morafa4]

Hello Gents!

I was wondering if you guys could maybe point me in the right direction. I have a Porsche Design Chrono (~70's) which badly needs the glass replaced. The only problem is I have no idea who to take it to.

I have been to a PD service center for the pre IWC watches for Porsche Design and they quoted me an absurd amount, and refused to only change the glass. They claim they only do full restorations and I want to keep the patina of the lume and faded pvd coating, which would entail a complete transformation of the watch - something I do not want.

The watch keeps perfect time and has been serviced a good while back - probably needs another one, but I only have so much I can throw at this watch at right now (enough for crystal repl.).

I live in New York and I wondered if anyone knew of a business that could change the crystal, hassle free (unnamed service center quoted me a 3-4 month turnaround) and at a reasonable price. Doesn't need to be in the immediate area.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks all!

[vukotab]

Why don`t you try at some good independent watchmaker?
If you don`t want to pay full price of new, original crystal I think that`s the only way to go.
Of course, it won`t be original PD, but it really doesn`t make no difference IMHO.
Here in Belgrade, Serbia, price of new, aftermarket mineral crystal is around 20 bucks, sapphire costs a little more, and acrylic is priced just like mineral crystal. All of them are of high quality, and there are many watchmakers doing great job changing them.
So, I really think that it will be quite easy for you to find adequate replacement in NY, just search for good and reliable independent watchmaker.

[morafa4]

Yeah, that was the route that I was hoping for but don't know of any reputable independent watchmakers. I can imagine any independent watchmaker based in the area would cost a decent amount of money.

I am not set on an original Porsche Design crystal, any after market crystal with the same gauge would do. Even if someone knows of a watch repair shop that does crystal replacement on all watches, that would do fine.

Problem is, I just don't know where to start. The shops that come up in NY after a google search are all watch repair shops that have very shady reviews.

So if anyone knows of a shop that could do non-AD work on an old watch, please let me know. Thanks again!

[kilyung]

If it's just the glass, you could try it yourself with the right tools. Just a thought.

[slcbbrown]

I don't know anything about Porsche watches, but it would be common for a watch to have a readily available crystal when it was made, rather than a custom made item. Meaning, a crystal that was used for lots of different brands and is still out there.

Probably any good watch tech can source the crystal. May take some looking to find a watch guy who will make the effort.