39mm Glassbox Crystal Replacement Advice

V
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I'm currently two months into ownership of the Carrera 39mm Glassbox (reverse panda, one of my images included) and the watch is simply stunning. Has been pure joy until earlier this month when I clumsily allowed it to fall from the height of a nightstand. The crystal shattered entirely.

I immediately pulled the crown, assured all pieces of crystal were removed from the dial and used a camera sensor cleaner to puff out the remaining dust. Since then, it has been a nightmare seeking assistance for a crystal replacement. None of the local watchmakers have inventory, and I've had two TAG Heuer boutiques and the corporate line assure me that servicing the crystal will require send-out with a 17+ week (!) estimate.

Seeking any advice on quicker sourcing of the crystal (several watchmaker acquaintances are happy to make the install) or at least some optimism with the correct, prescribed route of sending to the NJ repair facility via boutique. |

At this price point, I was also in heavy consideration of a vintage Heuer. I ultimately opted to purchase the modern, in-production watch with the presumption of (a) parts availability and (b) ease of servicing. Apparently, I was entirely incorrect and would have had a more-immediate repair on the vintage item (hypothetically).

Much appreciation!
 
Carrera.jpg
Mspeedster
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Beautiful watch! Sorry to hear about the crystal.

I would suggest having it repaired by TAG Heuer. A four month estimate is not surprising, as they'd rather set expectations on the long side. But often are able to turn things around quicker if everything goes smoothly.

I don't think an independent watchmaker would be able to do it much quicker. Because they mostly likely need to order the crystal from TAG Heuer, and even for just ordering parts, 3 months is often the estimate given. However, the parts I've ordered have always arrived sooner than the estimate.
 
C
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I shattered the crystal on my Skipper the first week i got it. I took it to my local boutique and the rep told me it would take a few weeks maybe a month or two. I got it back in my hand in 8 days. They give you the most conservative estimate on time, not the likely one. I highly recommend that you let Tag do the replacement, it'll be under warranty and the glassbox portion of the glassbox carrera is a pretty important piece, no? Best to let the company handle it.

Keep us updated! i'd love to know how long it actually takes.
 
tcy148
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I second what C-Balls said. They only give you the most conservative timeframe. I got a replacement mid-case for my panda Carrera from TAG Heuer. I'm based in Hong Kong and the boutique quoted me 2 - 3 months for the new case to arrive and another month for installation.
The mid-case took 3 weeks to arrive and the installation took about 3 weeks. Just make sure to tell TAG Heuer not to polish your watch!
 
Hubert
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Additionally, I would send it to TAG Heuer directly. Some people have "lost" watches when sending theirs through authorized dealers.
 
T
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how much does such a new glassbox installation by tag heuer service pls ?
 
T
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V VincentAnthony
I'm currently two months into ownership of the Carrera 39mm Glassbox (reverse panda, one of my images included) and the watch is simply stunning. Has been pure joy until earlier this month when I clumsily allowed it to fall from the height of a nightstand. The crystal shattered entirely.

I immediately pulled the crown, assured all pieces of crystal were removed from the dial and used a camera sensor cleaner to puff out the remaining dust. Since then, it has been a nightmare seeking assistance for a crystal replacement. None of the local watchmakers have inventory, and I've had two TAG Heuer boutiques and the corporate line assure me that servicing the crystal will require send-out with a 17+ week (!) estimate.

Seeking any advice on quicker sourcing of the crystal (several watchmaker acquaintances are happy to make the install) or at least some optimism with the correct, prescribed route of sending to the NJ repair facility via boutique. |

At this price point, I was also in heavy consideration of a vintage Heuer. I ultimately opted to purchase the modern, in-production watch with the presumption of (a) parts availability and (b) ease of servicing. Apparently, I was entirely incorrect and would have had a more-immediate repair on the vintage item (hypothetically).

Much appreciation!
sorry for you, I thought sapphire was really resistant , isn t it ?
 
dtf
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T tchay25
sorry for you, I thought sapphire was really resistant , isn t it ?

Sapphire is incredibly scratch resistant, but like most very hard things, it’s brittle so can crack.
 
ExpiredWatchdog
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When surrounded by a nice case, they are pretty tough. When sticking up out of the case, well....
 
T
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so the way it s done on the reverse panda is fragile..
how much for such a replacement ?
 
flawless
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T tchay25
so the way it s done on the reverse panda is fragile..
how much for such a replacement ?
Contact TAG Heuer. Aside from buying a donor watch or having a crystal that is wrong fitted, you have no other choice really.
 
T
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ok but how much is charging Tag heuer for such replacement task?
 
flawless
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T tchay25
ok but how much is charging Tag heuer for such replacement task?
They'll probably charge for an M1 service + crystal. Contact them and ask.
 
T
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you re totally right..
in case it is so fragile, might be risky to get one
..
i ll have to consider it before planning to get one...
 
ExpiredWatchdog
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I personally like them.

Not a good shot of an example, but this one sticks up a mile.
Omega Speedy '57 Wheel Shot.webp
I do round corners with my left hand behind my back out of habit, tho.
 
YY77
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T tchay25
you re right
it s also a glassbox?
A sapphire crystal replacement on the Speedmaster moonwatch would set you back 600 euro.
 
T
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YY77 YY77
A sapphire crystal replacement on the Speedmaster moonwatch would set you back 600 euro.
thanks for the info
 
T
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flawless flawless
They'll probably charge for an M1 service + crystal. Contact them and ask.
I called them this morning, I was told that in case, just the sapphire to be replaced, it might cost 250 EUR ( sapphire glass) + M1 ( 140 EUR ), so around 390 ...
 
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