Bell glass difference

[red9k]

Hello All

After ordering glass for the bell from both Cousins and eBay i noticed a slight difference between them
eBay on the left and Sternkreuz on the right.
To be honest i must say i like the eBay more due to its lower profile(had no problem with hands) but the pro of the Sternkeuz is you get the inner metal ring.
Have a look


Cheers
 Magnus

[StartSomething]

All of my Belles that I had restored at my watchmaker were fitted with the Sternkreutz crystal, I know that Richard Askham also uses these (see his watchspot blog). While the building height of the Sternkreutz is increased over the OEM part, it matches the profile of the original crystal. Also I was told that the aftermarket crystals like you show on the left sometimes lead to problems with the proper turning of the alarm ring (which, but this is only my suspicion, could lead to the dial feet breaking?).
 
Best,
Hermann

[TheTigerUK]

the Sternkreutz is increased over the OEM part, it matches the profile of the original crystal.
 
Best,
Hermann

How do you mean it matches the original crystal profile Herman ? imo it is nothing like the original, i have used a few and sometimes i have found the need to reduce the fitting dia to enable them to fit properly.

[StartSomething]

How do you mean it matches the original crystal profile Herman ? imo it is nothing like the original, i have used a few and sometimes i have found the need to reduce the fitting dia to enable them to fit properly.

Just goes to show I should not talk about things I haven't yet done myself 
 
John, I was referring to the shape rather than to the actual diameter - I think I will rather leave this discussion to those really knowing what they are saying
 
So what I intended to say was that the aftermarket crystal shown on the left has a 'dome' profile, whereas the original and the Sternkreutz haven't, is that correct?
 
Best,
Hermann

[TheTigerUK]

The after market crystal is in fact more like the original by a long way than the Sternkreutz which has angled sides instead of the more dome type of the original.

When i get a chance i will take a side picture of one of my originals.

[StartSomething]

That would be much appreciated, John!
 
Always good to learn something :-)
 
Best,
Hermann

[jole777]

I've given up on "ebay" crystals and switched to Sternkreuz a long time ago. They are a little higher but so far no problem with them + the inner tension ring.