Oct 27, 2026Reference & Sizing
Watch Rhinestone PP Size Guide: PP3 to PP14 Replacement Stones
Watch rhinestone PP size guide covering PP3, PP4, and PP5 to PP14 replacement stones. Learn dial seat measuring, setting methods, and how to request matching stock.
A missing stone on a watch dial or bezel leaves an exposed cavity that collects dirt and spoils the watch's presentation. Replacing these decorative elements requires identifying the correct Pearl Plate (PP) size, seating depth, and attachment method. Kocandy supplies replacement round rhinestones covering micro PP3 and PP4 packs along with a ten-size assortment spanning PP5 through PP14. Because stone cavity diameters vary across manufacturers, exact replacement relies on matching catalog model identifiers or confirming measured dimensions.
Watch Rhinestone PP Sizes: Understanding Stone Sizing for Dials and Bezels
The Pearl Plate (PP) scale is a traditional grading system used to classify small round stones by diameter. In watch repair, PP designations catalog the miniature round rhinestones fitted to hour markers, dial tracks, chapter rings, and external bezels.
A PP designation represents a narrow diameter bracket, but specific millimeter equivalents are not stated in the Kocandy catalog. Do not rely on general jewelry conversion charts, as stone depths and seat tolerances vary across watchmakers.
If you already know your required PP number, select that size directly. If you only have a caliper reading from an empty seat, send your measurement so we can confirm the matching stock by message.
Where Watch Rhinestones Are Fitted: Dials, Markers, and Bezel Settings
Watch rhinestones serve decorative functions across several external and internal watch assemblies:
- Dial Hour Markers: Many dress dials feature round faceted stones set at the hour positions or set into applied batons. The ten-size assortment box is explicitly catalogued for watch dial use.
- Chapter Rings and Sub-Dials: Chronograph sub-dials and dial perimeters often use micro rhinestones seated in shallow stamped cups, where sizes PP3 and PP4 provide compact clearance.
- Outer Bezel Rings: External bezels frequently feature rows of stones seated in drilled cavities that require secure bonding against daily contact.
- Case Lugs and Crowns: Specialty cases feature stones set into lug shoulders or winding crowns.
Before servicing a dial, decase the movement on a clean pad — if the caliber is unfamiliar, start by identifying the movement caliber before lifting hands or uncoupling dial feet.
Single Size Rhinestone Packs: PP3 and PP4 Specifications
When replacing stones in volume or repairing dials with compact marker cups, Kocandy stocks individual single-size packs for PP3 and PP4.
The PP3 pack is catalogued under model SP0000071. Listed as replacement watch rhinestones, these round stones carry a silver colour designation and are described as Middle East Rhinestone and Middle East Diamond material, supplied as a single unit in a zip bag.
Model SP0000071 replacement watch rhinestones in size PP3.
The PP4 pack is catalogued under model SP0000072. Described as round watch rhinestones for replacement, it shares the silver colour designation, 1.7 height, and Middle East Diamond material, with an item weight of 10g. It is packaged as an assorted watch rhinestone pack in a bag.
Model SP0000072 replacement watch rhinestones in size PP4.
Ten-Size Assortment Box: PP5 Through PP14 Coverage
For repair benches servicing multiple dress watches, Kocandy offers a 1000-piece assortment box catalogued under model MEWS-JG-W-1000. This set covers ten consecutive sizes: PP5, PP6, PP7, PP8, PP9, PP10, PP11, PP12, PP13, and PP14.
The set comes in an organized plastic box with a stated weight of 60. The round rhinestones carry a silver colour attribute and Middle East Rhinestone material, stated specifically for watch repair parts and watch dial use.
Model MEWS-JG-W-1000 assorted watch rhinestones across ten compartmentalized sizes.
Having ten graduated compartments lets a watchmaker trial adjacent stone sizes directly against an empty setting — if a seat appears marginally too tight for a PP8, a PP7 can be tested immediately without mixing sizes.
Measuring Missing Stones and Seat Diameters at the Bench
When a stone is lost, determining the required replacement size requires careful bench measurement:
- Clean the Empty Seat: Inspect the empty cavity under magnification. Scrape out degraded glue residue using a sharpened pegwood stick or brass point without scratching the dial plate.
- Measure Cavity Internal Diameter: Using the internal jaws of a digital vernier caliper, measure the cavity diameter across two perpendicular axes. As practiced when measuring small watch screws, hold the caliper jaws perpendicular to the seat to avoid angular error.
- Gauge a Symmetrical Intact Stone: If opposing markers on the dial remain intact, measure the outer diameter across the top table facet to cross-check your seat reading.
- Check Cavity Depth: Use the caliper depth rod to measure setting depth. A replacement stone must seat flush or slightly domed without rocking on its pointed underside.
Do not guess which PP designation matches your reading — send us the measured diameter and depth so our staff can check your dimensions against physical stock.
Setting Techniques: Adhesives, Seating Tools, and Dial Preparation
Mounting a replacement stone requires controlled bench procedure to avoid glue haze or misalignment:
- Surface Preparation: Ensure the setting cavity is free of oil and dust. Clean the pocket with an isopropyl-dampened pithwood tip or cleaning putty.
- Adhesive Selection: Use a two-part slow-curing epoxy or dedicated watchmaker crystal cement. Avoid standard cyanoacrylate adhesives, as they release fumes that leave a white haze across dials and crystal undersides.
- Micro-Application: Dip the fine tip of an oiler pin into mixed epoxy to pick up a microscopic droplet. Transfer only a pinprick into the center of the seat cavity.
- Stone Placement: Pick up the rhinestone using a wax positioning stick or brass tweezer. Lower the stone straight into the pocket to seat its pointed cone into the adhesive.
- Alignment and Cure: Press the table facet flat with rounded pegwood, verifying alignment under a loupe. Allow the cement to cure completely beneath a dust cover before recasing the movement.
Catalog Rhinestone Sizing and Model Identifier Reference
Table 1 lists the catalog offerings with model numbers and packaging; Table 2 details the PP size range in stock.
Table 1: Catalog Rhinestone Offerings and Model Numbers
PP Size / Coverage | Packaging Format | Catalog Model Number | Material Stated | Colour Stated | Product Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
PP3 | 1 x zip bag | Model SP0000071 | Middle East Rhinestone / Middle East Diamond | Silver | |
PP4 | 1 x bag | Model SP0000072 | Middle East Rhinestone / Middle East Diamond | Silver | |
PP5 to PP14 (10 sizes) | 1 x 10-compartment plastic box | Model MEWS-JG-W-1000 | Middle East Rhinestone / Diamond | Silver |
Table 2: Complete PP Size Range and Catalog Diameter Data
PP Designation | Catalog Diameter (mm) | Package Availability | Catalog Stated Application |
|---|---|---|---|
PP3 | Confirm by message | Single-size pack (SP0000071) | Accessories replacement / watch repair |
PP4 | Confirm by message | Single-size pack (SP0000072) | Accessories replacement / watch repair |
PP5 | Confirm by message | 10-size assortment box (MEWS-JG-W-1000) | Watch dial / watch part replacement |
PP6 | Confirm by message | 10-size assortment box (MEWS-JG-W-1000) | Watch dial / watch part replacement |
PP7 | Confirm by message | 10-size assortment box (MEWS-JG-W-1000) | Watch dial / watch part replacement |
PP8 | Confirm by message | 10-size assortment box (MEWS-JG-W-1000) | Watch dial / watch part replacement |
PP9 | Confirm by message | 10-size assortment box (MEWS-JG-W-1000) | Watch dial / watch part replacement |
PP10 | Confirm by message | 10-size assortment box (MEWS-JG-W-1000) | Watch dial / watch part replacement |
PP11 | Confirm by message | 10-size assortment box (MEWS-JG-W-1000) | Watch dial / watch part replacement |
PP12 | Confirm by message | 10-size assortment box (MEWS-JG-W-1000) | Watch dial / watch part replacement |
PP13 | Confirm by message | 10-size assortment box (MEWS-JG-W-1000) | Watch dial / watch part replacement |
PP14 | Confirm by message | 10-size assortment box (MEWS-JG-W-1000) | Watch dial / watch part replacement |
Common Fitting Obstacles: Depth, Foiled Backing, and Bezel Recesses
Replacing decorative stones presents several common bench challenges that require careful attention:
- Cone Depth Exceeding Cavity: Watch rhinestones feature a pointed rear cone. If a replacement stone has a deeper cone than the setting cup, it will sit proud of the bezel surface or rock sideways. Verify cavity depth before applying adhesive.
- Foiled Backing Protection: The reflective silver foil on the underside creates the stone's brilliance. Aggressive solvents or harsh glues can strip this foil, causing the stone to appear dull. Never clean foiled rhinestones in ultrasonic tanks or acetone.
- Casing Protection: After completing dial restoration and re-casing, protect the assembly against atmospheric humidity by replacing the case back gasket before sealing the case.
- Stone Colour Variations: Catalog listings state "Colour: Silver", but snapshot images display clear, gold, and greenish undertones. In watch repair, "silver" often refers to the reflective foil backing. If matching a specific dial tone, confirm your required colour by message.
Table 3: Bench Troubleshooting for Rhinestone Replacement
Fitting Observation | Likely Cause | Bench Action |
|---|---|---|
Replacement stone rests above bezel surface | Stone diameter or cone depth exceeds seat cavity | Measure recess depth with caliper depth gauge; confirm lower PP size by message. |
Stone tilts or shifts sideways in dial seat | Stone diameter is smaller than setting pocket | Check pocket diameter across inner rim; step up one PP increment or verify pocket diameter. |
Adhesive hazing on dial or crystal underside | Excessive adhesive volume or fast-outgassing glue | Clean seat with pegwood; apply microscopic adhesive speck using oiler pin tip. |
Foiled backing peels during positioning | Sharp metal tweezer gouging back foil | Use brass or plastic-tipped tweezer, or wax pickup stick for stone placement. |
Assembling Your Rhinestone Identifier Before Requesting a Match
Providing this complete bench identifier lets our workshop team verify suitable replacements directly against catalog inventory:
- PP Size or Caliper Reading: State your required PP number, or provide your measured seat diameter and cavity depth in millimeters to two decimal places.
- Mounting Location: Specify whether the stone seats into a dial marker, chapter ring, exterior bezel, or crown.
- Catalog Model Number: Quote model SP0000071 for PP3, model SP0000072 for PP4, or model MEWS-JG-W-1000 for the 10-size assortment box.
- Tone Preference: Note whether you require clear crystal, gold tone, or silver-foiled stones to match adjacent markers.
Compiling this identifier ensures our staff can verify suitable replacements directly against catalog inventory.
Workshop Inquiries and Brand Disclaimer
Kocandy is an independent supplier of watchmaker tools and replacement parts. Kocandy is not affiliated with, authorised by, or a dealer for any watch brand or tool manufacturer mentioned, including Seiko, Rolex, Omega, Citizen, Breitling, Panerai, Hublot, ETA, Bergeon, Horotec, or Vetus. All stone references and model numbers represent stated catalog designations.
If your required stone size, setting measurement, or model number is not listed above, send your readings through our contact page. Describe your repair task and provide your caliper dimensions. We check customer inquiries directly against our workshop catalog and reply within one working day.
