Do you ever think about why the watch face is scratched or fractures easily? It is due to the crystal, which is the transparent cover safeguarding the watch. Selecting the wrong form can destroy appearance and toughness. But don’t worry!
In this guide, you will understand the different types of watch crystals, their advantages and disadvantages, and which one suits your needs the most. The next watch we are going to choose together will be the perfect one!
A watch crystal is the transparent casing over a watch’s dial. It protects the watch face from hands, dial markers, and other components, from dust, water, scratches, and impacts. Like a window that shows the time while keeping all the contents safe, you can think of it in that way.
This crystal has additional benefits beyond protection. It enhances the aesthetics of the watch and facilitates time reading. Crystals may be flat or curved, with some having anti-reflective coatings that allow for bright light visibility.
Likewise, the watch crystal helps safeguard the watch and improves its aesthetics, integrates functionality, and makes reading the time easier. For instance, some are flat, some are curved, and even more stylish than the previously mentioned flat ones. Additionally, some are specially treated to minimize glare under bright sunlight.
Since we understand the basics of a watch crystal, let us examine what it is made from. There are three main types of watch crystals, each differing in material. The factors that influence the strength, appearance, and cost of the crystal are these materials.
Acrylic is a type of lightweight plastic. It’s also called Plexiglass or Hesalite crystal, depending on the brand. Compared to glass, this material feels soft, which makes it easier to shape and use. Another benefit of acrylic is that you can polish out scratches. So, there is no need to replace it.
Pros | Cons |
Inexpensive | Scratches easily |
Doesn’t shatter on impact | It may become cloudy over time |
Can be polished to remove scratches | Less clear than glass or sapphire |
Best for: if you’re purchasing a tool watch for outdoor use, a vintage-style watch, or a budget watch, acrylic is the best option.
Next, we have mineral crystal, which is produced by ordinary glass that has been heat-treated to make it stronger. This makes the glass much better than acrylic when it comes to the daily bumps and scratches it faces.
Pros | Cons |
Better scratch resistance than acrylic | Can chip or shatter on a hard impact |
Clear and looks like real glass | Scratches cannot be polished out |
Affordable and widely used | Not as tough as sapphire |
Ideal for: In general, if you are purchasing a mid-range watch for everyday use, mineral crystal is a good option. It is especially helpful for those who want a cheap but effective, clear, and tough watch crystal.
Last but not least is sapphire crystal, which is a product of lab sapphire. It is the most scratch-resistant and difficult material, only second to diamonds in hardness. Sapphire crystal for watches is currently the most durable material which is used.
Pros | Cons |
Extremely scratch-resistant | Can crack or shatter on a hard impact |
Very clear and looks luxurious | Most expensive crystal type |
Long-lasting and high-quality | Less impact-resistant than acrylic |
Best for: sapphire crystal is optimal for those purchasing a luxury watches, expecting long-term use, or an individual who appreciates the premium look and feel.
Apart from the primary types of watch crystals, there are some special additional features for certain watches. These upgrades improve the aesthetic or functional value of the crystal. Now we will discuss a few common ones.
We start with a watch glass, which is sapphire-coated mineral crystal. It is a mix of mineral glass with a thin layer of sapphire on top. As a result, it offers better scratch resistance than regular mineral crystal. At the same time, it is cheaper than full sapphire.
So, it is a good middle-ground option if you want something stronger without paying too much.
Furthermore, some watch crystals have an anti-reflective, or AR, coating. This coating reduces glare and reflections on the surface of the crystal. This enables the wearer to see the watch face more clearly in bright sunlight or under strong lights.
Depending on the model, AR coating may be situated on the inside, outside, or both sides of the crystal.
Last but not least, the shape of a watch crystal differs, too. A flat crystal rests even with the case of the watch, presenting a contemporary and neat appearance. The other type, a domed crystal, is rounded at the top, which offers a more classic and timeless look.
Moreover, a watch can be easier to read from the side if it has a domed shape. Such a shape is also beneficial in reducing reflections from certain angles.
Now we will summarize the differences between the main materials used for watch crystals.
Material | Scratch Resistance | Shatter-proofResistance | Price | Best For |
Acrylic | Low | High | Low | Budget watches, vintage styles, sports use |
Mineral | Medium | Medium | Medium | Every day wear, mid-range watches |
Sapphire | Very High | Low–Medium | High | Luxury watches, long-term use, clear view |
Michael Minnick from Quora says that sapphire crystal is the best material for any watch. He explains that it’s highly scratch-resistant, unlike other materials like regular glass, which can scratch or crack easily.
According to him, good-quality watches, especially Swiss, German, and luxury brands, usually come with sapphire crystals, even on the exhibition case backs. In his view, sapphire is the clear sign of a quality timepiece.
To sum up, every kind of watch crystal serves its function. Acrylic is a good protective option in case you’re on a budget. However, for daily use, mineral glass is an excellent choice. Conversely, sapphires are best if you are looking for something elegant and enduring.
Moreover, added coatings can enhance your watch even further. Thus, understanding all types helps you to make a more informed decision on what fits you best. Here at Soflyparts, you will find a variety of watch parts, including watch crystals. Visit us, and check our collection at Soflyparts. Reach out to us if you need further details or would like to place an order.