What Is Watch Crystal?
Watch crystal is the transparent cover fitted over a timepiece’s dial, offering protection and clarity while allowing for unobstructed views of the watch's timekeeping elements. It is an essential component of any watch, often overlooked yet vital to both its functionality and aesthetic appeal. The term "crystal" refers to the material used for this transparent cover, with several types available—each offering distinct properties in terms of durability, clarity, and scratch resistance.
Types of Watch Crystal
The three most common types of watch crystals are acrylic, mineral glass, and sapphire crystal. Acrylic is the least expensive option, offering flexibility but lower scratch resistance. Mineral glass provides a balance of durability and affordability, though it is still more prone to scratching than sapphire. Sapphire crystal, the premium choice, is highly valued for its exceptional hardness and scratch resistance. Formed synthetically through the crystallization of aluminum oxide, sapphire crystal ranks as one of the hardest substances on the Mohs scale, behind only diamonds. It is incredibly resistant to scratches, ensuring that a timepiece remains in pristine condition even with frequent use.
Advantages of Sapphire Crystal
Sapphire crystal offers several advantages. Its unparalleled scratch resistance makes it the preferred choice for high-end watches, ensuring a longer-lasting, clearer appearance. Additionally, many sapphire crystals are treated with an anti-reflective coating on the inner surface to enhance legibility, even in bright lighting conditions. The crystal is often used not only for the dial but also for transparent casebacks, allowing horology enthusiasts to admire the intricate movements within.
At Just In Time, we offer timepieces fitted with sapphire crystals, ensuring that your watch not only looks sophisticated but also stands the test of time.
