When it comes to watch crystals, there is a wide range of options available, varying from lower quality to high quality. Each type of watch crystal offers different levels of durability and scratch resistance. In this article, we will explore the various types of watch crystals and their unique characteristics. Additionally, we will showcase our selection of luxury watches featuring sapphire crystal, known for its exceptional durability and premium quality.
Plastic Glass
At the lower end of the spectrum, we find plastic glass, a lightweight material that boasts excellent resistance against breakage. This type of glass is designed to withstand accidental impacts and falls, making it ideal for more rugged environments. However, one significant drawback of plastic glass is its vulnerability to scratches. Due to its relatively low hardness, even slight contact with abrasive surfaces can leave visible marks, compromising its overall appearance. While it offers reliable protection against breakage, it lacks the scratch resistance required for maintaining a pristine watch face in the long run.
Mineral Glass
Moving up the ladder, we encounter mineral glass, which offers improved strength compared to plastic glass. This type of glass is manufactured using a combination of minerals, making it more robust and less prone to breaking. While mineral glass surpasses plastic glass in terms of durability, it still falls short when it comes to scratch resistance. Although it provides better protection against everyday wear and tear, it can still exhibit scratches when exposed to harder materials. Therefore, while mineral glass offers an upgrade in terms of strength, it may not be the best choice for those seeking optimal scratch resistance.
Crystal
Sitting in the middle of the watch crystal hierarchy, we have crystal watch crystals. These crystals are engineered to be harder than plastic and mineral glass, making them more resistant to scratches. Crystal watch crystals provide an additional layer of durability, with a hardness that surpasses both plastic and mineral glass. This increased resilience makes them less susceptible to visible scratches and scuffs, allowing the watch face to maintain its pristine appearance for longer periods. However, it's important to note that although crystal watch crystals offer improved scratch resistance, they may still exhibit signs of wear over time. Despite this, they strike a balance between durability and affordability, making them a popular choice for many watch enthusiasts.
Sapphire Crystal
Considered the pinnacle of watch crystals, sapphire crystal takes the crown as the most premium and durable option available. Made from synthetically produced crystal, sapphire crystal is second only to diamond in terms of hardness. Its exceptional durability and scratch resistance make it the top choice for luxury watch brands. Unlike plastic, mineral, or even crystal watch crystals, sapphire crystal remains virtually unscathed even when subjected to daily wear and tear. This unparalleled resilience ensures that the watch face retains its flawless appearance, maintaining its allure and value over time. However, due to the complex and energy-intensive production process, sapphire crystal carries a higher price tag compared to other watch crystal options.
