Types Of Watch Glasses : A Guide For Beginners
The terms “watch crystal” or “watch glass” refer to the transparent glass material that covers and protects the dial of the watch. When we go to buy a watch, many of us read the description. We see a watch glass type mentioned in the description, such as acrylic, mineral, or sapphire, but do we know its characteristics, pros, and cons? In this article, I will provide you with enough information about the different types of watch glasses that are commonly used in watches, including their characteristics, benefits, and some drawbacks.
The main purpose of this post is that after reading it, you will be able to determine which watch glass is suitable for you and matches your lifestyle, so that you can make an informed decision. Let’s get started.
Note: In my previous post, I explained the types of watch movements. If you want to know about them, follow the link.
Generally, there are three types of watch glass used in watches.
- Acrylic Watch Glass
- Mineral Watch Glass
- Sapphire Watch Glass
Acrylic Watch Glass
Acrylic glass, plexiglass, and hexalite are all names for the same material called Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). Acrylic glass is a thermoplastic and is the least expensive type of watch crystal. Because it is less expensive to manufacture than mineral or sapphire, low-cost watch brands usually use acrylic glass in their watches. It is commonly seen in entry-level, low-end, and children’s watches.
Acrylic watch crystal is rated three out of ten on the Mohs Scale (which measures the hardness and scratch resistance of minerals). Because of its softness, it is easily scratched. However, minor scratches may be buffed out. It can also be molded into any shape. Mostly the acrylic watch glass comes with a dome shape.
It is suitable for sports, dive, and military watches since it can withstand a heavy impact.
Pros
- It is inexpensive and has minimal manufacturing costs as compared to mineral and sapphire glasses.
- Because of its flexibility It is highly resistant to impact. You don’t have to be concerned about it being damaged or shattered.
- In the case of damage, you can easily replace it.
- Minor scratches can be rubbed out.
- It is lighter than mineral and sapphire glasses.
Contents
Cons
- The main downside is that it is made of plastic, which scratches easily. However, minor scratches can be buffed out, but in the case of major scratches, you have to replace it with a new one.
Mineral Watch Glass
Mineral glass is the most commonly used glass in watches. It is sometimes referred to as “hardlex.” It is like a piece of glass. It’s pretty much the same as the crown glass you’re used to seeing on a daily basis, such as in windows, picture frames, and other such items.
The Mohs Scale gives mineral glass a rating of 5 out of 10. When compared to acrylic crystal, it has a higher scratch resistance. It can remain clean and clear for a long time if properly cared for.
Pros
- It is also as cheap to produce as acrylic glass, however it is somewhat more expensive to manufacture but still affordable.
- It has more scratch resistance than acrylic glass.
- Surface level scratches can be buffed out.
Cons
- It is more easily destroyed than acrylic glass and cannot resist a severe impact.
- It does not have the same level of shadow resistance as sapphire glass.
Note: Some watch makers provide a mineral crystal with an AR (Anti Reflective) coating to reduce light reflection in front of the watch glass . It improves the visibility of the watch dial and makes it easier to read the watch in high-light conditions.
Sapphire Watch Glass
The sapphire glass is the most expensive of all watch glasses. It is mostly utilized in high-end and expensive watches.
Sapphire crystal is the third hardest mineral on the Mohs scale with a 9 rating, after diamond (which has a Mohs rating of 10) and moissanite (which has a rating of 9.5). So you shouldn’t be concerned about it getting scratched because it can only be scratched by materials with hardness greater than it.
I’d like to share with you a fact: in most cases, watchmakers use synthetic sapphire created in a laboratory rather than natural sapphire in their watches. The reason for this is that natural sapphire is much more expensive than synthetic sapphire, but don’t worry because synthetic sapphire has practically all of the same properties as natural sapphire. In 1911, French chemist Auguste Verneuil patented the process of creating synthetic blue sapphire.
The sapphire watch glass has the most scratch resistance, but it also has the least impact resistance. Unfortunately, it cannot endure a heavy impact and is quickly shattered.
Pros
- When compared to mineral and acrylic crystals, it offers the highest scratch resistance.
- It has a pretty much shadow resistance so you can easily see the dial.
- It provides the watch a high-end appearance.
Cons
- It is more expensive than acrylic and mineral glasses
- Although it can handle normal hits, it cannot resist heavy impacts.
How Do You Know What Kind Of Watch Glass You Have?
If you buy a watch glass from a well-known store or a trusted brand, obviously you won’t have to identify which one you’re getting because they’ll inform you if it’s acrylic, sapphire, or mineral.
However, if you have to buy it from a local store or an unknown brand, you must understand how to ensure that you are receiving the correct glass.
Here are some tips from experts on how to identify and differentiate between these three glasses.
The simplest technique to determine whether the glass is acrylic is to place it against your cheek. Acrylic is generally warmer than the other two (mineral or sapphire) crystals.
You can distinguish between mineral and sapphire by putting water drops on the glass. If the drop remains in its original shape, it is most probably Sapphire; if it expands, it is Mineral.
Which Type Of Watch Glass Is Best For You?
The simple answer is “it depends on your preferences and needs, as well as your lifestyle and usage.” If you want to wear a watch for daily use, such as workplace time, mineral crystal is OK. If you live such a busy lifestyle, where there is a greater risk of breaking your watch crystal, I recommend acrylic glass because it has a high impact resistance. Sapphire is ideal for special occasions.
If we consider cost, acrylic is the least expensive of the three options. In short, you can only choose which one is ideal for you based on your circumstances and lifestyle.
Conclusion
You now know about the types of watch glass that are commonly used in watches. I discussed them all, including acrylic, mineral, and sapphire glasses. I also addressed their benefits and drawbacks. Finally, I gave you some tips for distinguishing between these glasses. I did my best to cover everything, but if you think I missed anything or have any suggestions, please leave them in the comments section. I’m always happy to hear from you. I hope it helps you choose the best one for yourself.