What is the best watch glass?

The quality and type of crystal used in watches are crucial for the overall durability and aesthetics of the timepiece. The crystal protects the dial and mechanism from scratches, impacts, and other external factors. There are three main types of crystals used in watches: acrylic (plastic), mineral, and sapphire. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages, which are important to consider when choosing a watch.

Acrylic Crystal

Advantages:

1. Cost: Acrylic crystal is the cheapest of the available materials, reducing the overall cost of the watch.
2. Impact Resistance: This type of crystal is very flexible and resistant to impacts, making it less likely to shatter if dropped.
3. Easy Repair: Scratches on acrylic crystal can often be easily polished out with special polishing pastes.

Disadvantages:

1. Easily Scratched: Acrylic crystal is very prone to scratching, which can quickly degrade its appearance.
2. Aesthetics: The plastic look can appear cheaper compared to mineral or sapphire crystals.

Mineral Crystal

Advantages:

1. Scratch Resistance: Mineral crystal is harder than acrylic, increasing its resistance to scratches.
2. Cost: Mineral crystal is affordable and offers good value for money.
3. Clarity: Mineral crystal is clear and provides a good view of the dial.

Disadvantages:

1. Prone to Shattering: Although scratch-resistant, mineral crystal is more brittle than acrylic and can shatter upon strong impact.
2. Limited Repair Options: Repairing mineral crystal is more complicated and often requires replacing the entire crystal.

Sapphire Crystal

Advantages:

1. High Scratch Resistance: Sapphire crystal is extremely hard and resistant to scratches; only diamonds can scratch sapphire.
2. Clarity: Sapphire crystal is very clear and resistant to chemicals, ensuring a long-lasting clear appearance.
3. Luxury Look: Sapphire crystal adds a luxurious look to watches and is often used in premium models.

Disadvantages:

1. Cost: Sapphire crystal is the most expensive of the mentioned types, increasing the overall cost of the watch.
2. Brittleness: While highly scratch-resistant, sapphire crystal can be more prone to cracking upon strong impact compared to acrylic crystal.

Which Crystal is the Best?

The choice of the best watch crystal depends on individual needs and preferences:

• For budget-conscious customers or those who frequently use their watches in rough conditions, acrylic crystal might be a suitable choice due to its impact resistance and low repair costs.
• For a balanced price/performance ratio and increased scratch resistance, mineral crystal is an ideal choice for most users.
• For a luxury look and maximum scratch resistance, sapphire crystal is the best choice, despite being more expensive and more brittle upon impact.

Conclusion

Each type of crystal has its specific advantages and disadvantages. When choosing a watch, it is important to consider how and under what conditions you will most frequently use the watch. This way, you can choose the crystal that best suits your needs, ensuring that your watch is not only aesthetically pleasing but also long-lasting and functional.