Sapphire, Mineral, Acrylic Glass: Which glass for your watch?

Sapphire, Mineral, Acrylic Glass: Which glass for your watch?

The type of crystal in a watch plays a key role in its durability and aesthetics. The three main options are acrylic crystal, mineral crystal, and sapphire crystal. Each has its advantages and disadvantages depending on your intended use and budget.

  • Acrylic Glass : Lightweight and affordable, perfect for entry-level watches. However, it is fragile and scratches easily, but it can be polished.

  • Mineral Glass : More robust than acrylic, it is more resistant to light scratches and moderate impacts. However, it can break in the event of a violent impact, and scratches are difficult to repair.

  • Sapphire crystal : The hardest, virtually scratch-proof, and extremely durable. Ideal for high-end watches, although it is more expensive.

Acrylic Glass: Lightweight and Affordable

Acrylic glass (Hesalite, Plexiglas) is lightweight and inexpensive, ideal for entry-level watches. However, it scratches easily and is fragile. Its Vickers hardness is 500, making it the least durable of the three types. However, it can be polished to repair scratches.

Mineral Glass: Resistant but Sensitive

Mineral glass is more robust than acrylic, resisting light scratches and moderate impacts. However, it can shatter upon severe impact, and scratches are difficult to repair. With a Vickers hardness of 650 to 800, it offers a good compromise between quality and price.

Sapphire Glass: Ultra-Resistant

Sapphire crystal is the hardest, with a Vickers hardness of 2300, almost as hard as diamond. It is virtually scratch-proof and extremely durable, ideal for high-end watches. However, its high price makes it a premium option.

Conclusion : The choice of crystal depends on your budget and how you intend to use your watch: acrylic crystal for entry-level watches, mineral crystal for a good compromise, and sapphire crystal for maximum durability.

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