What Should a Watch Crystal Be Made Of? A Guide to Durability & Clarity
The quality of a watch doesn’t depend solely on its movement or brand — the watch crystal plays a major role in both durability and aesthetics. Here’s how to choose the right type.
1. Acrylic Crystal (Plexiglass)
- Pros: Affordable, lightweight, easy to polish scratches
- Cons: Scratches easily
- Best for: Vintage watch fans and collectors
2. Mineral Crystal
- Pros: Moderate scratch resistance, shatter-resistant
- Cons: Can break with strong impact
- Common in: Entry-level and mid-range watches (e.g., Seiko, Casio)
3. Sapphire Crystal
- Pros: Extremely scratch-resistant, clear and luxurious look
- Cons: Expensive, brittle if dropped
- Used in: Luxury watches like Rolex, Omega, and more
4. Sapphire-Coated Mineral Crystal
- Pros: Combines benefits of both – scratch resistance and impact durability
- Cons: Not as durable as true sapphire
- Best for: Quality watches on a budget
Conclusion: Which Watch Glass Should You Choose?
- For sports and outdoor: Mineral or sapphire-coated
- For luxury & clarity: Pure sapphire
- For casual use or vintage style: Acrylic
