How to recognize a sapphire slide?
Sapphire crystal is a highly valued material in horology due to its hardness and scratch resistance. If you're curious about how to tell if your watch has a sapphire crystal, here is a guide with useful information.
1. Material Hardness
Sapphire is one of the hardest gemstones globally, making it an excellent choice for watch crystals. If you suspect that your watch might have a sapphire crystal, try testing it carefully. Sapphire crystal should be resistant to scratches from ordinary objects that might damage mineral or plastic crystal.
2. Subtle Luster and Transparency
Sapphire crystal exhibits a distinctive subtle luster and high transparency. When examining the watch face at various angles, if you observe that light passes smoothly without significant reflections, it could be an indicator of sapphire crystal. Other materials like mineral glass or plastic may have different optical properties.
3. Resistance to Chemicals
Sapphire is resistant to most chemicals, adding another advantage for watches with this type of crystal. If your watch is resistant to common cleaning agents or is not prone to wear under the influence of typical chemicals, it may contain sapphire crystal.
4. Markings on the Back of the Watch
Watch manufacturers typically indicate the type of crystal used on the back of the watch. If you find the designation "sapphire" along with information about the manufacturer, it is likely that the watch has a sapphire crystal.
5. Thermal Test
Sapphire crystal has different thermal properties than other materials, such as mineral glass. You can conduct a thermal test by lightly pressing the end or tip of your finger against the crystal for a few seconds. If the crystal feels cool to the touch, it may be an indication of sapphire crystal.
Conclusion
Identifying whether your watch has a sapphire crystal can be an engaging process for watch enthusiasts. However, keep in mind that while sapphire crystal is resistant to scratches, the overall quality of a watch depends on many other factors. When purchasing new watches, always examine the manufacturer's specifications and consider the brand's overall reputation.
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