Types of watch glasses and their advantages and disadvantages
The watch crystal, whether on the dial or as a cover, is one of the most crucial elements of a watch. It not only serves as protection for the watch's mechanical movement but also greatly influences the overall appearance and functionality of the timepiece. There are several different materials used in watch crystals, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. In this article, we will explore some of the most commonly used materials for watch crystals and how they impact the watch's function and appearance.
Mineral Crystal:
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Advantages:
- Scratch Resistance: Mineral crystal is harder than plastic, making it more resistant to scratches and abrasions.
- Transparency: It offers a clear and transparent surface, allowing for easy time reading.
- Cost-Effective: Mineral crystal is relatively affordable and is commonly used in mid-range watches.
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Disadvantages:
- Fragility: Despite its scratch resistance, mineral crystal can be brittle and may shatter or crack upon impact or a fall.
Sapphire Crystal:
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Advantages:
- Highest Durability: Sapphire crystal is the hardest material used in watch crystals, extremely resistant to scratches.
- High Transparency: Sapphire crystal is also highly transparent, providing excellent dial readability.
- Chemical Resistance: It is resistant to most chemicals and is corrosion-resistant.
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Disadvantages:
- Cost: Sapphire crystal is more expensive to manufacture and replace than other materials, which can increase the watch's price.
- Brittleness: While extremely hard, sapphire crystal is less flexible than some other materials, making it prone to cracking or breaking upon strong impact.
Hesalite Crystal (Plastic Crystal):
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Advantages:
- Lightweight: Hesalite crystal is very lightweight, which can be an advantage for those who prefer lighter watches.
- Repairability: If damaged or scratched, hesalite crystal can typically be easily repaired or replaced.
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Disadvantages:
- Prone to Scratches: Hesalite crystal is less scratch-resistant compared to mineral or sapphire crystal, making it susceptible to abrasions.
- Reduced Transparency: It may be less transparent than other materials, affecting dial legibility.
Quartz Crystal:
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Advantages:
- Scratch Resistance: Quartz crystal is scratch-resistant and resistant to abrasions, ensuring long-lasting durability.
- Lightweight: It is lighter than sapphire crystal, which may be preferred by some individuals.
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Disadvantages:
- Softer than Sapphire: While resistant to scratching, quartz crystal is not as hard as sapphire.
- Lower Transparency: It might be less transparent than sapphire crystal, impacting dial readability.
The choice of material for a watch crystal depends on your preferences and needs. If you seek maximum scratch resistance, sapphire crystal is the best choice. On the other hand, if you prefer lightweight and easy repairability, hesalite crystal might be more suitable for you. Each material has its place and significance in the watchmaking industry, so it's important to select the one that best aligns with your individual requirements.
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