Sapphire crystal is a material known for its durability, clarity, and scratch-resistance. It’s no surprise that many high-end watches like Rolex use Sapphire crystal for their watch faces. In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at the properties and benefits of Sapphire crystal for watches, how they are made, popular brands and models, and how to choose and care for your Sapphire crystal watch.

What is sapphire crystal watch

Sapphire crystal is not acturally a glass and it is a synthetic material with high resistance to wear, transparency, and high-temperature tolerance, making it a premium material for manufacturing luxury watches.It is made of pure aluminum oxide, which is melted and crystallized at high temperatures to form a single crystal structure,as it is extremely hard and durable.That’s why sapphire glass is one of the important watch case parts.

The sapphire watch crystal is the watch with sapphire crystals glass because sapphire glass can protect the dial and hand against shock.If your watch has sapphire crystal,it means it has the highest quality glass available today.

Plane sapphire crystal VS Single doomed sapphire crystal VS Double doomed sapphire crystal

According to the different structure of sapphire, it is divided into plane. single doomed and double-doomed crystal sapphire.
Generally speaking, if there is no special requirement, watchessy will use plane sapphire watch.

The structure of single doomed sapphire glass is thick in the center and thin at the edges. The side near the dial is flat and the side facing out is raised. This structure will emphasize the magnifying effect of the face, making the dial full of visual tension and allowing the wearer to read the time easily.

Generally speaking, 316L, 904L, ceramic or tungsten steel cases come with crystal sapphire glass. Because some premium watch brands favor sapphire glass, the case is also made of a better material.

The Double Doomed crystal sapphire glass has a structure where both sides are raised and the overall thickness is more uniform. Such a structure will enhance the depth effect on the dial, making the whole dial look more three-dimensional and better showing the three-dimensional beauty of the watch.
The watches manufacturers can choose which structure of the watch glass to use according to the style of the watch, the price, and the requirements of the guests.

Benefits of Sapphire watches crystal

Sapphire watch glass, a high-quality synthetic glass, has the following three advantages:

Durability and scratch-resistance

Sapphire glass is a very hard material that ranks higher than mineral glass. It is made with high temperature and high pressure, making it very resistant to everyday wear and tear. In contrast, mineral glass materials are easily scratched and damaged, while sapphire glass can withstand wear and pressure from daily use due to its higher hardness and better durability.

Clarity and anti-reflective properties:

Sapphire crystal glass has high transparency and clarity. Its perfect optical properties can eliminate optical interference and refraction, providing a better and more realistic viewing experience. Moreover sapphire glass undergoes special treatment during production to reduce reflection and glare, and to maintain its surface flatness and high clarity in various lighting conditions. This special treatment is called anti-reflective film.

Longevity and maintenance

Sapphire crystal glass is manufactured with precision, ensuring its quality remains superior. It has been developed and optimized for long-lasting life, and its special neutral coating treatment provides good resistance to wear and corrosion, allowing it to be used for a longer time. Additionally, due to the special treatment during production and manufacturing, Sapphire glass has a very smooth surface that is easy to clean and maintain.

In general, sapphire crystal is good for watches, especially in the field of luxury watches, sapphire crystal is the first choice. Sapphire’s strength, scratch resistance, durability and transparency make it the first choice for high-end(especially dive watch) watches.

Sapphire Crystal Quality Grades

Sapphire crystal quality can be evaluated based on the following three aspects:

Types of Sapphire crystal

There are three types of sapphire crystals, namely Natural Sapphire crystal, Flame Fusion Sapphire crystal, and Czochralski Sapphire crystal. Among them, Czochralski Sapphire crystal is considered the highest quality because it can produce high-purity and high-transparency sapphire crystals.

Properties of high-quality Sapphire crystal

The properties of high-quality sapphire crystal include high hardness, high transparency, high thermal conductivity, high resistance to thermal shock and chemical corrosion, and high resistance to scratching and wear. High-quality sapphire crystals have a uniform color, high crystal orientation and low defect density, which results in better optical characteristics.

Factors that affect Sapphire crystal quality

The factors that affect sapphire crystal quality include crystal defects, impurities, crystalization method, and crystal growth rate. The presence of impurities and defects degrade the quality of sapphire crystals. High-quality sapphire crystals are made through strict quality control measures that focus on selecting proper raw materials and utilizing advanced crystal growth methods.

How to Choose a Sapphire Crystal Watch

Choosing sapphire crystal watches involves considering the following three factors:

Is a sapphire crystal worth it?

Before choosing a watch sapphire crystal, ask yourself is sapphire crystal worth it? Is it better to choose affordable mineral glass or expensive sapphire crystal glass? Are you willing to pay for properties like scratch resistance and firmness? After all, mineral crystal is a fraction of the cost of sapphire glass.

Prioritize your needs

Before choosing a watch sapphire crystal, consider your needs such as the purpose, style, and features of the watch,sapphire crystal watch price. Ask yourself if you need a watch for formal or casual occasions, if you prefer a classic or modern style, or if you need additional features such as water resistance, chronograph, gmt,or a date display. Prioritizing your needs will help you narrow down your options and choose a watch that best suits your lifestyle.

Consider your budget

Watch with sapphire crystal is available at a wide range of prices. Set a budget and look for watches that fit within your price range. Be wary of watches that are priced too low as they may have inferior quality components or may be replicas. Remember that luxury watches often come with higher price tags but are made with high-quality materials(316L vs 904L,Swiss or Japan mechanical movement) and superior craftsmanship.

In conclusion, to choose a sapphire crystal watch, consider whether you are willing to pay for expensive sapphire glass first, prioritize your needs, consider your budget, and find a high quality watch that will meet your expectations and last for years .

Caring for Your Sapphire Crystal Watch

Sapphire crystal is very soft and flexible, so sapphire glass break easily, so it is necessary to care for sapphire glass watch.

Cleaning and maintaining

Wipe the sapphire crystal with a soft, lint-free cloth to remove any fingerprints or dirt.

Use a mild soap solution and a soft-bristled brush to gently clean the sapphire crystal.

Avoid using abrasive chemicals or rough materials as they can scratch or damage the crystal.

Regularly maintain and service the watch to keep it in optimal condition.

Storage and protection

Store the watch in a safe and dry place away from direct sunlight, high temperatures, and humidity.

Use a protective case or box to store the watch when not in use.

Avoid wearing the watch during activities or sports that could damage the watch crystal.

Repairs and replacements

Replace the sapphire crystal if it becomes cracked or damaged beyond repair.

Take the watch to an authorized repair center or jeweler for repairs or replacements.

Always ensure that repairs and replacements are performed by trained professionals to prevent further damage to the watch.

Overall, taking care of a sapphire crystal watch requires regular cleaning and maintenance, adequate storage and protection, and timely repairs or replacements as needed. With proper care, a sapphire crystal watch can last for many years and maintain its beauty and functionality.

Conclusion

In summary sapphire crystal is good for watches.Usually in luxury watches, sapphire crystal is preferred. Sapphire is very strong and resistant to scratches — making it the first choice for fine timepieces. Although sapphire is the more expensive of the three crystals, it has the advantage of resistance to scratches and breakage.