Sapphire, mineral or acrylic crystal?
The crystal is the most visible protective layer of your watch. Three materials are common, each with its own strengths.
Acrylic crystal
Found on vintage watches and some classically inspired models. It is light and somewhat flexible, so it rarely shatters. It scratches more easily – but light scratches can usually be polished out. Many appreciate its warm, slightly domed look.
Mineral crystal
Hardened glass, common on entry-level and mid-range watches. Considerably more scratch-resistant than acrylic and good value. Deep scratches cannot be polished out; the crystal is then replaced.
Sapphire crystal
Synthetic sapphire reaches 9 on the Mohs hardness scale – only diamond is harder. In everyday life it is highly scratch-resistant and stays clear for a long time. It is more brittle, though: a hard knock on the edge can break it. Many quality watches also have an anti-reflective coating.
At a glance
| Crystal | Scratch resistance | Impact behaviour | Typical for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acrylic | low | flexible, rarely shatters | vintage, retro |
| Mineral | medium | solid | everyday watches |
| Sapphire | very high | more brittle under hard knocks | quality watches |
Our advice
For a watch you wear every day, sapphire is the most comfortable choice; mineral glass is a solid, budget-conscious alternative. And if a crystal is damaged, crystal replacement is one of our standard services.