What is sapphire crystal? The advantages of sapphire crystal watches
Sapphire crystal has become an indispensable part of modern watchmaking, as hardly any other material combines functionality and aesthetics so skilfully. With its extreme hardness, it reliably protects the dial from scratches and at the same time gives the watch a timelessly elegant look. If you are looking for a watch with consistent quality and high-quality workmanship, sapphire crystal is the obvious choice. In this guide, you will learn exactly what sapphire crystal is, how it is made, what its advantages are, and what it means for watchmaking.
What makes sapphire crystal so special
Sapphire crystal is an extremely durable, transparent material that is valued in watchmaking for its high scratch resistance. Contrary to what the name suggests, it is neither a naturally grown gemstone nor glass. Sapphire crystal consists of an artificially produced single crystal obtained from high-purity aluminum oxide. Extremely high temperatures create a colorless, crystalline solid that is very similar in structure to natural sapphire. This material is characterized by its exceptional hardness, with only diamond being more resistant.
High resistance in everyday use
Sapphire crystal is ideal for those who wear their watch every day and not just on special occasions. Whether reaching into a pocket, coming into contact with zippers, metal, or other hard surfaces, the material can easily withstand all everyday stresses without scratching. Only when subjected to very strong forces, such as a deliberate blow with a hard object, can sapphire crystal reach its limits. However, such situations are extremely unlikely in everyday life.
Clear visibility – even in difficult lighting conditions
In addition to its resistance, sapphire crystal also impresses with its optical properties. It is particularly light-transmissive, enabling excellent readability of the dial. To prevent reflections from disturbing the image, sapphire crystal is additionally anti-reflective. The result: a clear, unadulterated view of the time, in any light.
Quality you can see and feel
A sapphire watch glass stands for precision, durability, and value. Precisely because it is much more expensive to manufacture than simple mineral glass or plastic glass, it is usually only found in higher-priced watches. Sapphire glass also makes a difference visually: the glass appears more brilliant and elegant and remains free of annoying signs of wear even with regular use. This gives every watch a lasting, well-maintained and high-quality appearance.
Sapphire crystal vs. mineral crystal: a direct comparison
Anyone looking for a new watch will sooner or later come across the question of the right watch crystal. The comparison between sapphire crystal and mineral crystal is particularly common – two materials that differ significantly in their composition and properties.
Here are the most important points that distinguish the two materials from each other:
- Scratch resistance: This is the biggest advantage of sapphire crystal. Due to its hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale, it is extremely scratch-resistant. Mineral crystal, with a hardness of 5 to 6, is significantly more susceptible to scratches.
- Clarity and transparency: Sapphire crystal is crystal clear and offers unparalleled transparency. Many sapphire crystals are also anti-reflective, which reduces light reflection and improves readability in different lighting conditions.
- Break resistance: Since sapphire crystal is extremely hard, it can break slightly more often than mineral glass when subjected to a very hard impact, as mineral glass is softer and more elastic. However, since such a scenario is highly unlikely, premium watches rely on sapphire crystal because its many advantages clearly outweigh this disadvantage.
- Cost: Sapphire crystal is more complex to manufacture, which makes it more expensive overall than mineral glass.
How to preserve the longevity of sapphire crystal
To protect the brilliant transparency of the glass, regular, gentle cleaning is usually sufficient. A soft microfiber cloth reliably removes fingerprints, dust, or light deposits. For heavier soiling, a slightly damp cloth can be used. However, aggressive cleaning agents should be avoided as they could damage the sensitive anti-reflective coating. Even though sapphire crystal is extremely resistant in everyday use, it is advisable to remove the watch when performing manual work with a high risk of impact or contact with hard surfaces. This will ensure that the watch glass remains as clear and undamaged as on the first day, even after many years.
Sapphire crystal – made for time
Sapphire crystal is not only a technical highlight in watchmaking, but also a true mark of quality. It stands for resilience and a look that retains its appeal even after many years. Anyone who chooses a watch with sapphire crystal is consciously choosing a material that meets the high demands of everyday life.
Sapphire crystal watches from MIYEN MUNICH
At MIYEN MUNICH, we consistently use high-quality sapphire crystal in all our models, whether sporty, classic, or modern. Because we are convinced that a good watch should not only look good, but also last. Sapphire crystal is a crucial part of our philosophy. We stand for watches that are impressive not only today, but also tomorrow.
