A watch’s transparent glass face covering is referred to as the “watch crystal” in general. Its purpose is to protect your watch from the weather and give it a refined appearance. A watch crystal both shows the internal time and safeguards the internal components of a watch. Watch crystals protect the watch face from scuffs and scratches, preserving the condition of your timepiece.
Typically, watch crystals are constructed from various materials to withstand varying pressures. Since they can be specially cut to fit watches from brands like Rolex, Cartier, ETA, Citizen, SEIKO, Piaget, Omega, and more, the most popular types are plastic and glass watch crystals. Softly offers a large selection of watch crystals.
What does a watch glass serve as?
It goes without saying that a modern watch crystal’s main function is to shield the dial from moisture, shock, and dust, but this hasn’t always been the case. When watches were first invented, they frequently had no crystal and were wound and set directly from the dial. It was not until much later, in the nineteenth century, that crystal started to play a significant role in safeguarding the watch face, which has always been its most visible and exposed component.
The crystal and its auxiliary components, like lenses, especially nowadays, enhance the watch’s aesthetic appeal and readability, particularly in dimly lit and difficult-to-read environments.
Types of Watch Crystals
- Sapphire Crystals:
Among the most prized, sapphire crystals boast exceptional scratch resistance, ensuring longevity and preserving the watch’s pristine appearance.
- Mineral Glass:
Known for its durability, mineral glass strikes a balance between cost-effectiveness and robustness. It’s commonly used in mid-range watches.
- Acrylic/Plexiglass:
Often found in vintage timepieces, acrylic crystals are lightweight and easily replaceable but prone to scratches.
- Synthetic Crystals:
Offering a blend of affordability and resilience, synthetic crystals provide a viable alternative to sapphire.
Factors Influencing Crystal Selection
Purpose: Different activities demand different crystal types. For instance, sapphire crystals are ideal for sports watches due to their toughness.
Aesthetic Appeal: Some prefer the vintage charm of acrylic, while others lean towards the sleekness of sapphire for a modern look.
Budget: Affordability often plays a crucial role in crystal selection. However, it’s essential to consider long-term durability versus short-term savings.
Maintaining Watch Crystals
Regardless of the crystal type, maintaining its integrity is paramount. Here are some tips:
Avoid Impact: Crystals, especially acrylic, are susceptible to shattering upon impact. Handle your watch with care.
Regular Cleaning: Dirt and oils can diminish the crystal’s clarity. Use a soft cloth to wipe the crystal regularly.
Professional Care: For deep scratches or damages, seek professional assistance. Some crystals might require replacement.
Where to Find Quality Watch Crystals
For watch enthusiasts seeking premium watch crystals, SoFlyPart stands out as a reliable destination. Offering a diverse range of crystals catering to various watch brands and models, their collection ensures both quality and compatibility.
Can the crystal in a watch be changed?
Because watches are composed of replaceable parts, it is almost always possible to precisely replace a broken or scratched crystal. Furthermore, there’s a good chance you can locate a suitable crystal size to swap out a damaged or scratched one, even if the watch in question is vintage and not currently in production. Finding a suitable substitute will be more difficult if the crystal becomes more distinctive (like the shaped crystals found in Art Deco watches).
Conclusion
In the realm of horology, the watch crystal is more than mere protection; it’s a defining element that bridges functionality and aesthetics. Understanding the nuances of different crystal types and their care is crucial for both watch aficionados and everyday users. And with trusted suppliers like SoFlyPart, the journey of exploring and maintaining these timeless pieces becomes all the more accessible.