A Dandy Manual on Understanding Sapphire Crystal in Watches

Out of the commonly used types of glass available today, the sapphire crystal, on a watch provides the sturdiest form of protection from scratches. Due to its hardiness and quality material, this category is easily seen to be equipped with higher-grade timepieces.

With its renowned exclusivity and sturdiness, many watch enthusiasts look forward to owning watches paired with sapphire crystals. Read on to find out what it really is and the magnificent timepieces housing this wonderful type of glass.

What is a Sapphire Crystal Watch Glass

So, exactly what is a sapphire crystal watch glass? Well, it’s a dial covering providing a certain amount of hardiness. First invented in the 1960s, it’s renowned for its robustness as indicated by a 9 out of 10 on the Mohs scale, a measurement to calculate mineral hardness.

A sapphire crystal is made from a synthetic material as a result of crystallizing pure aluminum oxide at very high temperatures. Afterward, these raw sapphires go through a refined, costly process requiring special tools to slice, ground, and polish them.

It’s then not so surprising that this type of glass is usually evident in the more premium timepieces.

Another prominent feature of sapphire crystal in watches is its clarity. As has been mentioned, the material is without a doubt, pretty hardy. Now, this results in a higher reflection on the glass.

Not to worry, most sapphire crystals in watches are applied with one or more layers of anti-reflective coating to bring the best legibility in reading time.

5 Stunning Sapphire Crystal Watches

Now that you understand what sapphire crystal in watches really means, here are a few timepieces that bear the hardy and fantastic glass. All are worth adding to your collection of stunning timekeepers.

Hamilton Intra-Matic Mesh Auto Chrono American Classic

The first sapphire crystal watch on the list is the Hamilton Intra-Matic Mesh Auto Chrono American Classic. The box-shaped protector provides a stunning look on the dial and its properties. Colored in a cream-white background, the face of the watch also houses two subdials in black.

Another feature on the dial is the vintage 60s indices topped with the latest Superluminova glowing well during the dark. A particularly timeless choice.

Read also: A Nifty Guide: How to Remove Scratches from Watch Crystals

Bell & Ross BR05 Blue Tinted Sapphire Crystal

Now, the use of the sapphire crystal is not limited to protecting the dial. Our next example, the Bell & Ross BR05 with blue-tinted sapphire crystal makes innovative use of the material to extend to its case.

As a result, one can have a deep look into the fascinating inner workings of the watch. This is the perfect watch to wear to ignite interesting conversations.

Hublot Big Bang Unico Perpetual Calendar Sapphire

Next, the Swiss brand, Hublot is also a brand renowned for using high-tech materials and has not been one to miss the chance to establish an all-sapphire crystal watch. The Big Bang Unico Perpetual Calendar Sapphire, for example, features the hardy material not only atop its dial but also on its case.

An ambitious establishment, the watch features a chronograph, moonphase, and a perpetual calendar. Similar to the one produced by Bell & Ross, the movement is skeletonized for owners to appreciate.

Seiko Prospex Alpinist

Next, the Seiko Prospex Alpinist in green also features a sapphire crystal that is curved and coated with anti-reflective properties on its inner glass. The beauty of its leafy color is evident in its emerald dial along with the nylon strap.

Speaking of the face of the watch, the dark green background is provided with a rich, classic contrast with the presence of gold indices along with the same colored bezel. Reading for time has never been more relaxing.

Rado Coupole Classic Automatic Blue

The presence of a sapphire crystal on the Rado Coupole Classic Automatic Blue magnifies the blue “Clous de Paris” patterned dial designed on the watch.

Paired with silver hands, indices along with a stainless steel case and bracelet, this timepiece provides a delightful experience with the combination of the two colors. It’s minimal, yet effortlessly chic at the same time.

Squale 50 ATMOS Onda Arancia

The final sapphire crystal watch comes from the Italian brand Squale, the 50 ATMOS Onda Arancia. The orange dial featuring lume applied indices and protected by the matte black bezel exudes a sporty, playful aura.

This distinctively colored dive watch is sure to provide an easy read and the sturdiness required for time-telling when submerged underwater.

That’s it for a short overview of sapphire crystal watches along with several examples. Fancy any of the timepieces? No worries, I assure you that the pieces featured in the curated list are all of top-notch qualities, ready to accompany you for a long time.

Stay tuned to our Gnomon blog for more wisdom, tips, and recommendations around the wonderful world of watches.