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Understanding Watch Crystal Types
Understanding Watch Crystal Types on Luxury Watches
The crystal of a watch plays a crucial role in protecting the dial and influencing clarity and durability. The materials used in a crystal vary across brands, but high-end watches favor superior options for longevity and readability. Acrylic, mineral glass, and sapphire crystals each offer unique benefits, making them suitable for different styles and price points. Acrylic provides affordability, mineral glass balances strength and cost, while sapphire ensures the highest level of scratch resistance. At LV Luxury in Las Vegas, Nevada, we understand the importance of selecting the right crystal depending on your lifestyle and personal preferences.
Acrylic Crystals
Lightweight and flexible, acrylic crystals are made from a plastic-based material that offers affordability and easy maintenance. This type of crystal is found in the majority of watches, as it can be polished to remove minor scratches. While its durability makes it practical, acrylic is prone to surface abrasions over time. It is rarely used in luxury timepieces due to its lower scratch resistance compared to other options. However, its affordability and ease of replacement make it a good choice for certain types of watches.
Mineral Glass Crystals
Designed to provide better scratch resistance than acrylic crystals, mineral glass undergoes heat and chemical treatments to improve durability. It is found in a range of watches from affordable to mid-tier and enhances clarity and impact resistance. However, while it holds up better against minor scratches than acrylic, it is more sensitive to shattering upon strong impact. Some vintage timepieces feature mineral glass, as it maintains a traditional aesthetic without excessive cost. Owners seeking a balance between affordability and improved resilience may prefer this option.
Sapphire Crystals
Favoured in luxury watchmaking, sapphire crystals provide the highest level of scratch resistance and optical clarity. Made from synthetic sapphire, this material is one of the closest to diamonds in hardness and exceptional durability. Many manufacturers apply an anti-reflective coating to enhance readability, reducing glare under bright lighting. Its resistance to everyday wear makes it the preferred choice for high-end timepieces. However, sapphire can be more brittle and prone to shattering upon extreme impact.
Explore Incredible Watches with LV Luxury Jewelers
Discover an extraordinary selection of watches with LV Luxury Jewelers at Horologio in The Venetian, Bellusso in The Palazzo Hotel, and LV Luxury Jewelers at The Shops at Crystals. Featuring timepieces with high-quality sapphire crystal and expertly crafted designs, our showrooms offer an array of choices for watch enthusiasts. For those seeking exquisite diamond jewelry, our store at Kwiat in The Wynn Hotel presents a breathtaking collection from famous designers that cater to every taste. Visit our Las Vegas locations or contact us today to explore our exclusive offerings.
