The Definitive Guide to Watch Crystals: Mineral vs Sapphire vs Hesalite
Contents
- The Mohs hardness scale as applied to watches
- Sapphire crystal: 9/10 for hardness, virtually scratch-proof
- Mineral and Hardlex: the mid-range options that are well worth it
- Hesalita: the Moonwatch’s acrylic — nostalgic and special
- Standard acrylic: inexpensive, lightweight, can be polished at home
- When is it worth paying extra for sapphire?
- What type of glass do our recommended watches have?
The crystal on your watch protects the dial and plays a major role in determining how well it stands the test of time. Sapphire, mineral glass, Hardlex, Hesalite, acrylic… Each material has its own advantages and limitations.
The Mohs hardness scale as applied to watches
The Mohs hardness scale, as applied to watches, is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a high-quality watch or accessory. Well-informed buyers always research these details before making a decision, and the difference between a good choice and a disappointing one often lies precisely here.
After analysing dozens of models available on Amazon Spain, we have identified the factors that distinguish the products that are genuinely worth buying from those that are simply well-marketed. The key lies in understanding exactly what you’re paying for and what you’re getting in return.
In our assessment of each product in this category, we have taken into account value for money, long-term durability, genuine reviews from verified buyers and the availability of technical support in Spain. All the models we recommend meet our minimum criteria in each of these areas.
Sapphire crystal: 9/10 for hardness, virtually scratch-proof
A watch’s crystal is the factor that most determines its day-to-day durability, and yet it is the one most overlooked by first-time buyers. The Mohs hardness scale ranks materials from 1 (talc) to 10 (diamond): synthetic sapphire has a hardness of 9, treated mineral glass (Seiko’s Hardlex) around 7, and standard acrylic a mere 3.
In practical terms: with a sapphire crystal, you need a diamond to scratch it. With standard mineral glass, keys in your pocket or a knock against a hard surface will leave marks. With acrylic, almost any friction will scratch it, although it does have the advantage of being able to be polished with polishing paste. For a watch you’ll wear every day for years to come, sapphire isn’t a luxury but an investment.
The good news is that sapphire crystal is now available in affordable watches: the Tissot PRX (€575), the Hamilton Khaki Field (€449) and the Casio Edifice EQB-1200 (€229) all feature sapphire crystal. For under €200, you’ll mainly find mineral glass or Hardlex, both of which are adequate for everyday use provided you take reasonable care.
Mineral and Hardlex: the mid-range options that are well worth it
Mineral and Hardlex: finding a mid-range option that’s worth the money is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a quality watch or accessory. The most informed buyers always research these details before making a decision, and the difference between a good choice and a disappointing one often lies precisely here.
After analysing dozens of models available on Amazon Spain, we have identified the factors that distinguish the products that are genuinely worth buying from those that are simply well-marketed. The key lies in understanding exactly what you’re paying for and what you’re getting in return.
In our assessment of each product in this category, we have taken into account value for money, long-term durability, genuine reviews from verified buyers and the availability of technical support in Spain. All the models we recommend meet our minimum criteria in each of these areas.
Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical
- Swiss Made — Calibre H-50
- 80-hour power reserve
- Sapphire crystal
Hesalita: the Moonwatch’s acrylic — nostalgic and special
Hesalita: the Moonwatch’s acrylic — nostalgic and special — is one of the most important aspects to consider when choosing a quality watch or accessory. The most informed buyers always research these details before making a decision, and the difference between a good choice and a disappointing one often lies precisely here.
After analysing dozens of models available on Amazon Spain, we have identified the factors that distinguish the products that are genuinely worth buying from those that are simply well-marketed. The key lies in understanding exactly what you’re paying for and what you’re getting in return.
In our assessment of each product in this category, we have taken into account value for money, long-term durability, genuine reviews from verified buyers and the availability of technical support in Spain. All the models we recommend meet our minimum criteria in each of these areas.
Standard acrylic: inexpensive, lightweight, can be polished at home
Standard acrylic: inexpensive, lightweight and can be polished at home – this is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a quality watch or accessory. The most informed buyers always research these details before making a decision, and the difference between a good choice and a disappointing one often lies precisely here.
After analysing dozens of models available on Amazon Spain, we have identified the factors that distinguish the products that are genuinely worth buying from those that are simply well-marketed. The key lies in understanding exactly what you’re paying for and what you’re getting in return.
In our assessment of each product in this category, we have taken into account value for money, long-term durability, genuine reviews from verified buyers and the availability of technical support in Spain. All the models we recommend meet our minimum criteria in each of these areas.
Seiko Presage Cocktail SRPB41
- 4R35 automatic movement
- Curved Hardlex glass
- 'Cocktail Time' ice-blue dial
When is it worth paying extra for sapphire?
‘When is it worth paying extra for sapphire?’ is one of the most important questions to consider when choosing a high-quality watch or accessory. Well-informed buyers always research these details before making a decision, and the difference between a good choice and a disappointing one often lies precisely here.
After analysing dozens of models available on Amazon Spain, we have identified the factors that distinguish the products that are genuinely worth buying from those that are simply well-marketed. The key lies in understanding exactly what you’re paying for and what you’re getting in return.
In our assessment of each product in this category, we have taken into account value for money, long-term durability, genuine reviews from verified buyers and the availability of technical support in Spain. All the models we recommend meet our minimum criteria in each of these areas.
What type of glass do our recommended watches have?
The type of crystal used in our recommended watches is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a high-quality watch or accessory. Well-informed buyers always research these details before making a decision, and the difference between a good choice and a disappointing one often lies precisely here.
After analysing dozens of models available on Amazon Spain, we have identified the factors that distinguish the products that are genuinely worth buying from those that are simply well-marketed. The key lies in understanding exactly what you’re paying for and what you’re getting in return.
In our assessment of each product in this category, we have taken into account value for money, long-term durability, genuine reviews from verified buyers and the availability of technical support in Spain. All the models we recommend meet our minimum criteria in each of these areas.
Seiko 5 Sports SRPD55K1
- Automatic calibre 4R36
- Water-resistant to 100 metres
- Rotating bezel
Recommended Products in This Guide
Swatch x Omega MoonSwatch
- Swatch × Omega collaboration
- Lightweight and strong bioceramic
- Inspired by the Omega Speedmaster