Watch Crystals – Protecting Your Timepiece

1. What is a “Crystal”?

The crystal—also called the glass or dial window—is the transparent cover that protects the dial and hands of your watch. More than just a protective shield, the crystal plays a key role in both the durability and aesthetic of your timepiece, offering clarity, scratch resistance, and resilience against shocks or environmental stress.

🔍 Types of Watch Crystals

1. Acrylic (Plexiglass / Hesalite / Esalite / Plastic)

Material: Lightweight plastic resin. Common in vintage and retro-inspired watches.

Advantages: High impact resistance, won’t shatter, scratches can be polished.

Drawbacks: Low scratch resistance, may become cloudy over time.

Used in: Timepieces for a vintage feel

2. Mineral Glass / Hardlex

Material: Tempered glass. Seiko’s proprietary version is called Hardlex.

Advantages: Scratch-resistant, durable, cost-effective.

Drawbacks: Can crack under severe impact, cannot be polished.

Common in: Frequently featured in contemporary mid-range watches, discover our full selection of daily wear models equipped with Mineral Crystal

3. Synthetic Sapphire Crystal

Material: Lab-grown crystallized aluminium oxide (Mohs hardness 9).

Advantages: Extremely scratch-resistant, premium clarity, used in luxury timepieces.

Drawbacks: Brittle—may crack or chip if dropped; higher replacement cost.

Used in: Most luxury watches and premium brands.

✨ Special Features & Enhancements

Anti‑Reflective Coating (AR): Improves readability in sunlight by reducing glare. Often applied to the inner side of sapphire for durability.

Curved or Domed Shapes: Found in vintage-style or high-end models, these add depth but increase production complexity—especially with sapphire.

📊 Comparison Table

Crystal Type	Scratch Resistance	Impact Resistance	Shatter Risk	Cost
Acrylic (Plexiglass)	Low	High	Low	Low
Mineral / Hardlex	Moderate	Moderate–High	Moderate	Moderate
Sapphire	Very High	Lower	Higher	High

🧰 Maintenance & Care

🔄 Recommended Intervals

Task	Frequency
Full Watch Service	Every 3–5 years (automatic); 5–7 years (quartz)
Water Resistance Test	Annually or after water exposure
Crystal Inspection	At each service or when scratched/damaged

🔧 When to Replace a Crystal

Deep scratches, chips, cracks, fogging, or visible wear
Loss of water resistance due to seal failure
Moisture or condensation under the crystal (urgent repair needed)
Crystal damage, if ignored, can lead to internal corrosion or permanent damage to the dial and movement.

2. Watchello Crystal Services & Warranty

All watches sold by Watchello come with a 2-year international manufacturer’s warranty, which covers material or manufacturing defects under normal use conditions.

Please note that manufacturer warranties generally exclude the watch crystal, as well as other components subject to external impact or wear. Warranty coverage typically applies only to the internal movement and does not extend to parts such as the crystal, crown, or strap."is covered; damage from misuse is not.

Out-of-warranty repairs (e.g., crystal replacement) are available via Watchello’s service center, which offers:

Pickup and return service
Professional crystal replacement and water resistance resealing
Transparent post-inspection cost estimates

3. Final Recommendations

For a vintage, polishable look: Choose Acrylic.
For durability and affordability: Go with Mineral Glass or Hardlex.
For premium clarity and longevity: Opt for Sapphire Crystal.

Always combine crystal maintenance with water-resistance testing to preserve your watch’s performance and longevity.