Sapphire, mineral and acrylic crystals: scratches and impacts differ

Crystal choice affects durability, reading, thickness and appearance. High scratch resistance does not mean immunity to impact, edge damage or breakage.

Different materials offer different trade-offs

Synthetic sapphire is valued for scratch resistance; mineral glass comes in different formulations and treatments; acrylic can suit particular structures and vintage designs. Thickness, shape, mounting and protection also influence real performance.

What an apparent mark may be

An antireflective coating can show wear before the underlying material. Raised profiles and exposed edges also meet objects differently. Distinguish dirt, coating marks and substrate damage rather than identifying every reflection as the same kind of scratch.

Compare actual reading and servicing

Look straight on and at an angle for distortion, glare and marker clarity. Some shallow acrylic marks have appropriate treatment methods, but these must not be transferred indiscriminately to coated sapphire or other crystals. Replacement also requires correct dimensions and sealing.

Common misunderstandings

Knife, impact or water-drop experiments are not reliable complete-watch quality tests and may cause damage. Use clear specifications and suitable assessment instead of destructive demonstrations.

Your practical checklist

• Evaluate scratch and impact behaviour separately.
• Check whether the outer surface is coated.
• Do not apply one crystal's polishing method to another.