What Is a Watch Crystal?
A watch crystal is the transparent cover that protects the watch face. It keeps dust, dirt and moisture out while resisting scratches and impacts. The type of crystal used can affect how long your watch looks new, how easy it is to maintain and even how it feels on your wrist. Learn more about the parts of a watch in our guide.
Sapphire Watch Crystal
A sapphire watch crystal is crafted from synthetic sapphire, one of the hardest materials in the world (9 on the Mohs scale), second only to diamond—making it ideal for luxury timepieces. As one of the most premium options in watchmaking, sapphire is valued for its exceptional scratch resistance, clarity and durability. While more expensive to replace than mineral or acrylic, sapphire crystals deliver a high-end, crystal-clear finish that keeps a watch looking flawless for years.
Mineral Watch Crystal
Mineral crystals are made from tempered glass that is heat-treated for extra strength. More durable than acrylic but more affordable than sapphire, mineral crystals are the standard choice for mid-range watches. While they cannot be polished once scratched, they provide clear visibility and dependable everyday protection, making them a practical choice for reliable timepieces.
Acrylic Watch Crystal
An acrylic watch crystal, also known as hesalite or plexiglass, is a lightweight and shatter-resistant type of plastic commonly used in retro-inspired watches. Although it scratches more easily than mineral or sapphire, acrylic is affordable and can be polished to remove surface marks, keeping the crystal clear over time. With its warm appearance and easy maintenance, acrylic remains a popular choice among enthusiasts who value classic timepieces.
What Is the Best Crystal for Watches?
The best watch crystal depends on your needs:
- Choose sapphire if you want premium quality, maximum scratch resistance and lasting value.
- Choose mineral if you want affordability with good longevity.
- Choose acrylic if you want a lightweight, vintage look with easy scratch repair.
At Borsheims, most of our luxury watches feature sapphire crystals. Explore our selection of luxury watches today.
How to Polish Watch Crystal
Scratches on acrylic crystals can be buffed out easily, unlike mineral or sapphire. With a microfiber cloth and a specialized polish, you can gently buff the surface in small circular motions until the scratches fade. While acrylic is the easiest to restore at home, mineral and sapphire crystals typically require professional service, as their hardness makes personal polishing ineffective. For luxury watches, it’s always best to trust our expert watchmakers to preserve both the crystal’s clarity and the watch’s water resistance.
How to Replace Watch Crystal
Before replacing a watch crystal, it’s important to know which type your timepiece has. Acrylic crystals can often be polished to remove scratches, and when replacement is needed, it is typically inexpensive. Mineral crystals cannot be polished, so they usually need to be replaced if scratched or chipped. Sapphire crystals rarely scratch but may crack on hard impact; while replacement is more costly, it preserves the luxury value of the watch. No matter the type, crystal replacement should always be handled by a professional watchmaker to maintain water resistance and protect the worth of your timepiece.
A damaged crystal doesn’t mean the end of your favorite timepiece. With a proper watch crystal replacement, your timepiece can look like new while maintaining its durability. Whether acrylic, mineral or sapphire, choosing professional service ensures your watch retains its clarity, performance and value for years to come.
At Borsheims, we specialize in watch repairs and crystal replacements. Explore our watch services and visit us to restore your timepiece.
