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Home / LEARN MORE ABOUT WATCHES / Parts of the watch - Watch glass
Published 13 jan 2025
Explore the different types of glass used in watches and their properties. Glass is an important component of a watch and affects both its appearance and durability. There are several different types of glass used in watches, including sapphire glass, mineral glass, plastic glass, and hardlex glass. In this article, we will explore each of these glass types and their unique properties.
Sapphire Glass is known for its superior hardness and scratch resistance. It is made from synthetic sapphire, one of the hardest materials on earth after diamond. Sapphire glass is extremely scratch-resistant and has excellent resistance to scratches and abrasions, making it the most desirable glass for high-value watches. It also provides fantastic clarity and is opaque to most UV rays. A downside of sapphire glass is that it can be brittle and sensitive to shocks and impacts, which may cause cracking or shattering if exposed to high forces.
Mineral Glass is another popular type of glass used in watches. It is made from reinforced mineral glass and offers a good balance between durability and affordability. Mineral glass is more scratch-resistant than regular glass and has good resistance to scratches and impacts. It also offers good clarity and a certain level of scratch resistance, though it is not as hard as sapphire glass. Mineral glass is commonly used in mid-range watches and provides good protection at a more affordable price.
Plastic Glass, also known as acrylic glass or hesalite glass, is the most affordable type of glass for watches. It is made from acrylic or polymer materials and offers excellent shock resistance and lightness. Plastic glass is more flexible than other types of glass and has high resistance to impacts and scratches. However, it is less scratch-resistant than sapphire glass and mineral glass and may become scratched over time. Plastic glass is often used in sport watches and retro-styled models due to its unique properties and lower cost.
Hardlex Glass is a type of glass specifically developed by the watchmaker Seiko. It is a reinforced mineral glass variant that offers higher scratch resistance and impact resistance than regular mineral glass. Hardlex glass is more scratch-resistant than plastic glass but not as scratch-resistant as sapphire glass. It provides a good combination of durability and cost-effectiveness and is mainly used in Seiko's watch collections. Hardlex glass has become popular due to its ability to withstand everyday wear and impacts.
In summary, glass is an important part of a watch's design and functionality. Sapphire glass is known for its superior scratch resistance, while mineral glass offers a good balance between durability and affordability. Plastic glass is the most affordable type and offers good shock resistance, while hardlex glass is a variant specifically developed by Seiko with higher scratch resistance than regular mineral glass. When choosing a watch, it is important to consider which type of glass best suits your needs and budget.
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Glass plays a crucial role in the appearance and functionality of a watch. Two common types of glass used in watches are domed and flat glass. These types of glass differ in shape and have distinct properties and uses. In this article, we will take a closer look at domed and flat glass and their significance for a watch's aesthetics and functionality.
Domed glass, also known as convex glass, has a rounded or domed surface that curves outward from the dial. This curved design creates a visual effect of depth and gives the watch a classic and retro aesthetic. Domed glass was common in older watches and has since become a popular design feature in vintage and dress watches. In addition to its aesthetic value, domed glass can also help reduce reflections and provide better readability by minimizing light reflections and distortion.
Flat glass, as the name suggests, has a flat surface that is parallel to the dial. This type of glass gives a clean and modern aesthetic to watches. Flat glass designs are often used in sport watches and more modern timepieces where clear and direct readability is essential. The flat glass also allows for easier manufacturing and installation of additional features like date windows or other complications. It should be noted that while flat glass can give a more modern look, it may be more susceptible to reflections and fingerprints due to its flat surface.
The choice between domed and flat glass depends on the watch's design, intended uses, and personal preferences. Domed glass works well in dress watches or vintage-style watches where the nostalgic aesthetic is desired. Flat glass is popular in sport watches or more modern watches where clarity and functionality are prioritized. It's important to note that both types of glass can be made from different materials, such as sapphire glass, mineral glass, or plastic glass, which can further impact their properties.
In conclusion, both domed and flat glass are important design elements in watches. Domed glass offers a classic and deep aesthetic, while flat glass provides a modern and clean look. The choice between these types of glass depends on the watch's style, intended use, and personal preferences. Both options can use different materials and have varying properties to consider when selecting a watch.
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