As your interest in watches grows, you'll want to learn more about each part. The crystal is one of these parts, and it's an important part that protects the inside of the watch. The characteristics of each part vary depending on the material used. We'll explain the different types of crystals and how to replace them.
Learn about windshields
What does a watch crystal refer to? We will explain the role of the crystal and the types of processing it can undergo.
The role expected of a windshield
Generally speaking, a windshield refers to a device or part that protects against the adverse effects of wind. It is often used on parts that are easily exposed to wind, such as the polycarbonate windshield attached to the front of a motorcycle or the foam windshield attached to a microphone.
The crystal of a watch is the transparent part attached to the top of the dial. It plays an important role in protecting the time display and the internal machinery.
The role of a watch's crystal is not just to protect the inside of the watch from the wind, but also to protect the watch from external dust and dirt, as well as shocks, water pressure, and light.
Processing type
There are two types of crystals: dome-shaped and box-shaped. A dome-shaped crystal has curved inner and outer edges, while a box-shaped crystal has a raised outer edge.
Box-shaped crystals, similar to the old resin glass crystals, and dome-shaped crystals made of sapphire crystal are considered essential parts of vintage watches.
Box-type watches are heavier than dome-type watches, so many of them have thicker waterproof gaskets that support the crystal. Thick gaskets can detract from the design, so when choosing a box-type watch, it's best to check the overall design balance of the watch.
Types of windshield materials
There are three main types of crystal material used: mineral glass, sapphire crystal, and acrylic glass (plastic). Let's take a look at the features of each.
The most common mineral glass
Mineral glass refers to the glass that is commonly used. Crystal glass is mineral glass that has been specially processed.
Mineral glass is not very hard, so it has the disadvantage of being prone to chipping and breaking.
However, because it is easy to process and relatively inexpensive, it is used in many watches, including casual watches.
Sapphire crystal, common in luxury watches
The major advantage of sapphire crystal is that it is extremely hard and scratch-resistant, meaning that even if you rub it with a hard metal like a tool, it will hardly be scratched.
It is considered the most ideal material for crystals, but due to its high cost it is mostly used in luxury watches and is rarely used in the crystals of inexpensive watches.
Also, keep in mind that because it is extremely hard, it has the disadvantage that if it breaks, it will break dramatically.
Plastic, common in antiques
Acrylic glass and other plastic materials have the advantage of being lighter than mineral glass and being easy to process because they are resins.
It was a material that was commonly used before glass became popular, and is often seen in antique watches and reproductions.
The advantage of plastic is that if it gets scratched, it can be polished back to its original beauty, whereas mineral glass and sapphire crystal must be replaced if you want to remove scratches.
Plastic windshields are often made into a dome shape. The dome shape is stronger than the box type, and is used to compensate for the weak strength of plastic.
