When it comes to purchasing a wristwatch, there are various factors to consider – from the type of movement and case material to water resistance, functionality, and the glass of the dial. In this article, we will focus on the various types of watch glasses and explore the unique features of mineral glass.
Different types of the watch glass
There are several types of glasses used in watchmaking, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
Plastic glass. This is the most affordable type of glass but tends to scratch and scuff easily. Higher-end sports models often use a more durable plastic that is resistant to scratches and impacts.
Mineral glass. This is the most common and widely available type of glass and has average quality indicators.
Hardlex glass. Developed by the Japanese company Seiko, Hardlex is a hardened material that offers higher resistance to scratches and impacts.
Anti-reflective glass. A mineral or sapphire base with a special coating on the inside or outside, this type of glass is highly transparent to light and easy to read from any angle.
Sapphire glass. Made of synthetic sapphire, this type of glass offers increased strength and scratch resistance.
Sapflex glass. This is a mineral glass with sapphire spraying.
Pros and cons of mineral glass
The main advantage of mineral glass is its affordability, which is due to the relatively inexpensive production and processing technology. This, in turn, helps keep the overall cost of the watch low. Additionally, mineral glass lenses can enlarge or reduce the appearance of arrows, making them ideal for those with vision problems.
The high level of transparency and light transmittance of mineral glass makes it easy to read the dial from a distance, without having to bring the watch close to your eyes. When compared to sapphire glass, mineral glass is also less prone to clouding and retains its transparency for a more extended period of time, as long as it is used correctly and not subjected to aggressive environments.
Mineral glass is also more resistant to small scratches and abrasions and better able to withstand small shocks and drops than sapphire glass. Even if it does scratch, it can easily be polished in a watch workshop and restored to its original appearance.
However, mineral glass is susceptible to glare when exposed to direct sunlight, which can make it difficult to read the dial. This issue can be remedied by applying an anti-reflective film to the surface of the glass.
While mineral glass can withstand small shocks, it may crack or break under heavy loads. If your watch is likely to experience serious impacts, it may be better to opt for a watch with Hardlex glass, which is more durable. Additionally, mineral glass can become cloudy in an aggressively acidic environment, so it is important to protect the watch from the effects of acids and suspended dust particles.
In conclusion, mineral glass is still the most popular material used in the production of inexpensive and mid-range watch models. When used correctly and handled with care, a watch with a mineral glass dial can last for many years and offer a quality that is comparable to models with sapphire protection. To find a wide variety of watches with mineral glass, visit the WatchShop website today.
