The Breitling Watch Source Forums

I'm turning 30 next month and thought I'd mark the occasion and buy myself a "proper" watch.

Never had a luxury watch before, I have made do with my Casios in the past. So I know next to nothing about watches.

I really like Breitling watches mainly because of their bracelets, so shiny. Have got my eye on a few at my local AD and will pop in tommorow to try a few on.

Just wanted to know what this sapphire crystal glass is about?
Is this extra expensive and makes the watch worth more?
Also, does it mean it can never be scratched? even if I take a knife to it (not that I will).

I'm also not sure about what AR coating is. Is this what makes the glass scratch-proof? Can the AR coating be scratched off with sharp objects such as keys, knives etc.

I ask this because I can be quite clumsy and my watches always tend to get scratched through daily wear.

Sapphire crystal is the hardest crystal available for watch glass. It is quite difficult to scratch. The AR (anti-reflective) coating that is on both sides is also very durable, but probably will come off eventually on the outside of the lens. The steel on the watch is going to get scratched long before the crystal does. I wouldn't worry about it.

A proper sapphire crystal is a sign of a quality watch. Mineral glass or acrylic will quickly become covered in scratches and are found on cheaper watches.

As mgrandeur1 states, the AR coated it pretty tough, but it is possible to scratch.

_________________
“The only reason for time is so that everything doesn't happen at once.” - Albert Einstein

Sapphire crystal doesn't make a watch worth more per se as a number of expensive watches have acrylic crystal for historic reasons. However sapphire crystal is only usually found on better quality (and hence more expensive) watches.

_________________
Driver8

Site Moderator