The short answer is a resounding no. Rolex has never used mineral glass in its watches. This is a crucial point for any prospective buyer or collector, as it speaks volumes about the brand's commitment to quality and durability. Understanding the history of Rolex crystal choices and the differences between mineral, acrylic, and sapphire crystal is key to appreciating the brand's dedication to precision and longevity. This article delves into the specifics of Rolex crystal choices, addressing common misconceptions and exploring the properties of different watch glass materials.
What kind of glass does a Rolex have?
Rolex, renowned for its luxury timepieces, has consistently prioritized superior materials in its watch construction. Early Rolex watches utilized acrylic glass, often referred to as Plexiglas or Hesalite. This material, while relatively scratch-resistant compared to some other plastics, is significantly less durable than sapphire crystal. The transition from acrylic to sapphire crystal marked a significant step forward in Rolex's commitment to robust watch construction. This shift took place primarily during the 1980s, with the company moving decisively away from acrylic and embracing the superior properties of sapphire. Therefore, any modern Rolex watch will feature a sapphire crystal, not mineral glass.
Wie erkennt man den Unterschied zwischen verschiedenen Uhrengläsern? (How to distinguish between different watch glasses?)
Distinguishing between different types of watch glass requires a careful examination and understanding of their unique properties. The differences are subtle but significant, especially when comparing sapphire to acrylic or mineral glass.
* Visual Inspection: Sapphire crystal possesses exceptional clarity and brilliance. It offers a more transparent view of the watch dial compared to acrylic or mineral glass. Acrylic, while clear, can sometimes appear slightly less sharp or have a slightly yellowish tint over time, especially with exposure to sunlight. Mineral glass sits somewhere in between, often showing a slightly less brilliant shine than sapphire but greater clarity than acrylic.
* Hardness Test (Not Recommended): While not recommended for testing your own watch, the Mohs hardness scale provides a relative measure of scratch resistance. Sapphire crystal boasts a hardness rating of 9 on the Mohs scale, making it extremely resistant to scratching. Mineral glass typically scores around 5-7, while acrylic sits considerably lower. Attempting to scratch the glass to test its hardness is strongly discouraged, as it could permanently damage the crystal.
* Scratch Resistance: This is the most noticeable difference. Sapphire crystal is exceptionally scratch-resistant, capable of withstanding daily wear and tear with minimal damage. Mineral glass, while more resistant than acrylic, is still susceptible to scratches from sharp objects. Acrylic is the least scratch-resistant and prone to developing noticeable scratches over time.
* Breakage: Sapphire crystal is significantly more resistant to breakage than mineral or acrylic glass. While it can crack under extreme impact, it is far less likely to shatter than the other two materials. Mineral glass is more prone to chipping and cracking than sapphire, while acrylic is the most susceptible to shattering upon impact.
Bruch (Breakage):
The likelihood of breakage varies significantly between the three types of watch glass. As mentioned above, sapphire crystal, due to its superior hardness and durability, is the least likely to break. While it can crack under extreme force, it resists shattering, maintaining the integrity of the watch face. Mineral glass is more susceptible to cracking and chipping, particularly around the edges. Acrylic glass is the most fragile, prone to shattering upon impact. The nature of the breakage also differs; sapphire is more likely to develop a crack, while acrylic tends to shatter into numerous smaller pieces.
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