Why we use Sapphire Crystal in the Bugatti Ceramique Edition One

Watches in the price segment below 300€ often rely on mineral glass. Premium watches almost always have sapphire crystal in use. What is the difference and what advantages does sapphire crystal offer?

Sapphire crystal is one of the hardest materials in the world

As long as you do not work the glass of your Bugatti Ceramique Edition One with diamonds, it is almost impossible that you scratch it. When scratches are reported in sapphire crystal, it is because the abrasion of softer materials leaves slight marks. However, this can be easily removed with a standard eraser or a soft toothbrush and warm water. We have never had a customer complaint about a scratched display.

Mineral glass scratches easily

The other glass material frequently used in watches is mineral glass. It scratches easily, but is much cheaper to produce. It is often used for fashion watches under 300€. Unfortunately, it is often responsible for sad faces – namely when you scratch a door or a case with your new watch and immediately get a scratch all over the glass.

How do I recognize sapphire crystal?

If a watch relies on sapphire crystal, then this will definitely be stated in the product text. Sapphire crystal is the type of glass that all premium watch manufacturers use for their most expensive watches. The production is very complex since one of the hardest materials on our planet has to be processed. For this, you are rewarded with a scratch-free watch life.

But there is another way to easily tell if it is sapphire crystal. All you have to do is put a drop of water on your watch. If it melts, it is mineral glass. If it holds its shape, you have a sapphire crystal watch in front of you.

Does sapphire crystal have to be anti-reflective?

A disadvantage of sapphire crystal is that it causes a reflection. But this doesn’t matter for Smartwatches with a fully digital display. There is no distance between glass and display (dial), unlike with analog watches. This does not cause any reflection. In addition, Smartwatches with a fully digital display are illuminated from behind, which again counteracts possible reflection. An anti-reflective coating makes the sapphire crystal harder. This can make it more scratch-prone again. Therefore, in the interests of product quality, an anti-reflective coating should be avoided where possible.