GLASS ACT

Sapphire is typically used to make the crystal on luxury watches, “crystal” in this instance is referring to the transparent plate shielding the dial. This practice began in the 1930s but many watches still continue to be made with Plexiglas or mineral glass crystals. Today, sapphire crystals are a mark of high-end watchmaking. Often they are perfectly flat, with anti-reflection coating applied on both sides, but at times watches come with domed sapphire crystals, and companies that produce them make sure to boast what a remarkable feat it is. Indeed, it’s no false claim; the manufacturing rejection rate for sophisticated sapphire crystal components is frighteningly high, so sapphire crystal components in any form other than the familiar flat round discs deserve special mention. Consequently, watch companies reserve this material for unique pieces or very