Sapphire vs Mineral Glass

What is the difference between sapphire and mineral glass?

authorSoh 21 Nov 2025

When replacing a broken watch glass, one of the most important choices you will make is selecting the right watch crystal. The crystal is the transparent cover that protects your watch face, and the two most common materials are mineral glass and sapphire crystal. Both have their strengths, but they perform very differently in terms of scratch resistance, durability and cost.

In this guide, we break down the key differences to help you choose the best option for your lifestyle.

What Is Mineral Glass?

Mineral glass is the most commonly used watch crystal, especially in affordable and mid-range watches.

Pros of Mineral Glass

  • More affordable than sapphire glass
  • Better impact resistance, less likely to shatter from a hard hit
  • Good durability for everyday and active use

Cons of Mineral Glass

  • Scratches more easily
  • Can lose clarity and look worn over time if not cared for

Hardness

  • 5–6 on the Mohs scale This makes it significantly softer than sapphire and more vulnerable to scratches from keys, metal, sand and daily wear.

What Is Sapphire Glass?

Sapphire crystal is the premium choice used in most luxury and high-end watches, including brands like Rolex, Omega, Panerai and Breitling.

Pros of Sapphire Glass

  • Extremely scratch-resistant, maintains a like-new appearance for years
  • Highly durable for long-term wear
  • Adds premium value to the watch

Cons of Sapphire Glass

  • More expensive to produce and replace
  • Can be more prone to shattering if hit with extreme force (though rare)

Hardness

  • 9 on the Mohs scale This makes sapphire nearly as hard as a diamond, only a diamond can scratch it.

Mineral vs. Sapphire: Which Should You Choose?

Choosing the right watch crystal depends on your lifestyle, budget and how you use your watch.

Choose Mineral Glass If:

  • You are on a budget
  • You lead an active lifestyle
  • You prefer crystals that handle impact better
  • Your watch is likely to get bumped or knocked around

Mineral glass is tough enough for sports, daily use and work environments where impacts are common.

Choose Sapphire Glass If:

  • You want a luxury feel and long-term clarity
  • You prefer watches that stay looking new
  • You are willing to pay more for durability
  • You want maximum scratch resistance

Sapphire is ideal if you work in environments where scratches are common: offices, workshops or anywhere your watch might brush against surfaces.

Final Thoughts

Both mineral and sapphire glass have their strengths:

  • Mineral glass offers a great balance of cost and impact resistance.
  • Sapphire glass delivers unmatched scratch resistance and a premium feel.

If you want a watch that stays clear and pristine for years, sapphire is the way to go. If you want affordability and toughness for everyday or rugged use, mineral glass is a reliable choice.