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- Sapphires are some of the most precious gemstones in the world for thousands of years. Its popularity spans through ancient Roman, ancient Persia, and throughout the Middle Ages.
- Sapphires are one of the most durable occurring elements in the world. The only natural item that can scratch a sapphire is a diamond, which has a 10 on the Mohs scale.
- Thanks to its hardness the Apple Watch Series 3 contains a lab-created sapphire crystal in its screen to make it more scratch resistant. As do several Swiss watch companies.
- Deep blue sapphires have long been associated with royalty. They are often worn by medieval kings (which likely contributed to the naming of the color “royal blue”).
What is sapphire crystal glass?
Sapphires come in various forms for different purposes, jewelry for which watchmaking is not exempted.
The sapphire crystal glass is an industrially produced type of sapphire, grown in cylindrical sticks known as boules. This process is slow and energy-intensive a fact which of course we all know can result in one thing, it’s expensive!
Let’s not go into the whole technicalities involved in making sapphire crystal glasses and wristwatches. We are more concerned with the best sapphire crystal watches in the market this year, the best of the best, the crème de la crystal of all. If a sapphire crystal watch is on this list, you need not think twice about it.
We’ve taken our time to go through these ten timepieces. Through thorough analysis, customer reviews from reputable customers and watch brands. Let’s take a look at them.
Comparison Table
Product
Case Diameter
Bracellet
Water Resistance
Price
Case Diameter: 44 mm
44 mm
Band: Oystersteel
Oystersteel
Water Resistance: 3900 m (12800 ft)
3900 m (12800 ft)
Case Diameter: 42 mm
42 mm
Band: Stainless Steel
Stainless Steel
Water Resistance: 50 m (165 ft)
50 m (165 ft)
Case Diameter: 43 mm
43 mm
Band: Stainless Steel
Stainless Steel
Water Resistance: 300 m (1000 ft)
300 m (1000 ft)
Case Diameter: 41 mm
41 mm
Band: Stainless Steel
Stainless Steel
Water Resistance: 30 m (100 ft)
30 m (100 ft)
Case Diameter: 46 mm
46 mm
Band: Leather
Leather
Water Resistance: 50 m (165 ft)
50 m (165 ft)
Case Diameter: 39 mm
39 mm
Band: Stainless Steel
Stainless Steel
Water Resistance: 30 m (100 ft)
30 m (100 ft)
Case Diameter: 43 mm
43 mm
Band: Stainless Steel
Stainless Steel
Water Resistance: 200 m (660 ft)
200 m (660 ft)
Case Diameter: 42 mm
42 mm
Band: Leather
Leather
Water Resistance: 50 m (165 ft)
50 m (165 ft)
Case Diameter: 42 mm
42 mm
Band: Stainless Steel
Stainless Steel
Water Resistance: 100 m (330 ft)
100 m (330 ft)
Case Diameter: 43 mm
43 mm
Band: Stainless Steel
Stainless Steel
Water Resistance: 300 m (1000 ft)
300 m (1000 ft)
10 Best Sapphire Crystal Watches in 2022
1. Rolex Sea-Dweller Deepsea
FEATURES
Case Diameter: 42 mm
Case Thickness: 14.3 mm
Dial Window: Domed, anti-reflective scratch‑resistant sapphire crystal
Dial Color: Black
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Band Material: Oystersteel
Band Width: 24 mm
Band Color: Silver
Movement: Omega Calibre 1863 hand wind movement
Water Resistance: 200 m (660 feet)
I like to call it the “aqua man” because it’s an ultra-resistant timepiece built for water thanks to its Ring Lock System. When the Sea-Dweller was launched in 1967, it was one of Rolex’s first attempt at water-resistant sapphire crystal technology.
The 2008 second unveil is a much better upgrade from the 1967 version, Rolex named it the Rolex Sea-Dweller Deepsea. By 2014 Rolex released a special version of the model. The Rolex Deepsea with a D-blue dial, to commemorate James Cameron’s historic solo dive to the bottom of the Mariana Trench, about 11000 meters deep.
One thing is sure, the watch truly celebrates the beauty of depth and the strength of sapphire crystals.
One of the things I love is that its hour markers and hands are made of chroma light display. This makes them glow in the dark perfect for maintaining visibility at ocean depths, truly a pride among sapphire timepieces.
With its 3235 movement, this watch can hold a power reserve of up to 70 hours. Apart from that, it can also run 15% more efficiently than previous calibers.
Although many think that its bulky case and eccentric design is a turn-off, I maintain it stands out for its mechanical updates.
If you find the Rolex Sea-Dweller Deepsea too expensive for your budget, then our article on the cheapest Rolex watches will be worth your while.
PROS
- How can something so condensed bear such amazing technology? Rolex nailed it here when it comes to water-resistant sapphire technology.
- The markers legibility is top-notch.
CONS
- Yeah, it’s actually a bit over the bar with its weight.
- The overabundance of literature on the dial and the central ring is a huge turn-off.
2. Omega Speedmaster Professional Chronograph
FEATURES
Case Diameter: 42 mm
Case Thickness: 14.3 mm
Dial Window: Domed, anti-reflective scratch‑resistant sapphire crystal
Dial Color: Black
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Band Material: Stainless Steel
Band Width: 24 mm
Band Color: Silver tone
Movement: Hand wind movement (Omega caliber 1863)
Water Resistance: 50 m (165 feet)
PROS
- The clear sapphire crystal is absolutely top-notch and is sure to make you stand out.
- For a watch so historical, it’s still one of the most affordable sapphire crystal watch out there.
CONS
- Not that could find any, but the case may be a bit small for some big watch fans.
- Too bad the hours register only goes up to 12 and the sub-registers are not lumed.
3. Breitling Avenger II GMT
FEATURES
Case Diameter: 43 mm
Case Thickness: 12.2 mm
Dial Window: Cambered sapphire, glareproofed both sides
Dial Color: Black
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Band Material: Stainless Steel
Band Width: 22 mm
Band Color: Silver tone
Movement: Self-winding mechanical (Breitling Caliber 32)
Water Resistance: 300 m (1000 feet)
One of Breitling’s prized collections. The 1884 casual sapphire timepiece is styled to suit all who adore bi-directional rotating timepieces. Breitling developed the Avenger II series to be even more technical, functional and sophisticated.
Also, It’s a good thing the watch retains the large screw-locked crown with non-slip grip. And, its trademark thick, glare-proof sapphire crystal which goes a lot of ways to reduce reflection.
The Avenger II GMT, water-resistant to 300 meters, has an easy-to-read second-time-zone display in a 24-hour scale around the dial. A bidirectional rotating bezel with its own 24-hour scale that enables the wearer also to read the time in a third-time zone.
However, due to its darkened dial and case, you’d be hard-pressed to find a suitable strap that isn’t black or at the very least a dark grey.
PROS
- Breitling is the 15th most recognized Swiss watch brand in the world, its sapphire timepieces are ageless.
- A quality scratch resistant watch on an affordable scale.
- Luminescent hands and markers.
CONS
- In terms of the street value, you’ll probably run a loss reselling your Breitling because most people prefer popular brands such as Rolex.
4. Longines Chronograph Automatic
FEATURES
Case Diameter: 41 mm
Case Thickness: 14.4 mm
Dial Window: Anti-reflective Sapphire crystal
Dial Color: Black
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Band Material: Leather
Band Width: 24 mm
Band Color: Black
Movement: Swiss Automatic (Longines Calibre L688)
Water Resistance: 30 m (100 feet)
PROS
- It has a unique and tasteful design.
- Big easy to read Arabic numerals
- It's very well built, it has everything you need form the sapphire glass to the AR bezel everything is perfect.
CONS
- No loom on the bezel.
- It’s a heavy watch, and you’ll definitely feel it o the first couple of days.
5. Gucci G-Timeless Automatic
FEATURES
Case Diameter: 46 mm
Case Thickness: 11 mm
Dial Window: Anti-reflective scratch‑resistant sapphire crystal
Dial Color: Silver
Case Material: Brushed stainless steel
Band Material: Leather
Band Width: 23 mm
Band Color: Brown
Movement: Swiss Automatic
Water Resistance: 50 m (165 feet)
PROS
- Gucci is primarily a fashion brand, you’re sure this watch can go with anything.
- Great stylish look.
- High quality leather strap with the Gucci logo engraved.
CONS
- The water resistance could be better.
6. Movado Sapphire
FEATURES
Case Diameter: 39 mm
Case Thickness: 7 mm
Dial Window: Scratch‑resistant sapphire crystal
Dial Color: Silver mirror
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Band Material: Stainless Steel
Band Width: 24.8 mm
Band Color: Silver
Movement: Swiss quartz
Water Resistance: 30 m (100 feet)
PROS
- The mirror finish sets this model apart from other Movado's designs, giving it a touch of class and elegance.
- The Contemporary stainless steel featuring a beveled-edge bracelet and mirror dial with signature dot at 12 o'clock sets it aside from others
- Quality Scratch Resistant Sapphire Crystal.
CONS
- Loses time by 2 minutes every two months
7. Tag Heuer Formula 1 Chronograph
FEATURES
Case Diameter: 43 mm
Case Thickness: 14.3 mm
Dial Window: Domed, anti-reflective scratch‑resistant sapphire crystal
Dial Color: Black
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Band Material: Stainless Steel
Band Width: 24 mm
Band Color: 24 mm
Movement: Swiss quartz
Water Resistance: 200 m (660 feet)
Just in case you’ve not heard nor seen the tag Heuer Formula 1 Chronograph, here’s a perfect opportunity.
The F1 series kicked off way back in 1986, with the most significant change in the model’s history coming in 2015 when TAG Heuer introduced a new case based on the 1970s Autavia.
The watches share a brilliant black dial with white highlights. The beauty of Formula 1 is that it combines sporty, colorful styling with a reliable and accurate quartz movements at a very reasonable price.
The Chronograph has a 43 mm stainless steel case, with a dial that offers hand-applied steel indices with an over-sized “12” numeral at due north, so basically, that’s the only numeral visible.
While many watches in the TAG Heuer range now offer a ceramic bezel, the Formula 1 Chronograph is black titanium carbide coated steel with a racing-style tachymeter scale.
Truly an affordable sapphire crystal watch worthy to race this list.
PROS
- TAG Heuer is among the world's leading luxury watch brands, and it’s a chronograph, that speaks a lot.
- Looks sporty and classy at the same time.
- TAG Heuer is a good choice for those who want to own a widely popular luxury watch which is somewhat more affordably priced.
CONS
- The hours/ minute hands on the Formula 1 series are quiet without shape.
- Some don't really like the over-sized “12”.
8. Hamilton Spirit of Liberty Automatic
FEATURES
Case Diameter: 42 mm
Case Thickness: 12 mm
Dial Window: Sapphire
Dial Color: Grey
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Band Material: Leather
Band Width: 22 mm
Band Color: Brown
Movement: Swiss automatic
Water Resistance: 50 m (165 feet)
Just a classic American style sapphire crystal watch, The Spirit of Liberty is on our list for a whole lot of reasons.
The watch company Hamilton was originally established in Pennsylvania in 1892. With over a century of reputable watch business, they have, without a doubt paid their dues to earn a spot.
The Hamilton Spirit of Liberty Automatic was released in 2014 made up of two automatic chronograph variations, both using the H-21 movement.
Spirit of Liberty watch has a sapphire crystal lens cover. You can see the highly decorated movement and skeletonized rotor through the sapphire crystal exhibition case back.
The grey dial comes on a brown strap written in script on each is Andrew Hamilton’s famous quote “Without liberty life’s a misery.”
For more Hamilton models, check out our article Hamilton Watches Review.
PROS
- Well-suited for both casual outfits or business attire.
- Have the Swiss ETA Automatic Movement.
- Offer numerous strap materials in multiple colors.
CONS
- Strap’s material according to customer reviews not excellent.
- Many customers not considered Hamilton as a luxury or premium brand.
9. Seiko Premier Kinetic Watch
FEATURES
Case Diameter: 42 mm
Case Thickness: 12 mm
Dial Window: Sapphire crystal
Dial Color: White
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Band Material: Stainless Steel
Band Width: 22 mm
Band Color: Silver
Movement: Kinetic Perpetual
Water Resistance: 100 m (330 feet)
Seiko is, without doubt, one of the world’s leading watch brands and one of the few fully integrated watch manufactures. They design and develop their own movements using leading-edge technology. The name tells all you want in a watch.
This Seiko Premier Kinetic is made up of stainless steel case and bracelet. Up front, the crystal is sapphire. Sapphire crystal glass is used for a clear view and for better scratch resistance.
The dial features two subdials, a 24-hour sub-dial and an over-sized sub-dial with a month and year indicator.
This watch runs by the kinetic movement and thus does not require a battery. It works by the motion of the human wrist.
It comes with a self-regulating mechanism that stops the hands when the watch is left unused for a long period.
Find more Seiko kinetic models in our article Best Seiko Kinetic Watches .
PROS
- Classy appearance.
- Great accuracy.
- Once charged, the kinetic movement keeps a six-month power reserve.
CONS
- The stainless steel bracelet isn’t very comfortable.
- Requires movement to charge.
10. Tissot Seastar 1000 Automatic
FEATURES
Case Diameter: 43 mm
Case Thickness: 12.7 mm
Dial Window: Scratch‑resistant sapphire crystal
Dial Color: Blue
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Band Material: Stainless Steel
Band Width: 21 mm
Band Color: Silver
Movement: Swiss automatic (Powermatic 80)
Water Resistance: 300 m (1000 feet)
Everyone knows Tissot loves making heritage watches, I’ve always been in love with their vintage timepieces, but the seastar 1000 automatic is a class on its own. In this watch, you could see how Tissot tries to strike a healthy balance between the old and new.
Tissot Seastar 1000 Automatic is an affordable Swiss-made diver watch with fantastic water-resistance of 300 meters (100 ft) combined with the Powermatic 80 movement automatic movement with an 80-hour power reserve.
The beautiful blue dial, covered with a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, features luminescent hands and markers. The stainless steel bracelet features a folding clasp with a safety extension for divers.
For more Tissot models, including the Tissot Seastar 1000 Chronograph, check out our article Best Tissot Watches.
And with that, we’ve got a rundown on the best ten sapphire crystal watches.
PROS
- Great value for a divers watch.
- Classy design.
- High-end materials.
- Quality ETA Swiss movement.
- I don’t know if anyone as noticed, but it looks like Rolex Submariner.
CONS
- The bracelet is a little hard to open, the clasp could be better.
Final thoughts
If you want a classic watch, ageless and of great value, you’ll need to get a sapphire. What you’re paying for is long-established reputation for impeccable craftsmanship and the fluid movement of nearly indestructible sapphires one of the hardest minerals found on earth.
Regardless of what your preferences are, whether you are sporting sapphires on the outside of your watch or the inside, you’ve got yourself one of the strongest and most reliable materials on earth on your wrist.
And let’s face it, it feels pretty good on your wrist, doesn’t it?
