Casio uses several types of materials for watch crystals, each chosen for its specific properties, durability, and cost. Here are the typical materials used for Casio watch crystals:
Acrylic (Plastic)
Description: Acrylic is a type of plastic that is lightweight and relatively inexpensive.
Properties:
- Easily scratched, but minor scratches can be polished out.
- Less prone to shattering compared to other materials.
Usage: Commonly used in entry-level and budget-friendly watches.
Mineral Glass
Description: Mineral glass is a type of glass that has been tempered to increase its hardness and scratch resistance compared to regular glass.
Properties:
- It is more scratch-resistant than acrylic, but it can still scratch under certain conditions.
- Moderate shatter resistance.
Usage: Widely used in mid-range Casio watches, including many models in the G-Shock and Edifice lines.
Sapphire Crystal
Description: Sapphire crystal is made from synthetic sapphire, which is extremely hard and highly scratch-resistant.
Properties:
- Very resistant to scratches, second only to diamond in hardness.
- More prone to shattering upon hard impact compared to mineral glass.
- Higher cost due to the material and manufacturing process.
Usage: Found in higher-end Casio watches, such as some models in the Edifice and Oceanus lines.
Resin Glass
Description: Resin glass is a type of plastic resin that is used in some Casio watches.
Properties:
- Lightweight and resistant to shattering.
- Can scratch more easily than mineral glass but offers good durability.
Usage: Often used in sports and casual watches, providing a balance between durability and cost.
Examples of Usage in Casio Watch Lines
Casio G-Shock
- Primarily uses mineral glass for its durability and balance between scratch resistance and shatter resistance.
- Some high-end G-Shock models may feature sapphire crystals.
Casio Edifice
- Typically uses mineral glass in most models.
- Higher-end Edifice watches may feature sapphire crystal for enhanced scratch resistance.
Casio Pro Trek
- Generally uses mineral glass to ensure durability in outdoor conditions.
- Some models may use resin glass for added resilience.
Casio Oceanus
- Often features a sapphire crystal, reflecting the premium positioning of this line.
Casio Standard Digital and Analog
- Uses a variety of materials, including acrylic, resin glass, and mineral glass, depending on the price point and target market.
Summary
Casio carefully selects the type of crystal for each watch based on factors such as durability, scratch resistance, cost, and the intended use of the watch.
Mineral glass is the most commonly used material due to its balanced properties, while sapphire crystal is reserved for higher-end models requiring superior scratch resistance.
Acrylic and resin glass are used in more affordable or sport-specific watches for their lightweight and durable characteristics.