Domed mineral crystal with base 1.5 mm

A flat edge for seating, a dome for depth and a 1.5 mm thickness for strength: this mineral crystal is designed to replace a domed crystal with base on a medium to large watch.

Which watches?

Its range starts at 23.0 mm and goes up to 50.0 mm, in 55 diameters. It is often found on men's watches with a fairly tall case, particularly older models. It generally suits cases where the original crystal has a clear base and a thickness close to 1.5 mm at the edge.

Material and shape in detail

Why mineral

With a standard hardness of about 5 to 6 on the Mohs scale, mineral crystal is a sensible choice for everyday wear: stronger than acrylic, less expensive than sapphire. Its limitation: it scratches more than sapphire.

Why a base

The domed section sits on a flat base that rests in the bezel. This base makes stable positioning easier, while the dome sits proud of the bezel. Compared with the 1.0 mm version, the 1.5 mm thickness gives more material on the edge, which requires a fairly deep bezel groove.

Measuring the old crystal

Two measurements, taken with a calliper, are enough:

• the diameter, taken at the base, across the flat base;
• the thickness, taken on the edge and not at the top of the dome.

Our measuring guide shows how to hold the tool without scratching the case.

The table just below gives each diameter and its price.

Available diameters