The allure of a Breitling watch lies not only in its rich history and robust design but also in its perceived invincibility. The brand is synonymous with aviation and adventure, suggesting a timepiece capable of withstanding the rigors of even the most demanding environments. A key component contributing to this perception is the sapphire crystal, renowned for its exceptional scratch resistance. However, the reality, as evidenced by numerous online forums and discussions like those found on The Breitling Watch Source Forums (specifically, the thread "Help! Scratched crystal on my new Navitimer. Repairable?"), reveals a more nuanced picture. The question isn't just *if* Breitling crystals scratch, but rather, *why* they scratch, and what the implications are for owners who find themselves facing this frustrating issue. The seemingly simple answer – sapphire crystals are incredibly hard – becomes significantly more complex when considering the anti-reflective (AR) coating often applied to these crystals.
The common thread running through many online discussions, such as those concerning the repair costs mentioned in the question "Do Breitling crystals scratch and how much to repair?", is the vulnerability of the AR coating. What's the point of having a scratch-free sapphire crystal when the AR coating, designed to enhance readability and reduce glare, is so susceptible to damage? This is the central paradox at the heart of the Breitling scratched crystal problem. While the sapphire crystal itself remains incredibly resistant to scratching, its protective AR coating is significantly more fragile. This coating, applied to the crystal's surface to minimize reflections, is the first line of defense against external impacts. Unfortunately, it's this very coating that's most likely to show signs of wear and tear, appearing as fine scratches or even more significant abrasions long before the sapphire crystal itself is visibly affected.
The Nature of Sapphire Crystals and AR Coatings
To understand the problem fully, it's essential to delve into the properties of sapphire crystals and their AR coatings. Sapphire, a crystalline form of aluminum oxide (Al2O3), boasts a Mohs hardness rating of 9, second only to diamond. This exceptional hardness makes it highly resistant to scratching from everyday materials like dust, sand, and even most metals. However, this hardness doesn't equate to invulnerability. While a direct impact from a hard object might not scratch the sapphire itself, it can easily damage the much softer AR coating.
The AR coating, typically a multi-layer coating composed of various materials like silicon dioxide or titanium dioxide, is applied to minimize light reflection from the crystal's surface. This improves readability, particularly in bright sunlight or low-light conditions. The trade-off, however, is a significant reduction in the coating's scratch resistance compared to the underlying sapphire. This coating is typically much thinner than the crystal itself and, therefore, more prone to damage from even minor impacts.
Causes of Scratched Crystals and AR Coatings
The causes of scratches on Breitling crystals, or more precisely, on their AR coatings, are multifaceted:
* Everyday Wear and Tear: The most common cause is simply the daily wear and tear associated with wearing a watch. Contact with clothing, jewelry, surfaces, and even the user's own skin can gradually wear down the AR coating over time. This is particularly true for watches worn frequently and in active environments.
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