Crystal Clear

Greetings Everyone,

As I await my ordered Portuguese "Classic" Chrono, I would like to ask if anyone has any background history or specific details regarding the use of " Arched Glass" which is being incorporated in the new Classic.

For instance, was this glass design commonly used during a certain era? Does arched glass add significant overall height to a watch and does it act as a magnification? Is it costly/more difficult to produce? Strength wise, is there any difference compared to a more normal flat crystal?

As you can see, I have many questions but would appreciate any feedback that can help educate on this unique look.

Thanking everyone in advance,

Andy

Andy, some questions!

And your post certainly demands more time and attention to answer. And I am sure that answers will come. The one question you neglected to ask (because you already know the answer).... Does arched glass add visual appeal?

ANSWER: It certainly does! Everyone who has seen my Chrono Classic has remarked how much they liked the "raised crystal". Me, I m still awestruck dazzled by the beauty of this timepiece and the "arched glass" as you call it is a significant contributor to the handsome looks of this watch!

Mark,

You are absolutely correct sir that I already know the answer regarding the visual appeal. Like you, when I first tried it on I was jaw dropping amazed at not only the look of the glass and how it emanates yesteryears attention to quality and detail, but the whole entire build of this watch. There is not one thing that is not perfect (IMHO ) on this model in design or scale. Hard to say that about many watches.

Mark, I envy you because you are able to touch and wear your RG "Classic" variation today and I must now patiently wait for mine to arrive. Those waiting for their Laureus YC's know exactly what I'm saying. Giovanni on the other hand is in another world after just receiving his.

So Mark, I do hope that Forum members will have some info/feedback on the specifics. "Arched-Edged" glass is just so unique in appearance that understanding it's background and properties would add to the overall enjoyment of this soon to be addition.

BTW, if you happen to have any more shots of your new "Classic", please do not hesitate to show them off. Don't worry...I can handle it ! LOL

Andy

Obviously old acryl 'glass' was also often arched as on my old Ingenieur:

Regards,

Bob

If I remember well, this arched sapphire glass was first introduced with several models of the Vintage Collection series in 2008. The idea was to introduce a vintage look without the use of the easily to scratch acryl, but with the use of the superb sapphire glass. At the start it was very difficult to produce, with quite a percentage of failures, but of course after a while the glass producing company got it right. Because of the production process the glass was, and maybe still is, quite expensive. To me, this glass is the nicest looking, even if there is some intentional distortion at the rim that the domed glass used on for instance the Pilot's watches doesn't have.

As long as the glass can be used on the 10 mm thick Portuguese Handwound, I wouldn't worry about extra height, if any it is not significant. The same goes for strength: I have several watches with this kind of glass and never had any problems with it. But I am not rough with my watches, a glass of sugar would last a while with me.

Kind regards,
Paul

Andy - great choice and I hope your wait will be short and pass quickly.

The visual appeal that Mark described is special ! I love it.

It's crystal clear to me that this is the watch to own.Enjoy it's timeless beauty.
Kenneth.

Hi Andy,
Wristwatches with "Arched Glass" or "Armoured Plexiglas" became popular in the 1970's due to their water resistant properties. They remained popular throughout the 20th century and are still used today in every Swatch and by many Haute Horlogerie brands in their 'retro/vintage' ranges. Although robust and water resistant, they are prone to scratches.
A slight distortion may be possible close to the edges but no magnification occurs for the rest of the dial.
Scratch-resistant sapphire versions of these Arched Plexiglases started to appear in the early 90's. The most notable and one of the earliest being the, post-purchase, optionally fitted, Armoured Sapphire for the IWC 3750 Da Vinci.
The production methods were so different from a standard sapphire crystal that it cost just under £1000 at the time and was not fitted as standard. The first time IWC used these as original fitted components was in the 3711 Dopple Chrono in 1993 but after 3 years the 3713 replaced it sporting a higher bezel and standard domed sapphire.
The case height was unchanged.
An armoured sapphire is just as strong as a domed one but stands higher above the bezel so rather than knocking the steel bezel you may knock the side of the crystal which, although stronger than steel, is more brittle.
Note: If you knock it hard enough to break the sapphire, both you and your watch will need medical attention.
Can't wait for the photos of your new IWC.
Leo

Love Leo's last paragraph.

Thanks Leo, that was (once again) good and interesting information!

Leo,

You amaze me my friend. Such a wealth of knowledge. Allow me to reiterate how lucky this Forum is to have guys like yourself and Jack as members and contributors. Watch International (WI) magazine would make the perfect format for a "up close and personal" article about you two and your service support responsibilities for IWC. It would be a good read.

So Leo...would it be correct to say that the difference between a armoured Saffire and a domed Saffire glass is determined in large by the width/height of the bezel? Having only Photo's to refer to right now since ordering it, if memory serves, I think the new Classic had a fairly prominent bezel. It's hard to remember just how arched the glass edge was above the bezel.

Thanks for the "heads up" about being aware of knocking the bezel area and the potential issues that could arise including the 911 medical attention that I will certainly require. LOL,LOL

Again Leo, many thanks for the very informative and detailed reply.

Much Appreciation,

Andy

Hi Andy,
Thank you for your kind comments.
The difference is not the bezel but the profile of the crystal.
Armoured:
[](s1152.photobucket.com/user/leosweeney/media/ArmouredCrystal.jpg.html)
Domed:
[](s1152.photobucket.com/user/leosweeney/media/DomedCrystal.jpg.html)
The step in the bezel supporting/securing either crystal is the same. About 2mm. The important measurement is the distance between the dial and the underside of the crystal to allow clearance for the hands. The bezel height up to the step(lower edge of the crystal)will be less for the armoured crystal as the raised sides of the crystal offer extra hand clearance.
Leo

Thank you Leo for the clarification. The illustrations made for the perfect "show & tell" reply. You addressed all my posting questions completely. It's all Crystal Clear now.

Regards,

Andy

Leo, is the crystal on the 5101 considered to be armored then?

Yep