The Beauty, Durability and Cost of Replacing Sapphire Crystals on Patek Philippe Watches

The Beauty and Durability of Sapphire Crystal on Patek Philippe Watches

Patek Philippe is renowned worldwide for its luxurious, high-end timepieces. Many features set Patek Philippe watches apart, like their meticulous finishing and complications. However, one key component that makes these timepieces so coveted is the sapphire crystal used on many models.

Sapphire crystal is highly valued in watchmaking for its beauty, clarity, and durability. When used as a watch crystal, it provides an optically perfect window into the dial below. Sapphire is also incredibly scratch resistant, making it well suited for a life on the wrist.

The Allure of Sapphire Watch Crystals

Sapphire has an allure unlike any other material used for watch crystals. The material is optically transparent, allowing the wearer to admire the watch dial and hands unhindered.

The crystalline structure of sapphire also gives it a unique warmth and depth. There is a subtle liveliness to the material that glass and plexiglass lack. When lighting hits it, vibrant colors reflect off its surface.

Sapphire has a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale, making it one of the hardest transparent materials after diamond. This extreme hardness makes sapphire highly scratch resistant. While lower graded minerals like glass or plexiglass accumulate scratches over time, sapphire remains clear and flawless.

The Use of Sapphire in Patek Philippe's Watchmaking

Patek Philippe has long capitalized on the benefits of sapphire in its watchmaking. The brand uses sapphire for the crystals of many of its most iconic watches, from the Calatrava to the Nautilus.

Modern techniques have made it possible to produce sapphire crystals of increasing size and curvature. This has allowed Patek Philippe to fit sapphire to ever more sophisticated shaped watches in its current catalog.

The brand sources its sapphire crystals from a few select suppliers. Prior to cutting and polishing, Patek Philippe subjects the raw sapphire to stringent quality testing. This ensures no imperfections or internal stresses weaken the material’s structure.

Caring for a Sapphire Crystal

While sapphire is remarkably tough, watch crystals remain vulnerable to damage from drops or impacts. If the rear of the watch hits a hard surface, the resulting shock can fracture the crystal.

Day-to-day, sapphire holds up well to bumps and scrapes. However, the crystal retains its flawless appearance best when handled with care. Sapphire rates just below diamond in hardness, but it lacks diamond’s unparalleled toughness.

During servicing, Patek Philippe watchmakers carefully examine the sapphire crystal for any signs of damage. Small scratches can be polished out, but deeply cracked or broken crystals must be replaced.

With proper care and periodic inspection, a sapphire crystal can last a lifetime and beyond. Many vintage Patek Philippe watches still have their original sapphire crystals intact.

Replacing a Damaged Sapphire Crystal on a Patek Philippe Watch

One of the downsides to the extreme hardness of sapphire crystal is its brittle nature. Impacts or drops can cause chips, cracks, or even shatter the crystal.

Thankfully, Patek Philippe makes it possible to replace damaged sapphire crystals on its watches. However, crystal replacement is not a quick or easy fix.

The Complex Process of Replacing a Sapphire Crystal

Sapphire crystals are precisely sized to fit the watch model they are intended for. Patek Philippe does not sell blank sapphire crystals that can simply be cut to size.

To replace a sapphire crystal, an exact replacement part must be sourced from Patek Philippe or an authorized supplier. The old gaskets must also be replaced to maintain water resistance.

The watchmaker must completely disassemble the watch to access and remove the damaged crystal. The new part can then be fit and the watch reassembled. Pressure testing and adjustment follows to ensure the watch functions properly.

Only Trust Official Patek Philippe Parts and Repair

Replacing a Patek Philippe sapphire crystal is best left to Patek Philippe authorized watchmakers. They have access to genuine factory parts and the expertise to properly install crystals.

Some independent watchmakers will source aftermarket or used crystals instead. However, non-original parts often have questionable quality and fitting issues.

To keep your Patek Philippe warranty intact, only official Patek Philippe parts and repair should be utilized. Using third party or non-genuine components can void the manufacturer warranty.

The Costs Associated with Replacing Sapphire Crystals

As an original factory component, replacement Patek Philippe sapphire crystals are costly. Prices easily run into the hundreds of dollars.

Combined with the skilled labor required to properly replace the part, a sapphire crystal replacement can equal a substantial percentage of the watch’s value.

For valuable vintage timepieces, a replacement crystal still makes economic sense. However, for lower cost quartz models, it may exceed the residual value of the watch.

Before committing to a sapphire replacement, consider the overall value of the timepiece. In some cases, an economical sapphire alternative or modern equivalent model may be more prudent.

Protecting Your Investment in Patek Philippe Watches

As demonstrated above, sapphire imparts tremendous value to Patek Philippe timepieces. Yet it comes at the cost of increased fragility and replacement expense compared to less exotic materials.

The best means of enjoying a sapphire Patek without issue is exercising proper care. Try to avoid situations where the watch may be dropped or experience sharp impacts.

When not being worn, store the watch safely tucked away in its box rather than loose in a drawer. Take the watch in periodically for professional servicing and inspection.

By caring for both the internal mechanics and external components, your Patek Philippe and its sapphire crystal will endure as a treasured timepiece for generations to come.

FAQs

Why does Patek Philippe use sapphire crystals?

Patek Philippe uses sapphire crystals because they are optically clear, allow a crisp view of the watch dial, and are highly scratch resistant due to their hardness.

How can I prevent damage to my watch's sapphire crystal?

Avoid drops, impacts, or shocks that can crack the crystal. Also store the watch safely in its box when not worn to prevent scratches from objects in drawers or on surfaces.

What is involved in replacing a sapphire crystal?

The watch must be fully disassembled to access and replace the crystal. Gaskets must also be changed. Only genuine Patek Philippe parts should be used and installation done by authorized watchmakers.

Can I replace the crystal myself?

It is not recommended to attempt do-it-yourself crystal replacement on a Patek Philippe watch. Proper tools, parts, and expertise are needed to avoid damage and maintain water resistance.

How much does it cost to replace a sapphire crystal?

Replacement Patek Philippe sapphire crystals run into the hundreds of dollars. Added labor costs can make it a significant percentage of the watch's overall value in some cases.