How to tell if saphire or acrylic?

[howieleem]

How do i tell if its a saphire or acrylic on my 1986 16013 DJ?

[drtooth73]

acrylic is very thick and can be polished, sapphire is virtually scratch proof,

[jay_man2]

I had my 16013 DJ appraised recently, and the appraiser indicated that it was an acrylic crystal. 9 series serial number from 1986, purchased new in 1987.

[MonBK]

Here's a simple trick.

Touch your forehead with the crystal.

If it's cold to the touch it's sapphire, if it's warm it's acrylic.

[watch watcher]

Sapphire shows fingerprints, acrylic doesn't.

[learningtofly]

Give it a whack on something hard - if it scratches, it's acrylic

[Saxon007]

Originally Posted by MonBK

Here's a simple trick.

Touch your forehead with the crystal.

If it's cold to the touch it's sapphire, if it's warm it's acrylic.

Of course I had to actually try this ridiculous maneuver. Unbelievably, it actually works.

[sherwin]

I just use a fingernail to tap it a couple of times. if there is a light "ding" its acrylic. if it is a heavier "thud", its sapphire crystal. crystal has the same sound as tapping on glass.

[lida]

you can user the lenz of your DJ scratch glass, if have trace, it is sapphire, else is acrylic!

[jamesbondOO7]

Originally Posted by watch watcher

Sapphire shows fingerprints, acrylic doesn't.

Exactly the test I was going to suggest.

Actually sapphire needs to be cleaned all the time to look good, which is a pain in the proverbial.

[sherwin]

But in the long run, sapphire crystal is awesome because you can actually wear the watch without worrying about chipping the edges.

[MonBK]

Originally Posted by Saxon007

Of course I had to actually try this ridiculous maneuver. Unbelievably, it actually works.

It has worked since 1987 when I was first tought how to do it.

[jamesbondOO7]

I would not touch my forehead with sapphire. It would leave marks...

[jamesbondOO7]

Originally Posted by sherwin

But in the long run, sapphire crystal is awesome because you can actually wear the watch without worrying about chipping the edges.

I have not worried in 25 years, wearing the watch in all activities 24/7, and never damaged my acrylic.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by sherwin

But in the long run, sapphire crystal is awesome because you can actually wear the watch without worrying about chipping the edges.

Not true fact Sapphire although it resists scratches in does chip quite easily especially around the edges.While Acrylic does scratch but very easy to get scratches out and it very seldom chips.

[MonBK]

Originally Posted by jamesbondOO7

I would not touch my forehead with sapphire. It would leave marks...

Don't worry, they will go away the next time you wash your face.

[Jocke]

Originally Posted by MonBK

Here's a simple trick.

Touch your forehead with the crystal.

If it's cold to the touch it's sapphire, if it's warm it's acrylic.

I don't work if you have the watch in the freezer.

[jamesbondOO7]

Originally Posted by MonBK

Don't worry, they will go away the next time you wash your face.

Funny.

[buke45]

Originally Posted by Saxon007

Of course I had to actually try this ridiculous maneuver. Unbelievably, it actually works.

It does

[dddrees]

Originally Posted by Jocke

I don't work if you have the watch in the freezer.

Just don't touch the steel with your tongue.

[chestercopperpot]

hahah, this is hilarious

[fishguy83]

Originally Posted by padi56

Not true fact Sapphire although it resists scratches in does chip quite easily especially around the edges.While Acrylic does scratch but very easy to get scratches out and it very seldom chips.

You are totally correct. Whoever said that sapphires crystals do not chip is factually incorrect. My GMT is a great example. The face is superb with no scratches, but along the edge there are two very small dings. So small, in fact, that I can't see them and can only feel them with my fingernails.

[glocati]

16013s have an acrylic cystal.

[Payesrob]

Originally Posted by MonBK

Here's a simple trick.

Touch your forehead with the crystal.

If it's cold to the touch it's sapphire, if it's warm it's acrylic.

What if it's a warm day?

[Chipmunk]

Originally Posted by Payesrob

What if it's a warm day?

Then it's acrylic.

[masterserg]

Originally Posted by padi56

Not true fact Sapphire although it resists scratches in does chip quite easily especially around the edges.While Acrylic does scratch but very easy to get scratches out and it very seldom chips.

Unfortunately, I can attest to this, not once but twice. I am happy that the crystal on my new Sub C does not protrude that much.

[brandobot]

Great thread!

[MonBK]

Originally Posted by Payesrob

What if it's a warm day?

Warm or cold outside doen't matter, you will still feel the difference.

[conrail]

Run the edge of a brick over it - it shouldn't scratch a sapphire but it will ruin it if its acrylic :)

[Jocke]

Originally Posted by MonBK

Warm or cold outside doen't matter, you will still feel the difference.

What if you only have one watch?