AR coated sapphire crystals... any downsides?

Ar coatings are not as scratch resistant as Sapphire crystal, so you can technically end up getting scratches on the face. AR coatings are put on the underside of the glass to avoid this sometimes. Some companys put AR on both the top and bottom. The AR coating does give off a blue/green/red hue sometimes, if looked at certain angles. I kind of like this feature, it's pretty neat.

For mine, the crystal holds a smudge and shows smudges far more than my non ar crystals. I've also heard that you can scratch the coating, but I've not experienced this yet. Sometimes the blue hue can be a bit much...but all in all, other than the smudge thing, I like it.

On this note, what may the pros and cons be of a domed and flat sapphire crystal?

Also, how do I figure out what the crystal size is for my watch? I measured it in mm, but I don't think that this is enough for compatibility (Swiss Army Alliance Automatic 24052).

Well, here is my experience with AR coating. I have no problem when it is on the inside but when it is on the outside, you are constantly dealing with the smudge problem. I had a Sinn U2 and it was a daily battle to be able to look at the crystal wilout a smudge. I much prefer to have it on the inside or not have it at all. Just my thoughts. Stephen

Simply by the nature of the design domed crystals are more impact resistant. Or less likely to shatter.

While sapphire is extremely scratch resistant a domed crystal will take the brunt of the punishment while a flat one may be protected by the bezel.

AR can get scratched and certainly shows smudges more than non-ARed crystals. However, the reason you can see the smudges so well is because the crystal is so clear that the dial looks perfect. Personally, I don't mind wipping off my crystal once or twice a day to make sure my watch is looking it's sharpest. No biggie to me. Watches without AR just don't do it for me. I want to see the beautiful dial, not my own ugly mug!

I have never scratched the AR (knock on wood) on any of my watches, but apparently it happens. If it does then you can always just remove the AR coating. You can also just buy a new crystal. THey aren't all that expensive - the one for the PO is $169 on Otto Frei.

-Sorry if this is too Off Topic, but in regards to AR coating.... NEVER get AR coating on your lenses, if you wear eyeglasses!!!

Oh my lord, what a mistake that has been for me. I never used to have issues with grease/fingerprints/smudges on my eyeglasses, but the last pair I bought, I went for the 'anti-glare' which is pretty much similar to AR on watches, I suppose. Well, long story short, I will never do it again, whatever they use, it's impossible to clean quickly/easily. Any smudge requires a full wash in the sink. What a pain. o|

Ok, back on topic- My Breitling has AR on the top, and it does definitely smudge way more than my non-AR coated watches.

Gianna's Dad said:

I have never scratched the AR (knock on wood) on any of my watches, but apparently it happens.

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It happened to me.

I just used a Cape Cod polishing cloth to remove the coating.

I do miss the bluish tint on the crystal...but I sure don't miss the ugly scratches.

dtmartin46 said:

-Sorry if this is too Off Topic, but in regards to AR coating.... NEVER get AR coating on your lenses, if you wear eyeglasses!!!

Oh my lord, what a mistake that has been for me. I never used to have issues with grease/fingerprints/smudges on my eyeglasses, but the last pair I bought, I went for the 'anti-glare' which is pretty much similar to AR on watches, I suppose. Well, long story short, I will never do it again, whatever they use, it's impossible to clean quickly/easily. Any smudge requires a full wash in the sink. What a pain. o|

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I always use a microfiber cloth and I wipe in one direction only, don't put any liquid on the lenses dry works best. I have to have AR on my lenses because I can't stand the reflections of light.

Sorry for the thread crapping.

Astropin said:

Simply by the nature of the design domed crystals are more impact resistant. Or less likely to shatter.

While sapphire is extremely scratch resistant a domed crystal will take the brunt of the punishment while a flat one may be protected by the bezel.

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100% yup!

AR coating is fine on the underside, useless on top.

Tragic said:

AR coating is fine on the underside, useless on top.

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Preference is one thing, but ill definitely say that double coated is significantly less reflective than underside only.

RJRJRJ said:

Preference is one thing, but ill definitely say that double coated is significantly less reflective than underside only.

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I agree it's a cool look when done right but why mess with perfection?
You won't scratch sapphire UNLESS you coat it.

My experience with a Breitling Aerospace is that the top coated AR smudges annoyingly, and scratches much easier than plain sapphire (which I have never scratched). When perfectly clean at most angles with top and underside coating it looks like there is no crystal there at all... but keeping it perfectly clean is nigh on impossible. Coating the underside is worthwhile, though.

A double sided AR looks great but the smudge factor is definitely there. My PO and Sinn U1 are impossible to keep clean, and short of carrying around a little bottle of lens cleaner and a cloth, nothing you wipe it with will get it clean. I prefer inner side AR only, and if it has a dome, it has to have AR. Once you seen a good AR'd crystal, you won't want anything else.

AR coating usually put on the inside of the sapphire crystal. It helps the watch to be more clear in sun light. I love AR coating.