I like deep dials like on some dive watches to have a flat crystal. Others I like domed. On my flieger, the domed crystal is part of the case shape and whole aesthetic and a must.

Domed, but you cant really see it lol:

Flat - this dial is deep like pit and I think a flat crystal is called for here:

 

on my dress watch, and dress watches in general, i prefer flat if only to better fit under a shirt etc.

 

I think it depends on the watch. my Marathon JDD came with a domed crystal, and I found out at night the domed crystal distorted the tritium tubes, at least for me so I had it changed.

 

Nowadays, a tall crystal is a must for me. I've realized that it's an important detail for me.

The taller the better and if it's domed, even better.

 

Out of curiosity, why? Any examples?

 

I prefer the look of a domed crystal, but I've discovered they are easier to accidentally hit on door frames...no damage, thankfully.

 

I prefer domed.

 

A dome shape is stronger then a flat. Domed can add more material to the center and the effects pressure has on it. Flat will bend, a dome pushes it's edges out.

Examples are the deep dive watches. The crystal will be domed.

 

Unless it's not, domed means just no material in places where it doesn't build any tension anyway.
Practical example, Seiko 300m tuna (domed) vs Seiko 1000m tuna (flat).

 

I prefer a dome but a very low dome only.

 

Slight dome crystal for me as I like how it avoids the total white out glare from the flat crystal. In my experience, the legibility with slightly domed crystal is much better than flat.

 

Depend on the watch, but I prefer domed. Just not when it brings the thickness to over 14mm.

 

I love domed crystals but there is no doubt that flat with lots of AR is king. OWC Crystal is pretty much invisible at all angles.

 

Either slight domed or boxed crystals on vintage styled watches. Prefer flat on tool watches.

Boxed sapphire courtesy of LIW:

Sapphire Box Crystal to replace OEM Hardlex on Seiko Cocktail Series Watches #Cocktail-BX

Sapphire Box Crystal for Seiko Cocktail Series. It is a box crystal, which is more complex to manufacture than a domed crystal.

longislandwatch.com

 

Domed - no contest for me[emoji106]


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I prefer even slight dome to flat, like on my Autavia:

I, of course, own and wear watches with flat crystals.

 

I prefer a dome of some sort. It adds a lot of visual depth and interest with the distortion.

 

This is sort of like debating flat-earthers with those who believe it's a globe. I do prefer domed, but own both. I like how a domed crystal can magnify a dial or give it a different appearance from certain angles.

 

I rest my case
But I also love the flat one on my GS SLGA001 ...a lot

 

I prefer domed as well, but it's not a deal breaker if it's not.

 

Dome.

 

Having watches with both flat and domed crystals, I tend to prefer a domed crystal, but it may just be because it is on a particular watch.

is there a benefit to one vs. the other or is it purely aesthetic?

which do you prefer and why? Or do you care?

also, I am sure there are old threads on The topic. I didn’t search and don’t care. Looking for new opinions.

Domes has its charm, but so does boxed as well as flat, it all depends on the watch.

 

The one watch I have where I appreciate the flat crystal is my Squale 50ATM Super. Unlike the other 50ATM models, the super has a sapphire bezel insert, which is the exact same height as the crystal, and it gives it almost the look and feel of one big sheet of glass. The reason it otherwise doesn't bother me is Squale used a ton of AR, so it doesn't glare out.

When flat crystals have ineffective AR, as on my Monta Noble, the entire crystal will turn milky white which is frustrating. Once I'm done with my other watch mods, I'm probably going to see about having the Noble's crystal replaced with a dome.

 

Domed plexiglass is my absolute favourite look.

 

Domed for me. Why?

Because it’s “dome-eeee” looking……

 

Domed crystals are beautiful. The way they bend and warp the dial is mesmerising.

 

I guess I am in it really does not matter camp. As to why? The crystal is only one of several factors that adds to the overall aesthetics of a particular watch. Plus, it is also refreshing to see a different crystal style after being accustomed to a particular watch(s) and its crystal.