Why do vintage dive watches have domed crystals?
Did it serve a function? Was it a manufacturing limitation? Just realized this is a question I need answered.
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Adam S
Writer, aspiring filmmaker. LA and NY. Love old stuff and mechanical things. History matters.
Long Island, New York, USA
Member since
Last active: 6 hrs ago
Probably the same reason ancient Romans used arches. I would think that the curve adds strength.
Good question.
It did serve a function. They were using acrylic crystals, which aren’t as strong as sapphire, so as the pressure increases, the weakest point of the Watch was the center of the crystal. By creating a dome the pressure was dispersed more evenly, allowing for greater WR without making the crystal thicker.
It did serve a function. They were using acrylic crystals, which aren’t as strong as sapphire, so as the pressure increases, the weakest point of the Watch was the center of the crystal. By creating a dome the pressure was dispersed more evenly, allowing for greater WR without making the crystal thicker.
Well this definitely makes sense. I guess that’s my answer. Thanks
To resist under water pressure
I have an Oris 65 diver with a massive dome crystal and when I go swimming it's actually better to read under water.