To have AR coating on the outside...or not?
I'd love to take a poll and get feedback from the community. We are developing a new GADA watch (Swiss Made) and the decision to have AR coating on both sides versus just the underside has been a tough one. So I turn to you!
I absolutely love the look of the "invisible crystal" look that you see in many luxury watches. It allows the dial to really be appreciated, especially if it has textures and different finishing. The overall look is top notch, in my opinion.
However, it's not lost on me that many don't like how it may scratch and be counter productive over time. Now, I personally take great care of my watches and I don't see something like this being an issue with me, but that's just me. I'd love to hear what y'all think and what works best for you?
Cheers-
Peter
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Peter
Hello! My name is Peter Cho, and I'm a co-founder and the designer of Jack Mason watches. In 2006 I got a degree in industrial design, got my first job as a watch designer and never looked back. After...
Dallas
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I like an extremely clear crystal, and have had no issues with my double coated crystals yet. But I can see why some would prefer underside only.
Probably safer to just coat one side of a GADA watch that might see hard use.
I have had no problem with the AR on the outside of my Omega. And the clarity is worth being a little careful with
I like an extremely clear crystal, and have had no issues with my double coated crystals yet. But I can see why some would prefer underside only.
Probably safer to just coat one side of a GADA watch that might see hard use.
My personal problem is that I don't put watches through hard use so I cannot relate. I'm the type that generally takes care of my possessions so they last. Not the best trait. Toxic trait, probably. 😂
I have had no problem with the AR on the outside of my Omega. And the clarity is worth being a little careful with
The Omega is one that constantly pops up in discussions regarding double AR. I was holding one the other day and that crystal was sexy.
Under side for a GADA/beater , both for something fancy!
My personal problem is that I don't put watches through hard use so I cannot relate. I'm the type that generally takes care of my possessions so they last. Not the best trait. Toxic trait, probably. 😂
I'm the same way about trying my best to take care of my things.
Not a fan on the outside, no matter how hard you try you will always take a bit of the coating off
Seeing how divided the community is on this, I think it’s wise how Laco (for example) gives you the option to choose. For the entry level models you can choose between no AR or double AR (for a premium). For the higher tier it’s between only underside AR vs. double AR (also for a premium).
If feasible for you, this might be worth looking into
Under side for a GADA/beater , both for something fancy!
I like the way you put this. Situational. Great input!
I never had any problems with double-sided AR coated crystals on my watches. But I'm also not going crazy with these watches.
None of my double coated watches has ever had an issue including my omega. I think it scratching off is an old wives tale. You would really have to bang it hard to the point your also going to mess up the bezel
My Damasko with AR on both sides has scratches and marks on the outer AR, it's a bit distracting.
I've never found crystal reflections too bothersome, so having just underside AR makes the most sense to me.
I’ve had no problems with double sided AR coating but feel like all my underside only AR coated watches like Rolex, Panerai or Tudor show fingerprints on the crystal easily. I’m assuming my Omega gets just as many fingerprints as the other 3 but maybe I don’t notice them because of the AR coating?
I’d say if just underside AR coating helps you keep your costs down, go for that.
My Damasko with AR on both sides has scratches and marks on the outer AR, it's a bit distracting.
I've never found crystal reflections too bothersome, so having just underside AR makes the most sense to me.
I honestly don't find crystal reflections bothersome either. I just like the look of double AR more than the practicality of it! These are the types of things that make decision making tough in the watch world!
Go Anywhere Do Anything. To me that is a watch that I don't have to babysit. An occasional scratch on the case would only build it's character and appeal. Damage to the AR would just look, off. To me at least.
Go Anywhere Do Anything. To me that is a watch that I don't have to babysit. An occasional scratch on the case would only build it's character and appeal. Damage to the AR would just look, off. To me at least.
Valid point. I suppose GADA isn't necessarily the best description for what we have cooking. I was using that as a descriptor for the look of the watch. It isn't quite a field watch and more of upscale daily wear to dress up and down like a Monta Noble or C.Ward C63 Sealander, although even that skews more field. In any case, I appreciate the feedback!
Valid point. I suppose GADA isn't necessarily the best description for what we have cooking. I was using that as a descriptor for the look of the watch. It isn't quite a field watch and more of upscale daily wear to dress up and down like a Monta Noble or C.Ward C63 Sealander, although even that skews more field. In any case, I appreciate the feedback!
Good luck to you on your endeavors. With reference points like that, you could sell out on this app alone. Personally I'm not a big fan of sub 40mm watches. They just don't fit me or my lifestyle.
My Sinn 556 and 104 have AR on both sides of the crystal. As yet I have had no issues with either.