Glossary · Case & Dial
Crystal
The transparent cover over the dial, historically glass and later also acrylic and sapphire.
Explanation
The crystal is the transparent cover over the dial: glass (mineral), plastic (acrylic/hesalite) or synthetic sapphire. Pocket watch crystals were usually glass and are often replaced; correct thickness and curvature matter for fit. Acrylic scratches but polishes; sapphire resists scratching but shatters more easily.
In the object catalogue
Catalogued objects whose own source record mentions “Crystal”. The quoted line shows where; it is the seller’s or museum’s wording, not independent verification.
Clock
Double-sided hanging clock attributed to Eugène Farcot
“Open hinged brass bezel showing the glass crystal and mounting rim”
Wristwatch
Audemars Piguet Automatic K2120 18K Yellow Gold Dress Watch
“This gentleman's dress wristwatch by Audemars Piguet is dated by the seller to circa 1967 based on serial numbers. The circular case is fashioned in 18K solid yellow gold, measu…”
Pocket watch
Vintage Molnija Russian Pocket Watch
“This vintage Russian pocket watch by Molnija features a 48 mm metal case configured with a side-hinged front hunter lid and an attached curb-link watch chain. The light-colored …”
Pocket watch
1930s Seikosha Pocket Watch
“This open-face pocket watch by Seikosha is estimated by the source to date to the 1930s. It features a 50 mm SKS case fitted with a mineral glass crystal. The cream-toned dial d…”
Wristwatch
Shanghai A581 manual-wind wristwatch
“This is a Shanghai A581 manual-wind wristwatch attributed to circa 1964 based on an interior movement marking. The watch features a silver-tone sunburst-finished dial with appli…”
Pocket watch
C.H. Meylan Platinum and Diamond Open-Face Pocket Watch
“This open-face dress pocket watch by C.H. Meylan dates according to the seller to the early 1920s. It features an open-face tested platinum case measuring 42 mm in diameter excl…”