The Breitling Watch Source Forums

I have a Citizen watch that is supposed to be decent. On the third day of wearing it I have three huge scratches in the crystal. Does a Breitling scratch like this? How much would it cost to repair or replace the crystal?

All modern Breitlings have sapphire crystal - that's the second hardest material after diamond so only diamond will scratch it - highly unlikely.

The anti reflective coating is a little more susceptible to scratching, but still not common. Breitling's approach is to replace the crystal if the AR is damaged because it's easier than trying to recoat. Cost for a new crystal, depending on model will be $200 - $300.

I'm pretty sure Citizen don't use sapphire crystal on their watches. They'll be using a mineral glass of some kind that is infinitely more susceptible to scratches. As Roff said, the sapphire crystal used by Breitling and other high end watch manufacturers will only be scratched by diamond (and a couple of corrundum based compounds), so scratches are hiighly unlikely during normal usage.

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Driver8

Site Moderator

My Evo showed a hairline scratch in the AR coating. I could only see it under very bright, very direct light, and then only when really looking for it. After having the watch three years, the crystal itself never showed any scratches.

Breitlings are a lot more scratch resistant than Citizens. My one year old Citizen is on its way back from a crystal replacement. UPS is scheduled to deliver it Monday.Total cost including shippng $58. I have owned 3 Breitlings and never had a problem with scratches. Until recently, the Breitling was my every day wearer.

Bob