Hesalite vs Sapphire - what’s the difference?
We’re often asked about the difference between hesalite and sapphire crystals. You’ll find both across our collections; the Neo range features hesalite, while all watches in the Modul collection now use sapphire. Each material offers its own benefits, so here’s a quick guide to understanding the difference.
Hesalite
Hesalite is a type of acrylic; lightweight, warm to the touch, and used in many mid-century watches. Instead of breaking into shards like glass, hesalite will crack or scuff, which is why it was famously used in watches worn by NASA astronauts. Light scratches can easily be polished out at home, and over time, the hesalite takes on a gentle patina that adds depth and character.
Our Neo models use a box hesalite crystal which is a taller, more domed shape that gives the watch its distinctive silhouette. Producing that in sapphire would be technically tricky and significantly more expensive. Since one of our goals is to keep our prices accessible, hesalite is the right choice, both aesthetically and practically.
Sapphire
Although often referred to as glass, sapphire is actually a synthetic material produced by crystallizing pure aluminium oxide at very high temperatures, making it incredibly tough, and highly scratch-resistant. It offers a crisp, clear view of the dial and stands up well against every day knocks and scrapes. It’s more precise, clean, and sharp than hesalite, giving a more contemporary feel.
However, while sapphire is more scratch-resistant, it can shatter with a hard enough impact, unlike hesalite, which will crack but stay intact.
If you prefer clean, contemporary details and a worry-free daily watch, the Modul’s sapphire is probably your match. If you’re drawn to that vintage soul and a watch that ages with you, the Neo’s hesalite will feel right at home on your wrist.
We choose materials with intention, not just for aesthetics, but for how they support the design story, function, and price of each collection. Still not sure? Drop us a message with your queries— we’re always happy to chat.