Austrian Crystal Watches: Worth The Investment?

Austrian crystal watches are a unique blend of style and functionality, with intricate dials inspired by the country's culture and aesthetics. While there are only a handful of Austrian watch brands, their timepieces are known for their craftsmanship and affordability. Austrian crystal, often associated with Swarovski, is man-made, involving the creative cutting of hand-blown glass. With 32% lead added to the molten glass, these crystals possess a high refraction rate and unique sparkle. Austrian crystal watches offer an appealing alternative to precious stone jewellery, providing a lustrous look without the hefty price tag.

Austrian crystal vs. glass

Austrian crystals are a type of high-quality lead glass crystals manufactured in Austria. They are known for their exceptional clarity, precision-cut facets, and vibrant colours. Austrian crystal is often used in the production of decorative items such as chandeliers, figurines, and jewellery.

When comparing Austrian crystal to glass, there are several key differences to note:

• Lead Content: Austrian crystal contains lead, which is added to the molten glass during the manufacturing process. This gives Austrian crystal a higher refractive index, resulting in increased brilliance and sparkle compared to glass.
• Clarity: Austrian crystals have remarkable clarity that rivals that of diamonds. This is achieved through a meticulous manufacturing process that eliminates impurities and flaws, resulting in exceptional transparency.
• Cutting: Austrian crystals are renowned for their precision-cut facets, which enhance their light reflection and refraction. This intricate cutting process is carried out by skilled craftsmen.
• Colour: Austrian crystals are available in a wide range of vibrant colours. Special coatings and finishes are applied to enhance the intensity of the colours and create a dazzling array of shades.
• Durability: Austrian crystals are more durable than glass due to their lead content, which adds strength and stability. They are resistant to scratches, abrasions, and chipping, making them suitable for various applications, including jewellery.

In summary, Austrian crystal offers superior optical properties, durability, and aesthetic appeal compared to standard glass. Its high refractive index, exceptional clarity, precision cutting, vibrant colours, and scratch resistance make it a popular choice for decorative items and jewellery.

Swarovski crystals

Swarovski has become a leading jewellery and accessories brand, with its crystals prized for their luminosity and sparkle. The company has collaborated with celebrities such as Ariana Grande and designers like Stuart Weitzman, further elevating its prestige.

In recent years, Swarovski has restricted the sale of its crystals to select brands, businesses, and individuals who agree to specific brand control agreements. This move aims to revitalise the brand's image as one of elite quality. Despite the stricter requirements, the crystals remain highly sought-after due to their exceptional craftsmanship and ability to elevate any design with their breathtaking sparkle.

Austrian watch brands

Austrian watches offer a unique blend of style and functionality, with intricate dials inspired by the country's culture and aesthetics. Surprisingly, there are only about 10 watch brands in Austria, despite the country having nearly 9 million inhabitants and bordering two horological superpowers, Switzerland and Germany. Here are some of the top Austrian watch brands:

Carl Suchy & Söhne

Founded in Prague, in the present-day Czech Republic, in 1822, Carl Suchy & Söhne is one of the oldest Austrian watch brands. The brand was re-established in 2016 by master watchmaker Marc Jenni, with headquarters in Vienna, Austria. The watches are designed in Austria but manufactured in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland. Carl Suchy & Söhne is known for combining Viennese elegance and Swiss craftsmanship. Their Waltz N°1 model, priced at €7850, features a minimalist design and an automatic movement, available in five colour combinations.

Jacques Lemans

Founded in St. Veit an der Glan in 1975 by brothers Alfred and Norbert Riedl, Jacques Lemans is the giant among Austrian watch brands. This family-owned business offers 600 different watch models catering to both men and women. Their watches are analog, stylish, and affordable, with prices ranging from around $180 for the Jacques Lemans Sydney to more expensive models.

Habring2

Habring2 is an independent watch manufacturer founded in 2004 by husband and wife, Maria Kristina and Richard Habring. Based in the small town of Völkermarkt in southern Austria, this small Austrian watch company produces 200 handcrafted, high-quality mechanical timepieces with an emphasis on reliability and in-house movements.

LAKS

Founded by designer Lucas Alexander Karl Scheybal in 1986 and based in Vienna, LAKS offers affordable Austrian watches in three groups: Classic, Art, and Watch2Pay. Their most interesting line is Watch2Pay, an analog wristwatch that uses NFC technology to enable contactless payments through a Mastercard SIM.

UniversalTime

Based in the town of Wels in Upper Austria, UniversalTime is a travel-inspired watch brand with affordable minimalist watches in the €80-€100 price range. Their timepieces are named after large cities around the world, reflecting the brand's travel theme.

While Austrian crystal watches may not be as well-known as those from neighbouring Switzerland and Germany, these Austrian watch brands showcase the country's unique style, craftsmanship, and innovation in the world of timepieces.

Austrian crystal jewellery

When purchasing Austrian crystal jewellery, it is worth considering the quality and clarity of the crystals, as well as the craftsmanship. Well-known brands like Swarovski are renowned for their precision-cut crystals and strict quality control. However, there are also smaller brands that offer comparable products at more economical prices.

Sapphire vs. mineral crystal

Austrian crystal is a generic term linked with Swarovski crystals, which are produced in a factory in Wattens, Austria. The breakthrough that spawned them was more about mass production than individual beauty. They are made by cutting hand-blown glass into various forms of adornment.

Austrian crystal watches are not a common occurrence, but there are a few brands that produce them. Here is a list of some Austrian watch brands:

• Jacques Lemans
• Pierre Petit
• Alpha Saphir
• Carl Suchy & Söhne
• LAKS
• UniversalTime
• Montre Ecaxte
• Normalzeit
• Remus Sport Exhausts

Now, regarding the crystals used in watches, there are three main types: plastic/acrylic, mineral glass, and synthetic sapphire. Plastic/acrylic crystals are the least expensive and the least likely to shatter, but they are also the most susceptible to scratches. Mineral glass crystals are found in most mid-range watches. They are more scratch-resistant than acrylic and plastic, and are made of tempered glass. Sapphire crystals are the most expensive and are highly scratch-resistant, though not scratch-proof. They are made of synthetic sapphire, which has the same hardness as natural sapphire gemstones.

When it comes to choosing between mineral and sapphire crystals, there are several factors to consider. Sapphire crystals are significantly more expensive than mineral crystals due to the costly tools and equipment required to cut and polish the extremely hard material. However, sapphire crystals offer superior scratch resistance, making them ideal for luxury watches. On the other hand, mineral crystals are a more cost-effective choice and still provide decent protection for your watch.

In terms of scratch resistance, sapphire crystals are highly regarded for their hardness, rating a 9 on the Mohs scale, just below diamond which rates a 10. While sapphire crystals are marketed as "scratch-resistant" or "virtually scratchproof", they can still be scratched by harder materials such as diamond or silicon carbide. Similarly, mineral crystals are also scratch-resistant due to heat treatment, but they are not as scratch-resistant as sapphire.

In summary, if you are seeking a watch crystal that offers maximum scratch resistance and are willing to pay a premium, then sapphire crystal is the ideal choice. On the other hand, if you prioritize affordability and are content with a decent level of scratch resistance, then mineral crystal would be a suitable option. Ultimately, the decision between sapphire and mineral crystal depends on your specific needs, preferences, and budget.

Frequently asked questions