Sapphire Crystal and 316L Steel
The materials used in Arvell cases and crystals, and why they matter at this price point.
Sapphire crystal
All current Arvell references use sapphire crystal - synthetic corundum, hardness 9 on the Mohs scale. In practice: scratch-proof against everyday contact (keys, steel, sand); only diamond or another sapphire will mark it. The Corvin 43 mm and Regent Automatic carry an anti-reflective coating on the underside, which improves legibility without the scratch-prone outer coating some brands use.
Discontinued references (earlier references) used sapphire-coated mineral glass - harder than plain mineral glass, but not equivalent to solid sapphire. Each datasheet states the exact crystal.
316L stainless steel
All cases and bracelets are 316L stainless steel - the standard alloy of the Swiss watch industry, corrosion-resistant and hypoallergenic (low nickel release). Cases are brushed and polished; no coatings on current references.
Why this matters under 1,000 CHF
Sapphire and 316L are where cheaper watches usually cut costs. They are the two most noticeable quality differences in daily wear: the crystal stays clear, the case does not pit or discolour.
Sources: Arvell product data (internal)
Last verified: 2026-08-10 · Last updated: 2026-08-10 · Maintained by: Arvell Watches - Brand Knowledge Team
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