TeliosThere's a lot of discussion around hardlex. Some swear by it and some think it's crap. From what I understand, hardlex will scratch more, but shatter less... Not sure how accurate that is. I also read that there are grades of hardlex as well. So a higher-end watch like this should have better crystal than low-end Seikos. All that to say, I do have a Seiko with hardlex and I'm sorry to report that it does have a hair-line scratch in the crystal... We'll call it patina.
boss429Please don't try to polish the hardlex. It is a type of mineral crystal, and polishing it takes hours of work with diamond paste. Contact Seiko and get the crystal replaced, or get in touch with Howard with Yobokies for a sapphire crystal.
PrometheusSmithThanks for the conversation! I'll look into the options. When I was buying an engagement ring the dude at the counter really liked the watch, and I commented on the scratch--he took a look and just scoffed. Something no one notices--except me. (Isn't that the way it always works?) It's the SKA371 btw. Great watch. Had it for a couple of years. No problems--except for the scratch.
TeliosSince we as consumers drive the market, I for one now require sapphire glass for any future watch purchases. If consumers demand a certain feature, rest assured manufacturers will respond. I spent many years and a handful of well scratched entry-level watches not truly understanding the huge difference in performance between mineral(or Hardlex) and sapphire. Now that I "get it," I search out affordable quality watches which not only work for me aesthetically, but with a sapphire crystal to help keep the watch looking good. (Orient, Maratac, some Seikos and Citizens...) Thanks!