A sapphire crystal is machined the same way mineral glass is. Shouldn't be any difference in how the face looks.

Saphire crystal wouldnt skew the image, but it would magnify it drasically and spoil the whole asthetics of the watch, it was tried when the watch was being developed.

I don't know if the Timebomb will remain a product in the current lineup for long, but Oakley really should revisit the crystal issue. There should be many manufacturers nowadays that would love to solve Oakley's problems.

good info guy's, but from my experience, I'm looking at getting a second TimeBomb to match my Warwagon.....

The current crystal that is on the Timebomb, I believe someone called it Hardex, magnifies and skews it to a certain degree anyway. It would be well worth it to give it a stronger crystal, even if it meant magnifying the face. But, as was mentioned before, there are probobly a number of easily acheived ways to update the current Timebomb, maybee even make a Timebomb 2, JUST A THOUGHT OAKLEY, IF YOUR LOOKING IN.

Hardex ( Mineral glass ) is very tough, however it can scratch and scuff. It does magnify slighly because of the curve on the crystal.
The reason for the high curveature is to drag as much light as possible onto the face without the need for using a backlight ( which i think you would all agree would be very nasty on a classy watch )

Saphire crystal is virtually scratch proof ( only a diamond or saphire will scratch it ).
Saphire was tried when designing timebomb but the magnification on the face made it look just plain ugly, hardex was and still is the only alternative unless you reduce the curveature of the crystal which would also spoil the asthetics of the watch.


Oh and BTW i dont think you will ever see a Timebomb 2, things have moved on.

Thanks alot for BURSTING MY BUBBLE SCOOBY! Lol, JK, very useful information, maybe one of the later watches will look like the Timebomb, and I will secretly call it the Timebomb 2.

that's a bit of sad news since the Timebomb is such a classic looking piece of Oakley design. there's nothing else in the market quite like it.

i remember seeing ads of the Timebomb when it first came out... and i instantly fell in love. i've been lusting after it since and was a dream come true when i finally own one.

hey its just my opinion, i could be wrong

I wish I still had side pics of the Corum Bubbles (both mineral and saphire). The curvature on those crystals is crazy.

No, its okay, even if they did come out with a Timebomb 2, it would take me a good two years of saving my money to be able to afford it, but hey, it would be worth it!

"No Sapphire on the Time Bomb, that came out later. It's HardEx mineral crystal, and mine is way overdue for a new crystal, but I'm waiting until I get a new watch so I can fix this one up and just display it. "

Dann do you mean the new timebombs have sapphire crystals now?

No, I meant general use of Sapphire came later, the Time Bomb's still have the glass face.

The way I see it..
A scratch on your timebomb or anything else just add character to it. You can acutally tell others that your Oakley product has survived war and gone to hell and back. Thats what happened to my gascans and I still love them more than ever.

A scuff on the band.. a nick in the crystal has stories behind it. Even if you got it during the "Desk Scuff Wars of 05". No one else will have the exact same scratch. Plus..I dont think anyone should be assupside down worried about scratching their watch or sunglasses too much.

Yeah you should take care of it..but..enjoy your product. Sleep tight...Oakley design is awake.

Hey does anyone wear their timebomb in the shower?

Im curious...

Why does you never asked to a GOOD jeweller if he can cut a crystal for the face of your timebombs???

if you can find one that will be nice, I already looked. Plus they can't replace your $1500 watch if something goes wrong

If something goes wrong, you just have to put the original glasses to ship it at the warranty service.

I dont have a timebomb, I just try to help some of you because you wanted a crystal unscratchable...

I wear my time bomb every day since I got it back in April Its been in the shower with me in water parks I constatntly smack the crystal against the walls and i have not a single scratch on it only minor scuffs on the band and a scuff on the upper right "wing".




I think for a bomb proof watch that can take a beating a timebomb is the way to go.

Hey! Nice timebomb, what color is the face? Titanium or white?

Titanium