Hesalite or Sapphire for Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional?

I want to see the movement. The Speedy is likely the most beautiful movement I will ever own and I want it on display. 

I know Hesalite is OG, but I’m not planning on going into orbit any time soon, and I don’t like having to remove scratches from the crystal of a five figure watch. Besides, looking at the movement is cool. #lovemyspeedy. 

If you have a choice, get the sapphire.  There isn't anything wrong with the Hesalite crystal either.

There's no wrong answer but I had the choice, held them side by side, and chose hesalite. I haven't scuffed it yet but when I do I'll get some polywatch. 

Gotta go Hesalite. Makes it feel more authentic. “Warm” to the touch. Scratches add character!

I was all out to get the Hesalite but chose the Sapphire instead. When comparing both watches at the AD, the movement was simply too beautiful to be hidden by a solid caseback. 

I've always felt the Sapphire Sandwich is the Speedy to go for if you want a 'luxury' watch.  The materials are more modern, the finishing has more refined details, and the movement is there on display to wow.  It's the watch that will look special, longer.

By contrast, the hesalite feels more of a tool.  There are fewer polished elements and, frankly, it does feel cheaper than the SS.  But it is closer to the watches used by NASA.  It's the one that tends to look better with a little wear and tear.

This question has been asked a hundred times and never been resolved; the result will invariably be split right down the middle.  In the end it will be down to whichever one is best for you.

I voted Sapphire. I had a 1861 Hesalite and while I do love the look of the acrylic along with the history and it is actually very easy to buff, what I didn't like was the case back. The ring on the case back really dug into my wrist and I found it quite un-comfortable unfortunately. 

Easy decision, Hesalite. 
It looks way better and more original. 👍

Hesalite mostly because it is a cheaper option. 

Respectfully, there hasn’t been an “authentic” moon landing speedy made for many decades. After the 861 movement was introduced they are all moon watch adjacent, although the 861 was on the wrist of Apollo 17 CMP Ron Evans and did fly in lunar orbit. Some of the changes came on the inside, and some on the outside. Hesalite or not, modern speedy’s are all a reasonable copy of the watch that made it to the lunar surface. 

It feels more authentic. With this version you experience how the watch worked for the first astronauts. The hesalite is on there for a reason and those guys had to deal with scratches like we do. Just like it is silly to believe elite divers use the Submariner, it is silly to believe that a modern 3861 Speedmaster is used in the vacuum of space. But for many, the feeling of authenticity is what really matters. Oh, and “hesalite” sounds space-agey and connects us to a short time in our history when mechanical watches were actually relevant. 
And its cheaper 😀

The only reason the Hesalite was on the watch is that the NASA specs for the original contract included requesting a crystal that would break into larger pieces rather than shatter into small bits since they thought in zero G the small bits could be inhaled or otherwise injure the crew in case of an accident. Since then sapphire crystal watches have flown.

As for the submariner, it is very commonly used by divers today as a backup to their dive computers. 

I'm saving up for a Speedmaster so I've been having this debate in my head for a while now. I think the Hesalite looks better and personally I don't have any concerns about damaging it. However, I prefer the polished bracelet links on the sapphire version and I also really want the display caseback. If I had to make a decision today, I would probably go with the sapphire, but I'm going to try them both on before I make the final purchase.

In the early days of forums, people used to swap on aftermarket display casebacks, I wonder if those sellers are still out there.  

boom, best of both worlds!

And void the warranty? No thanks. 😉