Speedy Owners
I am looking for input… and I have no doubt this question has been asked a million times but I am being lazy and I apologize. I am aiming at getting the oh so lovely moon watch and would like to get your feedback on the two models.
As of right now, I am thinking about getting the hesalite version on the sailcloth/deployant strap and then buying the bracelet from on the sapphire sandwich which I think looks a bit smarter with its polished center links. This combination actually comes out cheaper than me buying the sapphire sandwich on the bracelet plus I get two great straps.
What I am looking for is feedback from owners on the two models - any hesalite owners regretting not getting the sapphire? Appreciate the input!
Coffee drinker, dog enthusiast, and wearer of boring watches.
I opted for the sapphire sandwich primarily because I like the idea of being able to see the movement, but also because I prefer sapphire crystals to acrylic by a country mile. I don't subscribe to the idea that you need hesalite to be "authentic". The 3861 is far enough away from the original that any "authenticity" offered by the hesalite is pretty much meaningless as far as I'm concerned. I also opted for the bracelet, as I feel that it's super comfortable and suits the watch really well.
If you don't care about being able to view the movement, or if you feel that sapphire is blasphemy, then obviously the hesalite version is the way to go. You can also buy an after market display caseback later if you decide that being able to view the movement would be nice, but I suspect that effectively eliminates any initial cost saving. You also have to decide if you prefer the look of the hesalite crystal over the sapphire enough to put up with the potential scratches. I know many people complain about the "ring" around the sapphire crystal, and/or also simply prefer the way that the acrylic crystal distorts, but I'm not one of them.
Best of luck in your decision.
Had the same conundrum but decided with the sapphire sandwich cuz the movement is soo pretty … and the bracelet is awesome and comfortable a pain to remove links due to the small screws but overall I went with the sapphire sandwich and also got the sailcloth from Artem straps…
Also preferred the raised/applied logo vs. printed one… adds a bit more dimension for me… just my 2 cents … good luck 🍻
I opted for the sapphire sandwich primarily because I like the idea of being able to see the movement, but also because I prefer sapphire crystals to acrylic by a country mile. I don't subscribe to the idea that you need hesalite to be "authentic". The 3861 is far enough away from the original that any "authenticity" offered by the hesalite is pretty much meaningless as far as I'm concerned. I also opted for the bracelet, as I feel that it's super comfortable and suits the watch really well.
If you don't care about being able to view the movement, or if you feel that sapphire is blasphemy, then obviously the hesalite version is the way to go. You can also buy an after market display caseback later if you decide that being able to view the movement would be nice, but I suspect that effectively eliminates any initial cost saving. You also have to decide if you prefer the look of the hesalite crystal over the sapphire enough to put up with the potential scratches. I know many people complain about the "ring" around the sapphire crystal, and/or also simply prefer the way that the acrylic crystal distorts, but I'm not one of them.
Best of luck in your decision.
Appreciate for the feedback! Great hearing your POV.
Right now, it’s all a math equation: Is sapphire crystal + exhibition back as valuable (to me personally) as the OEM sailcloth strap with deployant clasp. I am just thinking I’d get more use from the latter. I know a lot of folks pick the SS just to see the movement, which honestly doesn’t matter to me all that much. I’d prefer the sapphire crystal all things being equal but think I could get on perfectly fine with the hesalite. More to think about for sure - thanks again!
Had the same conundrum but decided with the sapphire sandwich cuz the movement is soo pretty … and the bracelet is awesome and comfortable a pain to remove links due to the small screws but overall I went with the sapphire sandwich and also got the sailcloth from Artem straps…
Also preferred the raised/applied logo vs. printed one… adds a bit more dimension for me… just my 2 cents … good luck 🍻
Haha - I know the exhibition back wins so many folks over, but I sorta like the seahorse on the back (I know crazy). I can’t believe I missed that difference with the logo. I literally sat and compare both versions while at my AD today and completely missed it!… so great call there. I almost want to go back just to see it in person again, as I know staring at photos won’t be enough for me. 😂 Thanks again man!
Haha - I know the exhibition back wins so many folks over, but I sorta like the seahorse on the back (I know crazy). I can’t believe I missed that difference with the logo. I literally sat and compare both versions while at my AD today and completely missed it!… so great call there. I almost want to go back just to see it in person again, as I know staring at photos won’t be enough for me. 😂 Thanks again man!
Was a tough one for me when I was deciding but the applied logo wins it for me, but it’s really a win win situation here 😁🥳🍻
I opted for the sapphire sandwich primarily because I like the idea of being able to see the movement, but also because I prefer sapphire crystals to acrylic by a country mile. I don't subscribe to the idea that you need hesalite to be "authentic". The 3861 is far enough away from the original that any "authenticity" offered by the hesalite is pretty much meaningless as far as I'm concerned. I also opted for the bracelet, as I feel that it's super comfortable and suits the watch really well.
If you don't care about being able to view the movement, or if you feel that sapphire is blasphemy, then obviously the hesalite version is the way to go. You can also buy an after market display caseback later if you decide that being able to view the movement would be nice, but I suspect that effectively eliminates any initial cost saving. You also have to decide if you prefer the look of the hesalite crystal over the sapphire enough to put up with the potential scratches. I know many people complain about the "ring" around the sapphire crystal, and/or also simply prefer the way that the acrylic crystal distorts, but I'm not one of them.
Best of luck in your decision.
I've been lucky enough to have both several times, and while the acrylic gives it a vintage feel, the scratches are unbearable for me to deal with. I also had the New Ed White caliber 321 and despite paying homage to the original, I didn't feel it. Finally I decided to stay with the new SS, for my taste the best version that Omega has released if viewed as a whole.
Had the same conundrum but decided with the sapphire sandwich cuz the movement is soo pretty … and the bracelet is awesome and comfortable a pain to remove links due to the small screws but overall I went with the sapphire sandwich and also got the sailcloth from Artem straps…
Also preferred the raised/applied logo vs. printed one… adds a bit more dimension for me… just my 2 cents … good luck 🍻
How is the Artem strap. Is the hype deserved?
How is the Artem strap. Is the hype deserved?
Yes it’s worth it!
I opted for the sapphire mainly for the display case
I've been lucky enough to have both several times, and while the acrylic gives it a vintage feel, the scratches are unbearable for me to deal with. I also had the New Ed White caliber 321 and despite paying homage to the original, I didn't feel it. Finally I decided to stay with the new SS, for my taste the best version that Omega has released if viewed as a whole.
Ahhh you are the person I’ve been searching for!… someone who has owned both!
The only thing that is giving me pause is whether the overall case design makes the crystal more prone to scratches - making the sapphire well worth it. While I don’t baby my watches, I’ve found I am more likely to ding a bezel before scratching the glass, but that might be because most are divers with bulkier bezels. Did you discover scratches on the hesalite version you owned quite often? I am leaning toward sapphire now based on what you’ve shared. Really appreciate your input! 🍻
If you haven't already read it...Should You Buy Am Omega Speedmaster On A Bracelet Or A Strap? (hodinkee.com)
I have the previous gen (cal 1861) Moonwatch with the hesalite and no regrets. Speedy is an absolute strap monster. Plus there are some good aftermarket bracelets out there if you're willing to forego an OEM bracelet and save some more money. I recommend Forstner. They have several options: flat link (my favorite), mesh, president, oyster, jubilee, president.
I picked up the SS 3861 earlier this year. Same back and forth as you. I opted for the sapphire sandwich because for me any small scratch in the crystal would drive me crazy. Not to say it can’t happen with sapphire, just much less likely. The raised logo and polished links in the bracelet were worth it to me as well.
My wife promised me that if I ever go to space she’ll buy me a hesalite version for the authenticity 😂
I went to the Omega boutique in Seattle, put the sapphire and hesalite side by side, and bought the hesalite on a bracelet. I thought the hesalite looked better. Money wasn't an issue. No regrets and no scratches after 1.5 years. If or when I scuff the hesalite I'll get some polywatch.
I like the display caseback on the Speedy, and opted for the Sapphire as a result. Legacy means absolutely nothing to me for this watch, especially given the current Speedy is as original as a 2024 Mustang is to the 1967.
If you like the horse on the caseback, follow your heart, but I would try several on and see. To me, if you know you want the SS bracelet, it is a big savings just to get the SS.
Whichever one you choose, half the Speedmaster population will think you’ve made the wrong choice.
If you haven't already read it...Should You Buy Am Omega Speedmaster On A Bracelet Or A Strap? (hodinkee.com)
I have the previous gen (cal 1861) Moonwatch with the hesalite and no regrets. Speedy is an absolute strap monster. Plus there are some good aftermarket bracelets out there if you're willing to forego an OEM bracelet and save some more money. I recommend Forstner. They have several options: flat link (my favorite), mesh, president, oyster, jubilee, president.
Appreciate the link and definitely look forward to the problem of finding the perfect strap! Thanks again 🍻
I picked up the SS 3861 earlier this year. Same back and forth as you. I opted for the sapphire sandwich because for me any small scratch in the crystal would drive me crazy. Not to say it can’t happen with sapphire, just much less likely. The raised logo and polished links in the bracelet were worth it to me as well.
My wife promised me that if I ever go to space she’ll buy me a hesalite version for the authenticity 😂
The potential regret of not getting the sapphire because of a scratch is scaring/worrying me more than probably the actual scratch itself 😂 Kicking myself for not noticing the applied logo when I was comparing each the first time!
So funny… I was just telling my wife the only thing keeping me from space is I didn’t have the right watch! 🤣
I went to the Omega boutique in Seattle, put the sapphire and hesalite side by side, and bought the hesalite on a bracelet. I thought the hesalite looked better. Money wasn't an issue. No regrets and no scratches after 1.5 years. If or when I scuff the hesalite I'll get some polywatch.
Timeworks in University Village? I was there this morning doing the exact same thing. 😂 I was trying to drop the heaviest of hints to my wife who was tagging along what I wanted for the birthday early next year. Great to hear you’ve had good experience with the hesalite with no regrets. I am pretty careful with my watches so I wasn’t worried initially… but the potential for regret is now more scary then the actual future scratches 😂
I like the display caseback on the Speedy, and opted for the Sapphire as a result. Legacy means absolutely nothing to me for this watch, especially given the current Speedy is as original as a 2024 Mustang is to the 1967.
If you like the horse on the caseback, follow your heart, but I would try several on and see. To me, if you know you want the SS bracelet, it is a big savings just to get the SS.
Considering the hesalite was less about wanting authenticity (as I agree with you), and more about choosing to put the difference in money towards an additional strap and clasp. But I am beginning to think the extra security of the sapphire to resist scratches might be worth it. Appreciate the feedback! 🍻
Whichever one you choose, half the Speedmaster population will think you’ve made the wrong choice.
Hahaha - absolutely. I will second guess myself at least another 9 to 98 times between now and then. 😂
I opted for the sapphire sandwich primarily because I like the idea of being able to see the movement, but also because I prefer sapphire crystals to acrylic by a country mile. I don't subscribe to the idea that you need hesalite to be "authentic". The 3861 is far enough away from the original that any "authenticity" offered by the hesalite is pretty much meaningless as far as I'm concerned. I also opted for the bracelet, as I feel that it's super comfortable and suits the watch really well.
If you don't care about being able to view the movement, or if you feel that sapphire is blasphemy, then obviously the hesalite version is the way to go. You can also buy an after market display caseback later if you decide that being able to view the movement would be nice, but I suspect that effectively eliminates any initial cost saving. You also have to decide if you prefer the look of the hesalite crystal over the sapphire enough to put up with the potential scratches. I know many people complain about the "ring" around the sapphire crystal, and/or also simply prefer the way that the acrylic crystal distorts, but I'm not one of them.
Best of luck in your decision.
If I was debating sapphire vs hesalite, this shot of the movement is all anyone has to say.
It looks absolutely stunning and id hate to miss out on looking at that everyday forever for the sake of a few hundred 💵
This is like tossing a coin between subjective opinions. I went with the Hesalite version, when having the two side by side, because I loved the distorsion it gave. In a perfect world I would have had the applied logo and the see through case back as well. One thing I noticed, and I haven’t heard any objections when pointing it out, was that the see through case back actually added hight from the case downwards. So my experience was that the Hesalite sat a bit flatter on my wrist. Maybe it’s just me.
This is like tossing a coin between subjective opinions. I went with the Hesalite version, when having the two side by side, because I loved the distorsion it gave. In a perfect world I would have had the applied logo and the see through case back as well. One thing I noticed, and I haven’t heard any objections when pointing it out, was that the see through case back actually added hight from the case downwards. So my experience was that the Hesalite sat a bit flatter on my wrist. Maybe it’s just me.
Great call on the case height - definitely will go back in to check that out, as how it wears on the wrist is important to me. Thanks again! 🍻
Don’t overthink scratches on hesalite. Polywatch is a thing!
Has no one heard of Polywatch? Though acrylic scratches easily, it can be polished out with minimal effort.
For what it’s worth I recently saw both in person, the Sapphire version does have many very nice details, but the Hesalite is also undeniably a great piece for the price!
I have owned both: I originally got the hesalite version because there is less glare on the crystal, and it's the "original". I know it technically isn't, but it's closer for sure. The scratches are a pain, but if you use Polywatch regularly it should be fine. If you do, I believe it looks better because of the lack of glare (especially when you have just polished it). The sapphire sandwich on the other hand always looks classy. It should be noted that the sapphire crystal is more prone to fingerprints. For some reason I find that my sapphire crystal sports watches (Speedmaster and VC Overseas) attract fingerprints, small specks of dust etc like there's no tomorrow.
One thing that I would also like to note, which nobody told me: The hesalite version's caseback can be rough on the skin. I have sensitive skin and it became super irritated from the caseback. This is the only reason I switched to the sapphire sandwich, I simply couldn't wear the watch. Before you ask if I had the bracelet too tight, the answer is a definitive no: I loosened it multiple times without this problem going away (I also have similar issues with some other watches' bracelets and clasps, so I know it's my skin).
I have owned a Speedy for a year now, and I still look forward to putting it on my wrist every single time. It's a cliche watch perhaps, but it's a classic for a reason. For me there is no better black-dial-high-contrast-white-details watch out there at all, regardless of price range. You get so much for your money, and it still amazes me how cool this watch looks. Knowing that the base design is over 50 years old blows my mind.
I have owned both: I originally got the hesalite version because there is less glare on the crystal, and it's the "original". I know it technically isn't, but it's closer for sure. The scratches are a pain, but if you use Polywatch regularly it should be fine. If you do, I believe it looks better because of the lack of glare (especially when you have just polished it). The sapphire sandwich on the other hand always looks classy. It should be noted that the sapphire crystal is more prone to fingerprints. For some reason I find that my sapphire crystal sports watches (Speedmaster and VC Overseas) attract fingerprints, small specks of dust etc like there's no tomorrow.
One thing that I would also like to note, which nobody told me: The hesalite version's caseback can be rough on the skin. I have sensitive skin and it became super irritated from the caseback. This is the only reason I switched to the sapphire sandwich, I simply couldn't wear the watch. Before you ask if I had the bracelet too tight, the answer is a definitive no: I loosened it multiple times without this problem going away (I also have similar issues with some other watches' bracelets and clasps, so I know it's my skin).
I have owned a Speedy for a year now, and I still look forward to putting it on my wrist every single time. It's a cliche watch perhaps, but it's a classic for a reason. For me there is no better black-dial-high-contrast-white-details watch out there at all, regardless of price range. You get so much for your money, and it still amazes me how cool this watch looks. Knowing that the base design is over 50 years old blows my mind.
Appreciate the feedback! I was hoping to to hear from several folks like yourself who have experience owning both.
I am usually so focused on the design and how a watch proportionally sit on the wrist… I can’t even recall how the hesalite felt on my wrist to be honest. That is one thing I will definitely check /compare the next time I visit my AD.
Unfortunate to hear the sapphire attracts so many fingerprints… I’ve owned a watch that suffered from the same issue and remember it being such a pain to photograph 😂
Lots to think about moving forward - thanks again! 🍻
For years I intended to add a speedy and just couldn’t decide. A moonphase? A speedy racing? A moon watch? I kept going back and forth. Then they released the 3861 sapphire and that was it. The small details sometimes just make the difference. The applied logo but more then anything that bracelet! The bracelet is just amazing. So my advice is (besides try it in and go with you heart) make sure you get that bracelet!