Chances of a Hesalite and Sapphire Speedy 3861?

i dont think so, the hesalite version is more of like the original design. so i dont think they would change anything in it. the reduced version is more like affordable option and the saphirre version is the version that omega would play and changed the design a little bit

I think it was @s0ckpupp3t who called that version the "mullet" - business in the front, party in the back!

Hahah, how I long for a 3861 Speedy Mullet. :)

There was a period of time between 1996-2003 when Omega made Speedmasters with a Hesalite crystal and Sapphire displayback (Ref. 3572.50).  People nicknamed these the "Hesalite Sandwich."  Omega stopped production in 2003 when they came out with the Sapphire Sandwich models.

I don't think Omega has ever made a Mullet after that.  I don't think it would ever go into regular production but as a limited edition, who knows?  :) 

I read that the steel and exhibition casebacks are now interchangeable on the 3861.  The ones on the 1861/1863 were not because the steel caseback on those was thicker due to the antimagnetic shielding.  Now that the movement itself is antimagnetic, there's no need to do that for the 3861. 

So potentially you can try to procure a Omega OEM exhibition caseback and put it on a Hesalite 3861 (but I haven't heard of anyone who was able to get their hands on one).  Additionally, it's pretty likely there will be aftermarket exhibition casebacks for the 3861 like there currently are for the 1861. So those are potential options if you're willing to hack your Speedy.

Personally, I don't think Omega will do this for another few years. And even if they do, it is more likely to be a limited release that doesn't risk cannibalising their current two catalogue models.

And so if you're kind of wishlisting the same watch but just with hesalite up front and sapphire at the reverse, it appears to be very unlikely.

I also read what @s0ckpupp3t shared on the fact that it is potentially possible to swap the caseback of the 3861 Hesalite with that of the Sapphire Sandwich as the previous version's Faraday cage is no more present given the new movement's antimagnetic properties.

Having said that, Omega has also declared that any such modification will effectively void your warranty. With Omega now giving 5 years, I don't see many people taking that risk.

Just to share, I am one of the few people that previously owned a Hesalite 1861, and have since 'migrated' to the SS 3861. Yes, my hesalite brethren now call me a traitor LOL

So interesting that you say that, knowing how much of a watch photography guy you are.  I thought a ll photography minded naturally opted for hesalite Speedy due to light play and distortions from that crystal.  Would love to get your take on that.

Well I think the nicest looking version dial side between the two is definitely the Hesalite Speedy. I had the privilege of having that for a good 4 years. But ultimately my decision was based on a few factors which I will list in descending priority:

1.  The New Moonwatch wears better than the 3861, and the thinnest most wearable version is the Sapphire Sandwich. I have a very small wrist, and the lower height and flatter profile of a sapphire caseback vs a engraved closed caseback has a small but noticeable difference (to counter the fit issue, I wear my watches tight, and the Hippocampus often 'marked my wrist'). The previous one also just floated like a UFO on my wrist due to its thicker underside to accommodate the Faraday cage. I bought it at a time I wasn't so aware of these things and was just getting into the hobby (look where that has got me!). Am a lot more sensitive these days to fit, and the new 3861 SS had the best even if just marginal to the 3861 Hesalite.
2.  The biggest, and most significant upgrade to the Speedmaster Moonwatch in 2021 was not the visual upgrades, but the METAS certified 3861 finally being put inside. To hide this under a caseback didn't make sense to me. I was also already an owner of the 1861 hesalite. If I was going to get the 3861 hesalite, I could just keep the 1861 Hesalite and it would have been fine.
3.  I used to really hate the sapphire milky ring on the older versions. Omega has done some improvements as it is a lot LESS prominent now. Like this shot I took (https://www.instagram.com/p/CahrP4spdjy/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link) - the only reason it shows up from below is coz I placed a light there for the photo. The biggest dislike was this ring as a Hesalite owner. I also liked that Omega did something dial side with the applied logo that added a bit of photographic interest to differentiate. They didn't have this when you compared the 1861 and 1863 from before.
4.  I probably have OCD. And so I can't stand scratches - I probably applied Polywatch to my watch once every 6-7 mths. I figured that at least now I could use this watch without worrying so much about babying the crystal the way I used to.
5.  I rationalised belatedly that there's no point being a purist anymore about the Moonwatch as in theory, NONE of the 3861 Speedmasters have ever gone to the moon. So even thought the new Hesalite is flight qualified for the Moon, it actually hasn't been there unlike its previous iteration! Besides, I'm unlikely to be a Space Tourist in my lifetime so I guess I need not be so pedantic anymore as I age.

Ultimately, after my entire lengthy deliberation - I decided that if I was going to get the new Moonwatch, it would need to be the one that is distinctively different. If I was going to tilt to the Hesalite, I'd just keep my 1861 as I got mine at time when it was an absolute steal in hindsight.

As for the photographic standpoint, as a watch enthusiast, I try to bring the best out of any piece. The Sapphire's charm will come from the visible movement on the back, the shine of the applied logo + almost transparent crytalless view of the stepped dial. If I had the Hesalite 3861 on hand, I would have focused on the warmth of the distortion as you suggested. You win some, you lose some!

Thanks for sharing such a detailed and thoughtful explanation of your reasons for choosing a Sapphire 3861 over the Hesalite.  It matches my own decision making process almost 100%. Given how often the Sapphire 3861 seems out of stock/on waitlist, I suspect a lot of people have the same idea.

I would add that since I was buying a new generation model Speedmaster, I wanted all the bells and whistles of a modern luxury watch and that I could always pick up a pre-owned Hesalite 1861 if/when I wanted to add an authentic workhorse Speedmaster.

Cheers mate - happy to share since it's a very niche interest group anyway to begin with! But absolutely nothing wrong with the Hesalite version for sure!