Is the 3861 finished differently on the Hesalite vs Sapphire version?
I have a crush on the Hesalite speedy but would also love a sapphire caseback. Is the 3861 movement finished any differently between the two models? I know that it was on the previous generation Moonwatch (1861 vs 1863). Appreciate your insight Speedy community!
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Matthew
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Tulsa, OK
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Last active: 1 year ago
I can't say with 100% certainty, but I'm almost positive that I had read that the hesalite 3861 uses the exact same movement as the sapphire version. I opted for the sapphire 3861 over the hesalite because I wanted the display caseback, and I just happen to feel that the sapphire looks better than the hesalite (I suspect I'm in the minority on that viewpoint). The movement is finished nicely enough that having it on display is a bonus in my book.
I wish Omega still sold the Hesalite Sandwich. Hesalite in front, sapphire in the back. Here is the quote from Bob's Watches that says the movements are the same in the 3861 Speedy:
"Previously, the Moonwatch references that featured sapphire case-backs were powered by the Caliber 1863, while the standard model received the Caliber 1861. The primary difference between these two calibers was the degree of finishing, with the Cal. 1863 being more decorated than its non-visible counterpart. With the new generation of Co-Axial Moonwatch models, all versions receive the same Caliber 3861, regardless of whether or not the movement will be visible through the case-back."
https://www.bobswatches.com/rolex-blog/new-releases/omega-speedmaster-moonwatch-caliber-3861-movement.html
Why not the Cal. 321?