Speedy Pro 3861 Hesalite vs. Sapphire Queston

[Tricolore66]

I haven't had a chance to see one of these in person yet, and I own a Hesalite now that's around 6 years old. I was wondering if the sapphire crystal is domed like the Hesalite? I've always thought the "true" Speedy Pro had the Hesalite crystal, but I think I might like to try it on sapphire this time around, but I love the domed effect.

[ratty]

The sapphire version is flatter than the Hesalite version.

[1William]

I had always avoided the Hesalite version as I am not a fan of plastic crystals. I had handled them and until I actually bought one and gave it some wrist time it did not work very well for me. I started with the 1861 and finally got the new 3861. Now I wear the 1861 with straps and the 3861 with the bracelet. I like the timekeeping with the 3861 and the dial and bracelet changes. No issue with sapphire but there is something about the Hesalite version on the Speedmaster that is spot on.

[logo]

I believe the sapphire is flat, which gives it the milk ring effect at the edges. Personally I love the dome and warmth of the hesalite on a speedmaster.

[AEC]

Originally Posted by logo

I believe the sapphire is flat, which gives it the milk ring effect at the edges. Personally I love the dome and warmth of the hesalite on a speedmaster.

Cool photo

[Alex_TA]

I prefer sapphire.

[StanGMT]

Originally Posted by logo

I believe the sapphire is flat, which gives it the milk ring effect at the edges. Personally I love the dome and warmth of the hesalite on a speedmaster.

Just for the record, the Speedy sapphire isn't optically flat, like on some other watches, but is slightly convex. It's true, however, that it's nowhere near as domed as the Hesalite crystal is.

Stan.

[Tricolore66]

So today I went to see the 3861, and other than the bracelet it wasn't different enough from my watch to spend $7k. So I just bought the bracelet, a perfect fit on my 1861.

[stevestil]

I have the sapphire and Hesalite version as well. Currently selling the Hesalite. I am aware of the history of it however I much prefer the sapphire.


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[shammad10]

I own the Sapphire, it is flatter, but still domed. It isn’t flat like a Rolex etc.
I love it and wouldn’t buy the hesalite again

[ProCoach]

Originally Posted by 1William

I had always avoided the Hesalite version as I am not a fan of plastic crystals. I had handled them and until I actually bought one and gave it some wrist time it did not work very well for me. I started with the 1861 and finally got the new 3861. Now I wear the 1861 with straps and the 3861 with the bracelet. I like the timekeeping with the 3861 and the dial and bracelet changes. No issue with sapphire but there is something about the Hesalite version on the Speedmaster that is spot on.

Great summation. Thank you!

[ratty]

Originally Posted by 1William

I had always avoided the Hesalite version as I am not a fan of plastic crystals. I had handled them and until I actually bought one and gave it some wrist time it did not work very well for me. I started with the 1861 and finally got the new 3861. Now I wear the 1861 with straps and the 3861 with the bracelet. I like the timekeeping with the 3861 and the dial and bracelet changes. No issue with sapphire but there is something about the Hesalite version on the Speedmaster that is spot on.

How accurate do you find the new version when compared to the older one?

Thanks

[DoricSpiker]

Hesalite for me, I chose it because it’s different to most of my collection and has a warm vintage look to it.
There are loads of omegas to pick with sapphire but not many with hesalite!


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[raclaims]

For me, if you only have one watch I'd go sapphire...it's just more modern and easy to read etc...but if you have other saphires def go hesalite...it's unique and nice and vintage feeling

[Alex_TA]

Originally Posted by logo

I believe the sapphire is flat, which gives it the milk ring effect at the edges.

It’s much less pronounced on 3861 sapphire.
Approved by Miss Molly.

[Dr.Stu]

Originally Posted by 1William

I had always avoided the Hesalite version as I am not a fan of plastic crystals. I had handled them and until I actually bought one and gave it some wrist time it did not work very well for me. I started with the 1861 and finally got the new 3861. Now I wear the 1861 with straps and the 3861 with the bracelet. I like the timekeeping with the 3861 and the dial and bracelet changes. No issue with sapphire but there is something about the Hesalite version on the Speedmaster that is spot on.

Similar to 1William, and after much debate, I first got the sapphire crystal, but a Sapphire Sandwich- 1863- because I loved the look & durability of the sapphire over the Hesalite & I like being able too see the movement. I think the sapphire works really well with a leather strap (dark brown for me) & the watch wore much better on me than the older style large-clasped bracelet.

When the new Speedy came out, with the more rapidly tapering bracelet & much smaller clasp, I loved the fit & went for the 3861 with the Hesalite "crystal" and the solid back for the more classic Moonwatch look. I'd probably have gone for a "Hesalite Sandwich" with the 3861 if it were offered, tbh.

Many people seem to either complain about the "milky ring" of the sapphire or complain of distortion and easy scratching of the Hesalite (easily polished out at home or complimentary at my OB, btw), but I really enjoy both looks.

3861 on bracelet pix are already in this thread, so here's my sapphire 1863 on leather:

Omega Speedmaster Speedy Pro web sized.jpg

[mquarter]

I totally appreciate that the hesalite gives an intangible warmth to the dial, if it didn't scratch so easily it would be my pick. On the other hand the so-called milky ring of the sapphire crystal is quite overblown and over time you'd just cease to notice it when looking at the dial.