Dipping my toes into speedmaster territory

[2001jesper]

Been a few years since my last watch purchase and can fell the itch for a classic. I am not experienced with Omega (besides a vintage Geneve), but have been gravitating towards the new SMP 3861 with sapphire (I am not a purist ).

I tired it a few days ago. It felt great on the wrist, had a more solid feel than expected and I really liked the tapered bracelet - Overall I was quite impressed. Have had concerns about whether I would find the dial interesting enough, but those worries were also laid to rest.

So here I am - I have a spot ready on the kitchen table and ready to pull the trigger. However, will I regret buying the "bread & butter" model as my first Speedmaster two years down the line, or is there a more interesting current speedmaster reference that I should look into, before helping a SA with his/her sales target

Any input would be highlight appreciated

[herts9]

I think you’re right to go with the classic.

It’s easier to shop for the others with that one already secured on your wrist. Then you can look at the outside the box stuff. I did the same and came across a Worldtimer back in February. It was a must have.

Browse the What Omega are you wearing today? thread for things that may tickle your fancy.

[2001jesper]

Originally Posted by herts9

I think you’re right to go with the classic.

It’s easier to shop for the others with that one already secured on your wrist. Then you can look at the outside the box stuff. I did the same and came across a Worldtimer back in February. It was a must have.

Browse the What Omega are you wearing today? thread for things that may tickle your fancy.

Thanks! Really don't think I can go wrong with the classic version Will carefully jump into that thread

[DJ2020]

3861 would absolutely be my 1st choice. Great watch.

[bonovox]

You're eyeing a really great watch. Can't go wrong here.

[arcadelt]

It's a great watch, and as long as long as you are happy adding another black dial to your collection, go for it. However, if the size is a little more than you want, you could perhaps consider one with the smaller symmetrical case, such as the FOIS, 60th Anniversary (slightly grey dial BTW) or new "Ed White" tribute.

[Ona]

The truth is there are lots of reasons to love the 3861... movement, bracelet, appearance etc...

You can't go wrong in choosing it.

Perhaps this will also help:

https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/om...er-3861-review

[gnuyork]

I'd always opt for the classic. I chose the Hesalite version of the 3861 (mainly because the Sapphire upon launch was a longer wait) and I LOVE it. No regrets.

[nm4710]

Its a tough choice. I’m usually a fan of Hesalite but on the new 3861 the bracelet doesn’t have polished links and looks rather downmarket because of it. My choice would be a hesalite watch with a sapphire watch’s band…barring that on the 3861 I would go sapphire. I found both bracelets to feel positively flimsy compared to the 1861 (but more comfortable).

N

[ducatiti]

Originally Posted by nm4710

Its a tough choice. I’m usually a fan of Hesalite but on the new 3861 the bracelet doesn’t have polished links and looks rather downmarket because of it. My choice would be a hesalite watch with a sapphire watch’s band…barring that on the 3861 I would go sapphire. I found both bracelets to feel positively flimsy compared to the 1861 (but more comfortable).

N

I'm on the other side of the fence. I like the non-polished bracelet for a cleaner and uniform look. I find the bracelet on the sapphire too busy, or too much going on.

Here is my 3861 hesalite purchased two weeks ago. Make sure you don't receive a new old stock as there were issues with the bushing causing the chrono to seize. Mine shipped from Omega so I think I'm safe as they recently made the corrections.

[ducatiti]

Also, with the polished links, it looks like the 1861 bracelet at first glance. Not a bad thing, just saying...

[1William]

Great watch choice and I do not think you will regret it. The Speedmaster is a strap monster and you can change it up as you desire. Go for it.

[2001jesper]

Thanks all for the good feedback and perspectives! Really appreciate that you take the time

Will go for it, and hope that I can post an incoming just below within the next week

[Oyster Sauce]

The "bread and butter" Speedy is absolutely the one to go for first. Best wishes

[LazySumday]

Where can I purchase the new bracelet for my 1861?


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[texasmade]

Originally Posted by LazySumday

Where can I purchase the new bracelet for my 1861?


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Omega boutique

[hutch300]

The boutique will have them - often in store available.

[2001jesper]

The boutiques ship as well, so then them a mail in case you don't have one nearby

[watchaholic777]

Just a heads up that there seems to be some issues with the 3861, not to say that yours will have this issue but wanted to just put it out there. I was going to spring for one but from what I’ve been reading, I may wait.

[Lu..]

OP, pulled the trigger last week on the ref you are interested.....love it.....

as for the chrono issues, would ask the AD or OB what is the build date since all the new ones since late July have the new bushings. If it is prior to late July ask if the bushings have been replaced....

update us if you get this iconic timepiece ....

[2001jesper]

Originally Posted by Lu..

OP, pulled the trigger last week on the ref you are interested.....love it.....

as for the chrono issues, would ask the AD or OB what is the build date since all the new ones since late July have the new bushings. If it is prior to late July ask if the bushings have been replaced....

update us if you get this iconic timepiece ....

Thanks - Will inquire the boutique

Send the money for the watch earlier this week, so essentially just waiting for them to confirm and revert with shipping details - has felt like forever

[Jimmy 1665]

I got my 3861 hesalite in February & it's been having plenty of wrist time. No problems with the movement and I've had the chronograph running regularly. Keep in mind the 3861 has been around for a while now. Don't let those teething defects put you off getting one - I'm loving mine!
The only thing that frustrates me is the stupidly long reference.. 310.30.42.50.01.001 and the box it comes in because it pointlessly HUGE!!

[2001jesper]

Originally Posted by Jimmy 1665

I got my 3861 hesalite in February & it's been having plenty of wrist time. No problems with the movement and I've had the chronograph running regularly. Keep in mind the 3861 has been around for a while now. Don't let those teething defects put you off getting one - I'm loving mine!
The only thing that frustrates me is the stupidly long reference.. 310.30.42.50.01.001 and the box it comes in because it pointlessly HUGE!!

Thanks for the feedback Bought the new SMP and think it will arrive Thursday, so just counting the days

[Goin2drt]

I finally saw the 3861 he hesalite yesterday at an AD and tried it on. I wanted to love it but that bracelet has a serious taper and almost feels flimsy on the watch. The watch is amazing. I liked the hesalite and it would be cool to have that with a see through rear case.

I think I am going to wait and try the sapphire.

[gnuyork]

Originally Posted by Goin2drt

I finally saw the 3861 he hesalite yesterday at an AD and tried it on. I wanted to love it but that bracelet has a serious taper and almost feels flimsy on the watch. The watch is amazing. I liked the hesalite and it would be cool to have that with a see through rear case.

I think I am going to wait and try the sapphire.

Not everybody loves a light tapered bracelet, but I sure do. The lighter the better. I'm sure the Sapphire will feel the same though.

[Jimmy 1665]

Originally Posted by 2001jesper

Thanks for the feedback Bought the new SMP and think it will arrive Thursday, so just counting the days

You're welcome!
I was a little unsure when I unboxed it. But as pretty much all I've been wearing is Subs for 30 years, the SMP & it's tapered bracelet did take a bit of getting used to. I think it's unfair to compare an oyster bracelet to this new SMP tapered bracelet on the 3861 as I initially did - maybe the 1861 bracelet has closer dimensions (possibly).

Enjoy that new Speedy when it appears Thursday :)

[2001jesper]

Watch received and its fantastic!!! Winding the crown is a pain though, but guess that I will survive

Have decided that I want to size the bracelet myself and hence have bought a screwdriver, something for the pin, loctite 222 and some tape in case of nervous hands.

However does Omega also use Loctite and to what extend do I need to heat the bracelet to loosen the screws (e.g. warm water)? I have general household appliances at my disposal

Any input would be highly appreciated!

[wcs2229]

Congrats!

I resized my son's Speedy Moonphase myself with a screwdriver and no heat. Make sure to use the correct size screwdriver that is of good quality. Hold the screwdriver tight against the screw so it does not slip and mess up on the screw head (I know because I did on the first screw). Yes, tape up around the screw to avoid scratching the bracelet.

It doesn't hurt to apply some heat first if you want. SS can withstand hot water or hair dryer, but don't use a flame.

[2001jesper]

Your warning was much appriciated, but unfortunately not enough

First screw went out nicely and it quickly went downhill from there - on the way to my normal AD now for a lesson

[Dietzster]

Can't go wrong with one!