Your help/advice please!

[dr.ns23]

Hello All,

I am new to the Omega forum and to the brand; in fact, I never considered buying an Omega watch until I saw the collab between Swatch and Omega. I always heard about the Speedmaster but never really gave it attention or considered it. But when I saw the collab watch and started reading about the Speedmaster I fell in love with it.

I am currently considering the 310.30.42.50.01.001 and would like to know your opinion on the watch? I personally love it but I am a bit confused on whether I should get it or buy the sapphire crystal reference. The idea of seeing the movement is also cool. Having said so, I still prefer to own a watch that is closer to the original model and that's why I am leaning towards the .01. And by the way, I am not a vintage watch person so that's why I didn't consider an older reference.

I would also like to mention that I haven't seen the watch in person yet and I don't know if it will fit well or not. I have a relatively small wrist (around 16 cm) so what do you guys think? Trying the watch is not an option for the time being as I am not close to any Omega store or dealer. My plan is to buy it from the duty free on my way back to my county.

I look forward to getting your feedback/opinion/suggestions on the watch (esp the Hesalite crystal) before I pull the trigger.

Thank you very much

[atxwatch]

Originally Posted by dr.ns23

Hello All,

I am new to the Omega forum and to the brand; in fact, I never considered buying an Omega watch until I saw the collab between Swatch and Omega. I always heard about the Speedmaster but never really gave it attention or considered it. But when I saw the collab watch and started reading about the Speedmaster I fell in love with it.

I am currently considering the 310.30.42.50.01.001 and would like to know your opinion on the watch? I personally love it but I am a bit confused on whether I should get it or buy the sapphire crystal reference. The idea of seeing the movement is also cool. Having said so, I still prefer to own a watch that is closer to the original model and that's why I am leaning towards the .01. And by the way, I am not a vintage watch person so that's why I didn't consider an older reference.

I would also like to mention that I haven't seen the watch in person yet and I don't know if it will fit well or not. I have a relatively small wrist (around 16 cm) so what do you guys think? Trying the watch is not an option for the time being as I am not close to any Omega store or dealer. My plan is to buy it from the duty free on my way back to my county.

I look forward to getting your feedback/opinion/suggestions on the watch (esp the Hesalite crystal) before I pull the trigger.

Thank you very much

Few things...the Speedy Hesalite 3861 is a fantastic watch. No need to pay up to the Sapphire version IMO unless you know you are super clumsy and likelt to slam the crystal into doorways with swinging arms.

As far as size goes, the Speedy wears relatively small. Smaller than the 41mm AT and the 42mm SMP300. With the tapered bracelet, it looks downright elegant on smaller wrists.

No downside as far as I can see and I have been an owner for about 6 months.

[dr.ns23]

Originally Posted by atxwatch

Few things...the Speedy Hesalite 3861 is a fantastic watch. No need to pay up to the Sapphire version IMO unless you know you are super clumsy and likelt to slam the crystal into doorways with swinging arms.

As far as size goes, the Speedy wears relatively small. Smaller than the 41mm AT and the 42mm SMP300. With the tapered bracelet, it looks downright elegant on smaller wrists.

No downside as far as I can see and I have been an owner for about 6 months.

I am usually careful so I am not too worried about hitting it but you never know. However, I read that replacing the Hesalite crystal doesn't cost a fortune so that's good in case anything happens.
Thank you very much for your reply! Enjoy your watch

[HMHM]

I personally went with the sapphire sandwich. The Hesalite version is slightly thicker if I remember correctly. Also it doesn’t have the applied metal logo. Seeing the 3861 movement is the icing on the cake!

[Nap]

Originally Posted by atxwatch

Few things...the Speedy Hesalite 3861 is a fantastic watch. No need to pay up to the Sapphire version IMO unless you know you are super clumsy and likelt to slam the crystal into doorways with swinging arms.

As far as size goes, the Speedy wears relatively small. Smaller than the 41mm AT and the 42mm SMP300. With the tapered bracelet, it looks downright elegant on smaller wrists.

No downside as far as I can see and I have been an owner for about 6 months.

+1

[dr.ns23]

Originally Posted by HMHM

I personally went with the sapphire sandwich. The Hesalite version is slightly thicker if I remember correctly. Also it doesn’t have the applied metal logo. Seeing the 3861 movement is the icing on the cake!

I do agree that seeing the movement is very tempting!

[Bustelo]

The hesalite is going to get all sorts of desk dives, hairline scratches etc.. in no time. Fortunately you can buff them. If I was shopping a Speedy I'd prefer sapphire and display case back, they would be my main priority. If I went with the original vintage with display caseback I would have no problem living with the plastic crystal.

[steeevvvooo]

You say you are not a vintage guy but depending on what you class as "vintage" the 3572.50 is a potential option on the preowned market. Sapphire caseback, hesalite crystal and a modern movement (not latest model but still relatively so vs true vintage).

Sent from my SM-S901B using Tapatalk

[dr.ns23]

Thank you all for your kind replies. I think I will go for the Sapphire crystal option for its durability and the see through case back. I know I said I wanted something close to the original watch but I am usually someone who doesn’t like scratches so I think I will regret buying the Hesalite and will spend my time worried about scratching the crystal instead of enjoying the watch itself.

[Bustelo]

Originally Posted by dr.ns23

Thank you all for your kind replies. I think I will go for the Sapphire crystal option for its durability and the see through case back. I know I said I wanted something close to the original watch but I am usually someone who doesn’t like scratches so I think I will regret buying the Hesalite and will spend my time worried about scratching the crystal instead of enjoying the watch itself.

That's what happens, unless you're into lots of patina it can be bothersome. Sapphire has better clarity also. I don't think you would buy sapphire and regret it in retrospect which you may do with hesalite... In the first 24hrs.

[Nice marmot]

I think you’ll be happy with the sapphire. I have about the same size wrist and went to a local AD a few months ago to try on a speedy. As soon as I put it on I knew I had to have it. Unfortunately all they had in stock at the time was the hesalite and I knew I couldn’t tolerate the scratches. The next morning I messaged their main location about an hour away and sure enough they had a sapphire in stock. I bought it and haven’t looked back. It’s a great watch and has quickly become my most worn.

[dr.ns23]

Originally Posted by Bustelo

That's what happens, unless you're into lots of patina it can be bothersome. Sapphire has better clarity also. I don't think you would buy sapphire and regret it in retrospect which you may do with hesalite... In the first 24hrs.

Yeah I agree with you! It is a watch that I want to wear on a daily basis and I don't want to spend my time worrying about the crystal

[dr.ns23]

Originally Posted by Nice marmot

I think you’ll be happy with the sapphire. I have about the same size wrist and went to a local AD a few months ago to try on a speedy. As soon as I put it on I knew I had to have it. Unfortunately all they had in stock at the time was the hesalite and I knew I couldn’t tolerate the scratches. The next morning I messaged their main location about an hour away and sure enough they had a sapphire in stock. I bought it and haven’t looked back. It’s a great watch and has quickly become my most worn.

The crystal getting scratched easily is what made me change my mind quickly.
Congrats on the watch. I haven't tried one yet but I have a feeling that the moment I will try it I will love it too.
Do you mind sharing some pictures of it on your wrist? Just to get an idea of how it looks on smaller wrists. Thanks

[Tools]

Plexiglass crystals are for purists who want to harken back to the early days of watches.

Here's the one I wear the most.

speedy2copy-1.jpg

[the_drunk_dial]

Hesalite looks better in my opinion. Also, people really seem to overestimate the durability of sapphire. If you do not look after your watch properly, you WILL scratch your sapphire crystals.

With that being said, if you look after your hesalite properly, it will still get hairline scratches in it; however, they buff out very easily, and it reflects light better, and hides smudges much better than sapphire.

I say go with the hesalite. Lets face it — it won’t be your only watch, but it will very likely be your only hesalite watch. A good rule of thumb for me is if its a dome crystal, hesalite wins.

[Zartan]

As a history major I had to go with the original version. The sales guy in Vegas walked me through a couple different versions. My favorite was the moonphase ceramic version but they were 12k. Both popular speedies are super nice, you can’t go wrong but you should try and visit a boutique or FaceTime them before making a decision. I haven’t found any snotty nosed omega dealers yet.

[herefortheattachment]

Originally Posted by the_drunk_dial

Hesalite looks better in my opinion. Also, people really seem to overestimate the durability of sapphire. If you do not look after your watch properly, you WILL scratch your sapphire crystals.

With that being said, if you look after your hesalite properly, it will still get hairline scratches in it; however, they buff out very easily, and it reflects light better, and hides smudges much better than sapphire.

I say go with the hesalite. Lets face it — it won’t be your only watch, but it will very likely be your only hesalite watch. A good rule of thumb for me is if its a dome crystal, hesalite wins.

Agreed. Hesalite crystals dont scratch as easily as everyone makes them sound. A few scratches gives it some charm, anyway. The hesalite gives the Speedy a nice warmth and is only a few bucks to replace. The sapphire crystal was $700+ last I checked. Very common for the previous gen Speedys to get chips at the edge of the sapphire crystal since it extrudes and isn’t flush — not sure about the new 3861. The prev gen sapphire also had a “milky ring” but it’s reduced on the latest sapphire release. The applied logo on the dual of the new sapphire version looks nice, too.

Can’t go wrong with either but the hesalite has an appeal you probably won’t appreciate until you wear it!

[omar-rye]

I picked up the sapphire since it’s a modern watch. I’d rather have the hesalite on the vintage reference

[macrowatch]

I think in a multi watch collection, and presumably looks like you already have a jumbo, I would prefer the convenience of sapphire.

Pick up the watch, perfect every time.

[dr.ns23]

Thank you all for your replies and help!
Honestly, I can't make my mind yet. I am leaning towards the sapphire because of its superior scratch resistance. I usually wear my watches during the weekend. I don't wear them to work (I usually wear Apple watch or a G-shock). But with the Speedmaster I want to wear it daily so the sapphire might be better.
I hope to be able to see them both at the same time. The issue is that I am out of my country for 3 months and the prices there are too high compared to those of the duty free. So will have to check what is available in the airport closer to my flight time and might even have to pay a deposit before I fly to secure it.
Will keep you guys posted! Thanks again

[Ravager135]

I commented in a similar thread regarding the Hesalite/sapphire choice. I owned the previous generation Hesalite Speedmaster Professional and flipped it for the brand new sapphire model. I loved both for very different reasons.

The Hesalite model feels cheaper. That's not a bad thing. It just feels more connected to the history of the Speedmaster as a tool. I take very good care of my watches and I still needed to buff out scratches. It never really bothered me and I almost liked knowing I could restore the Hesalite very easily if need be with Polywatch.

I made a decision two months ago that the new Speedmaster movement and bracelet upgrades were too much to turn down. I really wanted hacking seconds to set the time as accurately as possible. I further justified my decision to replace one Speedmaster Professional with another by "upgrading" to the sapphire version. It was just another change that helped me mentally justify throwing in a few more dollars to get basically the same watch. I am glad I did.

The sapphire Speedmaster Professional just feels more similar in quality to my other Rolex, Omega, and IWC pieces. I also love the gold Speedmaster Professionals that Omega has been releasing and the sapphire is the closest visually to these models (applied logo, open caseback, sapphire crystal, polished intermediate links).

Ultimately, it makes no difference when I think. I love both Speedmasters. I get why someone would get one or the other completely. This is just my story.

[the_drunk_dial]

My hesalite Speedy probably gets more wear than any other watch in my collection. As previously stated, I think it’s suited better for daily wear than the sapphire. The new model does have less of the milky ring, but I suspect that is due to a thinner crystal. Go with your heart though, and get what makes you happy, but I really do think sapphire gives people a false sense of security. It really isn’t as indestructible as people make it out to be, and looks terrible unless you are constantly wiping away smudges. You really should be careful with any expensive watch you wear, no matter what it’s built for.

[gnuyork]

I've worn my 3861 Hesalite nearly every day since Jan '21 and the only scratch on the crystal is one where I knocked the watch into the wall (on the day I bought it!). I do agree with what someone said above. I think Hesalite is more durable than what is perceived. Not as durable as Sapphire from a scratch resistant point, but it won't shatter or chip, and it's easy to buff out scratches (I've read) and also less cost to outright replace if needed.

The Hesalite is thicker, yes, but only because of the domed crystal... the case thickness is the same. The new black dial viewed through the Hesalite in sunlight is really a visual treat.

A great watch, whichever you choose.

[dr.ns23]

Originally Posted by Ravager135

I commented in a similar thread regarding the Hesalite/sapphire choice. I owned the previous generation Hesalite Speedmaster Professional and flipped it for the brand new sapphire model. I loved both for very different reasons.

The Hesalite model feels cheaper. That's not a bad thing. It just feels more connected to the history of the Speedmaster as a tool. I take very good care of my watches and I still needed to buff out scratches. It never really bothered me and I almost liked knowing I could restore the Hesalite very easily if need be with Polywatch.

I made a decision two months ago that the new Speedmaster movement and bracelet upgrades were too much to turn down. I really wanted hacking seconds to set the time as accurately as possible. I further justified my decision to replace one Speedmaster Professional with another by "upgrading" to the sapphire version. It was just another change that helped me mentally justify throwing in a few more dollars to get basically the same watch. I am glad I did.

The sapphire Speedmaster Professional just feels more similar in quality to my other Rolex, Omega, and IWC pieces. I also love the gold Speedmaster Professionals that Omega has been releasing and the sapphire is the closest visually to these models (applied logo, open caseback, sapphire crystal, polished intermediate links).

Ultimately, it makes no difference when I think. I love both Speedmasters. I get why someone would get one or the other completely. This is just my story.

I agree, both Speedmasters are beautiful and this is what makes the decision more difficult.

[dr.ns23]

Originally Posted by gnuyork

I've worn my 3861 Hesalite nearly every day since Jan '21 and the only scratch on the crystal is one where I knocked the watch into the wall (on the day I bought it!). I do agree with what someone said above. I think Hesalite is more durable than what is perceived. Not as durable as Sapphire from a scratch resistant point, but it won't shatter or chip, and it's easy to buff out scratches (I've read) and also less cost to outright replace if needed.

The Hesalite is thicker, yes, but only because of the domed crystal... the case thickness is the same. The new black dial viewed through the Hesalite in sunlight is really a visual treat.

A great watch, whichever you choose.

Amazing picture, thanks for sharing!

[beau007]

I have owned the hesalite version since 2014, and wear it almost constantly. I bought it exactly because of the reasons you mentioned-because it was truer to the original, and yet modern enough for me. The hesalite does get an occasional little scratch or two, but it is very easy to polish out with a dab of Poly Watch on a soft cloth. And then it looks new again! Besides, the hesalite gives the watch a warm, historic vibe IMO. And, although much, much harder to scratch, any scratch you might put on a sapphire crystal is going to be there until you pay to have the crystal replaced. You can't easily buff it out like you can with hesalite. Also, when you eventually send the watch in to Omega for regular service, they will install a new hesalite crystal. No extra charge for this, it is part of the regular service. So, back to looking again.
I change back and forth between the bracelet and strap every so often. When I do, I take an extra few minutes to carefully clean the watch case, and then polish the hesalite. I enjoy the time spent rediscovering the tiny Omega logo in the center of the hesalite crystal, and admiring the details of the dial. I really don't mind the minor maintenance that I do on the hesalite. It's an easy and enjoyable part of my routine.
I can see why people like the exhibition back, but I honestly don't miss the lack of an exhibition back on my watch. That's probably because I really like the text on the case back of the hesalite version. It reminds me of the watch's place in space history and I think it is cool.
You absolutely can't go wrong with either version of this iconic watch. Once you buy it, wear it with no worries! It's a watch meant to be worn and enjoyed, just like the astronauts did. Love the watch you choose for the reasons you chose it.

[Ravager135]

Originally Posted by dr.ns23

I agree, both Speedmasters are beautiful and this is what makes the decision more difficult.

Let me ask, what does the rest of your collection look like?

EDIT: Nevermind, I see your pieces listed in your signature. I would advise you to get the sapphire. I think it will feel most similar in terms of quality to your other watches. My Speedmaster was a piece I wore in regular rotation with my other watches, but never really wore anywhere fancy. Now, my Speedmaster gets the most wrist time along with my BLRO. It's no longer my casual watch that I only wear at home or on errands. I have no problem wearing it anywhere because it stacks up to my other watches.

[dr.ns23]

Originally Posted by Ravager135

Let me ask, what does the rest of your collection look like?

EDIT: Nevermind, I see your pieces listed in your signature. I would advise you to get the sapphire. I think it will feel most similar in terms of quality to your other watches. My Speedmaster was a piece I wore in regular rotation with my other watches, but never really wore anywhere fancy. Now, my Speedmaster gets the most wrist time along with my BLRO. It's no longer my casual watch that I only wear at home or on errands. I have no problem wearing it anywhere because it stacks up to my other watches.

Thank you for your reply. You have a point and I agree with you. It will fit better with my current collection and it will be easier to wear in any occasion. Part of me also feels like since I am paying a decent amount of money might as well get it with a sapphire crystal and enjoy seeing the movement.
I got an excellent offer from an AD that I know on both watches, so I just have to make my mind and transfer the money. However, I won’t be able to collect the watch until end of July/early August :(

[gnuyork]

Originally Posted by Ravager135

Let me ask, what does the rest of your collection look like?

EDIT: Nevermind, I see your pieces listed in your signature. I would advise you to get the sapphire. I think it will feel most similar in terms of quality to your other watches. My Speedmaster was a piece I wore in regular rotation with my other watches, but never really wore anywhere fancy. Now, my Speedmaster gets the most wrist time along with my BLRO. It's no longer my casual watch that I only wear at home or on errands. I have no problem wearing it anywhere because it stacks up to my other watches.

I don't understand your reasoning that the Hesalite feels less quality, but each to their own. If you are referring to the applied logo, that's hardly a major difference, especially when the chronograph hand is mostly always covering the logo anyway. I have the Planet Ocean with the applied logo, and though I do like it, in some lighting it's invisible where a printed logo would not do that...

I can see somebody really wanting a display case back, and even a sapphire crystal for the scratch resistance... but the Hesalite is no less quality than the sapphire. They are identical but for the crystal and applied logo. I actually think the Hesalite glows beautifully in the light, more so than the sapphire crystal does... but again, each to their own, and I mean that with due respect.

[dr.ns23]

A quick update, I just paid for the Sapphire Moonwatch! But I won't be collecting it until 2-3 months.
Thank you very much to all of you for your great input and for motivating me to buy the Moonwatch.
Will definitely share pics of it when I have it. Now, time to look for straps hahah