Poll: which speedmaster professional... Hesalite or sapphire sandwich?

[DoctorA]

As the title says, I want to add a speedmaster professional and wonder which one to get
I love the history of the Hesalite and love the sandwich, showing the movement. Can’t decide which one to get and would be happy with either

Which one would you pick and why?

PS: to get the full picture, I have the panda, blue and rising sun Tokyo Olympic speedmasters

[Ageing Orphan]

Have to be Hesalite for me. I don't like the 'milky' circle around the edge of the sapphire crystal when the watch is viewed at some angles but the clear caseback showing that movement is great.

[OrangeKenny]

I recently found out about the 3572.50 hesalite-sapphire if you don’t mind going into the second hand market.

[Chester01]

What’s the point of the sapphire? The scratches can easily be buffed out or the crystal replaced. Secondly, one looses the warmth with the sapphire which really has to be seen in person. The hesilite is far more warm and gives a more vintage look.

[Jster]

Hesalite and don’t think twice. A must have with the Speedy. Don’t worry about the scratches- super easy to buff out with Polywatch or other products.

[rootbeer7]

Have you seen both. Make the decision after you’ve compared both. Then go hesalite !!

[Sandpit]

When you catch the hesalite at the right angle it’s mesmerizing

[DCheeta]

I prefer, and own, the Hesalite. But don’t listen to what others say, they’re both great for slightly different reasons. Just get the one that you love.

[karmatp]

Hesalite is stunning.

[JayB]

My personal preference is for the Hesalite, while there are obvious benefits to the sapphire I just couldn't see past the milky ring.

While I don't necessarily dislike it and I'm sure in time I probably wouldn't even take any notice I just found my eye being drawn to it and prefer it wasn't there.

Whatever one you choose it's a great piece

[Trane]

Hesalite for sure, it has the history and the warmth of the hesalite is amazing!

[DoctorA]

Originally Posted by rootbeer7

Have you seen both. Make the decision after you’ve compared both. Then go hesalite !!

I’ve tried both on and each has its special unique charm. I love the domed Hesalite and the only thing drawing me to the sapphire is the clear case back that reveals that beautiful movement!

[AbelGarcia]

I’ve daily worn the Speedo & must say the Hesalite is a must. One of its trademark traits if you ask me. Something different and polishes just fine with polywatch.

[Andad]

I have the sapphire sandwich but would wear a hesalite.

[AEC]

Originally Posted by Chester01

What’s the point of the sapphire?...

Choosing the model with sapphire over the dial means having sapphire in the case-back, too. For some owners, being able to admire the movment is the deciding factor.

[AEC]

Between these two, my vote is for the original Speedmaster Pro with a plastic crystal. I agree with all of the points made: it's true that the warmth and charm of the plastic crystal are a must-have, and it's also true that being able to see the movement is a treat. In my opinion, seeing Caliber 321 through a transparent case-back is worth giving up the warmth and charm of Hesalite, but (for me) seeing Caliber 1861 is not.

A thread about the Speedmaster Pro with no photos??? Disturbing...

[1William]

I prefer the sapphire sandwich. I have owned both and if I bought on again it would be the sapphire.

[Chester01]

Originally Posted by AEC

Choosing the model with sapphire over the dial means having sapphire in the case-back, too. For some owners, being able to admire the movment is the deciding factor.

I get that, but between the dial warmth with the hesilite and the fact that the sapphire version is not actually the moon watch are big downsides. It’s like you spend the money for a watch that looks like the moon watch but isn’t. It’s like an homage to the real piece and not the real piece itself. I like the open back, I really enjoy seeing the movement, but just not with this was as you loose too much in my opinion.


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[chinaski]

Mine is Hesalite.

[DoctorA]

Seems that 3572.50 checks all the boxes! But finding a full set unpolished example in a good condition is not easy!

[Sandpit]

Originally Posted by AEC

Between these two, my vote is for the original Speedmaster Pro with a plastic crystal. I agree with all of the points made: it's true that the warmth and charm of the plastic crystal are a must-have, and it's also true that being able to see the movement is a treat. In my opinion, seeing Caliber 321 through a transparent case-back is worth giving up the warmth and charm of Hesalite, but (for me) seeing Caliber 1861 is not.

A thread about the Speedmaster Pro with no photos??? Disturbing...

This very picture was the one that sealed the hesalite for me. I always love seeing this. I need to add the black croc strap though soon.

[cousie]

I have had both (sold them for something new), first the hesalite and then the sapphire, now I’m going to buy the hesalite again. But you have to mind the little scratches.

[stockae92]

I had the same dilemma and ended up "settling" for the Hesalite.

Look, seeing the movement is great and all. But honestly what you see most of the time is the front. And the "warmth" of the Hesalite does make a difference. That is if thats what you enjoy seeing.

On the other hand, some people prefer the scratch resistant of sapphire for every day use.

You need to see whats more important to you.

[samson66]

Hesalite. It's an old school watch so get the one that most closely resembles the watch worn on the moon. If you want more premium materials like sapphire crystal go with one of the more premium upscale coaxial moonwatches.

[DoctorA]

How susceptible is the Hesalite for scratches? Are we taking scratched by the shirt cuff, or if rubbed against a solid surface?

[importstunna]

Originally Posted by DoctorA

How susceptible is the Hesalite for scratches? Are we taking scratched by the shirt cuff, or if rubbed against a solid surface?

I own a Hesalite version, and it scratches very easily. I would say if it's rubbed against a shirt lint hard enough, you'll likely see minor scratches. That said, I would still go Hesalite due to the warm character + history it provides. Scratches also buff out very easily with Polywatch FYI. I would try to see them both in person if you have an AD around, they are not hard to find.

Good luck!

[enjoythemusic]

History be darned, if it's a modern timepiece i need something durable and that means sapphire. Would love to have an ORIGINAL vintage 'NASA" Speedy.

[karmatp]

Originally Posted by DoctorA

How susceptible is the Hesalite for scratches? Are we taking scratched by the shirt cuff, or if rubbed against a solid surface?

I am on my second speedy pro. I sold my last one many years ago because I was a constant flipper, always changing my collection. It was a stupid time, many regrets including selling my old speedy.

Last year I picked up another, this one I will never sell. I wear it often and my hesalite has maybe a little blemish if I look hard out in the sunlight. The moral of the story is, they don’t scratch easy. I know I have bumped mine many times and it looks darn near new.

As already stated, a little dab with some polywatch and a few swirls with a microfiber cloth and it looks like the day you purchased it. I don’t care at all about scratches or dings so I have never polished either of my speedys hesalite.

[h20addict]

Sapphire Sandwich is the one I chose, no rAgrets.

[DoctorA]

The search is over
I am super happy with my choice!! Hesalite has very special warmth to it and nothing beats its history!!
Thank you all for the input!