Simple question: Speedy Pro or Sapphire Sandwich?

[Boothroyd]

Local AD has a sale going on where I get 20% off (end of year clearance-not under the table discount). OK all you enablers out there, as I seriously ponder my next acquisition with some time pressure, which is it? Acrylic or Sapphire?

I am an AD loyalist, so trusted resellers are not an option on this one. I want BNIB and local relationship with AD.

I know the merits have been argued endlessly, but how often do I get to buy a new watch? Therefore, a fresh thread.

Thank you for all responses in advance!

[caryyee]

Acrylic if you want to wear a piece of history as it's the closest to what was worn to the moon.

Personally, I'd love to be able to admire the movement, and also the durability of the sapphire glass so I'd go for the sapphire sandwich. But I'm sure you'll get lots of different opinions here :-)

[Boothroyd]

Thank you, Cary. I should mention this one will get weekend wear, as around town and going to sporting events, driving for fun, timing at the grill, and so on. So it will not be a daily wearer. The Explorer I will continue in that role.

[Kringkily]

Depends on your taste. If you want the absolute classic then the 3570.50 is your best bet otherwise the Sapphire Sandwich will do nicely with wear and also give you a view of the movement.

[The Joker]

Def the 3570.50.

The only other speedy one I would consider is the First omega in space. Shame it has a sapphire.

[JohnFM]

I'm also torn between a few Speedmasters, including the 3570.50 Professional, First Omega in Space, and the new '57 stainless with date (most expensive).

I'm sure there are good arguments for sapphire vs. Hesalite but when I watch the following video (in Italian), the Hesalite just looks more interesting and unique to my eye.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V72e-N3Bxvo

It may be that sapphire offers a clearer view of the dial but there is something appealing about the domed Hesalite.

John

[Cesium133]

Originally Posted by caryyee

acrylic if you want to wear a piece of history as it's the closest to what was worn to the moon.

Personally, i'd love to be able to admire the movement, and also the durability of the sapphire glass so i'd go for the sapphire sandwich. But i'm sure you'll get lots of different opinions here :-)

x 2

[Sherwooddavid]

Originally Posted by caryyee

Acrylic if you want to wear a piece of history as it's the closest to what was worn to the moon.

Personally, I'd love to be able to admire the movement, and also the durability of the sapphire glass so I'd go for the sapphire sandwich. But I'm sure you'll get lots of different opinions here :-)

[Boothroyd]

Originally Posted by JohnFM

I'm also torn between a few Speedmasters, including the 3570.50 Professional, First Omega in Space, and the new '57 stainless with date (most expensive).

I'm sure there are good arguments for sapphire vs. Hesalite but when I watch the following video (in Italian), the Hesalite just looks more interesting and unique to my eye.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V72e-N3Bxvo

It may be that sapphire offers a clearer view of the dial but there is something appealing about the domed Hesalite.

John

Thank you for that link! Great comparison. Best I have seen online.

[JohnFM]

The new '57 is another nice looking Speedmaster. Here is a video where the current Omega President says it's his favorite new Omega: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-8G3-stT2B8

I have to say that the strap version looks great -- no doubt more expensive than the Speedy Pro 3570.50 or Sapphire Sandwich.

John

[Andrés G]

Hesalite ��

[bde]

Originally Posted by Andrés G

Hesalite 👍

Yup!

[Boothroyd]

3570.50 on hold at the moment. Will think about it for a couple of days.

[herbalt]

3570... the hesalite is sublime over that dial in different light. I was in the same boat a couple months ago and went with the classic. I'd love to see the movement but the domed crystal makes this reference what it is IMO.

[ja1911]

I faced the same dilemma recently and purchased the saphire sandwich. I wanted to see the beautiful movement and have a hesalite crystal but also wanted a new watch. I ended up getting the 3573.50.00 and have no regrets.

[Kringkily]

Or maybe the 3572.50? Best of both worlds

[SearChart]

Sapphire sandwich, it's great to see the movement.

[Boothroyd]

Appreciate the responses! Work is going to keep me busy enough that I will revisit the issue later in the week. Will keep reading ongoing responses. Thanks again!

[JohnFM]

What are your thoughts on the 42mm Speedy on a 6.75" wrist? I like the watch but wonder if it might be on the large side.

John

[Cru Jones]

For me, sapphire sandwich no doubt. I get the historic connection with the hesalite, but, if I wanted historic, I would buy vintage. This is a new watch, after all.

[Maxtor]

Got a beautiful 3572.50 from Kringkily (George) just so I would have both the hesalite front and the sapphire back. Love it. Can't get them new anymore so going to the local AD is not an option... but minty examples are out there if you want one.

[SUBversive]

Originally Posted by Andrés G

Hesalite ��

X2

[beshannon]

Speedy Pro w/hestalite no question

[Boothroyd]

I haven't concluded the transaction yet, but will plan on original Speedy. Has to do with the usage (weekends, casual wear). Can't justify price delta to look at movement. I know its in there, after all! This watch will get worn to Lambeau Field when it's -10. I will go with the configuration that survived interplanetary space temps! MN winters also.

Not a great one for posting pics, but should coincide with my 2000th post if I can make some time this week to consummate deal after final negotiations. Thanks to all!

[Boothroyd]

Update. Unable to come to a final price (for now) that I think is best and final, so will put this on the shelf for a bit, and see if they come back to me in the next couple of weeks. Thanks again for all the input!

[applebook]

Sapphire sandwich, but the 3570 is fine. If I want history, I would go with the actual model worn on the moon.

There are very few watches out there with chamfered sapphire crystals (see Blancpain Fifty Fathoms).

[Boothroyd]

Originally Posted by JohnFM

What are your thoughts on the 42mm Speedy on a 6.75" wrist? I like the watch but wonder if it might be on the large side.

John

John, I can tell you I have 7 inch wrists, have had both versions on my wrist and see no issues. Try them on, but I suspect you would be just fine!

[airchitect]

Pro.....always pro

[brent1202]

I'd go with the 3570. Its classic and the hesalite is beautiful!

[TonyD]

Originally Posted by Cru Jones

For me, sapphire sandwich no doubt. I get the historic connection with the hesalite, but, if I wanted historic, I would buy vintage. This is a new watch, after all.

This is an interesting way to look at it. I would have originally said to get the older style mineral crystal because we all know and love the classic Speedy. That being said the old vintage models are pretty easy to find and the new sandwich offers some useful updates without messing up the original formula.

Hhhmmmmmm........