Sapphire retrofit

[Ken Cox]

If a person had a Speedmaster Pro with a hesalite lens and solid case back, could he retrofit a sapphire crystal front and back?

Has anyone here done so?

[jmsrolls]

Ken,

The sapphire display back is the easy part - if you can find the back. In addition to the back, you will need the taller movement ring.

As for the front crystal, the common answer is "No, the cases of the sapphire model differ from the hesalite and the crystals are not interchangeable." But then again, I have heard from others that it could be done but it would be very expensive. I know of no one who has made the conversion.

I have replaced steel backs with the display back but have never been interested in replacing the hesalite. I have owned a couple of dozen Speedmaster Professionals including the the moonphase with the sapphire crystal and it left me cold, literally and figuratively. IMO a Speedy Pro is not a Speedy Pro without the hesalite crystal.

Fr. John†

[Ken Cox]

So a conversion would forever alter the watch.

That doesn't sound good.

Originally Posted by jmsrolls

IMO a Speedy Pro is not a Speedy Pro without the hesalite crystal.

I'll keep that in mind.

I would like to have Speedy Pro someday, and having read your opinion will direct me to the right version.

Sometimes you have to hear someone say the obvious before you realize it.

Thanks.

[jmsrolls]

Ken,

My favorite of the modern Speedy Pros is the ref. 3572.50 hesalite/sapphire that was discontinued upon introduction of the 3573.50 several years ago.

Nice LNIB 3572.50s show up frequently on the pre-owned market. I can direct you to some sources if you are interested.

Fr. John†

[Tools]

I'll give you a little different point of view though.....

If I were to buy a new model, I would get a Sapphire crystal model (I have one of those). It's modern technology, used by all high end watches for it's durability and scratch resistance, and I see no reason, in this day and age, to take a step backwards..

If I were buying a used Speedy, and I admired it's Moon-watch heritage, I would look for the Hesalite crystal.......... It's part of the history..

But those are two different views.......... I'm not going to the moon any time soon, so don't see the fascination with trying to duplicate a watch from almost 50 years ago... (for a non-vintage piece)

As far as a retro-fit Sapphire to an early model, I wouldn't even consider it. I'm sure it would reduce it's value. You would be better off selling it and just getting the Sapphire model.....