Speedmaster Question

[dkpw]

I'm looking into purchasing a Speedmaster Pro. I like the idea of Hesalite but am used to sapphire on Rolex and TAGs. Can any of you lucky folk who already own the moonwatch, confirm for me this point?

Which of the two faces has the milky opalescence at the edge as seen in this pic - sapphire or hesalite? Please see this example of what I mean.

speedy.jpg

[jmsrolls]

Having owned quite a few Speedy Pros (both hesalite and sapphire), I have never seen any that looked like the one in your photo.

For comparison, here's a side-by-side wrist shot of my 40+ year old Speedy and my new M/3186:

My preference is the look and feel of the hesalite with a Speedy and scratches are a non-issue. I can recall only one instance when I had to rub out a scratch. I have yet to encounter a Speedy owner who initially bought hesalite and then replaced it with a sapphire Speedy.

Not only is the sapphire Speedy more expensive to buy but sapphire crystals are much more expensive to replace. Yes, hesalite will scratch but it will not shatter and it is much more resistant to bumps and knocks. My watchmaker will replace a hesalite crystal for $75 but replacing a sapphire can run up to $500 due to the risk of fragments getting into the movement.

IMO, sapphire Speedies are for first time buyers with who would rather risk shards of crystal getting into the movement than having to polish a crystal for a minute or so with some toothpaste.

Now I do like sapphire on the backside:

Some prefer vanilla and others, chocolate, but for me it's hesalite.

Fr. John+

[Tools]

Now my philosophy is different..

I think hanging onto the notion that plastic is somehow better just because it was used when NASA did testing back in the 60's is a bit behind the times.. Sapphire wasn't even on watches then.

All up-scale watches now have Sapphire and they keep one watch with Hesalite for purists... I'll take the scratch resistant qualities and clear vision of Sapphire anytime..

Here is my Sapphire Speedy Patch.. It looks a bit like your picture around the edges.

[dkpw]

Thank you gents, for your points of view. Larry your sapphire does indeed look similar to the one I posted, which was grabbed from the web somewhere. So I guess the "milky" (way?) look goes with the sapphire crystal.

I also take John's points about price, ease of repair and replacement costs of hesalite.

I am now in a quandary, I prefer the look of the sapphire, but like the price and originality of the hesalite. Given that it will be a couple of months before I make a purchase, a Speedmaster would be my "second" watch after my Sub, I may look at pre-owned and see what deals are around when I can afford one.

It's good to be prepared and both your comments are much appreciated - as are the photos of your superb watches!

[Subfiend]

All three of my Speedies are hesalite, and I prefer it that way. My Speedies are FAR more legible than my Rollies.

[jmsrolls]

NASA selected the hesalite Speedy Pro after extensive and repeated testing and it remains the only watch qualified for EVA. If sapphire were an improvement over the hesalite, I suspect that NASA would have made the change over 40+ years. Personally I never expect to wear my Speedy in space but I know from my own experience and ownership over the years, the sapphire crystal affords no real advantage over the hesalite.

Although not a true moonwatch, my favorite of the modern Speedies is the 3572.50 hesalite with the sapphire display back and the upgraded cal. 1863 movement. Albeit discontinued upon introduction of the 3573.50 "sapphire sandwich", nice examples are still available pre-owned upon the Asia markets. PM me if you would like a referral.

If you prefer to buy a new 3570.50 or even the 3573.50, I would also be happy to provide a referral to my favorite AD.

Regardless of your choice, every WIS should have at least one Speedmaster Professional in his/her collection.

Fr. John+

[SLRdude]

Originally Posted by jmsrolls

Regardless of your choice, every WIS should have at least one Speedmaster Professional in his/her collection.

Fr. John+

Amen Brother!