Which Omega Speedmaster? - White Vs Black, Sapphire Vs Hesalite?

Summary

In this video, the creator explores various Omega Speedmaster models, including the classic black dial with Hesalite crystal, the sapphire sandwich variant, and the new white dial edition. The review delves into the design, movement, and features of each model, highlighting the Speedmaster’s appeal beyond its space history. Emphasis is placed on the balance between vintage aesthetics and modern build quality, including the durable yet visually captivating sapphire and Hesalite crystals, along with the advanced Master Chronometer movement. With a comparison to other luxury watches like Rolex, the video shares personal insights, technical details, and pricing, ultimately showcasing the Speedmaster’s timeless allure.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker is passionate about getting a Speedmaster watch and has two versions: the standard Speedmaster Professional and a white dial Speedmaster Professional with sapphire crystal.
• 😀 The speaker appreciates watches that have a purpose, especially those with a history of being used by NASA, like the Speedmaster, and finds the NASA connection a cool talking point.
• 😀 Omega's approach to making small adjustments and tweaks to their watches is praised, highlighting how they modernize classic designs without losing their essence.
• 😀 The Speedmaster is considered superior to the Rolex Daytona by the speaker, especially due to its elegance and technical design.
• 😀 The main difference between the two Speedmaster models mentioned is the use of sapphire crystal in one and hesalite crystal in the other. Hesalite is used in the space version for its durability, while sapphire is more scratch-resistant.
• 😀 The speaker values the vintage aesthetic of the Speedmaster, especially the hesalite crystal’s domed look and the unique distortions seen on the edges of the dial, which give it a classic charm.
• 😀 The updated bracelet on the Speedmaster is highly praised for its vintage appearance and solid build quality, with the speaker highlighting its tapered design and comfortable fit.
• 😀 The sapphire sandwich version of the Speedmaster allows for a view of the movement at the back, adding to the watch's appeal as the mechanical workings are beautiful to watch in action.
• 😀 The Omega Speedmaster uses the Co-Axial Caliber 3861, which is manually wound, and features a Master Chronometer certification, making it highly resistant to magnetism, temperature changes, and shock.
• 😀 The white dial Speedmaster, although visually clean and appealing, is harder to appreciate from certain angles compared to the black dial version, which showcases more depth and character.
• 😀 Pricing differences between the Speedmaster versions are noted, with the hesalite version priced at £6,600, the sapphire sandwich versions at £7,500 and £7,600, depending on the dial and strap configurations.
• 😀 The Speedmaster looks great with a variety of straps, and the speaker points out that the 20mm strap proportions suit the watch perfectly, enhancing its appeal.

Q & A

What makes the Omega Speedmaster so appealing to the speaker?

The speaker is drawn to the Speedmaster because of its purposeful design, history with NASA, and its timeless aesthetic. They appreciate that the Speedmaster is not just a good-looking watch, but one built with a specific function in mind – originally as a tool for astronauts.

How does the speaker feel about the relationship between design and functionality in watches?

The speaker emphasizes the importance of watches being built for a purpose. They like watches that serve a functional purpose while maintaining a stylish design, which is why they appreciate the Speedmaster's tool-watch heritage combined with its refined look.

What does the speaker think about Omega's updates to the Speedmaster?

The speaker believes Omega has done a great job modernizing the Speedmaster with small adjustments. They argue that when a design is already solid, minor tweaks are all that’s necessary to bring it up to date, which is exactly what Omega has done with this version of the Speedmaster.

How does the speaker compare the Speedmaster to Rolex watches?

The speaker notes that although they are often labeled as a Rolex fan, when it comes to the Speedmaster versus the Daytona, the Speedmaster wins hands down. They find it to be a much classier watch, even though Rolex fans criticize small adjustments to watches like those made by Omega.

What is the main difference between the Speedmaster models the speaker owns?

The main difference is the crystal type. One Speedmaster has hesalite crystal, which is more vintage and less prone to shattering, while the other has sapphire crystal, which is more scratch-resistant but can shatter under certain circumstances. Both models are part of the same Speedmaster generation, but the sapphire model also has a sapphire sandwich case.

Why does the speaker prefer the hesalite crystal on the Speedmaster?

The speaker appreciates the vintage look and feel of the hesalite crystal, which adds to the nostalgic appeal of the Speedmaster. Despite its susceptibility to scratches, the hesalite crystal provides a distinct, vintage aesthetic with its dome shape and slight distortion at the edges of the dial.

What is the significance of the manual-wind movement in the Speedmaster?

The manual-wind movement in the Speedmaster, specifically the caliber 3861, is appreciated for its technical precision. It features Omega’s Co-Axial escapement, which is more durable and resistant to magnetism, shocks, and temperature changes, making it a reliable and high-performance mechanism.

What makes the Speedmaster with sapphire crystal different from the one with hesalite?

The sapphire version, known as the sapphire sandwich, has sapphire crystal on both the front and back of the watch, offering a clear view of the movement. This model provides a more modern look and enhanced scratch resistance compared to the hesalite model, which maintains a more vintage appearance.

What design aspect does the speaker prefer about the black dial Speedmaster?

The speaker loves the stepped design of the black dial, where the subdials and minute track create a sense of depth. The black dial also emphasizes the vintage look, especially with the hesalite crystal, which distorts the edges of the dial, giving it a unique, nostalgic feel.

What is the price range for the different Speedmaster models mentioned in the video?

The price for the Speedmaster with hesalite crystal is £6,600, while the sapphire sandwich version (with sapphire crystal on both the front and back) is priced at £7,500. The white dial model with sapphire on both sides is slightly more expensive at £7,600. Prices can vary depending on the strap option.