I bought my speed master in 1971 whilst serving in the Australian Army, still working but needs a service. Incidentally Armstrong left his Omega in the lunar lander when he went on the moon, but Aldrin wore his for his moonwalk, Cheers keep up the good work 👍
Smart idea: "Concerned that they would have nothing to use instead of the critical mission timer if both watches were damaged during the 2 hours and 36 minute moonwalk, Armstrong opted to leave his watch behind so that it could be used as a replacement timer if required. "
Neil Armstrong did not wear his Speedmaster on the moon, he left it inside the module. Buzz Aldrin, who was the second person to walk on the moon after Armstrong, did however wear his Speedmaster while walking on the moon.
Practical reason: "Concerned that they would have nothing to use instead of the critical mission timer if both watches were damaged during the 2 hours and 36 minute moonwalk, Armstrong opted to leave his watch behind so that it could be used as a replacement timer if required."
Great comparison Chris! I agree the sapphire sandwich is the way to go and that display back is a work of art. But all look great on the wrist. Good to see you today.
Thanks for piecing this together. The 1863 features a metal brake instead of a delrin (plastic) brake to make the movement look better. There is no Faraday cage on the 1863 so you can see the movement, making the 1861 less likely to become magnetized. And finally "Tachymetre" is waaay different then tachometer. I own a sapphire sandwich.
The first man in space was Yuri Gagarin, in 1961. Wally Schirra wore the CK2998 in 1962, making his the First OMEGA in Space. I think that the FOiS is the one I'd choose, for neat size, original case shape, scratch-resistant crystal, blacker dial, different caseback, history, interesting hands, etc. I'd add the replica JB/Forstner mesh bracelet too, which is and looks great for very little extra money and lots more authenticity than the leather.
I purchased the Hesalite primarily because General Tom Stafford was at the store for a private event and was signing boxes. Although I love the exhibition back, a watch with his signature cries out for originality.
I'd go for the classic version. It looks better than the sapphire. I'm not concerned about scratches. I had a Casio for over eight years and it got only one tiny scratch on the soft plastic crystal. A mechanical watch needs to be serviced after some years, and at this occasion you may have the crystal replaced or repolished which isn't so expensive with the Hesalithe.
IMHO the Omega Speedmaster Professional is fantastic watch! Considering the price the .005 “Big Box” cal. 1861 is the Modell to go (at the moment Q12022) A hidden gem is also the very first ever cal. 1861- the Broad Arrow 1957 “Replica” as they have slightly better finished dial and hands then the Moonwatch. Thanks for the video!
Love your videos! Just for your information- the sapphire sandwich is 13.6mm thick while the hesalite is 14.7. It translates to a pretty big difference in practice. Cheers!
That is a great point! I actually used internet info for the thickness, and measured it in person just now, your right the sapphire sandwich is about a mm thinner. Very big point for the sapphire sandwich!
Neil didn't wear one when he stepped from the LEM to the surface of the moon. He left it behind for Buzz as a backup timer in case things went sideways. Buzz did wear his on the surface however.
If I'm being honest, I can take or leave a display case back nowadays. UA-cam has me covered with the countless macro videos! My vision's not THAT good. With the new Speedmaster Professional, I find myself gravitating towards the Hesalite version, but I'm glad that they continue to offer both as an option.
You didn’t mention the different packaging. Some would want the big box with all the trinkets especially if you wanted a watch most like the one that went to the moon and you weren’t going to wear it every day.
I had a Speedmaster Professional. I liked it because of its 50's/60's style design. But did not connect to the design or the story in the way I expected.
145.012-67 caliber 321 for me. It's actually on my wrist right now, on iconic original Omega bracelet 1450. My other one is the 145.022-69 DON with 1971 "no Nasa" caseback. The one I'd want ? 2915.
I don't know what it is about these but the indices markers and small bracelet links don't seem like they "line up" to me.. the way the hour markers are sunk between two planes make it look misaligned to me at certain angles.. the same with the small polished links.. they look offset to me... am i imagining this or is like optical allusion? contrast this with a dial that has a metal plane and applied markers with 3 link bracelet.. there's nowhere that lines don't "match up"... I want to love this but I need help with my ocd!
Why use polywatch when you can put on a clear crystal protector over it, just like your phone screen protector? It still looks great on mine and I never worry if I'll scratch my watch.
for me. i'll take the sapphire version with a display back. but what i'm confused about is the type of metal bracelet some moonwatch have. i've seen this bracelet in the flesh, yet there's another one i've only seen in pictures that looks tighter (less link play). which bracelet is that ????!. thanks for the review.
There have been about twenty types of OMEGA Moonwatch bracelet over the years. The early NASA astronauts usually used a nylon NATO strap or the Forstner Komfit/JB Champion stainless steel mesh bracelet, which NASA approved for flight and which looks great on the FOiS from 2012.
His watch wasn’t broken, he had to leave it inside the module as a backup because of a malfunction in the control panel. Everything else you say is correct. From Wikipedia: Although Apollo 11 commander Neil Armstrong was first to set foot on the Moon, he left his 105.012 Speedmaster inside the lunar module as a backup, because the LM's electronic timer had malfunctioned. Buzz Aldrin elected to wear his, and so his Speedmaster became the first watch to be worn on the Moon.
FOIS is not about the size as it’s the same as professional minus crown guards yet it’s more elegant ,hands and straight lugs make it much more sophisticated looking and true . Professional looks and feels more like toolwatch yet as soon as I tried FOIS ,mom watch had to go and it’s not about the size - my wrist is 7 and a quarter inch
There was no specifications regarding the crystal on the watches that NASA tested. The only reason the Speedmaster had a hesailite was that this was Omegas go to crystal at the time. NASA did not specify what material the crystal should be.
I don’t believe that’s true. My understanding is that you can’t have glass or crystal in space and the hesalite (plexiglass) cracks instead of shatters
@@utcougarThere was many glass instrument covers in the CM and LM. they sealed and protected the spacecraft environment’s instruments. They too should have been hesalite if there was any truth to the myth.
@@thegrailhunter what if that glass was specially made or approved by nasa and since the astronauts bring their own items they need to be approved? Just a thought
I baught the Saphire simply because it was the most expensive. Then I realized I don't like the applied logo and polished links and the way the saphire crystal doesn't do that horgious distortion. I sold my saphire for the hesalite and I am much happier.
I never knew the speedmaster didn't hack! Holy cow that's unbelievable. I'm fine with non-hacking movements on older pieces but jesus if I"m paying five grand for a watch I want to set it accurately.
It’s not difficult to “hack” the movement, you put slight backwards pressure on the crown when you’re setting it, the seconds hand will stop and sometimes even run backwards. Look up backhacking for details. And just an aside, a lot of haute horological high complication pieces don’t hack either, and they can go six figures.
@@Pete...NoNotThatOne The issue I take with the lack of a balance hack isn't related to whether or not I can accomplish the same results through backhacking, like I would on my vintage peices, it's that one shouldn't have to. A Speedmaster is not a haute peice, it's marketed as a tool watch in a sense. "Professional" as a moniker still means something on an Omega even in the watered down state that the swiss watch industry now finds itself. On a watch whose greatest success story was the 13.8 second measurement of the Apollo 13 TEI course adjustment burn, accuracy comes with the image. I am aware however that a balance hack is a bit less common on chronograph movements, however Omega's own Planet Ocean chrono has hacking seconds. It's understandable if a Parmagini doesn't hack, it's a handmade piece. A watch sold as a tool watch ought to, though we can argue that the Speedmaster is and always has been a vintage reissue, and the ETA sourced movement is part of that, which is why modern limited additions feature more recent Co-Axial METAS movements...that hack.
Hi, thanks for the feedback, however I'm not sure which watch is 5500 dollars and who doesn't know what a deployant clasp is though. Maybe you can help me understand this?
That white ring on sapphire sandwich is distracting. Feels like an added metal ring between the bezel and dial reminds me of my SM300 and why I sold it on and got the Hesalite version. When you look at a Hesalite it always make you feel you’re looking at an Astronaut’s helmet and you hear the radio communications between Houston and the Astronaut’s on the Moon. That feeling you can never experience in any watch that is why a Speedy is a Must for any watch enthusiasts.
Sometimes I would regret not getting the Hesalite with metal back because they are properly space certified, but then I would find myself staring at the 3861 movement and realised that I would miss out on all that with the Hesalite. I guess I will just have to wear my G-Shock when Virgin Galactic or Blue Origin eventually becomes affordable. Or maybe Omega will do a collaboration with the two companies and have the option of a special edition Speedy as an option for anyone willing to fork out 100s of K for a 10 mins ride. :D
Hi good video , really appreciate the details it made things easy for me to buy one. I would prefer hesalite crystal one , as a purist, i think this will appreciate in future , also wearing the prefect similar watch as astronauts wore, makes u feel proud. Thanks for the video. I was confused n now am very clear.
I’ve been scrutinizing these watches for years now, as I’ve waited for a particular moment that I’ve always planned to buy one. I’ve debated and debated. I’m usually a purist about things, and like some of the more original features of the hesalite. But overall I’ve always thought that I like the shiny clarity of the sapphire face better, as well as its ability to not scratch as much. I also do like the seeing the movement on the back, which is slightly more modern than the hesalite. The sapphire also has parts of the bracelet on the newer model now that are subtly polished in between the brushed, while the hesalite is all brushed. Lastly, the hesalite’s Omega logo is printed or stamped, while the sapphire is appliqué and reflective. But I do like elements of both. In the end, neither of these are the exact specs as the 1969 Moonwatch. So if you’re going for that, neither will be it. But both are, I think, essentially that watch in modern form.
I have the standard Moonwatch from 10 years ago. I wore it almost daily until last year. I put it away, now that prices shot up because of the newly revised movement. I don't regret the plastic lens. I looks completely different than any other glass or mineral lenses. Plastic dome gives it a vintage look. I never really worried about scratching it. It looks fine considering the heavy use it got. I never bothered servicing it either. It's within less than a minute a week.
*I didn’t initially behold the second hand at the 9 o’clock position of the ‘first man in space’. I thought it had been lost somehow. But when the videographer zoomed in on the dial I was able to see it. The polished hour and minute hands also became obvious.* *I’m still not confident that I can discern the differences of the three. The ‘Sapphire Sandwich’ is a cakewalk however, as long as I can see the sapphire case back. The ‘first man in space’ is readily discernible as long as I can behold the polished hour, minute, and seconds hands _at the right angle_. In darkness, the lumed arrowhead hour hand also serve as an aid in positively marking the ‘first man in space’. The other two have rectangled lume on the hour and minute hands.* 🤷🏾♂️
Hi Freddy, yes sadly that is an error that I can't fix on the video but instead corrected in the description. Maybe they should make a Juri edition! :)
After an agonizing amount of research, comparison and personal preference, I opted for the sapphire sandwich. The sapphire display case on the back, sealed the deal for me and the sapphire crystal on the front was an added draw. I’ve had it for seven years now and I still love it every bit as much as I did the day I opened the beautiful display box. The added accoutrements of the jewelers eyepiece, the two NATO straps, and the other goodies that come in the commemorative display box make this a no-brainer for me.
Not helpful at all. You don't mention reference numbers or anyway to differentiate the models other than using their names, which in itself is a very confusing language for a collector new to the speed master. Poor video
Hi, the reference numbers are listed in the description and are very long which may confuse you more if I spouted them off over and over. Thanks for watching!
Practical reason: "Concerned that they would have nothing to use instead of the critical mission timer if both watches were damaged during the 2 hours and 36 minute moonwalk, Armstrong opted to leave his watch behind so that it could be used as a replacement timer if required."
@@Mark-jy6xd Although Apollo 11 commander Neil Armstrong was first to set foot on the Moon, he left his inside the lunar module as a backup, because the LM's electronic timer had malfunctioned. Buzz Aldrin elected to wear his, and so his Speedmaster became the first watch to be worn on the Moon.
@@yankeedoodle6293 ok, sometimes it's difficult to work out when someone is being serious or messing around. Not working at the moment due to lockdown so my watch purchase is on hold.
My cousin and I have discussed this a good bit. As a purist he wants the Hesalite crystal. Also it has that cool tiny Omega logo in the middle of the crystal, which is lacking on the sapphire sandwich.
this is the mess that takes down a brand. it's like Omega makes the original beautiful watch man on the moon and then decides to make copies of it that are smaller, lighter or 'fancy'. Panerai did the same with it's iconic divers. Can you imagine, a diver that's not really waterproof? A 'man on the moon' that's never been to the moon is the same shit.
2:25 A 'Tachometer' and 'Tachymeter' are not the same thing. A Tachometer measures revolutions per minute (RPM) whereas a Tachymeter measures speed based on travel time, or to measure distance based on speed.
I have had my Sapphire Sandwich for just over 13 years and it still looks brand new, like the day I got it!
I just got the Speedmaster professional with the heselite. It’s my favorite one. Love the height and the smooth edge of the crystal. Beautiful.
I bought my speed master in 1971 whilst serving in the Australian Army, still working but needs a service. Incidentally Armstrong left his Omega in the lunar lander when he went on the moon, but Aldrin wore his for his moonwalk, Cheers keep up the good work 👍
Smart idea:
"Concerned that they would have nothing to use instead of the critical mission timer if both watches were damaged during the 2 hours and 36 minute moonwalk, Armstrong opted to leave his watch behind so that it could be used as a replacement timer if required. "
With “First Man in Space” you seem to refer to the “first Omega in Space” Speedmaster. In horology it’s all about the details 😉
Good video, think it's the 'first omega' however not the 'first man' in space watch.
Neil Armstrong did not wear his Speedmaster on the moon, he left it inside the module. Buzz Aldrin, who was the second person to walk on the moon after Armstrong, did however wear his Speedmaster while walking on the moon.
Good call, I read fake news when I researched this point. I'll post a correction!
They also have no idea where it is. It was shipped back to DC and was lost in the mail.
@@Romanellochw It was on it's way to the Smithsonian & got "lost". It was with other historical items although only the watch was stolen.
@Emile... didn’t take long to find your comment. One of the most common trivia facts known by Speedmaster fans.
Practical reason:
"Concerned that they would have nothing to use instead of the critical mission timer if both watches were damaged during the 2 hours and 36 minute moonwalk, Armstrong opted to leave his watch behind so that it could be used as a replacement timer if required."
Great comparison Chris! I agree the sapphire sandwich is the way to go and that display back is a work of art. But all look great on the wrist. Good to see you today.
Thanks Rey, great to see you today also!
Thanks for piecing this together. The 1863 features a metal brake instead of a delrin (plastic) brake to make the movement look better. There is no Faraday cage on the 1863 so you can see the movement, making the 1861 less likely to become magnetized. And finally "Tachymetre" is waaay different then tachometer.
I own a sapphire sandwich.
The first man in space was Yuri Gagarin, in 1961. Wally Schirra wore the CK2998 in 1962, making his the First OMEGA in Space. I think that the FOiS is the one I'd choose, for neat size, original case shape, scratch-resistant crystal, blacker dial, different caseback, history, interesting hands, etc. I'd add the replica JB/Forstner mesh bracelet too, which is and looks great for very little extra money and lots more authenticity than the leather.
Your watchmaker worked on my 145.022-76 a couple of months ago and knocked 40 years off the clock. It hasn’t run this well in years.
Thank you!!! I'll pass that along to our watchmaker! Have a Happy Thanksgiving!
I purchased the Hesalite primarily because General Tom Stafford was at the store for a private event and was signing boxes. Although I love the exhibition back, a watch with his signature cries out for originality.
I'd go for the classic version. It looks better than the sapphire. I'm not concerned about scratches. I had a Casio for over eight years and it got only one tiny scratch on the soft plastic crystal. A mechanical watch needs to be serviced after some years, and at this occasion you may have the crystal replaced or repolished which isn't so expensive with the Hesalithe.
IMHO the Omega Speedmaster Professional is fantastic watch!
Considering the price the .005 “Big Box” cal. 1861 is the Modell to go (at the moment Q12022)
A hidden gem is also the very first ever cal. 1861- the Broad Arrow 1957 “Replica” as they have slightly better finished dial and hands then the Moonwatch.
Thanks for the video!
Love your videos! Just for your information- the sapphire sandwich is 13.6mm thick while the hesalite is 14.7. It translates to a pretty big difference in practice.
Cheers!
That is a great point! I actually used internet info for the thickness, and measured it in person just now, your right the sapphire sandwich is about a mm thinner. Very big point for the sapphire sandwich!
Neil didn't wear one when he stepped from the LEM to the surface of the moon. He left it behind for Buzz as a backup timer in case things went sideways. Buzz did wear his on the surface however.
If I'm being honest, I can take or leave a display case back nowadays. UA-cam has me covered with the countless macro videos! My vision's not THAT good.
With the new Speedmaster Professional, I find myself gravitating towards the Hesalite version, but I'm glad that they continue to offer both as an option.
Still no obvious choice but you depicted the differences nicely 👍🏻
love that display case on back. winner
Which one I would choose? Yes.
You didn’t mention the different packaging. Some would want the big box with all the trinkets especially if you wanted a watch most like the one that went to the moon and you weren’t going to wear it every day.
the only one I'd want from the modern line up is the Ed White Cal 321.... the rest are just regular Omega's ..
They always go for the most expensive, everytime. Btw , good vid. Thanx.
I had a Speedmaster Professional. I liked it because of its 50's/60's style design. But did not connect to the design or the story in the way I expected.
145.012-67 caliber 321 for me. It's actually on my wrist right now, on iconic original Omega bracelet 1450. My other one is the 145.022-69 DON with 1971 "no Nasa" caseback. The one I'd want ? 2915.
good day my friend!
Moon watch and heselite all the way!
Great video. Really informative!
Thank you, and thanks for watching!
FOIS - stunning handset, beautiful dial and great proportions
Except for the 19mm lug width
It’s not the first man in space model. It’s called the first omega in space. It’s also not a deployment strap. It’s deployant
I don't know what it is about these but the indices markers and small bracelet links don't seem like they "line up" to me.. the way the hour markers are sunk between two planes make it look misaligned to me at certain angles.. the same with the small polished links.. they look offset to me... am i imagining this or is like optical allusion? contrast this with a dial that has a metal plane and applied markers with 3 link bracelet.. there's nowhere that lines don't "match up"... I want to love this but I need help with my ocd!
Very good video explaining and detailing all three. I will subscribe to ur channel based on this video content👍thank you Chris
Why use polywatch when you can put on a clear crystal protector over it, just like your phone screen protector? It still looks great on mine and I never worry if I'll scratch my watch.
Cool idea, but It's heavily curved so I doubt that one would actually fit properly.
Mine fits to a t on my hesalite crystal. It's a matter of finding the right one, just like for the curved phone screen.
Where did you pick up yours?
Sapphire all the way
The sapphire sandwich.
1861 hesalite for me
for me. i'll take the sapphire version with a display back.
but what i'm confused about is the type of metal bracelet some moonwatch have. i've seen this bracelet in the flesh, yet there's another one i've only seen in pictures that looks tighter (less link play). which bracelet is that ????!. thanks for the review.
There have been about twenty types of OMEGA Moonwatch bracelet over the years. The early NASA astronauts usually used a nylon NATO strap or the Forstner Komfit/JB Champion stainless steel mesh bracelet, which NASA approved for flight and which looks great on the FOiS from 2012.
Armstrong's Omega was broken, it was ALDRIN that took the 1st watch onto the Lunar surface .........
His watch wasn’t broken, he had to leave it inside the module as a backup because of a malfunction in the control panel. Everything else you say is correct.
From Wikipedia:
Although Apollo 11 commander Neil Armstrong was first to set foot on the Moon, he left his 105.012 Speedmaster inside the lunar module as a backup, because the LM's electronic timer had malfunctioned. Buzz Aldrin elected to wear his, and so his Speedmaster became the first watch to be worn on the Moon.
FOIS is not about the size as it’s the same as professional minus crown guards yet it’s more elegant ,hands and straight lugs make it much more sophisticated looking and true . Professional looks and feels more like toolwatch yet as soon as I tried FOIS ,mom watch had to go and it’s not about the size - my wrist is 7 and a quarter inch
Hesalite all day long, i just don't like the milky ring around the sapphire crystal, it detracts from the look of the watch.
No date on any of them, bummer, dude.
There was no specifications regarding the crystal on the watches that NASA tested. The only reason the Speedmaster had a hesailite was that this was Omegas go to crystal at the time.
NASA did not specify what material the crystal should be.
I don’t believe that’s true. My understanding is that you can’t have glass or crystal in space and the hesalite (plexiglass) cracks instead of shatters
@@utcougarThere was many glass instrument covers in the CM and LM. they sealed and protected the spacecraft environment’s instruments. They too should have been hesalite if there was any truth to the myth.
@@thegrailhunter what if that glass was specially made or approved by nasa and since the astronauts bring their own items they need to be approved? Just a thought
Hesalite all the way
That was a really excellent shall thank you
I baught the Saphire simply because it was the most expensive. Then I realized I don't like the applied logo and polished links and the way the saphire crystal doesn't do that horgious distortion. I sold my saphire for the hesalite and I am much happier.
Dot over 90 has entered the chat . . . . .
The Right one is whichever one can handle the beach, the pool etc....any of the ones that cant, not going to bother with.
Just a stop watch
I love a sandwich 🤣🤪🤣🤣
1:24 of “other stuff” before getting to the video!?! Not cool.
Man on the fuckin' moon
Hesalite all day long
The bezel isn't Steel, It's Aluminium.
And its called a Deployant not a Deployment.
I never knew the speedmaster didn't hack! Holy cow that's unbelievable. I'm fine with non-hacking movements on older pieces but jesus if I"m paying five grand for a watch I want to set it accurately.
It’s not difficult to “hack” the movement, you put slight backwards pressure on the crown when you’re setting it, the seconds hand will stop and sometimes even run backwards. Look up backhacking for details. And just an aside, a lot of haute horological high complication pieces don’t hack either, and they can go six figures.
@@Pete...NoNotThatOne The issue I take with the lack of a balance hack isn't related to whether or not I can accomplish the same results through backhacking, like I would on my vintage peices, it's that one shouldn't have to. A Speedmaster is not a haute peice, it's marketed as a tool watch in a sense. "Professional" as a moniker still means something on an Omega even in the watered down state that the swiss watch industry now finds itself. On a watch whose greatest success story was the 13.8 second measurement of the Apollo 13 TEI course adjustment burn, accuracy comes with the image. I am aware however that a balance hack is a bit less common on chronograph movements, however Omega's own Planet Ocean chrono has hacking seconds. It's understandable if a Parmagini doesn't hack, it's a handmade piece. A watch sold as a tool watch ought to, though we can argue that the Speedmaster is and always has been a vintage reissue, and the ETA sourced movement is part of that, which is why modern limited additions feature more recent Co-Axial METAS movements...that hack.
the watch was designed in 1969, what do you expect ? todays technology?
@@joecostner1246 The Caliber 1861 was designed in 1996, so yes, I would enjoy a hacking balance.
The one that says “Rolex”
First Omega In Space. I mean, its even written on the back dude.
Would you buy a $5500.00 Watch off a guy that doesn't know what a deployant clasp is ????
Hi, thanks for the feedback, however I'm not sure which watch is 5500 dollars and who doesn't know what a deployant clasp is though. Maybe you can help me understand this?
@@chrisltj you called it a "deployment" in the video. I think that's what he's referring to...
That white ring on sapphire sandwich is distracting. Feels like an added metal ring between the bezel and dial reminds me of my SM300 and why I sold it on and got the Hesalite version. When you look at a Hesalite it always make you feel you’re looking at an Astronaut’s helmet and you hear the radio communications between Houston and the Astronaut’s on the Moon. That feeling you can never experience in any watch that is why a Speedy is a Must for any watch enthusiasts.
Sapphire Sandwich for me! That movement is a thing of beauty to look at for me. A grail. 😎😍
Sometimes I would regret not getting the Hesalite with metal back because they are properly space certified, but then I would find myself staring at the 3861 movement and realised that I would miss out on all that with the Hesalite.
I guess I will just have to wear my G-Shock when Virgin Galactic or Blue Origin eventually becomes affordable. Or maybe Omega will do a collaboration with the two companies and have the option of a special edition Speedy as an option for anyone willing to fork out 100s of K for a 10 mins ride. :D
*💗 Casio & G-Shocks!!!*
Hi good video , really appreciate the details it made things easy for me to buy one. I would prefer hesalite crystal one , as a purist, i think this will appreciate in future , also wearing the prefect similar watch as astronauts wore, makes u feel proud. Thanks for the video. I was confused n now am very clear.
Thanks for watching! I'm glad that you enjoyed it and that it helped you!
@@chrisltj hi after watching ur video bot omega moonwatch 1861 amazing watch . Keeping it mint for some more time
I got a sapphire Sandwich
I’ve been scrutinizing these watches for years now, as I’ve waited for a particular moment that I’ve always planned to buy one. I’ve debated and debated. I’m usually a purist about things, and like some of the more original features of the hesalite. But overall I’ve always thought that I like the shiny clarity of the sapphire face better, as well as its ability to not scratch as much. I also do like the seeing the movement on the back, which is slightly more modern than the hesalite. The sapphire also has parts of the bracelet on the newer model now that are subtly polished in between the brushed, while the hesalite is all brushed. Lastly, the hesalite’s Omega logo is printed or stamped, while the sapphire is appliqué and reflective. But I do like elements of both. In the end, neither of these are the exact specs as the 1969 Moonwatch. So if you’re going for that, neither will be it. But both are, I think, essentially that watch in modern form.
agree sapphire sandwich thanks
Hesalite all the way.
I really can't stand that milky ring on the sapphire sandwich.
Thanks for this review! Informative!
I have the standard Moonwatch from 10 years ago. I wore it almost daily until last year. I put it away, now that prices shot up because of the newly revised movement. I don't regret the plastic lens. I looks completely different than any other glass or mineral lenses. Plastic dome gives it a vintage look. I never really worried about scratching it. It looks fine considering the heavy use it got. I never bothered servicing it either. It's within less than a minute a week.
Glad to hear that you have been enjoying your Moonwatch! The hesalite can always be polished if it gets too scratched up anyway. Thanks for sharing!
*I didn’t initially behold the second hand at the 9 o’clock position of the ‘first man in space’. I thought it had been lost somehow. But when the videographer zoomed in on the dial I was able to see it. The polished hour and minute hands also became obvious.*
*I’m still not confident that I can discern the differences of the three. The ‘Sapphire Sandwich’ is a cakewalk however, as long as I can see the sapphire case back. The ‘first man in space’ is readily discernible as long as I can behold the polished hour, minute, and seconds hands _at the right angle_. In darkness, the lumed arrowhead hour hand also serve as an aid in positively marking the ‘first man in space’. The other two have rectangled lume on the hour and minute hands.* 🤷🏾♂️
Thank you for watching, and I'm glad that the video was helpful and now you have some tools in your arsenal to recognize the differences.
Saphir Sandwich
The first man in space was Yuri Gagarin the Russian cosmonaut
Definitely the first one i would like to choose and buy
The "first-man-in-space" version...
I didn't knew that russian cosmonaut Juri Gagarin wore a Omega 😅
Hi Freddy, yes sadly that is an error that I can't fix on the video but instead corrected in the description. Maybe they should make a Juri edition! :)
@@chrisltj I am pretty sure Vostok already has a Gagarin edition 😁
@@watch_drives_you sturmanskie
Another great review, Chris. Thanks.
Thanks Charles, and thank you for watching! Which one is your favorite?
deployANT
Love the video... BTW, It was Buzz Aldrin that wore the watch on the moon. First watch on second man on the moon...
My Speedy is around 15 years old. Worn everyday. I use Polywatch on the Hesalite now and then.
Neil never wore his watch outside, he left it in the LEM. Buzz had the honor of being the first on this.
After an agonizing amount of research, comparison and personal preference, I opted for the sapphire sandwich. The sapphire display case on the back, sealed the deal for me and the sapphire crystal on the front was an added draw. I’ve had it for seven years now and I still love it every bit as much as I did the day I opened the beautiful display box. The added accoutrements of the jewelers eyepiece, the two NATO straps, and the other goodies that come in the commemorative display box make this a no-brainer for me.
Not helpful at all. You don't mention reference numbers or anyway to differentiate the models other than using their names, which in itself is a very confusing language for a collector new to the speed master. Poor video
Hi, the reference numbers are listed in the description and are very long which may confuse you more if I spouted them off over and over. Thanks for watching!
Hesalite for sure,,, 🤩
sandwich for sure
I would go for the hesalite version.
I think that the hesalite gives it that vintage look .
Armstrong wasn’t wearing his watch when he stepped on the moon, it was Buzz Aldrin who was the first man on the moon wearing an Omega speedmaster.
Practical reason:
"Concerned that they would have nothing to use instead of the critical mission timer if both watches were damaged during the 2 hours and 36 minute moonwalk, Armstrong opted to leave his watch behind so that it could be used as a replacement timer if required."
@@Mark-jy6xd Although Apollo 11 commander Neil Armstrong was first to set foot on the Moon, he left his inside the lunar module as a backup, because the LM's electronic timer had malfunctioned. Buzz Aldrin elected to wear his, and so his Speedmaster became the first watch to be worn on the Moon.
You've made my mind up, Sandwich it is!
When I can talk my wife around!
You ask permission ? 😂
£5000, yes! I'm not a wealth man.
@@RobEvansWoodsman I was kidding. Good luck on your next watch purchase 👍
@@yankeedoodle6293 ok, sometimes it's difficult to work out when someone is being serious or messing around.
Not working at the moment due to lockdown so my watch purchase is on hold.
@@RobEvansWoodsman sorry to hear that. I hope things turn around for you and the speedy becomes a reality
Wish you’d stop pointing, just saying.
Do you have a guilty conscience? 🤣
My cousin and I have discussed this a good bit. As a purist he wants the Hesalite crystal. Also it has that cool tiny Omega logo in the middle of the crystal, which is lacking on the sapphire sandwich.
Hi Alec, so you both would go with the Hesalite?
@@chrisltj probably! We’ll see. Still loving my Aqua Terra.
this is the mess that takes down a brand. it's like Omega makes the original beautiful watch man on the moon and then decides to make copies of it that are smaller, lighter or 'fancy'. Panerai did the same with it's iconic divers. Can you imagine, a diver that's not really waterproof? A 'man on the moon' that's never been to the moon is the same shit.
2:25 A 'Tachometer' and 'Tachymeter' are not the same thing.
A Tachometer measures revolutions per minute (RPM) whereas a Tachymeter measures speed based on travel time, or to measure distance based on speed.