Omega Moonwatch Sapphire OR Hesalite? | Watchfinder
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- Опубліковано 25 вер 2024
- The Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch: a brilliant watch that offers unrivaled heritage at an affordable price. But there's a HUGE question... should you get one with a Hesalite crystal-or a sapphire one?
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thanks for this lesson...do u have a video on ceramic?
Before deciding on a watch, I always hit it with a hammer. If it doesn’t break, it’s a keeper.
Does the dealer provide a hammer to test the watch in their shop or do you have to bring your own? It would seem more convenient if they kept a test hammer on hand...
😂😂😂
i guess you have many g shock
You'll have to buy each broken watch too, tho
In the early days of the diamond boom in Brazil a buyer saw a guy hitting rocks on an anvil. Asked what he was doing he said he was “testing” the diamonds, since they were the hardest materials. The buyer then explained that he had just destroyed a fortune in diamonds since that’s not what hardest means.
The fact the sapphire version comes with a clear exhibition rear is starting to tempt me.
Mubble Mann absolutely - this is a big (compelling factor) that’s not discussed in the video.
Yep it's much prettier to look at.
Or the out of production Hesalite crystal and sapphire case back model, best of both worlds.
But it costs 800€ more
If only you could try before you buy. The sapphire display back sticks to the wrist like a limpet. It really sucks.
Sapphire is the best for a regular person and every day wear.
Because it is scratches that are the number one problem for watches today, and this is where sapphire shines. Yes it can shatter, but I have yet to shatter a sapphire, and I have knocked them quite hard on metal beams.
My acrylic watch has not only been scratched but also cracked by a blow
wrong
Watch Geek Well said.
James Ash earning for a living 😉
And what is 'wrong'? Everything Watch Geek said is spot on correct.
Absolutely correct! Thanks!
I chose hesalite 7 years ago. No regrets. It has a unique, liquid-like look. Beautiful.
how's the scratch?
I wish they had one with hesalite on the front and saphire on the back :(
@@karlwagner8905 there is actually one, I can't remember the reference, but they made a hesalite-sapphire sandwich
@@ALIOS51 Ref. 3572.50 called hesalite sandwich.
@@rlgh2867 Pollywatch can remove all scratches. I've been using it for last 4 years and i'm able to make hesalite look like new every time i use it.
I thought I wanted the sapphire speedy because of the exhibition case back, but as soon as I saw held the two of them side by side, in person, the decision was obvious. The only choice is Hesalite. The sapphire changes the entire look of the dial. It's harder to tell from video, but in person the difference is night and day
This x100. Just bought a hesalite pro after holding it, the sandwich, and an FOIS in my hands. The “milky ring” doesn’t seem as if it’d mean much in these vids, but when you see it in person, it is SO stark. There are times I wish my pro had a harder glass, but the look of it with the hesalite is so perfect. Yes, it’s an aesthetic concern, but to those saying they’re not going to the moon so they’ll choose sapphire, PLEASE go visit an dealer first.
100%
Mine is the sapphire version and I love it. The hesalite model also has its advantages, no doubt, but as a daily watch it is important for me that it is scratch resistant.
Same. Sapphire sandwich is way to go. Who cares what purists say
Agree. My 3861 Speedy Pro and ‘57 are both SS.
No right answer, no wrong answer. I went with the Sapphire on my Speedmaster, you may prefer the Hesalite. Whichever you choose, you get a top quality, very cool watch.
Well said
Nope. Hesalite is shit. Even the stores I have gone to have watches (seemingly new) with hesalite that are ALREADY with smudges, scratches, and wear and tear. It’s a watch, not a painting. You wear the watch. It would be like wearing Silk T-shirts for your workouts. Good luck with it lasting one use.
Wicker _ I don’t know where you are from, but NO store buys several watches for display only. They sell you what you see.
@@car2004 The more logical answer being that Omega fondle their watches before leaving the factory.. ?
Fry Guy I have a silk turtleneck that’s lasted 20+ years. Hand-wash only of course, but WOW it feels great and keeps in the body heat.
I just like polishing the hesalite occasionally and making it all shiny and new again. An experience that you don't get with sapphire. Kind of matches nicely with the whole idea of enjoying hand wound watches in the modern era - we like that they need regular attention.
Thank you very much for an educational comparison between the Sapphire Vs Hesalite. Great Review
Something to consider is that, in this video, they used a very cheap and soft acrylic. The acrylic used in most expensive watches is much more scratch resistant. The various names indicate different formulations with different properties. Some of them could actually take a hammer hit without breaking (thicker polycarbonate for example).
Such a well put together and voiced video!
Bravo Watchfinder, this video will be an asset to anyone entering the watch community.
Thanks very much!
The sapphire back on the non-hesalite Moonwatch allows the very pretty chrono movement to be viewed.
It's possible to do, but the movement in the display back version is aesthetically different. The standard movement has a 'delrin' plastic brake that's replaced for metal in the display back version.
Best of both worlds is the 3572 or 3592 which are no longer in production, hesalite front but sapphire back with cal.1863 (cal.863 for the 3592).
I own the 3592 with Hesalite front and Sapphire back. You can watch it here: ua-cam.com/video/OpL6oMeAclc/v-deo.html
@@watchfinder even in the 3861 , are they still using the plastic brake?
There's something about your videos, everything's clean, clear, perfect, the details, background music, I just love to watch them, keep on like that!
I bought the Hesalite a month ago no regrets! Dial so clear with a touch of a vintage look and i feel like im in the 60’s buzzin with armstrong. You’ve got to be ballsy to wear one
The hesalite has this milky tone when it reflects light. I absolutely love that vs the glare a sapphire gives off.
Partly due to this video, I was certain I wanted to pick up the sapphire sandwich version. I got the opportunity to compare the two versions (005 and 006 references) and in the end opted for the hesalite. I just found the gradual dome and the way the dial looks more pleasing on the hesalite version. Even after I made the purchase I was still in doubt because I had heard so much about scratches on hesalite. Though now, after 6 months of wearing I realize it was made out to be a bigger issue than it actually is. The Speedy is my daily wearer and I have only felt the need to polish once so far. Too much is made out of something that takes 10 minutes out of your year to resolve with normal (daily) use.
Yup, and if you somehow clipped the sapphire it's game over... I will just polish and move on! :)
I purchased a sapphire sandwich today, the A.D has sold out of the hesalite version. But I’m not complaining, I can’t wait to put it in my wrist.
If I were going into space, Hesalite is the way. If it were just a historical piece for me, again Hesalite. For me, going into space isn't likely. I love that I can wear Sapphire crystal watches and they stay looking new for a very long time. Call it a compromise but I'll take Sapphire any day.
Also, this was a great video, well done!
This was really a really good opinion! Agreed!
Same.
I’ve been on the moon twice and both times i used a hesalite crystal watch. It came in handy from shattering being chased my aliens on the moon.
Great comparison review. I go for Sapphire as the choice for all watches except for the Man on the Moon. It's totally got to be Hesalite. A nod of respect to the real Moon watch. I also love the distortion Hesalite brings to the table when looking at a dial from an angle. Once again......Hesalite for the Moon Watch, Sapphire for all other watches IMO.
I've got the hesalite on my moon watch. Brilliant watch.
Hi Mark. I only have a vintage Omega dress watch in yellow gold, really cool purple dial from early 1950's. I really like the Speedy MOTM but I've not purchased one. I really need a date window on my watches. I use this feature constantly during my office work. Also what's a watch collection without such an iconic watch as Omega's Moon watch? Right now Omega has the best prices ever for a Moon watch from grey market dealers such as Watchmaxx or Jomashop. I would buy one but just spent my watch money I work for and save up funds for over a few years. The opportunity came up for a new Rolex 43mm Sea Dweller, red line, no wait list, not a penny over Rolex MSRP plus free shipping from a Rolex AD. I jumped on that immediately and have this awesome watch on my wrist today.
That said, my watch pool savings is back to $0.00, so no Omega Moon watch for me for a couple years. But Hesalite is the way to go. You have a steel stunner, and I wish I had one! Kudos!
I have a 2003 omega Seamaster. It has s sapphire crystal face.
I have worn it pretty much everyday for 15 years. Never managed to scratch it. I have had the rest of the watch polished for scratches 3 times in the same period.
I would always choose the sapphire.
Depends on the quality of the artificial sapphire. I’ve had sapphire crystals pick up minor scratches from my sleeves.
I’m not going to the moon so it’s going to be sapphire.
Would be interesting to see the sales figures for Hesalite Speedys vs Sapphire ones.
FV4030 Can’t the crystal be switched between types?
JimzAuto Any piece of a watch can be replaced.
@@JimzAuto no, they cannot.
@@joeschlicht Why would you think so? Do you think that omega used different moles for each version, up to the case as well?
@@Kilimanjahro I read somewhere that they cannot be interchanged. That was for the previous generation. I believe it's the same for the current as well.
I’ve had a few plexiglass watches as well as a few sapphires and other than what was detailed in this review here’s what I’ve discovered.
Sapphire is a smudge magnet, and Hesalite isn’t.
Scratches in Hesitate clean up beautifully with Polywatch. My Speedy Pro crystal dates back to 2006 and still looks great.
If Sapphire breaks, it a mandatory full service as those sapphire shards get everywhere. Here in Oz that runs to ~A$1000 (~US$700).
I love the look of the hesalite, the warm tinge looks the part on a retro watch but I don't know if I could deal with the compromises for my personal usage. Been mulling this over for a bit and still can't decide.
I used to like sapphire more, but now its def acrylic. At first it looks way smoother and more oldschool to me (which I like in mech/auto watches), secondly it is less reflective without AR coating. It also got its own "shimmering" going on. And I usually take care of my watches, so I never had the issue with scratches. But even if so, you can simply polish them out a few times and if it is too bad of a scratch, acrylic is really cheap to change, so not a big deal.. I think they both have their pros and cons but over all you have decide on your own what you like more. I really like the aesthetics of the acrylic. Only watches where I clearly prefer sapphire are Rolexes/Pateks because of their overall super-clean look, which sapphire fits better to.
Watchfinder & Company you have a new sub... I extremely enjoy these presentations very, very informative as well as educational. Thanks for the knowledge
I'm admiring watches less than 24 hours now. So I'm a noob. But my take is that on any other watch than the Moonwatch I'd take the sapphire, it's more resistant on a daily basis and it has the clear back so you can see the movement work which is beautiful. But, on a Moonwatch I'd have the Hesalite, simly because that's how it was up there on the Moon and it has that inscription "Flight-qualified by NASA for all manned space missions", I'm a space nerd so that's really important to me 🤷🏻♂️😁
Edit: I guess you'd say that if it's really important to me to have a watch like the ones that were on the Moon I should buy 105.012 with the caliber 312 but my take is that vintage watches are like classic cars. Yeah they're beautiful to look at and they hold a special place in the hearts of gearheads but they don't handle that good in the corners and they would benefit with 100 more PS. What I like about watches is that manufacturers sell you "the restomods", if you want an Alfa Romeo restomod you go to Alfaholics not to Alfa Romeo but if you want "an Omega Speedmaster restomod" you go to Omega, they still sell it but modernized
Lol you have no clue what your talking about. Not to be harsh, but classic watches can tell time much better than classic cars can turn corners... vintage watches will always be useful and never go out of style.
That glass break in the end gave me goosebumps, such an informative and awesome video with that banger of an ending
Hesalite was for short use, and for not shattering in space.
For us normal mortals, living in gravity and using the watch everyday as a regular watch.
Sapphire is the absolute best alternative. It both looks better, and gives more security, and dont get scratches, and dont get yellowed by age.
"Looks better" is entirely subjective. For me, the hesalite version looks better. I acknowledge the superiority of sapphire for everyday use by regular people...but then it also depends on how often the watch will be worn and in what circumstances. If it's an everyday wear then sapphire for sure. If you're wearing it out only occasionally and to events where it's less likely to be treated roughly then it's whichever one you prefer the look of that should be the winner.
Personally I prefer the look of plexiglass/hesalite/acrylic over sapphire. Not just on the Speedmaster but on many retro-design and vintage watches. It is entirely subjective, but too many people feel that way to state sapphire flat out looks better.
Knock a sapphire on a door knob or wall and it'll look better.
I wish you would have done some more scratch testing before you smashed them. I'm always wondering if the sapphire crystal on my Speedmaster '57 will survive a good sweep against a brick wall. In my opinion, the chances of fracturing the crystal are a lot smaller than the chances of scratching them. So for me, the sapphire was the right choice. It will stay clean and shiny for the rest of your life.
My daily work watch for decades was a relatively inexpensive Tag Carrera with a sapphire crystal. That Watch took a beating. When I finally retired and took it in for a much needed service they told me that the crystal was chipped. I was surprised to see it but you needed a loop. I let them replace the crystal since the watch was going to be in a much safer environment. I don’t recall that it was horribly expensive. My advice is wear and enjoy your watch without hyper concern. The only watch I treat carefully is my Monaco Gulf. My Moonwatch has the hesalite crystal because of authenticity and I’m not overly cautious with it and haven’t had any issues.
Can’t unsee the milky ring now
Seems the decision can be made by answering two questions: 1) Are you planning on venturing into outer space and worried for potential shards in your spacesuit? 2) Do you plan on spending most of your time staring at you watch from the edge? An answer in the affirmative to either suggests you may prefer Hesalite. You might feel the "milky band" around the circumference of the sapphire would be a detractor but wait until you get that first scratch from a gentle breeze across the face of the Hesalite.
Here’s someone who doesn’t own either watch 😂
I have actually owned both (at the same time) oddly enough. Ended up sticking with the Hesalite. I love how sapphire doesn't scratch but the Hesalite is easily repaired with Polywatch. In the end it came down to looking at the face of the watch. On my sapphire model it had a large milky white ring around the outside of the dial. This is due to the thickness of the sapphire crystal itself. Probably wouldn't bother most but it bugged me. Also the dial just wasn't as interesting/clear to look at vs the Hesalite. At different angles the dial kind of dances around a bit. The Hesalite model is also much lighter since it doesn't have 2 sapphire crystals weighing it down (sapphire model has a display back). I never cared about watch weight until I realized how much it can affect where the watch sits on your wrist. I hate a watch that slides around all over the place (prefer a tight fit) and with the Hesalite model being lighter it stayed on my wrist where I wanted it much easier than the latter.
Thanks for a great comment. This made me feel better about my most recent purchase
The dome shape is a key design feature, hesalite it is!
So you also don't mind scratched eye glasses because you have Polywatch? Honestly?
@@receptayyip1410 if you’re so afraid of scratching things, don’t wear them, same goes for eyeglasses. These are items made for using, not safe queens
I got my Speedmaster in 1969 as a gift for my 17th BD about 10 days after Apollo 11 landed on the moon with Buzz Aldrin wearing his Speedmaster as the first watch on the moon. Neil Armstrong left his Speedy hanging on the LEM's instrument panel. Rumor had it that the built-in Bulova clock in the LEM needed some help so Neil took his Speedmaster off his wrist and hanged it (not hung it) on the instrument panel.
My Speedmaster was built around October 1968 as far as I can determine so it was built before Buzz was the first person to wear a watch on the Moon. It is one of the early .861 models. The first moon watches had the .321 Lamania movements, the same design as the Patek Philippe watches. I've heard the .321 movement was more expensive to make but was not quite as accurate as the newer, but less costly .861 models that began selling after the fall of 1968. Omega Museum can you please confirm this "fact".
The beat frequency was upgraded from 18 kHz to 22 KHz and an extra jewel was added to the newer .861 model. Also, a plastic piece was added to the movement. Although more efficient, and thus cheaper to make the .861 movement was deemed more accurate. However, the original "moon watch" was a .321 Omega Speedmaster Professional. The word "Professional" was added to the watch's faceplate after it was discovered that Ed White wore an Omega Speedmaster during the first moon walk before the watch was certified for outer space by NASA. Years later, the .861 was upgraded to the .1861 version which is essentially a .861 except the parts are "Rhodium Plated". The parts were dipped into a protective coating for longevity purposes.
I don't know if any .861 Speedys ever made it to the moon's surface. I've asked the Omega Museum this question and they are still investigating as of a few years ago. I'm still waiting for an answer. I'm sure the .861 was used by NASA astronauts at some time after Apollo 11, but nobody I've asked can supply the answer.
The question has been referred to the Omega Museum. I've posted the question to the Omega Museum as follows: " When was the first time a .861 Omega Master Professional went into outer space". So far, I have not gotten a response. If anybody knows the answer, please advise.
Finally, everything I've stated above was from my recollection. I have not double checked my facts so I can not guarantee the accuracy of what I've stated above. I believe I'm correct, but I can't confirm it. So please don't copy and paste the above as if it were Gospel.
I do certify that I've stated the above with all due respect to the Omega Museum. In fact, I would like the fine people at the Omega Museum to double check my facts and correct them where necessary and answer my question about when was the first time a .861 Speedmaster went into outer space.
I compliment the above video producers for their fine work. I will say that the original Hesalite cover on my original Speedmaster was very soft and was easily gouged and scratched. When I sent my Speedy back for a "tune-up" to Omega in N.Y.C. sometime in the late 80s or early 90s, they gave me a newer, tougher and more scratch resistant Hesalite cover. It is still Acrillic, but much tougher than the original from 1968. This is another fact that only somebody who has owned a Speedy for 50 years can attest to.
You have a glaring error in your write up. Ed White did not wear a Speedmaster during the first moon walk! He died along with Gus Grissom and Roger Chaffee on the launch pad during a test in 1967 on board Apollo 1 that was supposed to be the first manned Apollo mission. He did wear a Speedmaster during the first US SPACEWALK aboard Gemini 4 though!
"Neil took his Speedmaster off his wrist and hanged it (not hung it) on the instrument panel." No, he hung it on the instrument panel. "Hanged" is reserved for death by hanging.
Hesalite on my Speedy MAAAANONAFAAACKINMOOON! and sapphire on my Planet Ocean 8900 :)
Polywatch is your friend! I've had my Speedy for over three years, worn it quite a lot and it's absolutely perfect - Not a single mark on it. Polywatch is also BRILLIANT for cleaning up scratched acrylic windows on electronic kit as well. It's seriously good stuff!
I have worn my Speedmaster Hesalite watch for ten years.On occasion I will use Polywatch to remove scratches.About five years ago I did manage to put a deep scratch in the crystal I showed it to my trusted watch repair guy and he polished the face with a polishing wheel all good as new.He did tell me if needed the Hesalite crystal could replaced not a big deal.
There are a couple of misleading elements in this video. First, the information regarding the manufacturing processes for sapphire crystals is out of date. It is entirely possible to fabricate sapphire crystals that do not suffer the shortcomings pointed out in the video. Second, and more important, is the relative significance of the weaknesses of the two materials. It is far, far more likely that an acrylic crystal will suffer abrasions and scratches as well as ultraviolet discoloration (which was not mentioned in the video), than that a sapphire crystal will shatter.
Ok, you Crazy conspiracy theorist. Just remember one thing; Always get your MOTFM in the automatic triple-date version. Preferably a Michael Schumacher edition.
Aaron mughal . Nice strawman argument there. Anyway: Get the Triple-date Schummi version. It will make you a happier person in general and your horological journey more enjoyable. And we have lift-off! Please enjoy.
Aaron mughal . No worries, Mate. You are young, there's still time. Tik Tok.. And when you finally get your MOTFM Schummi you too will be enlightened.
Aaron mughal . When MOTF gets to boring/mainstream (which it is) I always recommend a Sinn 103 st. If you are looking for a classic chronograph, this watch will not disappoint you. The quality and finishing is very high.
We werent to the moon, cause the earth is flat like a pizza! And that they would have realized while in space, so everything is hoax about rockets!
If you wear your Speedy Pro daily to work, even in the office based environment, the hardened plexi-glass does wear easily and you will end up with minor scratches in no time at all. As well, it is only the sapphire glass Speedy, that is supplied with an exhibition back and cal.1863 movement.
7:05 great way of scientifically testing the difference in hardness of the material😉
I was torn between these options and even though I prefer the idea of scratch-resistant crystal and the crystal window to view the beautiful movement, I still prefer the look of the original, and don't like the distracting "ring" inside the bezel that the outer perimeter of the crystal creates. If it is relatively easy to replace the hesalite with an OEM one then I don't mind doing that every couple of years or so. So I purchased the hesalite.
Hesalite does scratch and scuff easily but keep in mind that it’s also pretty easy to polish out most scratches on your own
I'm seeing all you saying about polishing out the hesalite...how do you polish the hesalite back to it's former glory?
I chose the sapphire. It's just prettier, more scratch resistant and you have the clear case back to watch the awesome movement. Cant beat those.
You won't regret the hesalite... the distortion is beautiful!
This is my exact dilemma, I am looking to add this to give my 300M company (2007 model year).
Which keeps its credibility to Omega lovers, i'm leaning to Hesalite for being traditional - however I'm
thinking the Sapphire for real world practicality. 300M has been worn daily for 11 years its still 9.9 out of 10 of original finish.
Hesalite hands down for me. The dome looks so much better, also feels more true to the original.
Well, if you want the original, get the acrilic. But there will always be improvements in the industry and, you like it or not, the zapphire is an improvement over the acrilic.
I always tend to prefer the improvements over the "originals".
Regards.
You're thinking black or white. Not a sign of intelligence if you ask me.
I'm not thinking black or white, it's just a matter of tastes. And by the way, my IQ is over 200. Regards.
mauricio lacruz Then you will never be true to the original. Mines acrylic. Take that. Lol
Dapdoi Ardon hehehehe
Nicely done. I learned exactly what I wanted to know. Thanks.
Originality, as the watches worn by the Apollo astronauts, were Hesalite plastic, as they were deemed far safer in a zero gravity environment.
A Hesalite plastic, will not shatter or splinter like a more expensive Sapphire crystal.
The fact that none of us are going into outer space any day soon, means a Sapphire crystal model will be far more robust, and will not scratch or get damaged in every day use.
If originality bothers you, get the plastic Hesalite, if you just want the best Speedmaster, go for the Sapphire.
@@aaronmughal1493 Said the moon landing denier... It's like saying the pyramids of Egypt are fake. The level of evidence is about the same.
@@aaronmughal1493 Firstly, I would like to stop calling each other nutters and I apologise for starting that. Can you give me your top reason (I know moon landing deniers have many) for disbelieving? Not a massive list, but one piece of evidence we can discuss, if you are interested in talking about it of course.
Hesalite -> You are boarding on the Shuttle, next stop: the Moon
Sapphire -> You are waiting for the next train to go to your 9-5 work
Your choice.
I'd rather take the train to work then almost die in space
Im_Benton Gaming Than* (unless of course you want to go to work and THEN almost die afterwards) 🤷🏻♂️
@@woodpush4element No one likes a smartass, I am only 13. Common mistake.
MAN ON THE FUCKING MOOOOOOONNNNNNNNNN
Man on the fucking moooooooonnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn!!!!!
Fuck me dead!
Outstanding video, once again. Now I understand the difference between saphire and acrylic (that shattering demo was awesome too!)
Sapphire over the others...always.
In that specific watch the sapphire version also has the visual case back which is showing the beautiful movement in full glory.
It`s marvelous.
7:08 onwards.. so satisfying....mmm.....
Song 🎶 name??!
for true space fans there's only one option. hesalite.
then get some polywatch.
Dai Watkins to be more precise, only one option is 105.012 with 321 movement, everything else is not a moonwatch.
True space fans would choice the best possibility that technology offers. If sapphire evolved in a way that it would be less breakable just like glass did, then that's it. The choice would be sapphire.
Tech Iff if you want a Speedmaster in step with the times, then buy the automatic one with Co-Axial movement. Do you say this doesn't work in space? I'm not a physicist, but I can tell you that you'll never go there...
Hesalite = 4cylider cloth seats base model
Saphire = v6 leather seats, moon roof full package
For daily wear, sapphire. Bulova now has a watch called the Curve. The crystal is curved sapphire. Just may lead to some interesting watches in the near future.
I got rid of small scratches on my TAG Heuer Targa Florio (plexiglass) by rubbing gently a soft cloth and a tiny bit of toothpaste. Make sure the toothpaste does NOT have any particles otherwise it will scratch the plexiglass even more.
I wore a plexi Rolex for years, never occured to me that it scratched. In years of wear I've never seen a real scratch on it and never polished it either. And I'm very hard on watches. It's less of a big deal than you would think. Way more important is if you like the look of plexi/hesalite.
Note to self:
Never block a hammer strike with watch, block with forearm instead.
Acrylic can be polished back to look almost new and is also a lot cheaper to replace if you shatter it. If you shatter the sapphire the shards can scratch your dial.
Great video, and much needed. Having owned an acrylic Datejust for a decade in the 80s/90s I know which way I'm going............. If I ever get the chance to travel to the moon I'll "upgrade" to Hesalite.
Well, since I'm not going to the moon any time soon, sapphire for me.
Purchased mine two weeks and got the original moonwatch.
Superb. Really gets to the heart of the issues in an engaging and enchanting way.
Without a doubt, the finest watch vlog on the internet. Great information, as always.
Going with the heslite isn't a bad move, most scratches can be polished out by most owners quite easily with a little time effort .on the other hand Sapphire will be almost impossible to polish by hand for the owner
This a very high quality watch channel, well done. However, I think that this particular video is a bit confusing and lacks perspective. Both materials obviously shatter as the video demonstrates. Hesalite shutters into large chunks and mineral into random large and very small pieces (messier); maybe hesalite can withstand stronger impacts without shattering but, practically, they both shatter. The question is what are the chances you'll knock/drop your watch bad enough to shatter its dial window? Practically, very small unless you're into sports or vigorous physical activities in which case you'll probably not wear a $6K Moon watch (unless there is a fat wallet in one of your pockets). Scratches, on the other hand, are extremely common and, personally, I'm not getting any kicks in polishing my 6K watch with toothpaste, gumption or corn flakes. Replacing the dial window on a moon watch is expensive unless you want to risk sending it to a cheap-n-cheerful local watchmaker or - even worse - do it yourself... on a $6K watch, again. Sapphire is a no-brainer unless you're a collector and look for authenticity (in which case you should look for a vintage piece to do it properly) or don't mind scratches (some people like their watches with a bit of character). Regards,
But I think what really differs between them is how they reflect light. Hesalite/ acrylic has a very distinctive soft haze of light compared to mirror like sapphire. This, I think is a very important aesthetic decision to the watch details, although I do agree this is very much compromise the durability of the watch.
Did you see the beveling and the black polishing on that hammer? Stunning!!
Beautiful!. This is just serious question, but may I ask why Omega sell these watch so expensively? The "Why" question is what I couldn't absorb it's because I love Omega watches and wanted to buy one. But when I look at the price, I keep thinking forever.
I fault no one for their choice here, but I went with the Sapphire. Some days I just stare at the back of it while I'm waiting on something. I completely understand going either direction, but I really don't think you can make a bad choice. Every time I think I might have buyer's remorse, I just kinda stare at it and smile.
Fantastic videos! Its really good to learn about manufacture and history of the industry. Well done!
Great Video on a useful subject. The additional benefit of sapphire not mentioned if I am correct is that you can also have it in the case back showing off the movement which is not an option on the Hesalite....
Always an odd argument. 1) you won’t see the movement while wearing it. 2) preferring sapphire over acrylic because it’s harder wearing and then removing steel and replacing it with sapphire is laughable.
I have read that the whole nasa debate of whether sapphire or hesalite for the moon watch is actually misinformation. At the time they were procured sapphire was not used in these watches. Also, the sent an RFP to a bunch of watch manufacturers and tested what they got back and chose from those watches. There wasn’t a big back and forth about how to engineer the watch for space, they just picked the speedmaster because it did the best for what they needed. And it came with a hesalite crystal at that time, so that’s what it went to space with. Feel free to tell me I’m wrong, but I believe it is more likely that they simply used what was available.
A simple gshock casio is enough to go to the moon
why is't polycarbonate used? it never fractures (innate it doesn't take well to UV-light, but there are treatments to prevent that)
It's kind of tipped by the fact that the sapphire sandwich is a nicer watch overall, with the higher-finish 1863 calibre and exhibition case back. Mmm, manual wind. I'm thinking about one soon, the sapphire. I do want a Submariner very badly though. We'll see.
That Sapphire shattered like my heart when you broke those
@Watchfinder &Co. i noticed that the acrylic lens broke along where you scratched it beforehand. it would be nice to have seen how an unscratched lens would fair against sapphire.
This is one of the most interesting videos I have ever seen about watches. Well done that man !
Vostok Amphibia have very thick lucite crystals..My Omega 266 has had the same lucite crystal since it was new in 1954. However my daily beater is a 1985 Vostok Komandurskie akak with the low beat 18000bph hacking movement. The Omega is 18000bph too. The Lucite has been on it since new. However, my dress diver is a Seagull Ocean Star 28800bph and a Sapphire chrystal. I like this watch because I live by canals and its waterproofing is more reliable than the other two. Its too new to tell how it will be, but hey only cost me £280 here in the uk. I also have a Vostok Amphibia 710 ministry case scuba dude when I am working on the boat £54. I love them all.
Benefits are the acrylic has a look that can’t be replicated by sapphire. But you have this very nice expensive watch that will look good either way but the question is would you sacrifice it for durability to match the insane price tag or make it look a bit better for a piece of plastic that will definitely scratch and could get very deep scratches. When a sapphire will rarely ever get a scratch and is very strong. I absolutely love the acrylic look and I wish they could make a stronger crystal with the exact same look. But it’s so risky. If someone put scissors directly on my sapphire watch I’d be so much less worried that if it were acrylic because the sapphire could maybe get a scratch but it probably won’t. But the acrylic will definitely get a scratch it and could even break the crystal. Expensive watches should be made with the best quality parts in mind to make them look better. Acrylic still has a better look but I’d rather have a watch that looks like new until I die than one that has an expiration date and it’s when that crystal gets broken.
I went with the sapphire sandwich and I dont regret it at all. Also you can see the movement through the back, but also not the movement has metal pushers inside instead of plastic on the hesalite version
Would you consider an overview to Seiko's Hardlex vs Sapphlex, too?
Sapphire hands down. Scratches on hesalite will drive you nuts. Jus t look at it and it gets scratched.
I am a plumber by trade and have worn a Moonwatch to work for 15 years with a Hesalite crystal. I am only on my second crystal, my current one being 6 years old. They hold up surprisingly well and I never did any damage that I could not polish out with good results. If you are a grit blaster by trade then maybe the Hesalite will fail for you and be wrecked but a plumber's hands get pretty worn whilst my watch crystals have survived. They are relatively inexpensive to replace when compared to sapphire as well. Hesalite may very well surprise you. Now, if the tiniest of scratches on a watch drive you mad, the sapphire is an absolute must but my acrylic crystals have surprised me again and again over the years with their toughness and ability to have scratches polished out.
A couple of my sapphire watches have perfectly domed crystals, as smooth as the acrylic in the video, with no discernible "step," or "milky band," or distortion when you view at an angle. What they do have is a sharp edge that is hidden by the bezel. Sapphire crystals shaped like the one in the video only seem to be on watches where the design did not allow the crystal to be set flush with the bezel. It happens that only one of my watches is like that and I actually like the effect.
Many watches from the late 50s (like the Speedmaster) have proud crystals, so hiding the tight radius under the bezel wouldn't work, as you pointed out.
4:18 that's all you have to see in this video. and he wasn't even scraping it too hard.
Was also just a cheap acrylic crystal and not the hesalite crystal from an Omega, which is a lot harder and more scratch resistant.
This is so frustrating. I'd love a Speedmaster, but I'd like a sapphire main crystal with a solid, non-exhibition, caseback; why doesn't Omega offer more variety? This is clearly an issue for many since I've read so many articles on it.
I would prefer Haselite over Sapphire because scratches can be polished away with Mobile Display Polisher easily. I tried it many times on a CWC W10 British Army watch and it delivers very good results. A Rolex Oyster DJ of mine has a flat Sapphire crystal. The plane of it protrudes a bit and the sharp edge all around can chip off a bit when struck hardly. Happened near the sixth hour index. Years later iduring maintenance Rolex polished the steel case that looked like new again, even scratches on the bracelet & crown disappeared. But although difficult to decide if it was mine because it looked so brand-new again, I recognised my DJ because of that tiny gap in the crystal at 6h.
Plastic Vs. Near diamond hard material. Such a tough choice
Straight and concise review. Feels like watching nat geo.
would love a Speedmaster with a Hesalit front and a clear backside to see the lovely movement! Maybe it´s not so expensive to change the saphireglas against the Hesalit one?
I love the domed sapphire crystal but I wish that version had the closed case back. I will be purchasing my first Speedmaster very soon and cannot wait.
I’m the same. Would rather have a nicely decorated solid stainless steel case back than sapphire that allows me to see the movement…except when I wear it 😂
Sapphire is better imo. I don't have to worry about broken shards of glass in zero gravity often so I think the increased scratch resistance is far preferred for me
Very good video! My 2 cents: If you want a Moonwatch, buy it with Hesalit. If you want a Chrono with all the modern specs, buy nearly any other Speedmaster.
Then you can buy the *real* Moonwatch.
Agree, but that's an issue with the whole watch industry. They make up a story to preferably each watch in order to sell it. I like my Speedy because of its aesthetics and I don't care of all the moon claptrap.
It's not plastic, it is *synthetic material* ;-)
Good video. I was leaning towards hesalite but you convinced me to go sapphire sandwich...purely because of the lack of plastic in the movement...
Makes no sense and sounds like you had already convinced yourself to get the more expensive one simply because it is more expensive.
If I was my dad, I’d choose sapphire bcus he’s perfectionist. He always pays attention to every little detail such as minor scratches 😅. But I’m more a wabi-sabi guy. I think hesalite would age beautifully as you wear it every time.
Great production as always! Keep them coming
I prefer this style, the way he speaks, the speed, the words he uses, to me is better than his newer videos
Simply put, the best channel for watch reviews
also worth noting, Hesalite can be polished out at home to looking like new, if you do scratch sapphire it stays scratched, o yea you can scratch it alright. I other point a new Hesalite crystal id about £60 where as the sapphire is £300+ major consideration.
Mike 2330 sapphire probably wont scratch in a lifetime, so its the better option since shattering it is very unlikely. no maintenance...
Would have been more interesting to see a scratch test with mohs picks on both types
I'd love the Hes version, however, I'm so brutal on my watches that I'd deep gouch the thing just getting out of the car. I've had an SMP300m now for 3 months, and I'd had the seatbelt come and smash into the crystal, banged it against walls, stairwell railings, catch it on tables/benches, went cave diving with it...yeah no way. I wear my watches, and wear them a lot. They need to survive me. So I'll go sapphire...though my heart wants hesalite.
There appears to be a color difference that you did not mention. Is it real or an illusion due to the shape of the two crystals?
He said the sapphire is colder and the acrylic warmer in tone
He meant warmer and colder to the touch.