I’ll be picking up the new Speedy Pro in the next few months and I’m genuinely torn as to which to get... the Hesalite or Sapphire version.

My apologies if this has been asked before, but does anyone know if the clear caseback from the Sapphire Speedy can be swapped onto the Hesalite version’s case?

I’m typically not anti-sapphire, but that milky ring on the Speedy Pro drives me nuts. Why Omega didn’t fix that, I’ll never understand.

 

Nice choice BTW

 

Yes. Robert Jan Broder of Fratello watches did a review on the the new watches had said the case back covers are interchangeable between the hesalite & the sapphire models

 

I had considered this, several opinions were that Omega wouldn't install anything that would be considered a "modification" differing from how the watch was manufactured. I would imagine that ordering and installing a display back would also require a new gasket/seal and could effect warranty status. I went ahead and bought a Sapphire because I wanted the display back and have found the dreaded "milky ring" to be less of a problem than predicted, in photographs, it's emphasized, in real light, to the eye, it kinda goes away, I can live with it. Still think Omega is missing a market segment by not making a Hesalite/Sapphire sandwich like they did in the 90's?. Just an aside, wondering how much the display back (genuine Omega) and a new seal would cost?

 

Was the Hesalite - Sapphire sandwich flight certified? I wonder if the Hesalite comes with a steel case back for NASA flight qualification.

 

Well, based on the certification test protocol from "Moonwatch Only" I'd guess no.
I would think it would have to be in the original configuration, Hesalite with a solid back. I don't think the sapphire on either side would survive the test, although it seems that other watches with sapphire have been used in the space programs (Z-33 & variants), although the risk of a cabin in a weightless environment filled with floating shards of a sapphire crystal probably still exists. Perhaps I'm incorrect, but I believe the Speedmaster is still the only approved watch for EVA.

 

I ended up going with the Hesalite model as planned. It was a really tough choice and I even thought for a minute of trading up for the sapphire shortly after buying the hesalite. Now my fingers are crossed that the casebacks can indeed be swapped. Thanks to all for your input.

Here’s the new toy… it has exceeded my expectations

 

My every new big brand watch exceeds my expectations, for the honeymoon period, for sure.

It's a great watch indeed. Congratulations. Wear it in good health. Regards

 

How does one procure a display case back while having the hesalite speedie?

 

I also would have a vested interest in this question.

 

I don’t suppose it matters. The new 3861 model isn’t NASA certified in either configuration AFAIK. Hence the wording has been changed to reflect the historical situation.

 

Sometimes people don't care about what comes with what, simply want to have what they want. If one prefers to have hesalite and more understated dial on one side, but yet wants to have a look at the beautiful movement - why not.

I did this mod to a FOIS using aftermarked caseback. Obvioulsy 1861 is not nicely decorated and has one plastic part, but still looks cool.

Maybe after market display casebacks are already available on the market, otherwise I am sure purchasing OEM one designated for Sapphire 3681 will work, on the more expensive side, but will.

 

Where would can I source a sapphire case back, OME or aftermarket, for my 3861?

 

Where did you get the aftermarket caseback? I have the 1861 speedy so would assume they are available for those? The only ones I found when I looked last were awful and domed. I looked at OEM Omega but after the spares market dried up people wanted stupid money for one. (About half of what I had in the watch).

 

They make aftermarket display casebacks for Speedmasters: http://www.customwatchconcepts.com
I got there one for my old Mark II. Not connected anyhow to them.

 

Thank you. I forgot about them.

 

I got mine from www.spiralwinderwatchparts.com

 

Has anyone attempted this mod yet? I’m tempted to order an aftermarket case back to test, I would prefer the genuine though

 

If I remember correctly, the 1861 casebacks are not compatible with the 3861 models, so I would doubt the aftermarket casebacks designed for 1861 are compatible.

 

Bumping this thread to see if anyone has been able to successfully install the sapphire’s exhibition caseback onto the hesalite 3861 Speedy?