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First Omega in Space Hesalite-Like Sapphire Crystal?

squarelug
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Saw a First Omega In Space in person the other day, man oh man, Omega really nailed it with the hesalite-like sapphire crystal they have on there.

So, with this in mind, had a question. I want to pick up the more standard, sapphire sandwich, 310.32.42.50.01.002 speedmaster but I'd far prefer a more hesalite looking sapphire. Do we have any idea if Omega might release the same crystal for the standard speedmaster? Is there a mod/swap available that would be similar?
 
Smaugtd
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I am on the exact same boat.

If I knew, that the FOIS crystal could be installed on the sapphire sandwitch speedmaster pro (310.30.42.50.01.002/001) or on the hesalite (310.30.42.50.04.001) version, it would be an instant buy.

I have read in here that boutiques said no to such suggestions, and Omega procludes you from buying spares outside their ADs, meaning that there are limited options to it.

Finally, I would wait for the eventual upgrade to come, but knowing that they brought to market the white speedy only a year ago, I don't think such refresh would happen any time soon.
 
YY77
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I don't think such refresh would happen any time soon.
Agreed, the 321 sapphire also didn't get implemented on the 3861 moonwatch so safe to say the FOIS crystal is exclusive to that model.
 
Smaugtd
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Someone could argue that the 321 sapphire, had to maintain some of its unique characteristics besides the caliber, to avoid canibalisation of sales, especially when considering that the 321 is 2x the price of the 3861.

The FOIS however is at the same price range as the 3861. Maybe you are right with the fact that they want to keep it exclusive for the FOIS to differentiate better from the 3861, but at the same time, it makes the moonwatch to be the one using the inferior sapphire crystal within the selection. And that in my eyes is odd, given that it is the big moneymaker for Omega.
 
YY77
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Someone could argue that the 321 sapphire, had to maintain some of its unique characteristics besides the caliber, to avoid canibalisation of sales, especially when considering that the 321 is 2x the price of the 3861.

The FOIS however is at the same price range as the 3861. Maybe you are right with the fact that they want to keep it exclusive for the FOIS to differentiate better from the 3861, but at the same time, it makes the moonwatch to be the one using the inferior sapphire crystal within the selection. And that in my eyes is odd, given that it is the big moneymaker for Omega.
It would make the hesalite version redundant so I can understand if they keep it exclusive on the FOIS.
 
bsowers34
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I like that they are different. Easier to justify having four versions of the 3861. But the hesalite makes the standard black dial look better than the black sapphire does. IMHO anyway.
 
padders
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It’s the same with the Seamaster. The std version gets one crystal and the NTTD derived specials get another.
 
Smaugtd
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Padders, is this true though?

The crystal specification of the new Steel Seamaster Diver 300M is: Domed, scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment inside. The crystal description of the NTTD or the new bronze/gold that landed today is the same
 
padders
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Padders, is this true though?

The crystal specification of the new Steel Seamaster Diver 300M is: Domed, scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment inside. The crystal description of the NTTD or the new bronze/gold that landed today is the same
Same basic spec yes but It is not the same crystal though. The std ceramic bezel models get one shape which is quite uniform in curve and the no date models with the ally bezel inserts like the NTTD and new Bronze Gold get something very different and rather more domed and curved at the edges where it meets the bezel. Take a look at the NTTD and you'll see what I mean. That and the subsequent specials using the mesh bracelet all have the curved edge dome. Its like if you want the classic SM300 style crystal you need to pay extra for the special models.
Edited:
 
ErichPryde
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Padders, is this true though?

The crystal specification of the new Steel Seamaster Diver 300M is: Domed, scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment inside. The crystal description of the NTTD or the new bronze/gold that landed today is the same

The crystal on the new no-date is a lot like the crystal on the Heritage line/new FOIS, it absolutely makes that watch pop. Much more to my preference than the slight dome on the standard ceramic SMP.
 
squarelug
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Related question, I guess ... could I buy the sapphire sandwitch and then fit a hesalite? I kind of like both seeing the back as well as what the hesalite provides...
 
JimInOz
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This is the stupidest thread ever!

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Duis sit amet finibus magna, in congue velit. Sed ac commodo est blah blah blah............

WHERE ARE THE PICTURES!

<joking, but where are they?>
 
Smaugtd
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squarelug squarelug
Related question, I guess ... could I buy the sapphire sandwitch and then fit a hesalite? I kind of like both seeing the back as well as what the hesalite provides...
from what I have read no. What you can do, is buy the hesalite and an aftermarket 3rd party openback case.
 
YY77
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aftermarket 3rd party openback case.
The OEM sapphire caseback will fit.
 
Smaugtd
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yeah, but you need Omega to hand you this in. Do you know if they would just offer it as a spare (I assumed that they wouldn't)?
 
YY77
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yeah, but you need Omega to hand you this in. Do you know if they would just offer it as a spare (I assumed that they wouldn't)?
A local Omega certified watchmaker has it in stock and offers it.
 
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