The two new casebacks are interesting to compare side by side.

Note that only the Hesalite one says "Moonwatch" on it (not that it makes a big difference).

 

That movement is beautiful.

 

I'd love to install the 3861 Sapphire caseback onto the 3861 Hesalite model... make our own modern 3572.50.

Especially now that both movements share the same decoration, and presumably, no need for the 3861 Hesalite to retain the magnetic shield on the 1861 Hesalite model.

 

Well...it’s only a few parts that aren’t affected by magnetism, so there are still many parts in these movements that can be magnetized.

Some strange things can happen when chronograph parts are magnetized...

 

That's a great idea!

 

Agreed. Wonder what they will charge for that part?

 

I was wondering the same thing.

 

I went with sapphire, super happy to get one so soon! I was on the fence between the sapphire and the hesalite, it came down to being able to view the movement and the AML. I also like the sapphire for everyday wear. I will probably pick up a hesalite in the future. I like the new bracelet and the other changes. I brought my 345.0808 on 1450 with me to start an abstract from the archives and I was able to compare the watches while deciding which one to go with. The taper on the bracelet is very nice, it looks like the 1450 is a little wider at the clasp than the new bracelet.

 

Picked mine up today: sapphire. Note that the new edition does not have the NIAID feature like the Apollo 50th or Snoopy 3.

 

Called 7 places.
4 Official Boutiques.

Found 4 Hesalites and no Sapphires

Jewelry Stores will not get them until late March

 

Did not account for Number 5 - Availability.
Guy's I couldn't wait. The salesmen claims that the Hesalite version is still qualified for Space.
Also the price difference is nice since I was ready to spend 7k +
So with this I'm under 7k.
It feels like my vintage Speedy, I'm very happy with it. Hope to keep it for a long time unlike my usually flipping.

 

I’d appreciate if anyone with a sapphire 3861 might do me the favor of taking a close up profile picture of the watch, attempting in particular to get a good profile of the crystal?

I’m looking to compare it to the following profiles, so something along these lines would be ideal for comparison’s sake:



And, do any 3861 sapphire owners have on hand other modern speedy sapphires to be able to compare their impressions of the “milky ring” or “halo” effect?

Basically, I’ve found that the cal.321 has basically no “milky ring” and a different sapphire than did the 1861 or FOIS, and I’m curious to now know whether the 3861 appears more like the the 1861/FOIS or the cal.321 (both in terms of the physical profile of the sapphire but also the degree to which the “milky ring” is perceived.)

 

I was told by the salesmen that the Milk Ring is gone but I did not see it for myself.

 

Salesmen would say anything.
Milky ring has been shown exactly the same way on new 3681 SS.

 

Thanks for the info. I want to see one. I've already decided but if I hadn't that info would have helped.

 

I want the sapphire, but I would like the brushed bracelet.

 

Here is a picture of the sapphire next to my speediorite, I still see a milky ring from different angles, but it doesn't seem as pronounced.

 

It's a beautiful watch. If it was available im not sure which I would have gone with. You are truly one of the few to have it.

 

Initially I was gunning for the hesalite as I prefer a solid case back but I also prefer an AML on the dial so suspect I will pull the trigger on the sappire - when wearing I won't see the caseback...

I have an A11 50th, hopefully this will be joined by a Snoopy later in the spring. In my eyes, a trio of sappire modern 3861s will be an extremely nice set to add any vintage speedies to in the future... most being hesalite only.

I'll be waiting a year or three in any case after saving my pocket money, that and I have a couple of other pieces I'd like to bring into the fold first.