Hesalite vs Sapphire Speedmaster Pro (Pics)

I just wanted to make this for all of those people out there who are trying to decide between the Hesalite and Sapphire versions of the Speedmaster Pro. I remember searching for as many pictures as I could find before I made my decision, and I thought I'd try to add a few more.

After about a month of thinking it over, and seeing them both in a boutique, I decided on the hesalite model, reference 311.30.42.30.01.005. One month later, I found a sapphire model (ref: 3573.50.00) locally at a price I couldn't pass up. So now I have both.

In the awful lighting of the boutique, the hesalite model looked by far the better of the two. This is what swayed me initially. However, since owning the sapphire model and viewing it in normal lighting, my view on the sapphire sandwich has changed. While I will agree that it doesn't quite match the hesalite crystal, the sapphire creates a very unique look that I still enjoy. And the see-through caseback is a big plus in my book.

Can't go wrong with either imo.

Sorry if the picture quality isn't that good. I only have my phone for pictures.

Sapphire front, Hesalite rear

Sapphire left, Hesalite right

Sapphire left, Hesalite right

Sapphire left, Hesalite right

Sapphire left, Hesalite right

Hesalite left, Sapphire right

Sapphire left, Hesalite right

Sapphire left, Hesalite right

Sapphire left, Hesalite right

Sapphire top, Hesalite Bottom

Sapphire left, Hesalite right

Hesalite left, Sapphire right

Sapphire left, Hesalite right

Sapphire left, Hesalite right

Sapphire front, Hesalite rear

And some wrist shots...

Great photos! Thanks for posting!

These are great pictures and very helpful. I'm looking to purchase a Moonwatch in 2019 and I'm debating between the two versions myself.

Thank you.

Great comparison and on that basis my vote is for Hesalite, but I wonder how a Mitsukoshi vs Tokyo 2020 would compare as the white dials would lessen the Sapphire halo effect I guess.

Great favor to all of us,, thank you!

Great post !!!

Great post. Perfect timing as I’m in process of figuring out which model as well.

I opted for the sapphire sandwich last year because I am so rough on watches. So far, no scratches. Looks good as new.

Great pics, but for those of us (noobs) who know very little, which is which?

nice comparison and photos

Did anyone notice the perfect adjusted timing between these two!!??? Great feel for perfection!

Thanks for all of the comments!


I’ll update with captions in between photos to make it easier. Also, Up until the wrist shots, the sapphire is on the bond nato, while the hesalite is on the blue-gray one.

Nice pictures! I had both versions and prefer the look of the hesalite over the look of the sapphire

I always lean towards hesalite. It has a warmer look to it IMO. Plus, more of a vintage vibe which I prefer as well.

Affirm...that’s the first thing I checked. 👍

@drhombus24 is on it...he should take the rest of the day off with pay. 👍

Great post!

This is a great post! Thanks OP! I remember times when I was trying to see the difference as well. This post will help many newbies out there like me to be better informed, unless they can check on their local AD themselves the difference between the two

Great write up, thanks! I remember when I was learning about the differences as well, and this would have been very helpful. (I ended up going with an older 3592.50 Hesalite Sandwhich,for the best of both worlds!)