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...
I think we need a silver rehaut for comparison!! Also note the since revised “our bad” case back. Great shots!
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.
I'm partial to Hesalite on the plain ol' Speedmaster Professional. All bets are off though on the various limited editions which could benefit from the addition of sapphire.
I opted for the sapphire sandwich last year because I am so rough on watches. So far, no scratches. Looks good as new.
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.
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.
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!)