I was a reluctant convert to the Cult of Speedmaster. When I first became aware of the Speedmaster's existence, I thought the hype and seeming mindless fandom were silly and unwarranted. But to make a short story even shorter, I now own six Speedmasters.

I have even contemplated asking to be buried, when the time comes, with my beloved 1861 Hesalite. Seriously.

One thing that has eluded me, though, is the acquisition of a modern-made Speedmaster from the 321/861/1861/3861 family with a straight-lug, symmetrical case. I think the symmetrical case is a thing of beauty and adding one or two modern-made examples would round out my collection nicely.

But in my quest for a modern straight-lugged addition, I have two deal-breakers: no sapphire front crystal, and no lume coloured with faux-patina.

I'm aware of just three modern-made, straight-lug Speedmasters, which almost make the grade, but ultimately fail with one of my deal-breakers.



So, I have purchased no modern-made straight-lugged Speedmasters, and that's how Omega has saved me thousands and thousands of dollars.


Now, I think I need to issue a few caveats and apologies in advance.

My personal deal-breakers are just that, mine. In no way, shape, or form do I disrespect anyone's decision to purchase or wear any of the spectacular, beautiful, fabulous Speedmasters listed above. They are amazing works of art and anyone is fortunate to own one. I'm just waiting for my perfect, modern-made, straight-lugged Speedmaster, that's all.

And I don't mean to re-ignite the faux-patina debate, I think what one finds acceptable or attractive is a matter of personal taste. And yes, it could be argued that there is a tiny bit of faux-ness in the colour of the hand lume and hour markers of the 321 Ed White.

I keep having a nagging feeling that I have somehow missed or left out a modern-made, straight-lugged Speedmaster that makes it past my personal deal-breakers.

Have I missed something?

 

Did you consider the blue and black CK2998's which don't have faux patina but also no acrylic crystal, so close but not close enough. Can't think of any other Speedmasters with straight lugs beyond these.

 

Ah, yes, the CK2998. I did forget about that. But you're right, sapphire crystal.

 

I have amended my table based on @YY77 s feedback above, regarding the CK2998.

 

Well... you could....

https://omegaforums.net/threads/my-first-omega-in-space-fois-hesalite-crystal-mod-swap.171567/

 

Yes, I have been tempted!

 

Don’t be tempted. It’s heresy (well you did say it was a cult) and I’m still not convinced it isn’t just a bodge that sorta works until it doesn’t.

Im assuming you have a 105.003? That ticks your boxes but isn’t modern of course. You are right in that there is no direct modern analogue to the original straight lugs, but for me once you get over the sapphire crystal the FOIS does a nice job in its own right.

 

Yup! You could have saved thousands more if you didnt buy 6 (soon 7) of the damned things!

Your post is the pinnacle of Speedy logic, hats off to you.

 

I thought of one more straight lug, the 321 Canopus but based on price maybe best to exclude from the list.

 

You could also either relume a Trilogy, or swap in a 3594 Replica dial and hands.

 

That's my thought as well. Replacing the crystal with a Hesalite one is probably the easier route compared to reluming.

@Jones in LA Don't get another Speedmaster. I love to see what other JLC you'll add to your collection.

 

I don't own a 105.003, though I'm always looking for one with the right condition vs. price point. And yes, of all the modern straight-lug options available, I think the FOIS is the most tempting.

 

Too much hangup on sapphire vs plastic crystals in the Omega Speedmaster world. IMO. I have both sapphire and plastic Speedmasters and I just can't get excited about the crystal material. It's a watch.

 

Understood. And it's not that I dislike sapphire crystals...three of my six Speedmasters have sapphire on front. But to my eye, there is a wonderfully soft, smooth appearance with an acrylic crystal that can't be matched with sapphire. If there was a magic button that would instantly turn all my sapphire crystal Speedmasters to acrylic, I'd push the button without hesitation.

 

Zenith seems to be able to make their sapphire crystal equal to the Omega hesalite in appearance.

 

I fully agree. I have acrylic crystal on my Geneve and sapphire on my Seamaster, they both seem transparent to me. Sapphire feels so solid when I touch it with my finger nail and don`t scratch that easily. Acrylic scratch more easily, but have the advantage of ease of polishing the scratch away. No need to start a religion on that ground.

I was at a party and the host asked me to help carry a sofa down to the basement. The gypsum plaster on the walls of the hallway made these little carvings, that I easily polished away. If I had worn my Seamaster there would not be a mark, two different crystals, same result.

 

Omega can make sapphire crystals equal to a omega hesalite in appearance as well, they do on the heritage 300 2nd gen. I'd also say the Ed White has a crystal that good.

 

I own an Apollo-Soyuz 35th, and a 3861 Sandwich and can say there has been a noticeable improvement on the crystal's optics for Speedmasters.

The best sapphire "recreation" of a classic acrylic crystal that I have seen, is on the Doxa 2017 re-creation of the 1967 Sub 300. The dramatically domed sapphire is amazing.

 

I have the Seamaster Trilogy but the ridge of the sapphire is not as clearly visible so can't really compare with the domed sapphires on the Zenith A386's and A3818 I have in my collection, I can see no milky ring like the 3861's have and are similar to the hesalite visually.

 

I am with you on the sapphire, I just don't really care for it. I ended up selling my meteorite soyouz specifically because the sapphire. I have the blue ck2998, and I really wish it was hesalite, I'd wear more often.