New Speedy 3861 decision help

fiberguy

A brand new Speedy has more than sufficient water resistance for minor water exposure part of the METAS certification process is a test for water resistance. Copied directly from Omega... "
To ensure the integrity of our timepieces at depth, not just some but all watches are fully immersed in water and pressure is applied up to the point of the guaranteed water resistance. By submerging each watch in water we have chosen - yet again - to exceed normal testing standards."

mrchen

I would have much more fun having a Speedmaster or any chronograph as an everyday than a time-only. I find myself using the chrono all the time for my parking meters and other things in everyday life.

It's not like either of those models are going anywhere, if you love both you'll probably end up owning both eventually one day. It's only 'one or the other' in this one moment. This is me talking from experience.

blueteg

Have you tried a 114270 on? I have skinny wrists and it felt small and kinda dainty even on my wrist. The Speedmaster will feel much bigger compared to a 36mm Explorer.

The 214270, at 39mm, feels like a more versatile size (unless you have *really* skinny wrists) and more formidable competitor to the Speedmaster.

With all that being said, for a watch that will be your primary/only luxury watch, I would go with a modern Speedy.

7enderbender

Can’t go wrong with either. Both classics in their own right. Both flying under the radar and making excellent day to day watches.
I’ve worn a Speedy variation as my only watch for a good thirty years. Added some others since but it’s still going strong. I would be conservative with heavy exposure to water, but they are ver solid and can get wet, especially if you’re taking care of it (keeping your arm out of harms way becomes second nature) and get it serviced at reasonable intervals.

zetaplus93

My experience is from wearing the 114270 as a daily back in 2017 or so (sold after 1 year), and recently got the 3861 sapphire as a daily. My wrist fluctuates between 6.2” and 6.5”.

Hard choice. Overall I think it comes down to which design you like better (and it sounds like it’s the Speedy).

The other big difference is the clasp. The one on the 114270 was atrocious and one reason I sold it. After wearing modern clasps (e.g. 116710, 114200, 3861 sapphire sandwich, and hell even the GS clasps), it was really hard for me to get used to previous generation clasps. I guess some folks find it “charming”, but it wasn’t for me. One way to get around it is to find a modern bracelet/clasp for the 114270 (I did it for my 16570), though I imagine it’d be really hard to source one nowadays.

The 3861 clasp is solid and on par with modern ones, though I’m waiting on the Chronoscope one to come officially to the 3861 Speedy to get some adjustability.

Good luck! Don’t think you can go wrong with either one.

Watchingwatches3

Did you find the 114270 a bit boring? I wear 3 handers most of the time to be honest, just I think if it was the one I wore 95%, I’d start looking for some sort of complication

zetaplus93

Honestly I did find it dull after a while, but I chalk it up to being personal preference. I’ve since found that I like watches with bezels of some sort, whether moveable or not (like the Explorer II). But this is rather subjective, so you’d have to decide whether it’s an issue for you or not.

Oh and the watch case itself is rather boring—you can find similar cases in so many designs. It’s just too curvy—I’ve been drawn more towards angular shapes recently. I will say that I do quite like the twisted lyre lugs of the Speedy. Again, this is rather subjective.

Having said all of the above, the applied indices and the rest of the design of the 114270 is rather nice.

nlogax

Background: I currently have a 124270 and used to have a 1861, so... moreorless the same stable. I've a skinny wrist - about 16cm - and definitely prefer watches in the 34mm-38mm range these days.

Both are classic designs, complement each other well, so you'll probably end up with both. The Explorer can go anywhere, do anything, goes under the radar and feels premium, a little boring perhaps. The Speedy is a little more casual and to me felt a little more visible to others, a little more exciting to wear but perhaps on fewer occasions.

Stephanos

They are both great pieces, more than capable to withstand daily wear. Regarding the 3861 water resistance, I don't think you should be worried about it for normal wear/activity.

In the end, I think there are a couple of things to consider while making your decision (having in mind that you can't go wrong with either):
1. Size: they are quite different as far as size is concerned. Even though both would be comfortable to wear, I think you should consider how each sits on the wrist, especially if they will be on your wrist for most of the time.
2. Whatever your choice, you will be wondering if you made the right decision, and you are probably going to end up having both in the future haha

I have to say that by two 'go to' pieces are my 3570.50 (I keep changing between bracelet and natos/leather straps) and my 16570 Explorer II. Both are excellent for daily wear.