Community Stories

New speedy 3861 - upgrade or not?

Major74
Posts
26
Likes
22
gnuyork gnuyork
It's my understanding that the texture has changed, on both the dial and the hands. I have not compared directly so take my word with a grain of salt. Apparently the new dial is deeper black as well.
You're correct. AFAIK, the new dial is a deeper black as opposed to the charcoal on the older dial. That's a fact.

I was more thinking the new dial is more grainy as seen in the video I posted however none of the reviews/articles I've consumed seem to mention about this.

gnuyork gnuyork
The 3861 is my first Speedmaster, so maybe not the same, but for me, I was sold on the bracelet just in photos alone, everything else was icing on the cake. I'm glad they did away with the extras. What am I going to do with a paper weight medallion? Nothing. Absolutely nothing. I don't need any of the other extras either. I suppose I wouldn't mind having the NATO, but the bracelet is so good in my opinion it will never leave the watch. I'd use that NATO on other watches though.

Congratulations ! The 3861 is a no brainer I think. It's absolutely brilliant. I'm going to have a look at the bracelet once my local AD opens up on 12th April to see if I want it on my 1861. Just can not deal with that end link next to the bracelet which looks "notched" in the largest micro adjust.

As to your extras comment...My medallion is still sitting in the box ...doing nothing...absolutely nothing.
Edited:
 
gnuyork
Posts
298
Likes
518
Major74 Major74
I was more thinking the new dial is more grainy as seen in the video I posted however none of the reviews/articles I've consumed seem to mention about this.

I have read the texture is different as well, on both the dial and hands. I can't remember where i read that, or maybe saw a YT video from some Speedmaster gurus that knows every detail.
 
Rado63
Posts
328
Likes
243
I think any time a reference from any brand gets the refresh, it doesn't necessarily create a rush of owners of the previous generation to buy the next generation of any product. Maybe at least two generations to get people to march on. The new 3861 is a reinterpretation of the 105.012. That may be enough heritage to get some 1861 owners to purchase and the new adjustable bracelet may be the upgrade that gets some owners to purchase. For now I am with the big box outgoing moon watch. I think I will get the new reference, but I will wait a couple of years and let the movement have some experience with the public before I buy one. I don't need to be the first on the block.
 
E
Posts
12
Likes
10
Rado63 Rado63
I think any time a reference from any brand gets the refresh, it doesn't necessarily create a rush of owners of the previous generation to buy the next generation of any product. Maybe at least two generations to get people to march on. The new 3861 is a reinterpretation of the 105.012. That may be enough heritage to get some 1861 owners to purchase and the new adjustable bracelet may be the upgrade that gets some owners to purchase. For now I am with the big box outgoing moon watch. I think I will get the new reference, but I will wait a couple of years and let the movement have some experience with the public before I buy one. I don't need to be the first on the block.

I had similar thoughts, Having bought the hesalite big box version a couple of years ago I should have been in no rush to get a newer version. The shape of my 7" wrists made me feel conscious of the large end links of the watch and and the time was running about +10-11 seconds per day which (although within spec), was a draw back for me. The new model solves all these issues and I have been offered a very good price for my existing Speedmaster (£1k more than I paid). It really was a no brainer so to speak. I did have an issue with the original 3861 watch I received and this was replaced by the AD (watch stopped occasionally when the chrono was used). The replacement watch is perfect with no issues. Should I have waited a couple of years I just wonder what the MRRP price will be as all watches seem to be getting so so expensive at the moment, although realistically there probably will be some deals to be had.
 
fendushi
Posts
60
Likes
114
I went to my local boutique wearing my 1863 to check out a 3861. I immediately noticed the difference in the weight with the 2 bracelets. The new bracelet is so light compared to the old one. Yes, it's true that it feels cheap because of the lighter weight, but it feels and looks better on the wrist.

Although the difference is minimal, I also prefer the new stepped dial and I love the applied logo on the sapphire version.

Will I sell or trade my 1863 for the 3861? No! I still love the 1863 sapphire sandwich, I will never give it up. Call me weird but I just love the fact that its not metas co axial and how it's more old school and kept it's horology roots.

Will I buy a 3861 as well in the future? Definite yes!!

I might even get a new bracelet in the meantime for my 1863.

And I walked out of the boutique with no blood on my wrist.
 
E
Posts
12
Likes
10
Just an update on my 3861. This is my second one now as my first had a mechanical issue. Now my new one (sapphire) has the same issue after a couple of weeks. when using the Chrono, the second timer hand gets to circa 2 seconds and the whole watch seizes. I have to hit the chrono button again for the main (local time) second hand to start working and then I have to hit the chrono button again for the timer second had to start moving again. I have lost complete faith in the 3861 movement for now. I have contacted the AD with my intention to get a full refund and hope to find out more later in the week. I love the watch but even if I get a replacement my confidence is lost. In the meantime all I can say so far is that the AD have been fantastic so far.
 
PhilF
Posts
355
Likes
455
E Eightball76
I had similar thoughts, Having bought the hesalite big box version a couple of years ago I should have been in no rush to get a newer version. The shape of my 7" wrists made me feel conscious of the large end links of the watch and and the time was running about +10-11 seconds per day which (although within spec), was a draw back for me. The new model solves all these issues and I have been offered a very good price for my existing Speedmaster (£1k more than I paid). It really was a no brainer so to speak. I did have an issue with the original 3861 watch I received and this was replaced by the AD (watch stopped occasionally when the chrono was used). The replacement watch is perfect with no issues. Should I have waited a couple of years I just wonder what the MRRP price will be as all watches seem to be getting so so expensive at the moment, although realistically there probably will be some deals to be had.

Was in the same situation, but an impending 50th anniversary with the wife wanting to make it happen, I traded my Big Box 1861 for a bit more than I paid, she paid the difference. For me it was the inability to adjust the bracelet to be comfortable, especially in warm weather (solved that with a leather deployant strap) accuracy-gained 10+ per day and due to my work environment with a lot of magnets (had to demag at least weekly) and I really prefer a watch that hacks. All that and it's flatter on the wrist impelled me towards a Sapphire. So far, working well, gains about a second a day and is very comfortable on the same deployant strap. The 3861 has been around since about 2015 and has had some minor issues, but, I'm happy with mine (especially the retro face) and if it has to go back for a problem, I'm confident that Omega will set it right. I've got my 38mm Speedmaster as a backup.
 
WastedYears
Posts
8
Likes
10
Just sold my 4-y-o 1861 today and made a CHF 500 profit on it. I likely could have gotten more had I sold outside the Swiss market, but the buyer picked it up and saved me a lot of hassle packing and shipping that huge box. In my opinion there's literally zero downside to upgrading to the new one.
 
Major74
Posts
26
Likes
22
fendushi fendushi
I went to my local boutique wearing my 1863 to check out a 3861. I immediately noticed the difference in the weight with the 2 bracelets. The new bracelet is so light compared to the old one. Yes, it's true that it feels cheap because of the lighter weight, but it feels and looks better on the wrist.

Although the difference is minimal, I also prefer the new stepped dial and I love the applied logo on the sapphire version.

Will I sell or trade my 1863 for the 3861? No! I still love the 1863 sapphire sandwich, I will never give it up. Call me weird but I just love the fact that its not metas co axial and how it's more old school and kept it's horology roots.

Will I buy a 3861 as well in the future? Definite yes!!

I might even get a new bracelet in the meantime for my 1863.

And I walked out of the boutique with no blood on my wrist.


According to review at 11:11, Tim starts talking about the finishing on the old and new movement.

The 3861 isn't as well finished as the 1863 however obviously better finished than 1861 as they use the same 3861 for the hesalite and sapphire.
 
fendushi
Posts
60
Likes
114
Major74 Major74

According to review at 11:11, Tim starts talking about the finishing on the old and new movement.

The 3861 isn't as well finished as the 1863 however obviously better finished than 1861 as they use the same 3861 for the hesalite and sapphire.

I just watched the video. Its an interesting observation from Tim as I did not even realise this in the photos or seeing it in person. My eye sight is not what it used to be though and I didnt see the back through a loupe. I was just excited there was one available for me to check out.

Thanks for sharing.
 
hronists
Posts
272
Likes
849
fendushi fendushi
Not according to this:

https://www.montredo.com/6-myths-about-the-co-axial-escapement/

"In fact, the patents for the Co-Axial escapement have expired and technically, any manufacturer can now use a Co-axial escapement for their own purposes."

there is tiny detail - co-axial escapement has been developed further by Omega for 20 years and it is not the same one Daniels brought to Rolex, Omega and other manufacturers 30 odd years ago. Omega have a huge head-start.
 
Alllexandru
Posts
69
Likes
117
Major74 Major74
if you have a 1861, should you sell and upgrade to 3861 or keep the 1861 for whatever reasons you may have? My question is how many of you are smitten enough to sell your 1861's to purchase the 3861.


Would love to hear your views on the matter.

and a picture just for fun

20180716_175904-jpg.13459781


I'll stick with my 1861 as it marked a milestone, love the watch for me it is the perfect watch.
Box sits tuck away with all the goodies inside, untouched.
Have already 5 additional bracelets and another 1 on the road
Accuracy has been very consistent for me and I see no real improvement for 3861 in my case

If I will buy one in the future, maybe but not letting go of my 1861

Photo for fun....
20210307-IMG_1951-2.jpg
 
20210307-IMG_1951-2.jpg
D
Posts
54
Likes
22
Quick question on the new bracelet, if you shift down one micro adjustment on the clasp (looser) vs adding a link and using the tighter micro adjustment slot, how much tighter/looser is it?
 
madjestikmoose
Posts
833
Likes
1,571
I wouldn’t bother, personally. I’ve never known a new release that generated more hysteria about its bracelet than the watch itself.
 
Sign up or log in to reply...

Similar threads

Davey2024

Speedy 3861 weirdness - BUYER BEWARE

Davey2024 Modern Omega Watches
dsio
dsio
Posts
219
Views
10K
DdKk

Speedy: 3861 or chocolate dial 1863?

DdKk Modern Omega Watches
DdKk
DdKk
Posts
10
Views
2K
E

Got to see the new Speedmasters!

ErichKeane Modern Omega Watches
M
MEGAmole
Posts
17
Views
1K
Watchingwatches3

New Speedy 3861 decision help

Watchingwatches3 Modern Omega Watches
BenzBhoy
BenzBhoy
Posts
44
Views
12K
C

I’m over the moon with my new 3861 Speedy Hesalite

Chefbaze Modern Omega Watches
bsowers34
bsowers34
Posts
13
Views
3K
E

My trip to Tokyo, new speedy!

ErichKeane Modern Omega Watches
Will733
Will733
Posts
13
Views
4K