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Opinions on the new Speedy bracelet versus the now (old) model

s2000_driver
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The new bracelet is lighter and the links are looser, which may give you the feeling of cheaply made. I think most of us have a certain expectation when it comes to the weight of a stainless steel watch. We also have some sort of a mental link between heft and quality. If you pick up a 321 for the first time, you will likely notice that it is very light. It is quite surprising. But, when you look at it closely, it is very well made and balanced. The same thing happens when you handle the Sedna gold Speedmaster. It is very light for a gold watch. The same thing applies to the 3861 stainless steel Speedmasters. I think Omega started taking this approach with their new watches because they are prioritizing comfort. The loose links and taper allow for the bracelet to wrap around the wrist better. The flat link bracelets on the Apollo 11 and the 321 offer a similar feeling on the wrist. Overall, the I think 3861 is better balanced watch. I never found the 1861 bracelet comfortable even with the adjustable buckle mod. The bracelet felt heavy especially on the hesalite watch.

Hope you are able to compare these two side-by-side and determine which one works best for your wrist.
 
J
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In the past I’ve had a heck of a time trying to resize Omega bracelets because the screws are seriously torqued into place. Does anyone know if this is the case with the new bracelet also? I’m expecting mine any day now and wondering if I should even bother to try resizing it myself or head straight to the OB.

Thanks
 
s2000_driver
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J joshinbrooklyn
In the past I’ve had a heck of a time trying to resize Omega bracelets because the screws are seriously torqued into place. Does anyone know if this is the case with the new bracelet also? I’m expecting mine any day now and wondering if I should even bother to try resizing it myself or head straight to the OB.

Thanks

The screws on the sapphire sandwich bracelet were much easier to remove than on the hesalite version. The hesalite version (all brushed) had a lot more glue (Loctite?) and were screwed very tight. I adjusted one of each. So it is a small dataset and not sure if we can assume all bracelets are this way...

Also keep in mind that there are 5 parts in each link that move independently of each other. You may want to use scotch tape or a flat surface to line them up before trying to insert the pins.
Edited:
 
Toad
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s2000_driver s2000_driver
The screws on the sapphire sandwich bracelet were much easier to remove than on the hesalite version. The hesalite version (all brushed) had a lot more glue (Loctite?) and were screwed very tight. I adjusted one of each. So it is a small dataset and not sure if we can assume all bracelets are this way...

Also keep in mind that there are 5 parts in each link that move independently of each other. You may want to use scotch tape or a flat surface to line them up before trying to insert the pins.
That’s a good idea.
Lining up all 5 of those sections is painful.
I’m assuming that the links have no inside and outside?
I asked this earlier in different thread and didn’t get a definite answer.
 
s2000_driver
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Toad Toad
That’s a good idea.
Lining up all 5 of those sections is painful.
I’m assuming that the links have no inside and outside?
I asked this earlier in different thread and didn’t get a definite answer.

On the hesalite version, there is no inside and outside. The links are exactly the same on both sides. However, the sapphire has fully brushed links on the inside. So there is a right side and a wrong side.
 
J
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s2000_driver s2000_driver
The screws on the sapphire sandwich bracelet were much easier to remove than on the hesalite version. The hesalite version (all brushed) had a lot more glue (Loctite?) and were screwed very tight. I adjusted one of each. So it is a small dataset and not sure if we can assume all bracelets are this way...

Also keep in mind that there are 5 parts in each link that move independently of each other. You may want to use scotch tape or a flat surface to line them up before trying to insert the pins.
Thanks for chiming in and the pro tip! I have the hesalite version on order so may just take it to the nearest OB then.
 
cjoedaniel
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Coming from the current seamaster, the 1861 seems light and cheaper feeling. That clasp just doesn't hold up to the robust and better feeling one on the Seamaster in terms of weight or heft. Obviously whether one considers that better quality or not is debatable.
 
Pazzo
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TAT2 TAT2
..................

...................... Basically make me a new and improved 1479.

.................................................................................. maybe next time..... 🙁

T


Not that far away I heard. Wait for @Uncle Seiko 's 1479.
 
edwardnorton
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scott784 scott784
I have continued to look at the Speedy as my next watch purchase (don't currently own one), though not necessarily in a big rush to buy right away unless I go for the old model (before they all sell out). My dilemma is whether to pull the trigger and buy the 1861 before it sells out completely or wait a while longer to get the 3861. If I go with the new model, there is no rush since they just came out in January.

This weekend, I was finally able to (very briefly) see the 3861 in person at an AD. It looks great with the exception of my first impression of the bracelet "feeling" cheap (just like some opinions that I have read online) whereas I did not have that first (initial) impression of the bracelet on the 1861. To be fair, I had very little time to really make a good assessment and this was just an initial impression from someone that has never owned a Speedy.

Can someone that has both the 1861 and now the 3861 give your honest opinion(s) or insight about these two bracelets? I am just trying to wrap my head around the question of why this new bracelet feels "so" light weight? I don't expect it to be like a diver watch by any means, but it just seems like it should have a bit more "heft' to it? I also don't like the fact that the clasp only has "two" holes for making micro-adjustments and what appears to be a rather aggressive taper down to the clasp. That being said, I realize the 1861 has its limitations too with micro adjustments as these are vintage style watches.

I want to get behind the Speedy because I think (overall) it's a very cool watch. But I just don't know if the new 3861 is worth it when I have these concerns about the bracelet, particularly with the large increase in price, and knowing that I can still buy the 1861. Again, to be fair, I had very little time to assess the quality of the bracelet, but it just "felt" flimsy versus the bracelet on the 1861. Obviously, we know the "big deal" about the new version is the movement.

Thoughts from others (about the bracelets) that have owned both of these watches? Thanks.

Just got diving into my speedmaster, and I have to be honest the 3861 is just crisper. The bracelet (especially the clasp) is a big but subtle change for me. I have always been a fan of the speedmaster models but I would have to say this new line is poppin! I was actually just looking at at an article that finally sold me on my first 3861: https://www.bobswatches.com/rolex-b...edmaster-moonwatch-caliber-3861-movement.html

"For years, collectors have been saying that the classic OMEGA Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch was due for an update – and it looks like that new generation of Speedys is finally here!"

Honestly super helpful when I was on edge with grabbing myself a 3861. I think I may have to pick up more than just one these within the line, if my wallet allows it 😉 Hope you find the perfect speedy for you!
 
J
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edwardnorton edwardnorton
Just got diving into my speedmaster, and I have to be honest the 3861 is just crisper. The bracelet (especially the clasp) is a big but subtle change for me. I have always been a fan of the speedmaster models but I would have to say this new line is poppin! I was actually just looking at at an article that finally sold me on my first 3861: https://www.bobswatches.com/rolex-b...edmaster-moonwatch-caliber-3861-movement.html

"For years, collectors have been saying that the classic OMEGA Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch was due for an update – and it looks like that new generation of Speedys is finally here!"

Honestly super helpful when I was on edge with grabbing myself a 3861. I think I may have to pick up more than just one these within the line, if my wallet allows it 😉 Hope you find the perfect speedy for you!
Are you a robot? Clickbait?
 
Major74
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s2000_driver s2000_driver
On the hesalite version, there is no inside and outside. The links are exactly the same on both sides. However, the sapphire has fully brushed links on the inside. So there is a right side and a wrong side.
Could you not wear the sapphire version on the inside out side and have the brushed look then swap for the polished? or is it not reversible for some reason?
Especially if you're purchasing a bracelet for the 1861 version?
 
s2000_driver
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Major74 Major74
Could you not wear the sapphire version on the inside out side and have the brushed look then swap for the polished? or is it not reversible for some reason?
Especially if you're purchasing a bracelet for the 1861 version?

The end links on the sapphire version have polished bits that won't match the rest of the bracelet if you reverse it. Also the first links (the ones closest to the end links) on both ends have model number etched inside. So that will be exposed.
 
Major74
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s2000_driver s2000_driver
The end links on the sapphire version have polished bits that won't match the rest of the bracelet if you reverse it. Also the first links (the ones closest to the end links) on both ends have model number etched inside. So that will be exposed.
Thank you for that. Great information 😀
 
antero
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TAT2 TAT2
I have the 1861 movement bracelet and frankly i took it off the second i got home. The biggest issue for me was the chunky shackle like feel that did not taper. That and frankly i am not into bling. A solid brushed bracelet that tapered down to 16-17mm would be my answer. Basically make me a new and improved 1479.

The new 3861 bracelet is a step in the right direction. Its tapered. But i wish the clasp was not ribbed for someone’s pleasure(???) and had a superior micro adjustment like a glidelock mechanism internally..... maybe next time..... 🙁

T
Wear the ribbed clasp back to front for your own pleasure!
 
gbesq
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To me, the 3590.50 with the 1479/812 bracelet is close to the perfect Speedmaster. Tritium dial and hands? Check. Fully brushed, well constructed, tapered, comfortable bracelet? Check. Vintage look? Check. Reliable, easily serviced 861 movement? Check. Lume that takes on a very attractive patina? Check. Perhaps the clasp could be better if there was a micro adjustment, but that’s my only criticism. And good examples are still available at reasonable prices. It’s a winner.
23B86CF7-8728-4A71-B8F2-1D00563D8802.jpeg
 
W
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I know owners have their own preferences, but I'd never found the 1861 bracelet to be off-putting or uncomfortable. You want uncomfortable, buy a Sinn.

That said, the new 3861 bracelet seems to be made well, and the movement feels graceful (not an owner yet, just OB experience). What seemed odd to me is the extreme taper. And hat the finish on the bracelet didn't appear to harmonize with the case of the watch. Again, it's preference, and many feel the 3861 bracelet is great, I guess I just would have preferred less taper, with the updated link design.
 
S
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3861 has too much taper and the clasp is showstopper for me. I can see how people's reaction is cheaper as it is definitely nor as substantial. It does seem like it would be more comfortable. On the last 1861 that I had (prior to my current one), I sent the bracelet to LA Watch Works and had them brush the polished sections of the bracelet. It looked fantastic.
 
D
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I have a small wrist, so the 3861 bracelet is way better for me than the 1861.
It’s lighter and looser, but does not feel cheap to me at all. I feel it is a good example of less is more.

I absolutely hate the look of the clasp when it is configured to the outer micro adjustment, though.

I’ve a question, due to reasons above, I always carry a toothpick around and adjust the clasp to the inner hole on-the fly when my wrist could fit in comfortably (kind of treating it like a quick adjust clasp). Does this harm or cause more wear and tear in the long run?
 
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