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Sapphire swap with hesalite on new speedmaster

A
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Hello. I am aware that the caseback can be swapped between the new hesalite and sapphire speedmaster.

I was considering getting the new sapphire speedmaster though as I like the open case back, applied logo and bracelet. Still, I would like to know if the hesalite would fit on this watch.

Getting the hesalite version will require extra bracelet, caseback and lose the applied logo
 
Leviathan
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General advice, I wouldn’t mutilate a brand new watch like that. Just choose one version and stick to it.
 
Donn Chambers
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Leviathan Leviathan
General advice, I wouldn’t mutilate a brand new watch like that. Just choose one version and stick to it.

doing so would also void any warranty on that brand new watch as well.
 
Alfista88
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It's easier to retro-fit the caseback + bracelet, than the front crystal. Both the caseback and bracelet are plug & play, but the front crystal is not inter-changeable due to the difference in shape of the crystal's perimeter.

The same constraints on hesalite <-> sapphire crystal swaps that existed on the previous generation Speedy Pro carried over into the new 3861 generation of Speedmasters.

So I think this comes down to how much the applied Omega logo on the dial matters to you. Since with time & money, you can source OEM bracelets (from Omega boutiques) and OEM sapphire casebacks (from some Omega-certified, independent watchmakers).
 
A
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Alfista88 Alfista88
It's easier to retro-fit the caseback + bracelet, than the front crystal. Both the caseback and bracelet are plug & play, but the front crystal is not inter-changeable due to the difference in shape of the crystal's perimeter.

The same constraints on hesalite <-> sapphire crystal swaps that existed on the previous generation Speedy Pro carried over into the new 3861 generation of Speedmasters.

So I think this comes down to how much the applied Omega logo on the dial matters to you. Since with time & money, you can source OEM bracelets (from Omega boutiques) and OEM sapphire casebacks (from some Omega-certified, independent watchmakers).
As you describe it, it looks that a simple swap on the front crystal is not possible. That was the information I needed.
Thank you all for your answers.

One more question on replacing the case back. Would an official dealer/seller make such a change or its against omega policy and it would void the warranty?

Omega made such a speedmaster only once (hesalite + crystal case back). I see so many people preferring the hesalite for its looks but also be able to look at the movement. I wonder why omega doesn't make such a variant as well anymore. It wouldn't put them in extra changes/costs anyway. Or at least create a more rounded sapphire crystal and charge a bit more. Oris made it in their 65 line and looks great
Edited:
 
Evitzee
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You might persuade a friendly OB or AD to do a back swap, you can always try. Or do it yourself. And of course your warranty is voided.

They don't make the variant you suggest because they figure it's not in their economic interest. They'd probably like to get rid of the hesalite version altogether but there are enough die hard plastic fans to make it worthwhile for Omega to keep it around.

Omega can make the sapphire milky ring effect less pronounced through reshaping the crystal profile and changes to the gasket and tension ring (see Ed White 321). Why don't they? Who knows.
Edited:
 
the_drunk_dial
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Just don’t. When I see people with Frankenstein watches with variant details that I know didn’t come with the watch, my first thought is that it’s fake.

When I read stuff like this, it’s always a reminder to never buy pre-owned.
 
Evitzee
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the_drunk_dial the_drunk_dial
Just don’t. When I see people with Frankenstein watches with variant details that I know didn’t come with the watch, my first thought is that it’s fake.

When I read stuff like this, it’s always a reminder to never buy pre-owned.
Authentic, but different dials, crystals, hands, backs, bracelets, pushers, crowns, bezels, etc does not make a watch a fake. A modded watch is not a fake watch.
 
A
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the_drunk_dial the_drunk_dial
Just don’t. When I see people with Frankenstein watches with variant details that I know didn’t come with the watch, my first thought is that it’s fake.

When I read stuff like this, it’s always a reminder to never buy pre-owned.

I respect technical or warranty issues that such changes may cause. But what makes you think that I care what others think of the watch I wear.

Yes swapping the crystal is definitely not worth the hassle. But I don't see any issue in swapping a bracelet or enjoying the movement through a crystal caseback.

I own already a speedmaster and there are many times I wished I could see the movement. It's something I enjoy doing even with my much cheaper seiko
 
the_drunk_dial
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Evitzee Evitzee
Authentic, but different dials, crystals, hands, backs, bracelets, pushers, crowns, bezels, etc does not make a watch a fake. A modded watch is not a fake watch.
I didn’t say it was fake. I’m saying it’s a stupid thing to do.
 
the_drunk_dial
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A Alarm
I respect technical or warranty issues that such changes may cause. But what makes you think that I care what others think of the watch I wear.

Yes swapping the crystal is definitely not worth the hassle. But I don't see any issue in swapping a bracelet or enjoying the movement through a crystal caseback.

I own already a speedmaster and there are many times I wished I could see the movement. It's something I enjoy doing even with my much cheaper seiko

The topic at hand isn’t about swapping bracelets or straps - that is obviously meant to be done, and often encouraged.
 
the_drunk_dial
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Scarecrow Boat Scarecrow Boat
☕
That is my first thought, and any logical expert who knows watches would agree that it would be a huge red flag if you saw a certain bezel or case back that didn’t come with that specific model - at first glance, any reasonable expert would assume it’s fake without further inspection. I didn’t say by doing so it was fake.
 
texasmade
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Would be much easier to buy the 3861 Hesalite and then spend the $100 to just get the Spiralwinder caseback. There's one with moonwatch co-axial engraving to make it look more authentic.
 
7enderbender
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If you like hesalite with clear case back I would hunt for one of the vintage versions that came like that. Late 80s or early 90s I think.
In my opinion those are nicer then the 3861 anyway.
The new bracelet is awful if you ask me. Weird with the taper, it’s light and feels cheaply made and rough.
 
machamp6650
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the_drunk_dial the_drunk_dial
I didn’t say it was fake. I’m saying it’s a stupid thing to do.

You're welcome to your opinion, although there are a lot of OF members who are happy owners of modded speedmasters (e.g. mitsukoshi dial swaps) and might suggest otherwise
 
Alfista88
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What you're looking for is the modern re-make of a 3572.50. It was made around the same era when Omega released the original Snoopy, and the tri-color Earth -> moon -> Mars editions. I remember all 3 sitting side by side at my local A.D.'s display window, unsold for years while best sellers like the 2531.80, 2254, 3570 & 3573 all enjoyed higher turnover.

Unlike the Snoopy & and other special edition themes such as anniversary models, Omega never evolved that 3572 into a modern incarnation. I think many forum members would be in line for it though, if Omega ever releases it.

On the topic of modding: I've been a happy owner of several modded watches.
1) Rolex blue dial OP 36 with explorer hands
2) Adding micro-extension clasp to bracelets
3) Swapping out the caseback on a Speedy Pro
4) Brushing the polished finishing off the 1957 50th Anniversary Seamaster bracelet

Back before watches got so popular on social media, and became coveted as flippable assets, and manufacturers clamped down on after-market parts sales distribution channels, I recall the general vibe in the collector community being much more welcoming and friendly of modifications. A.D.'s too. Even as recent as 15 years ago, a couple Rolex A.D.s in my town would happily sell different color dials for a Datejust, if that swayed a customer to take a slow-selling Datejust off their hands. Those would sit on shelves for years, and A.D.'s would get creative with supplying additional dials, bracelet swaps, etc... just to sell those slow-moving stainless steel Rolex models.

Applying this to cars: if a manufacturer offers specific rims for its higher-priced trims, is it really wrong to swap that into a lower trim? Some JLR dealers will happy allow you to order a lower-trim Range Rover with the larger/shinier rims from an Autobiography model, if that's what the buyer wants and will enjoy.

Seems terribly fussy to me, to try to maintain everything as-sold and shy away from modifications. Whatever happened to man's pioneering and inventive spirit? Do you think the pilots and mechanics from the Royal Flying Corps, Armee de l'Air, and Luftstreikfrafte just sat around, waiting for the exact replacement component to come from the factory during the early days of aerial combat when squadrons ran out parts? If a Lewis gun works on a French Nieuport, the Brits took it and strapped in on a Sopwith. If it works, go with it.
 
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7enderbender 7enderbender
If you like hesalite with clear case back I would hunt for one of the vintage versions that came like that. Late 80s or early 90s I think.
In my opinion those are nicer then the 3861 anyway.
The new bracelet is awful if you ask me. Weird with the taper, it’s light and feels cheaply made and rough.

Hello. Yes. I am aware of that version. As I mentioned, it's a pity that omega does not offer such a variant as a third option. Now for the new bracelet, I really like the more classic and delicate look, especially the 15mm at the clasp. But that is just me me

In any case, I do agree with with all of you that swapping the front crystal is just not worth. Thank you all for the answers.
 
A
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the_drunk_dial the_drunk_dial
That is my first thought, and any logical expert who knows watches would agree that it would be a huge red flag if you saw a certain bezel or case back that didn’t come with that specific model - at first glance, any reasonable expert would assume it’s fake without further inspection. I didn’t say by doing so it was fake.


Although this is getting out of topic, I don't wear or buy a watch as an investment and having in my mind what an expert thinks. There is no right or wrong on a watch you enjoy looking at. After all watches are tools we should enjoy wearing. Same goes for everything. No matter if it's a car, motorcycle or watch. Don't restrict yourself in rules and opinions of others for your belongings. Enjoy them as you please. Life is too short to bother for someone's thought about a 100$ Seiko that may not have the original crystal. 😀
 
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