Hi all,

I've managed to negotiate myself a 16% discount on a new 3861 Speedmaster from an AD. This would be my first 'proper' watch - think that is a good deal?

2nd question - I'm considering getting the leather strap version as I'm really not a bracelet person. Were I to buy a bracelet, I would almost certainly immediately buy a leather strap. Having said that, is it dumb getting the leather over the bracelet?

Thoughts appreciated. Thanks!

 

RE#1, I think 16% may be best available at moment so yes, the deal is good. RE#2, I also prefer straps over bracelets but opted for the bracelet which is comfortable and has really grown on me, so I’m glad I did that. Remember that For circa £50 or less you can pick up a starter aftermarket leather and proper spring bar tool to allow for strap changes. Thereafter you could always pick up OEM strap with deployant for a few hundred £££ if you need genuine Omega at a later date.

 

Thanks. I do also have the option to get a 1861 with a similar sort of discount but which ends up about £700 cheaper. Is the general consensus that the improvements in the 3861 are worth the price bump?

 

YES, absolutely!

 

To me, yes. I like the darker step dial and the more compact appearance of the 3861.

 

Good negotiator you must be. Buy the bracelet version and try your skills at a discount on the OEM strap from same seller.
You could always sell the bracelet for much more than the strap costs if your going to keep it forever. If you were to sell later with a mint bracelet you might achieve a slightly higher price than one for sale with general everyday wear and tear. Well done on the deal.

 

On my wrist (plastic wrap on!)

 

Thanks. Think that 16% makes it a no brainer?

 

A negotiating tactic on the 1861/1863 Speedmasters was to get the bracelet version and have the dealer include an Omega leather strap and Omega deployant buckle as part of the deal. That's what I did at the Geneva boutique a few years ago, along with a nice discount. Don't know if you can do it with the new 3861 model yet but it's worth a shot, you have nothing to lose.

 

Would love that but not sure they're going to give me that in addition to the 16% off!

 

Tried both hesalite and sapphire in a boutique today and really can’t decide. I like the applied logo, exhibition back and resistance to scratching of the sapphire, but I like the look of the face and the price (!) of the hesalite.

I *think* the sapphire might look a little more premium.

This is going to be a go anywhere from dressed up to daily wear for me.

Can anyone help me to decide one way or the other?

thanks!

 

^^^ No one can really make the decision for you, you have tried both on and understand the differences in them, you'll have to make the final decision yourself which one is right for you. Either one could be the right choice, sometimes it comes down to a coin flip.

 

From what you have written, I think you want the Sapphire version. If you can afford the price of it, go for it.

However, if it is the heritage of the 'Moonwatch' then Hesalite is the one . . In which case, the previous 1861 Hesalite may also tick your box? . . and come in a bit cheaper.

 

Anyone else have any luck getting a discount the 3861?

 

Well I was curious about the US. From authorized dealers. I usually can get 20-25% but I know this is a new watch so I was waiting for people to start getting discounts on the 3861 models.

 

Yeah I don't know anything about VAT other than what it is for countries outside the US. But I appreciate the information.

 

Hi, resurrecting an old thread here, but has anyone the latest intel please on what discount I can currently expect to negotiate for a 3861 Hesalite on a bracelet? Leonard Dews have a 15% code online but I’d much prefer the experience of buying it in store…thank you

 

15% is as good as it gets in my experience (U.K). Also, there’s yet another price rise on 1st February so now’s the time if you’re going to take the plunge.

 

I bought a 3861 Hesalite on a bracelet from a well respected European vendor here on OF for $5,000 (22% off MSRP) a few months ago. BNIB with full factory warranty. For shipments to the USA he covers any Customs duties so there are no surprises in additional fees. Obviously it wouldn't be the same for the UK, but there is negotiating ability on these now since they have been out about two years.

 

I’ve managed to get my local AD to price match the 15% offer from Leonard Dews. I’m collecting this week.