So is the 1863 movement sapphire sandwich considered a moonwatch? I am only asking after reading all the threads. I did not get the hesalite because I break everything I touch and I thought Sapphire was the better choice.
Internally it would be a moon watch but many say that without the Hesalite it loses something to the whole "moon" feel. As for a sapphire sandwich it is a great choice especially if you tend to knock the crystal from time to time.
I vote 3573.50 as moonwatch. Giving sapphire crystal front and back is just a convinience option that you could change anytime you want.
I have had a sapphire sandwich in 2004 or 2005 and absolutely loved it. I do consider it the Moonwatch, as the current 3570.50 (hesalite) also went through some changes since the actual pieces worn on (or near) the Moon. In any case, what I loved about the sapphire sandwich was the weight of the whole thing. It felt a bit more solid than the normal Hesalite piece, especially when worn on a strap. I also liked the fact that it won't scratch. Although I do not mind my Speedies from scratching a bit, at some point it ruins the 'view' on the dial a bit under some angles. What I didn't like about the sapphire sandwich was the fact that the dial doesn't look as 'magnified' as with the domed Hesalite. Besides that, the dial looks very very clean. As if there is no crystal at all. It just looks a bit more modern instead of the vintage look & feel the Hesalite gives it. In any case, I wouldn't exchange it for a Hesalite speedy if you already have one. Just add a real vintage piece like a 145.012 or early 145.022. The latter ones can be found cheap. I bought a 1979 Speedy from eBay in October 2012 and I think I paid around 1200 euros for the thing. I had it serviced and crystal replaced for another 200. RJ