The Speedmaster hesalite and saphire sandwich are discontinued

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Hi Al,

I already posted in the CWC thread of who the insider was as it's a relatively small private forum. I think it's safe to say that their word is quite reliable and worthwhile in consideration.

Yes, was it you that claimed RJB from Fratello has confirmed this?

I don't understand your resistance to this news, I don't think anybody is trying to hype up the 1861 speedmasters. They are still a dime a dozen.

I'm not "resistant" to this news, but after hearing about this for months and knowing it was happening for months, it's not really the "breaking news" that everyone seems to think it is.

If you don't think sellers have been trying to profit off this, you haven't been paying attention...
 
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Yes, was it you that claimed RJB from Fratello has confirmed this?



I'm not "resistant" to this news, but after hearing about this for months and knowing it was happening for months, it's not really the "breaking news" that everyone seems to think it is.

If you don't think sellers have been trying to profit off this, you haven't been paying attention...
Yes, it was. Confirmed through private conversation. I have been looking at the used market but the prices haven't really dramatically inflated. They have been slowly climbing since the anniversary of Apollo 11 and is consistent with the rate of mrsp inflation by Omega.
 
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Yes, it was. Confirmed through private conversation. I have been looking at the used market but the prices haven't really dramatically inflated. They have been slowly climbing since the anniversary of Apollo 11 and is consistent with the rate of mrsp inflation by Omega.

Yet in the other thread on that other forum, at least one member is talking of very recent price spikes. If you don't believe sellers are trying to hype this up, that's your choice, but it's pretty naïve...
 
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I’m not going to lie, I’ll be pretty happy if they got rid of the giant box the moon watch comes in. I always liked how the ST1 or NTTD Seamaster just had the pouch.
 
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It’s a forgone conclusion the 3861 will become the standard movement. When it does is up in the air. Will it affect 1861 prices? Depends on a few factors. If the 3861 goes AML and maybe a few subtle things then the 1861’s will not go up. If the 3861 goes ceramic bezel then the 1861 will go up.
 
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I agree, the big box doesn't do much for me, either. I have a dime, so if someone can point me to where I can pick up a dozen before they are discontinued, I feel like I'm the only one who is not in the know.
 
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It’s a forgone conclusion the 3861 will become the standard movement. When it does is up in the air. Will it affect 1861 prices? Depends on a few factors. If the 3861 goes AML and maybe a few subtle things then the 1861’s will not go up. If the 3861 goes ceramic bezel then the 1861 will go up.

...AML?
 
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...AML?
Basically if they only throw a few vintage touches like the Applied metal logo (missing since 1969 and a hallmark of the 321's, only available on the very first 861's and some LE's.) Or a Step dial (missing since 1974) then its going to lower 1861 prices. If they change the overall look for the first time since arguably 1958 with something like a ceramic bezel then the last 1861's will most likely be desirable.
 
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They may be a dime a dozen but at least they don’t have the rubbing of wheels issues the 3861 have 😉
Wasn't this already remedied though? iirc Archer said that there simply wasn't enough oil being applied on the center wheel in the Apollo 11 50th models. It's not like the Rolex 32XX issue where the pinion/wheel profile is the cause of the issue.
 
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Either way i'm glad to have picked up a hesalite when I did. I wonder who will do the first comparison between old and new?
 
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Yeah, I got a call from my boutique saying they are discontinued and if I wanted to come look at buying one before they are out of stock for good. I honestly don’t think the 1861/1863 moonwatches will be that highly coveted. At least not for a few decades.
 
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It’s a forgone conclusion the 3861 will become the standard movement. When it does is up in the air. Will it affect 1861 prices? Depends on a few factors. If the 3861 goes AML and maybe a few subtle things then the 1861’s will not go up. If the 3861 goes ceramic bezel then the 1861 will go up.
This, and what if indexes are applied and not painted as usual ? That could also be a sad option.
 
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This, and what if indexes are applied and not painted as usual ? That could also be a sad option.
That would be a substantial change... which I doubt will happen.
 
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Just spoke to someone from Omega. (Higher than boutique level 😉)
All the 3861s made at the moment are going into the Snoopy and anything else needing this movement has been pushed back.

Can’t confirm or deny anything on being discontinued.
 
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I just checked Omega's US website and there are plenty of 1861/1863 watches available to order if you are willing to pay full retail.
 
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My guess was American Moon Landing.

😀
That's okay, my initial thought was "another moon landing". 😎
 
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I thought AML was Another Moonwatch Leaving (thread) 🙄
 
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Thought it meant All My Love in @Foo2rama post 🤦

It’s a forgone conclusion the 3861 will become the standard movement. When it does is up in the air. Will it affect 1861 prices? Depends on a few factors. If the 3861 goes AML and maybe a few subtle things then the 1861’s will not go up. If the 3861 goes ceramic bezel then the 1861 will go up.