Update - 3861 Hesalite or Ultraman

Hello all,

I recently sold my old FOIS and I am now on the hunt for a new Speedmaster.

At first i wanted a Speedy Tuesday, but for various reasons, I now doubt about this choice.

I had never really been interested in the Ultraman but the more I watch videos about it, the more I think it's the one I want.

I'm curious to hear other opinions, which of these two Speedmaster do you think is the most legitimate for a Speedmaster collection?

Thank you 👍

I have both. I think they are both nice watches, but I have only ever worn the ultraman. This was not a conscious decision, it's a consequence of me being abroad when the watch arrived and being away for 18 months after it arrived, I just never bothered wearing it.
The Ultraman is a watch I wear often. It is a great looking watch and if I was going to get one of them, I think the Ultraman would be the one for me.
As far as which one might be more legitimate, I don't think one pips the other although many might pick the Speedy Tuesday because it was the first one.

I always thought the Ultraman was the best LE Speedmaster.

Thanks everyone !

I'll think about it some more 👍

ST1 has the radial subdials, right?

Love those, and I don't think there are many others that have them

The first speedy tuesday is not as legible as the ultraman (or most other moonwatches) due to the white gold hands. They make the speedmaster suffer from daytona problems.

Obviously biased here, but the Ultraman is the only one for me . Legibilty is great too & I know there are so many Speedmaster itinerations too choose from but the Ultraman just lifts itself above the rest .

The Ultraman is great. Subtle but also unmistakable to those in the know.

Very interesting, thank you all !

This is a project for the first half of 2026, so I still have some time to think about it. I will let you know what I have decided.

Love the Ultraman, just struggle to justify the price.

The white hands on a white subdial don't help 🙁

A beautiful watch for sure, but the ultraman is objectively more legible.

Hello everyone,

I’m coming back to you as my thoughts regarding my next Speedmaster have evolved quite a bit.

I had the chance to try both models and, quite surprisingly, even though I usually love reverse panda dials, the Speedy Tuesday didn’t really do much for me. Maybe it’s because of the fully brushed case…

In the meantime, I found a complete Ultraman in very good condition for just under €10,000. But now I must admit I’m hesitating with a “simple” 3861 Hesalite.

I also really like this one, and the fact that I can get a brand new one from a reputable dealer for under €5,500 definitely makes it very appealing. Especially considering I already have a Tokyo Panda and a Silver Snoopy Award in my collection, so two rather “special” Speedmasters already.

So on one side there’s the Ultraman, limited, full of charm with its stunning orange hand, but pre-owned.
On the other side, there’s a brand new 3861 Hesalite, almost half the price, and I have to admit I find it almost as beautiful as the Ultraman.

I think I’ve almost made my decision, but I’d still be very curious to know what you would choose in my position!

Thanks in advance, and looking forward to reading your thoughts!