Which Omega Speedmaster? - White Vs Black, Sapphire Vs Hesalite?

I want an Omega Speedmaster, but I can't decide between the White dial Speedmaster or the Black dial Speedmaster, or between the Hesalite Speedmaster vs Sapphire Speedmaster (Saphire Sandwich).

[raymond-thecrumpledlecturer]

Whoever did the edit of this video, matching up the chrono hand from the matched split shot of the chrono in action on both dials, is a genius. Christ, that must have been challenging. Amazing.

Team White.

[WristwatchWorkshop]

The white dial may be a Speedmaster, but the black dial is THE Speedmaster. Black dial all day.

[Father_Time]

I’ve owned both the black sapphire & hesalite. Without a shadow of a doubt, I prefer the warmth and the way the light plays with the domed hesalite. I also prefer the fully brushed bracelet, but would happily borrow the applied logo from the sapphire model. The manual wind 3861 movement, unobscured by a rotor is mesmerising and that leaves me in two minds as to whether my ideal version would borrow this feature too. The solid case back feels somehow authentic and honest, but it hides the beauty within. In the end, the one I kept and enjoy is the hesalite, so I guess that answers that, for me anyway.

[terryjackman]

Hi Adrian

My dad passed away in Feb this year. He repaired watches all of his life. I went straight out and bought the black SM sapphire sandwich on the bracelet. Got a great deal on a new one from my dealer.

I love it, and all of the different details I see each time I look at it.

It also reminds me of a life’s work.

I bought it posthumously, for my dad. I will wear, and treasure it, and remember him each time I do.

Thanks dad ❤️🙏🏻

[analoguestills]

My Speedmaster 3861 Hesalite has been with me for 2.5 years. Every time I put it on, it still feels like the first time. Such a beautiful watch that wears incredibly well. I love how the Hesalite dome refracts light when looking at the dial from different angles. One thing I've learned over these 2.5 years of wear is that the watch and the Hesalite are truly robust. Survived everything from daily wear to travels to concerts in the rain. Still beats accurately with almost no scratches on the Hesalite. I'd say go for the classic black dial Hesalite - THE definition of a Speedmaster.

[porscheguy]

Saw the white in person. Personally the black looks a lot better on the wrist while the white dial looks better in photos. Definitely go see both in person

[derekm.]

Team Black w/ Sapphire crystal. Classic and modern at the same time - all around strap monster too.

[adrienpeustjens]

Black one with Sapphire is the winner for me ! It’s a bit more luxurious… I have it myself. What a nice piece !

[harry]

I’ve had my 3861 black dial for a month after lusting after one since the update in 2021. For me it’s the perfect watch

[samuelweaver]

Black, hesalite. I’ll admit to always being a little confused when people complain about how many Speedmaster variants there are. There is only one Speedmaster. It’s got a black dial and a hesalite crystal. Everything else is a special edition in some way.

And I say that as someone who loves the new white dial one. But I own a 1861 and there’s simply no substitute for the original.

[chateaubullion]

I'm old school so when I got mine back in 2015, it was caliber 1861 with hesalite all the way. No regrets, I love the vintage look. Of course, the new white dial wasn't available then. That said, this new white dial Speedy is a beauty.

[Coreal]

I daily my 3861 Sapphire Sandwich. There was a moment where I was pretty jealous when the white dial came out. It does look amazing. That being said, long term, I don't think I would select it over the black dial.

Black dial, and I don't regret the Sapphire over the Hesalite.

[flemmingsorensen]

Black and with Hesalite - no doubt about it! Owned mine for about 10 years, and worn i daily on a black Omega leather (“alligator”) or a black Nato. Just love the clean design.

[RUCEaRucicky]

Team black/hesalite for 8 years now, my first "better" watch. But I have this feeling that white/sapphire should be a nice combo. :)

[Superdada]

Dare I say they’re different enough to enjoy both!?

Black with the warmth and character of the hesalite and solid caseback.
And the fresh white dial with modern sapphire front and rear, showcasing the beautiful movement.

I would easily like both in my collection!

[MikeyFillsR]

I picked up the white speedy last month. Pictures and videos do not do the dial justice. It’s something that has to be seen in person, under the sunlight, to fully appreciate. The open case back adds a nice touch as well. Seeing all the movements in action is fun to watch. I’m a fan of the sapphire sandwich and polished inner links for a subtle, two-tone appearance. The tapered bracelet is another great update that makes the fitment even more comfortable on the wrist. 10/10

[TheBeastly]

I agree that the black has a charm that the white doesn’t capture. I went into my boutique to look at the white dial, and ended up walking out with a black sapphire sandwich. Scratch resistant glass + seeing the movement, I think it’s the ultimate speedy

[andyb]

I picked up a pre-update hesalite for half what the current model goes for, literally a month before they discontinued it. I was also born in the same month and year they took it to the moon so a very special watch for me.

[shafro]

Black hesalite with a spiral winder clear case back. Best of both worlds. Thank you for the quality content.

[tonytonytony]

Black 3861 Hesalite, wear it every day. The scratches are easy to polish out but even easier to ignore. I've had this watch for around 18 months now and I still look at it in amazement. Tried the sapphire and Hesalite on in the boutique and there is a difference between how the two materials look; the Hesalite makes the dial feel a bit warmer and the edges of it distort in a really pleasing way. I've also always wanted an Omega watch with the hippocampus on the caseback so there was very little swinging me to the sapphire. The bracelet is amazing and feels a lot like a Rolex jubilee. Co-axial, METAS, magnetic resistance and so on are all brilliant to have on a watch. Plus, it's very very good at timing your cooking.