I'd humbly suggest the sapphire sandwich model for a few reasons:

Aug 24, 2019,06:53 AM
 

1. The practicality of scratch-resistance over hesalite. 


2. The sapphire has a clear caseback with the Cal 1863 - which is essentially a visible and "better finished" Cal 1861 of the hesalite model. The main differences being Cotes de Geneve of the bridges, and a metal instead of a Delrin plastic brake for the chronograph.

I'd like to emphasize this point because it may be one of the nicest finished chronographs in its price segment. It even has some rounded polished anglage of the bridges which is rare!




3. As much as hesalite is a historical design, the movement inside isn't the "original" cal. 321 and thus the dial is mismatched to the movement. Thus I'd argue if we are already deviating from the original design, I'd push a little further for the sapphire model with the other reasons above.

If we deviate even further from the original, the FOIS or CK2998 is also a nice option because the dial has proper second markings which matches the movement (three marks per second to match a 3Hz movement). But this comes with a solid caseback...



The disadvantages of sapphire:

1. Sapphire is brittle over hesalite, which is why it didn't go to space (shattered fragments floating around isn't a good idea). However, I'd argue that as a collector, any strong impact which hesalite can survive that sapphire can't, is still strong enough to potentially damage the movement anyway.

2. The aesthetics of hesalite which is domed is generally preferred over the boxy sapphire. This is a personal preference and no one can change your mind over it. Personally I prefer the boxy look...

Sapphire model:





Regards,

skyeriding

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Suggestions wanted

 
 By: sebks : August 24th, 2019-04:04
Dear All, I’m considering some alternatives for my next watch purchase. My brief: steel, “historical” design, <5K€, not a diver, not 2nd hand. Intended use: casual daily wear when I want to let my “bigger pieces” home I’m 95% sure about my choice: speedy ...  

The Speedmaster is a perfect choice for casual wear but buy it default with steel bracelet and swap to a strap.

 
 By: Pour le Mérite : August 24th, 2019-05:21
Also **** history and take the sapphire sandwich into consideration. The Autavia doesn't look bad either. No other alternatives other than Breitling Navitimer 41, afaik.

Yup I had the plastic before

 
 By: ripper444 : August 24th, 2019-10:46
Now have the sapphire sandwich and like it much more. It’s more practical.

It's a great choice...and it's an obvious/safe choice because it's so great.

 
 By: vitalsigns : August 24th, 2019-05:45
Attractive, comfortable, versatile, relatively affordable, goes with any strap... The Speedy Pro is a terrific watch. I do agree that this is the time to get the metal bracelet even if you don't presently intend to wear it on the bracelet. I wear mine on ... 

Eventhough it is a great choice for a chronograph, if you already feel it`s to common ( agreed ) that 5% will keep bugging you i think. How about the Speedmaster FOIS , first omega in space?

 
 By: Ron_W : August 24th, 2019-06:38
at 40mm and without the crownguards so a more symetrical case shape, and the earlier alpha hands it really stands apart ( and not out ) . credit picture Omega Happy deciding ! ...  

I'd humbly suggest the sapphire sandwich model for a few reasons:

 
 By: skyeriding : August 24th, 2019-06:53
1. The practicality of scratch-resistance over hesalite. 2. The sapphire has a clear caseback with the Cal 1863 - which is essentially a visible and "better finished" Cal 1861 of the hesalite model. The main differences being Cotes de Geneve of the bridge...  

Thanks for the comments!

 
 By: sebks : August 24th, 2019-11:24
I know it financially makes more sense to get the metal bracelet (I might go for it) but I won’t wear it. The Omega NATO is indeed expensive, but I doubt my AD will ask me to pay for it when getting a new watch Regarding the FOIS, good suggestion, I actua... 

Hi Seb...

 
 By: Cpt Scarlet : August 24th, 2019-12:58
From your brief I think that you have already made a great decision to go for the Speedmaster. To have the bracelet would be useful but I regularly change my NATO straps and it only takes seconds to give the watch a completely different look. Go for it !

Speaking of the Autavia...

 
 By: India Whiskey Charlie : August 24th, 2019-12:58
Consider this one if you go that route: ...