Omega

I picked up this “entry level” 3861 hesalite moonwatch earlier in the year. Must say — this is one of the best values for the money in the business. I’m obviously not the first to make that point, but it bears making again and again. ...  

it will be my next purchase most likely

Enjoy it!

So good it makes me wonder whether I really need anything else. Probably my most worn watch in the last 5 years.

I almost got one this year. You may want to check the aftermarket see-through caseback from spiralwinder, it makes the watch even thinner and you can enjoy the movement in all its glory!

I bought the hesalite mainly for the vintage look and brushed links. But I’d love a display back. Is the spiralwinder caseback (1) sapphire and (2) water-resistant to the same extent as the OEM sapphire sandwich? I have also never personally opened a watc... 

Mine, bought a year ago ( hesalite is a very good choice !) ...  

Had even bought the caseback in advance as I expected to get the hesalite speedy, plus no worry about magnetic fields since the movement is almost non magnetic! ...  

how easy is it for someone like me — who’s never opened a watch case before — to swap them out? I would just go to the Omega boutique and ask them to do it, but I suspect they’d refuse…

When you order the caseback you can get a 3D printer caseback removal tool at the same time. It's extremely easy to do, from 1 to 10 I'd say 2 at most. Worst case any watchmaker can do it for you if you still have doubts.

. . . the natural reaction is, "No is a fanboy - of course he's going to say that." When a person like you, who owns examples from many esteemed manufacturers, makes the point, people listen. 😌

… a first for me! Nice to see you here, my friend!