New Omega Moonwatch. Why I went for the Hesalite version!

Jun 11, 2021,00:33 AM
 

Hello friends!!


During my last visit to our local Omega Boutique I was shown (and tempted by) the new version of the Moonwatch introduced at beginnings of this year replacing the previous reference 311.30.42.30 … which had been in production from 2014 through 2020.

This post does not pretend to be a comparison between the old and the new model nor a report about the new Moonwatch but just explain why I finally opted to bring home the Hesalite variant.

Basically there are two models: ref 310.30.42.50.01.001 with Hesalite glass and solid case back and reference 310.30.42.50.01.002 (a.k.a. sapphire sandwich) with sapphire glass both over dial and on case back allowing to view the new beautiful co axial movement 3862 which replaces the venerable 1680 series of previous models.

The Hesalite model is the “standard” version while the “sandwich sapphire” a more de luxe option. 

Both watches offer the new steel bracelet.



My friendly Astronaut greets the landing of this new member of the collection!



(There are two additional options on each version: a nylon and a leather strap instead of steel bracelet is available for each variant standard or de luxe respectively.)

Now I must confess it was not an easy matter for me to decide which version purchase. I know that when confronted with this kind of dilemmas the best solution is… buy both!

But having taken delivery of my Snoopy on that same visit financially limited me to choose just one.

So I examined each of the differences between both equally tempting variants as follows:

Case: both Hesalite and sapphire have identically finished cases.

Dial: both variants offer same beautiful “step” dial a great plus over the old model offering now a similar dial like the first vintage references of the Speedy. I love the step dials and feel it is a great improvement in looks of this new version of the Speedmaster.

Omega logo on dial: painted on Hesalite applied on sapphire. I like the applied logos best… but painted is more authentic in this model inspired I guess in ref 145.012 of around 1967.

Case back.

Though the sapphire offers a transparent back which allows to enjoy the view of the beautiful new 3861 movement I liked so much the closed back of Hesalite with all inscriptions and the “Sea Monster” embellishment. Additionally the new closed back shows the classic bevel of early Speedmaster references.





 (notice the adding of “in 1965” in the classic inscriptions! And the traditional bevel of early references near the opening notches)

Bracelet: 
The new bracelet is beautiful and super comfortable. Its very similar to that introduced in the gold Moonshine model of 2019. The clasp is identical but 15 mm wide while the Moonshine is 14 mm. 

Both variants share the same bracelet but the Hesalite’s is fully brushed finished while the sapphire’s has central links polished in two rows giving a more luxurious looks.







I love both bracelets looks but felt the full brushed gave the Hesalite a more vintage look in a workhorse Speedmaster.

Finally … as much as I like the possibility of viewing the movement of my watches (I own both versions hesalite and sapphire sandwich of the previous model) I love the warmer looks of Hesalite and I don’t like so much the “ milk ring” which surrounds the sapphire. Just a little distracting detail of course and the price to pay for a more scratches resistant glass which many watch owners prefer.

By the way the hesalite model height is 13,58 mm while the sapphire is a bit lower at 13,18 mm.

Well, fact is that after several trials on my wrist and much talking with the manager of the Boutique exchanging opinions I finally opted for the Hesalite version.

Of course it’s just a personal choice and I’m sure that you can’t never go wrong with whichever variant of this classic watch you decide to buy. 

Going with standard hesalite or luxury way with sapphire you are assured to get a first class new version of this famous classic: the timeless Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch!!

Best cordial regards 
Abel












The new Hesalite Moonwatch Master chronometer in the middle and my sapphire (left) and Hesalite (right) previous models.




Time to fit the bracelet at home!!




Love the step dial!!



The “milk ring” surround of sapphire glass is evident on the right side watch. Hesalite at left.




The new bracelet at left. Previous bracelet at right. New bracelet is beautiful and very comfortable.




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Also available with Omega's nylon strap with deployant :-)

 
 By: MikiJ : June 11th, 2021-00:46
I find this new strap and buckle to be the most comfortable strap I've ever worn especially on an everyday basis.

Yes, you certainly did...

 
 By: MikiJ : June 11th, 2021-14:48
Unfortunately I didn't go completely through your most through review. As soon as I saw that this latest version, I was sold on the stepped dial and DON Bezel

I'm really in a conflict with this new Speedy...

 
 By: MikiJ : June 11th, 2021-23:54
If an original 145.022-69 with a 220 bezel, then I'm in trouble ;-(

Well Miki... I feel that vintage and modern play in very different Leagues. Like all modern versions of the Moonwatch this one allows to enjoy the character of a classic and timeless...

 
 By: Subexplorer : June 12th, 2021-01:03
... design like the Speedmaster with peace of mind regarding waterproofness, a modern and high tech movement and availability of service and parts. Vintage world is like a mine field with many dangers at finding an absolutely original or correct piece. We... 

A very comprehensive study.

 
 By: MichaelC : June 11th, 2021-00:48
Hard to argue any points. I had never heard of the "milk ring". I own the previous generation, sapphire dial, and will look for it! All brushed bracelet - huge advantage for the Hesalite on the new model. Congrats on your well informed choice, it is a bea... 

Thank you so much dear Michael! I had thought about all this matter before visiting the shop but anyway it took a long thinking and talking before the final decision. Both watches are...

 
 By: Subexplorer : June 11th, 2021-13:29
... beautiful and offer nice particular details each. I call "milk ring to a white ring you´ll observe inside dial between bezel and minutes track which is classic in the sapphire glass but not present in hesalite. Cheers! Abel

Great shot Fernando! Glad to know we both arrive to same decision. Agree with you about the new bracelet. It reminds me of the Jubilee Rolex bracelet so flexible and comfortable.

 
 By: Subexplorer : June 11th, 2021-22:17
Thank you for sharing your shot and watch! I´m happy to know you are enjoying yours so much. Cheers! Abel

My choice as well

 
 By: Boris : June 11th, 2021-03:25
It’s very hard to argue with the fantastic look of this plexy. ...  

+1

 
 By: Subexplorer : June 11th, 2021-22:23

Thanks for the superb insights and pics!!

 
 By: agyzace : June 11th, 2021-04:00
A couple of questions: 1. How is the winding feel between old and new. I love the winding feel of the old 2. Do you like more the smaller and more in quantity seconds’ outer track of the previous model’s dial or the new version 3. Is the black color and m...  

Hello Alex! Thank you so much for your kind comments. I have the watch since last Tuesday but I will try to do my best to answer you.

 
 By: Subexplorer : June 11th, 2021-23:35
1) In my personal view the feeling and noise at winding is very similar. But it is possible your feel is different because brand new Speedmasters winding stem is usually very tight due to the gaskets being new. Sometimes they are Very tight as it was the ... 

Dearest Abel!

 
 By: agyzace : June 12th, 2021-07:41
Thank you so much for the greatly insightful and thoughtful inputs. Unsurprisingly they are superb and so deeply reflected! This is invaluable input and I hope I manage to make the Apollo bracelet work with the chocolate speedy. Have a wonderful weekend a... 

My dear Alex: My big pleasure to answer you and thank you so much for your so generous comments. Appreciate so much.

 
 By: Subexplorer : June 12th, 2021-17:34
I feel you will be very pleased fitting the Apollo bracelet to your chocolate Speedy. Look forward to your post showing it after you get and fit it to your watch. Hagwe my friend!! Abel

I will, dearest Abel!

 
 By: agyzace : June 13th, 2021-04:21
Have a great Sunday!! Alex

Great Alex! Same to you! Abel

 
 By: Subexplorer : June 13th, 2021-12:58

Congrats on your new acquisitions, Abel!

 
 By: BigAppleBill : June 11th, 2021-04:06
I enjoyed reading about your deliberations. I find these things interesting, what we weigh when deciding on a watch. I look forward to seeing a wrist shot of your new Snoopy.

Hello dear Bill! Thanks a lot for your kind comments on my post. I´m delighted to share these thoughts I weighted while deciding which one to choose and I hope it can help...

 
 By: Subexplorer : June 11th, 2021-23:44
... any potential owner to decide too. In any case, it is only a matter of personal taste as both variants are wonderful. (I know that sooner or later I will go for the sapphire as well! Lol!) With much pleasure I will post some shots of the Snoopy as wel... 

Huge congrats for this new catch, amigo mio. Well done. I would have gone for the Hesalite as well. It is warmer.

 
 By: amanico : June 11th, 2021-05:23
Now as for the Bracelet, I much prefer the former one. It is funny, but when I saw your last picture, I thought about the Oyster and Jubilée Rolex bracelets. And I much prefer the Oyster. Aprovecha, amigo mio. Un abrazo. Nico

Hello Nicolas! Muchas gracias! Thanks a lot for your kind comments and I´m glad to know you would choose the hesalite as well. And another coincidence: when I tried it for first time...

 
 By: Subexplorer : June 11th, 2021-23:49
... last Tuesday at the Omega Boutique, first impression about the bracelet was: wow! it feels as comfortable as the Jubilee! As much as I prefer the Oyster, I must admit that the Jubilee is more comfortable as it is more flexible. The only model I like b... 

Thank you so much dear Echi for your kind comments and glad you enjoyed the reading. Yes, both hesalite and sapphire have pros and cons and the choice is a very personal...

 
 By: Subexplorer : June 12th, 2021-00:55
... matter considering our personal tastes. No one will go wrong choosing one or another. I like the new bracelet so much. It is good looking and flexible and very comfortable. Only critic I would make is that I would like to have micro adjusting on its c... 

Congrats Abel!

 
 By: S F : June 11th, 2021-09:59
Thats was a detailed decision process! There are and - with either version but in the end, no right or wrong, all about personal preference. Enjoy!

Thank you si much dear S F for your kind comments!

 
 By: Subexplorer : June 11th, 2021-13:10
Completely agree with you that the final selection is a very personal matter. We can’t never go wrong with any of these superb new models! Cheers! Abel

I've also come to the same conclusion as you, Abel, between the two . . .

 
 By: Dr No : June 12th, 2021-19:21
. . . even though I'm not in the running for either, having decided to go for Ed instead. (Sedna came in second, btw!) Thanks much for laying the reasons out so clearly and thoughtfully. Art

Thank you so much dear Art for your kind comments and I´m glad to know you came to same conclussion. It is my pleasure to share my personal thoughts here.

 
 By: Subexplorer : June 12th, 2021-20:20
I feel that if a potential purchaser goes for only one modern steel Speedmaster in his collection, then the Ed White is the one as it is the most exquisite among the steel case Speedies ever offered imho. Receive my best cordial regards, my dear friend. A... 

Congratulations dear Abel!

 
 By: renerod : June 13th, 2021-01:42
Not only you give us a great comparison and review, but also great pictures as always. This would be my natural choice also. It is a modern rendition of the 1969 146.022 that I love so much. Best regards and enjoy it in good health. René

Hello dear friend Rene! Thanks a lot for your kind comments and compliments. It is my big pleasure to share my experience with this new Speedy and I´m happy to know you like it and that your...

 
 By: Subexplorer : June 13th, 2021-13:06
... choice would be the same. In any case, both versions are wonderful watches indeed. I send my best cordial regards, y un fuerte abrazo mi amigo. Abel

My pleasure Abel 👍

 
 By: holdemchamp1225 : June 17th, 2021-21:35