Check out our straps here: barkandjack.com 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).
@@jgo8305 I got the point, it was a dumb point. Speedmaster Circle Jerk type stuff when guys froth over hesalite and the fact that the model of watch went to the moon (which isn't even the current generation watch/movement). It's a speedmaster, it's already a cool watch, don't give omega ammo to release crap limited editions.
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.
Came to comments just because of the split shot! 🎉 Here the advice I was given before choosing my most recent watch “take some watches and do a side by side” then choose.
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 ❤️🙏🏻
Bought a GMT reminds me of my muther, when we visited her in hospital towards the end, she used to rotate the bezel and read off the time. She knew her end was coming, but kept smiling on that last long, and lonely journey to eternity. May their dear souls rest in peace. And forward to that day when we will meet them again. XX all the best all the time.
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
Have both and need to respectfully disagree. The White has much more wrist presence and just is stunning. The black is just plain cool but lacks the wrist presence. I do enjoy both but the Whiter has stolen more of my heart. If you don't own it and wear it, you can't really comment honestly.
@@douglaskrueger357 You do not have to own one to make up your mind as long as you've seen it in person. And it depends on what you're after, the white one is a sport watch in my eyes while the black is just pure class.
@@freddelarsson4434 true true … I am enjoying both and do find that the white is also class. The white ceramic is just something very special to look at and can dress up or down. The black is classy too but a tad boring. Either way, I wear them both no matter the occasion. Cheers 🍻
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.
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.
My 1994 "50 years Apollo 11" Speedmaster ran from July 1994 to June 2016, almost 22 years before it needed a service. It was my daily beater (in military service abroad) and the 861 proved a strong movement. #MoonwatchUniverse
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.
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.
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
Black dial sapphire for you as it scratches both itches the longing to see the workings of the watch combined with the clarity of the black dial. For me the Hesalite as I love the vintage vibe and authenticity with all that history! 🙂
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.
The Speedmaster is very unique because its story is mostly not BS and very significant. It’s the only watch I would even consider a Hesalite crystal and bypass a display back…but I did just that. For me …with particular watch…it was very important to have as close to the original incarnation as possible. You should get both…but the black Hesalite first 😉
My take is....go with white dial if you own a lot of black dive watches like many dive watch fans do. I tend to prefer mineral crystals because they look less austere to me with vintage vibe as mentioned and I am careful with my watches not only relative to dial but the watch case itself. Nice comparison video Adrian thanks. PS. even before I was ever into watches I remember the first time I saw a Speedmaster. My brother-in-law was into watches and he had one which reflected his good taste. I thought it was the perfect looking watch. Special watches are rare in natural for obvious reason. Once in a great while a designer gets it just right. A confluence of countless factors. Like an E-type Jag or '63 split window Corvette or Ferrari Testarossa or GTO. Omega nailed the aesthetic and proportionality of this watch and going to space just makes it that more special.
Sapphire as the movement is so nice and the dial is better with the Omega logo standing out. Black because the lume is better than the white, and the colour contrast is awesome.
I do not own a Speedmaster yet but definitely will. It’s the first luxury watch I tried on and said to myself, yeah, I get it now! I don’t agree with how expensive they are new but a lightly used one for $6k or so is such a good price for such a perfect watch. If you gripe about it being a manual movement, if you gripe about the bracelet feeling to “light”, if you gripe about the size, if you gripe about the adjustment in the clasp, the watch isn’t for you or you haven’t experienced one in person. I tried to sub it out with a moonswatch but it just makes me want the real thing even more and that white dial…ahhhggg😩
I have the black saphire sandwich and it definitely gets a lot of wrist time. I catch myself taking it off and just staring at that movement all of the time! To me, no question giving up the hesalite in exchange for unfettered access to that beautiful manual wind movement is a no brainer! White dial is cool, but black is the real Speedmaster. Best of luck, and thanks for another great video.
I've been waiting forever, well since 1957 for omega to spec a speedmaster with a sapphire crystal and micro adjust bracelet. Free sprung balance coaxial escapement. I mean for that kind of money it's an absolute steal. I'm so impressed with the accuracy of the movement is literally between +1/-1 sec a day. Mostly dead on. It's truly is running more accurate than my Grand Seiko SBGA415. Good Job Omega!
Hey Adrian, great Video! For your Question: Haven‘t seen the white version in real for now, so i can‘t comment on this one, but as an owner of the black version: Hesalite!!!!!!!!!! Not because it‘s more „original“. But if you compare both black options you will see that the sapphire crystal adds a bit of a white milky ring (reflections inside the material due to a different Breaking of the light) at the edge of the crystal while the hesalite has a more blacky look.
I got the Black Dial [Hesalite] 7 weeks ago on the Black Strap. From a UK Boutique for a nudge under £5.8k cash. And your right it is so so comfortable it wears smaller than a 42mm. I'm used to 40mm Rolex's. Only quirk I have noticed is that the hour sub hand does not align [you can see it at 2:36 sec frame]. I take tablets for OCD and this mis-align doesn't seem to bother me. It actually makes it feel unique to my watch. When you get your AB you'll love it and it's a strap monster 😀🙌👌
I love the way the speedmaster wears but never fell in love with the black dial, the white dial however is gorgeous and I'm considering it as my next watch
Black with Sapphire has been my daily for a year nearly. Absolutely in love with it. The white one does have my eye though, although if I go white, I kinda want the snoopy lol.
Proves all the naysayers wrong that Omega loses value. Any professional speedmaster will sell for above acquisition cost 5 yrs onwards. Depends on condition of course...
Got my black dial about a year ago and wear it just about every day. My only nice watch. Went with sapphire cause I love seeing the movement and prefer the durability for daily wear. Also like the applied logo and polished bracelet links for more variation. Amazing watch! White dial seems like a novelty that would get old and you’ll be wanting that classic black dial.
I got the white seamaster last year and now I'm after the white Speedy, as soon as I saw it, I knew I had to get it. There's just something about a white dial. But for me, it's sapphire all day long.
Can’t hold a candle to you Adrian, but I too FINALLY bought a current sapphire black Moonwatch. My 15th good watch and I find it being picked to wear much more frequently than I ever expected over the last five weeks. Probably a watch every collector should seriously consider owning.
The white dial is really fresh but the black dial is just so classic, sapphire is great for every day life but you find yourself looking down at your wrist occasionally wishing you had went for the hesalite, but then every morning or evening when winding the watch, you catch a glance at the caseback and movement - you are reminded at just how amazing this tiny device on your wrist is, especially in todays world where most things we buy have a designed lifespan. As a side note: I mind seeing a Hodinkee post saying an exhibition caseback is a secret between you and your wrist, which I thought was poetic! For me, I would and did go for sapphire. Good Luck
@adrianbarker I purchased the black SS on a bracelet in April 2023 and got 20% off and a leather strap included so haggle hard. I love the detail in the dial, and the bracelet feels like a jubilee. I have a few Rolex and they all feel sturdier but it's a worthy addition to any collection. Keep up the fantastic work.
Great video. Purchased my sapphire sandwich new in black with 15% discount in March. Wanted to stay true(ish) to the original, so I didn't wait for the white version. You won't regret buying one whichever version you choose!
Ah the old rationalization.... I NEED IT! ITS A BUSINESS INVESTMENT! "Hello my name is Adrian and I have a problem".... Hi Adrian. You love the romance of the hesilite version but the white is the one you want - we can tell by your voice. The white dial POPS way more with straps!
Went white and love it - was going to buy black this year but only hesitation was I have 2x black dial already. When they brought the white out it was easy decision. Lacquer dial with touch of red stunning. If black would have gone crystal - the view of the movement is just mesmerising
I definitely love the white dial, but the black dial is crazy versatile. While I went for the hesalite and do not regret it, I would go for the sandwich version, I would love to be able to look at that mouvement and even though I am not bothered by the scratches it is nice to not have to worry about them. There is no bad choices there though so go for it mate.
Your video on the 4 speedys from a few years back features the Speedmaster you should get. The Broad Arrow, 60th Anniversary Trilogy one. 👌 Proper vintage vibe and the bracelet adjustment on that thing is mega.
Hi Adrian, I am team black sapphire. I enjoy the same advantages as mentioned with regards to scratch resistance and clear case back but I also love the applied Omega logo on the sapphire variant and the extra detail on the bracelet. All in all I think it’s an awesome watch, it’s my first luxury watch and I haven’t added to my collection since buying the Speedy which was six months ago… nothing has come close 👌🏻
Tough choices, but I think Adrian will opt for the Black Sapphire variant. His fav watch is the Explorer II in white, so doubt he will double up there. Who knows, he might throw us a curveball and splurge a bit on the Sedna Gold on Steel.....I want to see that in person.
I’ve always like the Speedy for what it is, but have never been tempted to buy one because I didn’t love the look of the bracelet. Now, I’m so tempted by these. I helped a friend get one for her husband as a wrong gift and it’s so nice. I think owning one of these would definitely provide some competition for wrist time within my collection.
I’ll be getting the black sapphire as my next piece. Sapphire over hesalite because it’s slightly more dressy with the polished pieces so can work with more formal attire plus the case back, and robustness of sapphire at the front. Whether black or white that’s a personal decision. I have dark skin so don’t wear white dials , so black it is. The white is awesome though so for you either way, but I’d probably opt for the classic black being the iconic look. Good luck and looking forward to seeing what you chose
Black/Sapphire for the see-through case back! It's just such a treat to look at the movement inside and I after having enjoyed it so much, I would feel bad not having it. I already have the Polar Exp 2 so I would go for a Black Speedie if I have to choose again.
I like the Speedmaster (Specifically the White Dial version) and intend on buying one someday. But I also find it hilarious when content creators always seem like they're trying to convince themselves into loving it.
Gotta be one of the sapphire sandwiches for me. If you want the hesalite I recommend going vintage. There’s several models in Omega’s back catalogue, dating all the way back to the early 90’s, which have a hesalite crystal and a sapphire caseback, showcasing earlier versions of that movement like the 861 or 863. You’ll find many of these versions have tritium lume that has turned a pumpkin colour over time, which just enhances these older versions further IMO
I recently purchased a new black sapphire sandwich and I’m loving it. I do like how the hesalite distorts much more than the sapphire but that open caseback on the sapphire ultimately made me decide on choosing it. I also like the applied logo and polished center links. I saw the white dial in person and it is very beautiful but I preferred the classic black dial
Both versions have the matte black aluminum tachymeter ring. One salesperson told me that this makes the black a more coherent design because the dial is also matte black. The white one has a glossy dial with glossy hands and markers, which looks a lot more dressy in person. The salesperson reckons that it'd be a better match with a ceramic tachymeter ring, one that similar to the Snoopy Speedy but in black, since the ceramic ring is also glossy.
I went thru the same thing! Been eyeing the Speedmaster sapphire version, but the white dial release got me really excited. While being on the waitlist for the white dial and the hype dying down, I did come to conclusion that even if I get the white I would have a longing for the black dial. So I ended up deciding getting the iconic black dial sapphire version just last week. I am happy with my choice.
I'm currently leaning towards the white dial myself, the applied indices & logo seem to add to the depth of the dial. Also the pop of the white with the bits of red really looks great in photos. That said I'm waiting for the white dial to show up at a local AD before I make a decision. Seeing them in the metal is everything, even if it means waiting for a year (waiting on Rolex's has conditioned me to be patient, lol).
When I workout or go for a long run/hike in the woods I bring my sapphire shielded black bay 54 every time. But when it comes to the speedmaster, I cannot imagine having bought anything other than the black dial hesalite 3861. I live a very active lifestyle and the dome holds up fine. I wear it constantly and if it gets a ding you can just polywatch it back to perfection, which is itself an awesome experience. Hesalite is the way for a speedy!
This is such a classic B&J video. Great shots, love for details, honest content which doesn‘t feel forced and a certain calmness to it. Great job, Adrian. 👍🏻 I do own a black, sapphire crystal moonwatch from 2008 and I can fully recommend it. The open caseback is fantastic and I just feel a tiny little safer than I would with a hesalite watch. Team Black, but there‘s no wrong choice obviously. 👌🏻
Hi there, Not an easy choice. I didn't have a problem when I got mine from a work colleague in the '70s. I've been told it's a 1969 model with a rare straight writing case back. It was just a watch then. Omega hadn't started calling it a moonwatch yet !!
If I may, hesalite w. Black dial, that’s the ‘real’ one considering the vintage aspect and history. Have mine for 2 yrs now and despite some others watches in my possession, I am still staring at it every single time I wear it. So classy, such a chronograph for the price tag. An amazing watch Adrian. But you already know that 😊
Own a Speedmaster Sapphire Black, but they all 3 have something for them. The hesalite version bracket does not have the the polished centre links in the middle which gives it a more stealthy look which I initially preferred. But that case backs on the sapphire versions are so beautiful.
Nice 50:50 shot. I’d go black with sapphire. You’ve got the white sea master which looks better in white than the speedmaster. Sapphire gives you the rear view and it’s better that it doesn’t scratch in the first place than easy to fix the scratches From someone who has the hesalite 1861.
Original in hesalite. Despite being black, has more depth. Looks better in my opinion as a “tool” watch. White dial looks a bit like jewelry. They got it right the first time. I had the opportunity to buy hesalite or sapphire and after 2 years I have no regrets with the hesalite version I chose. Good luck with the decision, can’t wait to see where you land. Cheers!
OK, Adrian. I think you will end up with the black Hesalite version, as you will very much enjoy the vintage aspect of that combination. I think my recommendation for you would be the black sapphire sandwich, so that you can see and enjoy the movement inside. Whichever version you get, we know you will enjoy it!
I vote classic hesalite moonwatch. You have a couple white dials already, one being the Seamaster. The hesalite effect along with the solid caseback with nasa script on the back is what this watch is all about. The legibility of the black dial is also unmatched. You’re a fan of vintage watches and the original hesalite speedy 3861 is basically a rerelease of the 145.022 made with modern tech. The fully brushed bracelet hides scratches very well and hesalite never smudges. In my opinion the sapphire sandwich is much more of a box queen jewelry piece with its polished bits and constantly needing a cloth to keep the smudges off a domed sapphire every time it touches your sleeve cuff. These of course my opinions and only you know what’s right for your wrist.
First, your camera work is constantly improving. Cheers to that. Second, I keep vacillating between sapphire and hesalite. This watch has maybe my favorite movement outside of something $10,000 more expensive. But I’ve tried both on and I love the warmth of the hesalite and love how it looks on the wrist… Every time I think I’ve decided I get hands on or see a picture and immediately change my mind.
I wear team black, sapphire. I do agree that it's the subtlies of the dial that make this watch amazing. When I first experienced the watch in person, I was intrigued but not amazed....then my impression of the watch only grew more and more with each passing minute at just how amazing this watch is , ..... It was evident when I walked out of the boutique with it on my wrist. The rest is history....
Hello Adrian, I can tell you that the Hesalite is a great version. It has a beautiful view on the dial. I never wanted Hesalite, but now, that I have one I would never give it away. Greetings from Cologne, Holger
I know Omega can make a lot of the same model, but they seem to maintain quality and very impressive specs. While I wouldn’t use the features of this Speedmaster, the white one is a winner with the sapphire crystal front and back and that bracelet.
In my opinion, if you plan on getting your explorer fixed / get a new one go for the black dial, if you won't have a white dial in your collection go for the white speedy.
Adrian I’ve got the so called original black dial, hesalite model & I love it! The traditional side made me want to buy it. I have to say though, as soon as the new white dial version launched, I was drooling! Now I’d buy the white to add, but if I was purchasing my first, for me, I’d buy the original.👍🏼😎
I got the black dial hesalite because I love the history and idea of wearing the same specs the astronauts wear. I wear it nearly every day, and my Aquaterra sits in the box.
For you team black because the Rolex Explorer 2 is the perfect counterpoint. The speed master is the perfect classic watch for me and the new era bracelet is perfect.
