Review & Thoughts on the Omega 3861 Speedy Pro! - Perth WAtch

[@horologyworld8750]

I bought this model as my first Omega a few months back and love it!

[@PerthWAtch]

Excellent choice!

[@marcusrawlinson5024]

There is something very special about the Speedmaster Pro aesthetically, I don't want to analyze it, it's just looks amazing. Well done.

[@PerthWAtch]

Thanks - I agree!!

[@Mega-zi7ys]

Yes! Exactly! It's just handsome without all the "decorations"

[@life-onmars8223]

Great coverage of this latest model. The updated bracelet has been a masterful addition to the Speedmaster. Congrats on a great pick up.

[@PerthWAtch]

Thanks for that mate! 👍

[@clayrowden3916]

I just got my SS on bracelet on 10.7.23 and I am very pleased with it. I have wanted a "Moonwatch" since the 70's and it looks like my timing is excellent. The 3861 with all its technical / mechanical advancements is amazing. The new 5 link melt on your wrist bracelet with the recently introduced on the fly micro length adjustment. The new stepped dial, lume, domed hands, dot over 90, etc... is close to perfection. I chose the SS because of the durability and the open case back. I love to look at the movement. I am very pleased. It set me back USD 8,000 and is a tremendous value. Oh, yeah did I say it is beautiful. A classy, humble beautiful.

[@PerthWAtch]

Haha very nice! If only Omega will do me a display back for mine - guess I might settle for one of those third party option once the warranty lapses :)

[@garsua3141]

Very iconic🥰I’m over the MOON when I bought this last week😍love the history, versatility, functionality and the quiet elegamce of it❤

[@PerthWAtch]

Congratulations on your purchase of this excellent timepiece :)

[@gjbethell]

Excellent review of the fabulous Omega Speedmaster Professional. Hopefully this will be my next Omega purchase.

[@PerthWAtch]

Thanks mate - all the best for that!

[@premiercomms]

Great video and congratulations on a stunning looking watch. I'm also in Perth and saving up !!! In the meantime my "Homage" will have to do 🙂

[@PerthWAtch]

Haha thanks for that. Which homage do you have?

[@IAmTheHound]

Good run down of the watch. It really is a step up from the previous model in lots of ways. A fabulous all round proposition. I have the sapphire version; both are incredibly nice and enjoyable to have on.

[@PerthWAtch]

Thanks for the thoughts - I think this will forever remain one of the favourites in my collection.

[@tariqqureshi6695]

Good review. Sapphire sandwhich solves the scratches and display case back. Love mine.

[@PerthWAtch]

Thank - yeah, it’s a trade off. Wish Omega gave the display back with the Hesalite model, but then it would detract from the “spirit” of the OG.

[@DrWesterdahl]

I bought mine the year it first came out (2021) and love it! I bought the hesalite edition as it is more like the original one worn on the Moon, and bought it with the black nylon strap instead of the bracelet. I also bought the special Omega NASA logo black Velcro strap and tend to wear it more with that strap instead of the black nylon strap. It is a tremendous watch with a great history.

[@PerthWAtch]

Nice one... I did wonder about getting one of the official NASA straps, they do look good when paired with the watch, even for just a change up.

[@Box_13]

Congrats on the new acquisition. Gorgeous watch. Nice updates while still keeping some components that built this watch's reputation/legacy.

[@PerthWAtch]

Thank you very much!

[@WATCHingJames]

Great video. Great watch. Nice seeing you so excited about it.

[@PerthWAtch]

Thanks mate - it’s worthy of excitement :)

[@Mega-zi7ys]

Love the 3861, the dial has depth to it compared to the previous iteration...Bracelet is also Amazingly comfortable , very fluid. Overall it's a much much more refined piece.

[@PerthWAtch]

Thanks for that mate - I agree!

[@lanceoa]

I saw someone say they hit up the boutique and had a sapphire case back installed in their Hesalite

[@PerthWAtch]

I can also say that ;)

[@alexsdg3441]

hey Ivan, How are you, mate? A great watch review. And it is THE OMEGA MOON WATCH. By the way, this "THE ORIGINAL" moon watch was the one that I had bought about 30 years ago in Hong Kong when I made a first business trip there. And actually this moon watch got me started the passion for automatic watches. Of course, I still have it. As you can imagine, mine is exactly the same spec as the 1967 original moon watch with Calibre 321. It is still in pristine condition and it goes about 7 seconds per day fast (& never been serviced and probably I wore less than 3 month total time on my wrist in last 30 years. so many watches & so little time, ha ha) I think that I had paid around $1200 to 1500 back then.....I think... it was a long time ago. Time to time, I take it out of my safety box and wear it for a couple of day or so which I might do it today after watch your video. it seems like this new version has made a lot of small but great changes. Much better & accurate movement, better bracelet & clasp. I am very glad to see that Omega did not make drastically different "better" aesthetic changes on this watch, such as sapphire crystal, see thru back, screw down crown & push buttons and perhaps glide lock like system clasp...etc. Yup. that would have been a disaster if Omega had made those stupid changes on this specific model. I can see a lot of great subtle changes that does not discredit the original moon watch. No matter what, I am a proud owner of the original 321 calibre moon watch and I am planning to keep it as long as I can. Thanks a lot for this review, Ivan. Have a great day.

[@PerthWAtch]

Ah awesome man, so good to hear that you have a 321 Moonwatch, a true heirloom! A pristine 321 model would fetch a pretty penny but it's one to keep forever if possible! So you got that in the 90's then? I recall an ad from the later 70's or early 80's where a Moonwatch was advertised next to a Seiko quartz model... the Moonwatch price was about £160 on that ad. And get this, the quartz was more expensive! As for changes, I think sapphire would be more so a practical change... for aesthetics, the magic of the Hesalite is difficult to explain, something to see in person. Take care Alex!

[@CaoimhinKay]

Congrats. Have had this on my radar for a while. Just so many options! Fantastic detailed review. Small little differences like the polished links on the sapphire v hesalite. If only the 3861 had a longer power reserve and at least 100m water resistance.

[@PerthWAtch]

Thanks for that. I can live with the power reserve (so far)… treat it like a daily winder, ok if you forget a day. 100m would very good!

[@tonycuroni]

But then the watch would be thicker/bulkier/heavier. The vintage style of the moonwatch is surely its main usp should be preserved? Two omega boutique staff have told me it would be fine if dropped into 10 ft of water in a swimming pool. That's enough no? I think other speedys offer better wr if that's a requirement.

[@PerthWAtch]

Yes that’s a very fair point - I suspect you may be right, and it would make no sense to have a screw down crown on this watch. So 50m might be the best we will get.

[@tonycuroni]

@@PerthWAtch Yes and we'd loose that gorgeous slim mid-case as you admired in the video. It's basically a vintage watch with a modern power plant. Vintage watches are slim and elegant and so it should remain.

[@David-ot7mv]

Nice review. The speedmaster professional was a grail watch for me. I have a pre moon example with the cal 861 movement. I will probably buy the 3861 version as l think that it’s a superb piece of watchmaking with the Daniels escapement. I love vintage omega pieces also,such as the flight masters with 910 and 911 movements.

[@PerthWAtch]

Thanks mate. Don’t pre-1969 examples have 321 movements? I thought the 861 replaced the 321 and was used on later moon missions.

[@David-ot7mv]

Hi, you are probably correct. My watch does have an 861 cal movement but has no first man on moon inscription on the back of the case. Not sure when this inscription was brought in on the speedmaster professional. If you have the time line on this please let me know. Regards David from Adelaide

[@PerthWAtch]

There is a good timeline on Omega website actually - check it out :)

[@thecalledshot]

Did you miss the travel case that’s included in the larger box? Very cool for transporting the Speedy on vacation in the carry-on bag.

[@PerthWAtch]

You’re right, I didn’t cover it here - will aim to do a video just showcasing that

[@canadianwatchmonkey3992]

This is the best Speedy period. I like that it is the most true to the original

[@PerthWAtch]

Ah very good, thanks for that!

[@tonycuroni]

Great review thanks. I've been searching for alternatives but nothing else seems to compare. It's the only mechanical chronograph watch that's slim, elegant and compact, while retaining optimal legibility. I can't understand why other manufacturers cant latch onto that concept?

[@PerthWAtch]

Yeah you make some good points there - a vintage style slim chronograph with hand wound mechanical movement and great legibility… somehow it seems elusive! Perhaps others opt to target the utility of having automatic +/- water resistances, hence losing slim factor. One Moonwatch alternative that seems to come close to all these features is the *Farer Chronograph Sport Moritz* .

[@tonycuroni]

@@PerthWAtch Thanks. Yes I noticed when Breitling released their latest range of Premier chronographs people complained they were too thick, but they do all have 100m WR. I checked out the Farer it's a good looking piece.

[@PerthWAtch]

Yeah automatic and 100m WR means that they were never going to be able to make it under about 13.5mm… at least not without revising the entire movement architecture (which would also push the prices toward Daytona levels)…

[@samzerafa3185]

Had mine now for 2 years , more than happy with it . Bought it with the sail cloth leather strap but changed it to Forstener Presidential with the latest clasp because of it NASA connection and a lot cheaper than the Omega original bracelet

[@PerthWAtch]

Nice one - thanks for sharing about your experiences! 👍

[@LAVA1980]

I've owned two iterations of the Speedy Reduced... The 3510 and the last sapphire version... I always felt those watches were too fragile for day-to-day. I worried constantly about having to eventually service the piggy back auto movement...This 3861 is the first Moonwatch that's made it on my radar.... I'm excited to be adding one under the Christmas tree for 2023....hesalite for me... Not a fan of the milk ring. Tried it on at the AD..... Amazing on my 7 inch wrist.

[@PerthWAtch]

Merry Christmas to you! How lucky to have this under your tree!! Thanks for sharing the thoughts - what is a “milk ring”?

[@LAVA1980]

It's the outer ring that's visible on sapphire speedys... If you look at the watch head on... The glass produces a milky ring.... WARNING... Once seen can't be unseen lol..... It's a thing.... Google it

[@PerthWAtch]

Oh interesting... I didn't realise that was the nickname for it!

[@YongJoonPaek]

Best omega release of the generation

[@PerthWAtch]

Many think so!

[@SANTIAGOSANCHEZ-yw3pd]

Thank you for this review, I'm considering purchasing one but can't decide whether Hesalite or Sapphire

[@PerthWAtch]

Just get both :)

[@peltotalo]

I bought the sapphire version. Love it.

[@PerthWAtch]

Nice :)

[@timepiecedownunder963]

Love this watch congrats

[@PerthWAtch]

Thanks mate!

[@jonbravo6262]

#1?! Boom🧨 Love this model, crystal, tapered bracelet, this model is on my list🙏🏼 have a few others from vintage onwards, but my AD doesn’t stock this because of a waitlist, so I’ll have to fly to try.

[@PerthWAtch]

Thanks for that - oh wow so it really is in such high demand that stocks are low! I count myself fortunate!

[@pas0003]

Fantastic review!

[@PerthWAtch]

Thank you :)

[@DavidBehan-gz1gp]

Well good video , but you have just made my job to pick which one to get the see thought , or soled back 😮

[@PerthWAtch]

If you are planning to use it very regularly I would go sapphire, as the Hesalite would scratch up over time otherwise.

[@danielpowers2413]

I think this will be my next watch purchase. The water resistance is the only reason I don’t already own it, but now I have a Sea-Dweller for the water.

[@PerthWAtch]

Isn’t that overkill?

[@danielpowers2413]

@@PerthWAtchone could argue that the Speedmaster’s testing specs are overkill, too. Sometimes it gives peace of mind knowing a watch can withstand anything you throw at it.

[@PerthWAtch]

That’s kinda true but there are other reasons to get the Moonwatch and it remains very wearable. Maybe you have other good reasons to get a Sea-Dweller… but gosh it’s a bulky watch!

[@danielpowers2413]

@@PerthWAtch have you tried on the SD43? It wears a lot like a 42mm. Not nearly as bulky as others in the lineup

[@PerthWAtch]

I have, but it was cursory and far from a proper “test drive”. Just my impression.

[@mariocabella5476]

The small hour hand on the subdial is not well centered. Why?

[@PerthWAtch]

Err… that hand should *not* be centred when the stopwatch is running (which is the case for most of this video).

[@BuzzOff.]

Sapphire crystal for me. Wearing it now.👏🇦🇺

[@PerthWAtch]

Is to good?

[@brianmccord7387]

Forgive my total ignorance, I am a real novice when it comes to Omega watches, but isn’t there a dot before every number on the tachymeter? Why is the dot at 90 special? Great video -

[@cedarcanoe]

Google that and come back if anything isn’t clear 🙏

[@PerthWAtch]

Thanks for the comment Brian. Well as I alluded to in the video, the dot over 90 doesn’t mean that much to me, but some aficionados consider it important as it differentiates from the most recent model (and others also) which have the dot in a different position.

[@brianmccord7387]

@@PerthWAtch ah I see, thanks very much -

[@andrewd7586]

My grail watch Ivan. Yes absolutely! I bought mine some 3 years ago, but I went for a older model, being a 2005. I wanted more of a well not quite vintage, but one with the 1861 movement which has not disappointed! I been enamoured with my Speedy ever since! As a stepping stone to the Omega, I purchased a Bulova Lunar Pilot first, which I still own & love to wear. Congrats mate on your purchase & I guarantee you’ll still me smiling many years from now each time you wear it!👏🏼🤤👍🏼

[@PerthWAtch]

Thanks for that mate - good choice to get the Bulova as a step stone! Yep, I got it on now and definitely still smiling :)

[@andrewd7586]

@@PerthWAtch I also forgot to mention Ivan, my Omega came with all the original paperwork, cards & box! This was a must!👍🏻 I recently put it on a dark brown leather rally strap!🤤

[@PerthWAtch]

Nice one! I’ve tried it on the OEM Bond NATO and that is sick… but still went back to this awesome bracelet after a while

[@ivanmejia6843]

How sharp is the case finishing? Some people say it's razor sharp and cuts.

[@PerthWAtch]

What?? It certainly does not cut… no part of the case and bracelet is like that!

[@bernardcohen3245]

I have a nice collection of watches and I can’t really afford this but I’m left with no option These algorithms will not give up until I buy it

[@PerthWAtch]

Haha very true - it’s merciless!

[@petercharron3268]

Collected for ten years settling for affordable choices, lots of Micro brands, Timex’s, Citizen, , Hamilton, which I mostly love, but this weekend for my 75th birthday I bought my Speedmaster. Can’t take it off.

[@PerthWAtch]

Oh wow, late starter! Congratulations! Now the algorithm will continue to reinforce your decision and help prevent any buyers regret :)

[@invalidgamerid]

My first Omega and is better than my Rolexes by far.

[@PerthWAtch]

Very nice! Which models are you comparing?

[@MrNorcal81]

I have the original Sapphire Sandwich Speedy which I love but it runs chronically fast and since It's non-hacking setting its time can be a royal pain. This new co-axial movement that finally adds the ability to hack the seconds hand is causing me to think about selling or trading in my beauty and jumping off the $$ cliff and getting this one.

[@PerthWAtch]

Which model do you have? “Original sapphire” is oxymoronic here as sapphire is NOT original. If it runs chronically fast, then why does it matter if it hacks or not?? Just a ball park setting will do 😂 Why don’t you just take it to a watchmaker to get it sorted?

[@MrNorcal81]

@@PerthWAtch Let's not get into semantics here. My Speedy is the ref 3573.50, calibre 1863. It was introduced in 2003 and I got mine probably in 2006 or so. It was first Speedy with the Sapphire crystal and back. It does run chronically fast and has been overhauled once and regulated some years later but it still runs too fast. For the money that it cost me, even without Chronometer certification, I've always expected a better degree of accuracy. And setting its time without a built in hack may not be a pain for you but it is for me. Sure I can use the slight back pressure on the crown to stop the seconds hand but, in the long run, that's probably not healthy for the movement. I also have a Seamaster 2254 with the sword hands which I've had for around 20 years. It's never been serviced and still runs around 3-4 seconds fast every two days. I wouldn't expect even the newer co-axial Speedy to necessarily match that but, it's going to be more accurate than my current one the hack is a big deal for me. If I can get a decent trade in value for my own Speedy I just might jump off the cliff and get the 2021 model.

[@PerthWAtch]

No question it should perform well, so if it’s running badly (say more than 20s fast per day) it’s not a great result. But it doesn’t make sense why you think you need to hack it precisely if it’s that inaccurate, it serves no purpose! Not to mention if to the second precision is required, clearly you should ditch this for something more accurate. The new Master Chronometer movements are very accurate - you should definitely expect them to match your Seamaster.

[@MrNorcal81]

@@PerthWAtchI did jump off on the new Speedmaster. So far, over a few days, it's running around 3 seconds fast. 👍 I haven't experimented with different positions on the nightstand yet so we'll see what that yields. It's test results show an an average accuracy of 2.1 seconds/day and a 4.1 second deviation between six overnight positions (doesn't itemize them unfortunately). One interesting test showed a 1.1 second/day deviation as the watch winds down from 100% to 33% power reserve. So at this early juncture I'm thrilled with the watch and hacking does compliment its accuracy. The bracelet came with the new quick adjust clasp which I was very happy about. Being able to do a small +/- adjustment on the fly to account for small changes in wrist size is great. As for the bracelet itself, it's taking time to get used to. It's taper down is very nice but the links are smaller than my older Speedy's bracelet and don't feel quite as robust. I glad that my wrist isn't very hairy because I could see some hair pulling if it was. I'll probably try a quality strap on it to see how it looks. The bracelet would still be the first choice but a change now and again isn't a bad thing. I've always thought that many "tool" chronos look better on a strap but the Speedy looks great on either. The bracelet does lie flat on my wrist and adds to the perception that the watch wears smaller than its 42mm size. It looks fantastic and I'm likely to wear it a whole lot more than my older Speedy. Keep up the good work. It's been nice to exchange ideas with you.

[@PerthWAtch]

Congratulations on the acquisition - it is indeed pleasing to see how well regulated it is, and certainly is as advertised. The quick adjust clasp looks excellent and I wish I had that on mine... but then again it would've been a few hundred extra, no such thing as a free lunch! As for an alternative bracelet, those NASA straps look like a great compliment and I have often been tempted to get one!

[@andrewwolkowich]

Very nice.

[@PerthWAtch]

Yes it is

[@desireless4092]

I own the Sapphire version. It's a cool watch and the chronograph works... Mostly. It has the widespread stutter problem that I am about to send him again for the 3d time (different service center this time). I am loosing my patience and kinda killed the pleasure of owning this watch...

[@PerthWAtch]

You won it?? That’s a nice prize. What widespread stutter problem are you referring to?

[@desireless4092]

@@PerthWAtchOh, my 😅 I mean "own", I corrected my typo. The stutter is something that can happen in mostly the modern Speedy models. If you google "omega speedmaster 3861 stutter" you will have plenty of examples to varying degree. Mine runs normal... for the most part. In the beginning it was stuttering every start - stutter meaning the hand was not moving in the usual 21660 bph, but jumping 2 or 3 sections ahead making for irregular and "jumpy" movement and you can hear faint click noises from the back as the chrono wheel tries to get along with the gear train. 2nd time - now he does it a bit less, but still easy to trigger meaning the did little to nothing. 3d time's the charm... I hope. Safe to say my excitement has died out since I got him this year and I barely wore him... He sat in the service center twice and I owned a Speedmaster but only on theory. Frustrating and this was my attempt at "giving Omega a try". And may be the last since the Speedy is their only current model I have interest in.

[@PerthWAtch]

Hmmm interesting... thanks for sharing that. I wasn't very aware of this issue so quite thankful mine doesn't seem to suffer from it!

[@KRBY555]

I have the previous one and it's great. Omega say you can swim, but I avoid it. They should have made it 100m - would have been perfect. The replica bracelets from JB are the way.

[@PerthWAtch]

Omega told me you shouldn't swim with it. When it's new and if it's serviced regularly (like every 2-3 years) to replace the seals & gaskets, it is likely to be OK. But if you're like most people, after a few years I wouldn't get it under water.

[@philspencelayh5464]

Not a fan of chronographs, a very messy dial which if you use it isnt so bad, but does anyone? At least with historical pretensions it doesn't have a dial like a ploughed field like most Omegas. Acrylic is fine if its actually vintage but for faux vintage I'd have thought domed sapphire is the way to go. Very impressed with the accuracy, I've long been on the lookout for an Omega (because its the only way I can afford a coaxial movement) that I like but so far I've not found one.

[@PerthWAtch]

“Ploughed field”?? What is that? This does come with sapphire crystal for those who want that. You’ve not found an Omega to like? What kind of style do you like?

[@zillsburyy1]

just dont get the POS moonswatch

[@PerthWAtch]

Not planning to, and neither should you ;)

[@mainlymusicman]

Bracelet is stupid . Returned the watch immediately after seeing how tiny and narrow it was . Mens watch on a women’s bracelet

[@PerthWAtch]

The bracelet is awesome magic… best one coming out of Switzerland in decades

[@mainlymusicman]

@@PerthWAtch lol. I guess if you have a girls wrist and like a ladies size bracelet

[@PerthWAtch]

Lol nope. Watch the video for reasons why it’s awesome ;)

[@mainlymusicman]

@@PerthWAtch I watched it. It’s too small for man’s wrist. Like I said unless you have tiny girls wrists.

[@PerthWAtch]

Lol nope… wrong again. Looks like you didn’t listen. Anyway, you have your opinion and the rest of us have ours, that’s cool mate ;)