The Omega Speedmaster Professional, affectionately known as the Moonwatch, is a legend. Its iconic status is cemented not only by its role in the Apollo 11 moon landing but also by its enduring design and robust construction. A key point of differentiation, and often a source of passionate debate among collectors and enthusiasts, lies in the choice of crystal: Hesalite or sapphire. This article delves deep into the comparison between the Omega Speedmaster Hesalite and Sapphire versions, exploring their differences, advantages, disadvantages, and ultimately helping you decide which crystal best suits your needs and preferences.
1. The Fundamental Difference: Hesalite vs. Sapphire Crystal
Before diving into the specifics of the Omega Speedmaster models, let's establish the core difference between Hesalite and sapphire crystals. Both serve the same purpose – protecting the watch face – but possess distinct properties:
* Hesalite: A type of acrylic plastic, Hesalite is known for its relatively low hardness. This makes it susceptible to scratches. However, this very characteristic contributes to its unique properties. When impacted, Hesalite tends to crack rather than shatter, minimizing the risk of dangerous fragments. Its lower refractive index also results in a slightly warmer, more vintage-like appearance compared to sapphire. Furthermore, Hesalite is significantly lighter than sapphire.
* Sapphire: A synthetically produced crystalline form of aluminum oxide, sapphire boasts exceptional hardness and scratch resistance. It's far more resistant to everyday wear and tear than Hesalite. However, its higher hardness also means that upon impact, sapphire can shatter into sharper, potentially more dangerous fragments. Sapphire also tends to have a slightly cooler, clearer appearance.
2. Omega Speedmaster Professional Hesalite: The Original and the Enduring
The Omega Speedmaster Professional Hesalite is the direct descendant of the watch worn on the moon. This version embodies the heritage and spirit of the original Moonwatch. Its use of Hesalite is a nod to this history; the choice wasn't purely aesthetic, but rather a deliberate decision based on the material's performance characteristics during the space race era. The slightly warmer tone of the Hesalite crystal lends a unique vintage charm, often preferred by collectors who appreciate the watch's historical significance. The Speedmaster Professional Hesalite also generally boasts a slimmer profile due to the thinner Hesalite crystal.
3. Omega Speedmaster Professional Sapphire: Modern Refinement
The Omega Speedmaster Professional Sapphire represents a more modern interpretation of the iconic design. The upgrade to sapphire crystal significantly enhances the watch's scratch resistance, a crucial factor for daily wear. This makes it a more practical choice for those who want a watch that can withstand the rigors of everyday life without showing excessive wear. The sapphire crystal contributes to a slightly more modern, cleaner aesthetic, although some find it less characterful than the Hesalite counterpart. The sapphire crystal version is often slightly thicker than the hesalite version, leading to a slightly larger overall case size.
4. Key Differences Beyond the Crystal: A Detailed Comparison
Beyond the crystal choice, subtle yet significant differences exist between the Hesalite and Sapphire models:
current url：https://bbkqem.lennondeathclue.com/news/omega-speedmaster-hesalite-vs-sapphire-13279
costo abito chiara ferragni louis vuitton fall 2017 burberry slacks