Speedmaster family · 88 references Omega

Speedmaster Sapphire Sandwich 1863

Name: Omega Speedmaster Sapphire Sandwich 1863
Brand: Omega
Availability: InStock

42mm Consistent Pricing

Low $5,250

Median $5,600

High $6,100

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The Speedmaster Sapphire Sandwich 1863 keeps the familiar Moonwatch face but opens up the back, putting its hand-wound chronograph movement on view. It’s the version for someone who loves the Speedmaster’s restrained dial yet wants to see what happens when the pushers are pressed.

The 1863 is the more decoratively finished sibling of the closed-back Moonwatch’s 1861, rather than the later 3861. The black-dial bracelet reference 311.30.42.30.01.006 is a useful anchor for this earlier generation: its flat dial and dot-next-to-90 bezel distinguish it from the stepped-dial successor. You get the older movement architecture, with sapphire on both sides.

One detail worth judging for yourself is the pale ring visible around the sapphire crystal’s edge. Enthusiasts sometimes call it the “milky ring”; it gives the dial a different framing from the softer-looking Hesalite version. Neither is universally better, but the difference is surprisingly noticeable on the wrist.

MovementManual Wind

Caliber1863

Case MaterialStainless Steel

Case Size42mm

Water Resistance50m

Lug Width20mm

What owners love

The display back gives you a proper view of the 1863: bridges, gears and the chronograph mechanism, rather than a rotor covering most of it. Owners often describe turning it over as a pleasure that doesn’t wear off.
The sapphire crystal takes everyday wear without picking up the little scratches that owners of the Hesalite version regularly polish out. You get the familiar Speedmaster dial layout without having to baby the front crystal.
The 42mm case wears less bulky than the number suggests, thanks to the curved lugs and relatively compact footprint. It also works particularly well on straps, which can make it feel noticeably lighter than on the bracelet.

Common Criticisms

The sapphire has a pale, sometimes called “milky,” ring around its edge that is especially noticeable at an angle. Some owners find it distracting and prefer the warmer, less sharply defined look of Hesalite.
The crown can be awkward to grip because it sits partly tucked into the case. Since the 1863 needs hand-winding, that small ergonomic annoyance is something you encounter regularly.

Speedmaster Sapphire Sandwich 1863

What owners love

Common Criticisms

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