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321 Ed White vs FOIS

Kmmdad57
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I'm interested in the 321 Ed White. I have been after my AD to track one down for me for almost a year now, but since the FOIS came out, I thought this could be the answer to the 321 at a much cheaper price. I probably will never sell either one so future value will be a factor but a small factor. However, since the new FOIS came out I have been hearing quality issues with this model. Issues like bracelet, pushers, and crown problems. I have a Speedmaster professional and the quality is top notch and I would have expected the same for a FOIS, but reports are say other wise. I have heard nothing bad about the 321. I thought the bracelet was exactly the same minus the end links. I figured pusher and crown also the same. I know there are far less 321 models made and that they are hand assembled, but I thought quality at Omega was of the highest of standards period. Can anyone with first hand knowledge on these two units comfirm anything that I have read or does everyone have nothing but positive experience with these two watches. Side note, I like the ed White for read ability, 321 movement and rareness. I like the FOIS for style, dial and price.
 
bsowers34
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Kmmdad57 Kmmdad57
I'm interested in the 321 Ed White. I have been after my AD to track one down for me for almost a year now, but since the FOIS came out, I thought this could be the answer to the 321 at a much cheaper price. I probably will never sell either one so future value will be a factor but a small factor. However, since the new FOIS came out I have been hearing quality issues with this model. Issues like bracelet, pushers, and crown problems. I have a Speedmaster professional and the quality is top notch and I would have expected the same for a FOIS, but reports are say other wise. I have heard nothing bad about the 321. I thought the bracelet was exactly the same minus the end links. I figured pusher and crown also the same. I know there are far less 321 models made and that they are hand assembled, but I thought quality at Omega was of the highest of standards period. Can anyone with first hand knowledge on these two units comfirm anything that I have read or does everyone have nothing but positive experience with these two watches. Side note, I like the ed White for read ability, 321 movement and rareness. I like the FOIS for style, dial and price.
FOIS quality is exactly on par with the 3861 speedy pro, I have four, white, black, FOIS and Snoopy. If you can swing a real 321 I guess it's worth it, but I have not handled one. I actually was offered a 321 on NYE, but passed on it. For me the FOIS is close enough, and a modern tribute.
 
Evitzee
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Have not heard the issues you describe for the FOIS, there is nothing really different about this watch from the standard Speedmaster so there should be no issues with the movement, crown, pushers and the like. I have not handled the new FOIS but I've seen enough pictures to know what it would look and feel like in the hand. I've owned the 321 Ed White for almost three years with absolutely no issues, a great watch. It feels different than a cam operated movement in the chrono operation, and it feels different when winding. Detailing overall on this model is a cut above the standard line, imo, it just feels more polished. But it should feel better at the price asked. It is natural, but difficult, to compare these watches on a similar look and size basis, and the cost. A FOIS is not a substitute for a 321 which is what some people try to argue. If you have the dough I'd spring for the 321, it's just a nicer overall package.
 
Kmmdad57
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bsowers34 bsowers34
FOIS quality is exactly on par with the 3861 speedy pro, I have four, white, black, FOIS and Snoopy. If you can swing a real 321 I guess it's worth it, but I have not handled one. I actually was offered a 321 on NYE, but passed on it. For me the FOIS is close enough, and a modern tribute.
I agree with how close it looks to the 321 and I love the dial and crystal of the FOIS. The fact that it as a 3861 in many ways for me is a plus, Minus the heritage of the 321 and the display case back, I think I prefer the 3861 for all the modern tech it has.
Edited:
 
Kmmdad57
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Evitzee Evitzee
Have not heard the issues you describe for the FOIS, there is nothing really different about this watch from the standard Speedmaster so there should be no issues with the movement, crown, pushers and the like. I have not handled the new FOIS but I've seen enough pictures to know what it would look and feel like in the hand. I've owned the 321 Ed White for almost three years with absolutely no issues, a great watch. It feels different than a cam operated movement in the chrono operation, and it feels different when winding. Detailing overall on this model is a cut above the standard line, imo, it just feels more polished. But it should feel better at the price asked. It is natural, but difficult, to compare these watches on a similar look and size basis, and the cost. A FOIS is not a substitute for a 321 which is what some people try to argue. If you have the dough I'd spring for the 321, it's just a nicer overall package.
I do like the look of the 321
 
texasmade
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Kmmdad57 Kmmdad57
I agree with how close it looks to the 321 and I love the dial and crystal of the FOIS. The fact that it as a 3861 in many ways for me is a plus, Minus the heritage of the 321 and the display case back I think I prefer the 3861 for all the modern tech in the it has.
Spiralwinder is coming out with an aftermarket display caseback for the new FOIS that should also make the watch thinner if you really like the display caseback.
 
bsowers34
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Evitzee Evitzee
Have not heard the issues you describe for the FOIS, there is nothing really different about this watch from the standard Speedmaster so there should be no issues with the movement, crown, pushers and the like. I have not handled the new FOIS but I've seen enough pictures to know what it would look and feel like in the hand. I've owned the 321 Ed White for almost three years with absolutely no issues, a great watch. It feels different than a cam operated movement in the chrono operation, and it feels different when winding. Detailing overall on this model is a cut above the standard line, imo, it just feels more polished. But it should feel better at the price asked. It is natural, but difficult, to compare these watches on a similar look and size basis, and the cost. A FOIS is not a substitute for a 321 which is what some people try to argue. If you have the dough I'd spring for the 321, it's just a nicer overall package.
Never said it was a substitute, just close enough. When I get a 321 it'll be a real 1966 vintage.
 
padders
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texasmade texasmade
Spiralwinder is coming out with an aftermarket display caseback for the new FOIS that should also make the watch thinner if you really like the display caseback.
Unlikely. Sapphire casebooks are routinely thicker than the steel alternative. The new FOIS already has a skinny back. Unlike the first gen model which had a deep relief casting which could leave wrist marks. The sapphire sandwich speedy has always been measurably fatter than the Hesalite model too.
 
padders
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Fair enough but I'm still skeptical that it is thinner than the std steel back. I note they don't actually claim that, though they do give a thickness of 2.3mm. I guess once somebody measures one in situ or the std back on its own we will find out. I have the watch but I'm not volunteering to take the back off!
 
bsowers34
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Wrong thread for this but why not. I just measured my 4 3861s. Hesalite is 11mm. FOIS is 10, white sapphire sandwich is 10 and surprisingly so is Snoopy.
 
bsowers34
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padders padders
Unlikely. Sapphire casebooks are routinely thicker than the steel alternative. The new FOIS already has a skinny back. Unlike the first gen model which had a deep relief casting which could leave wrist marks. The sapphire sandwich speedy has always been measurably fatter than the Hesalite model too.
Not mine. See my lower post.
 
padders
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bsowers34 bsowers34
Wrong thread for this but why not. I just measured my 4 3861s. Hesalite is 11mm. FOIS is 10, white sapphire sandwich is 10 and surprisingly so is Snoopy.

How are you measuring that? If in the middle of the crystal to back I’m sorry but no Speedy is only 10mm thick. You’ve made some error there. They are all circa 13–14mm. Or so every thread ever on this topic suggests.
 
Scarecrow Boat
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bsowers34 bsowers34
FOIS is 10, white sapphire sandwich is 10 and surprisingly so is Snoopy.
Specs for white Speedmaster
42mm (diameter) × 47.5mm (lug-to-lug) × 13.18mm (thickness)

Specs for Silver Snoopy
Diameter: 42mm, Thickness: 14.47mm

2024 Fois specs
39.7mm (diameter) × 48mm (lug-to-lug) × 13.4mm (thickness)

And because you mentioned it,
3861 hesalite Speedmaster
42mm (diameter) × 47.5mm (lug-to-lug length) × 13.2mm
 
Evitzee
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And to be complete
Specs for 321 Ed White
39.7mm (diameter) x 48mm (lug-to-lug) x 13.7mm (thickness)
 
bsowers34
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bsowers34 bsowers34
Wrong thread for this but why not. I just measured my 4 3861s. Hesalite is 11mm. FOIS is 10, white sapphire sandwich is 10 and surprisingly so is Snoopy.
Edit, add 3mm to each. Roughly, I'm not using a micrometer.
 
djmusicman
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Get the Ed White if you can spring for it. It's a reissue of a legendary watch and has the 321 movement. I'm not a fan of the orange fauxtina on the FOIS and the dial is very shiny.
 
Sft33
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Kmmdad57 Kmmdad57
I'm interested in the 321 Ed White. I have been after my AD to track one down for me for almost a year now, but since the FOIS came out, I thought this could be the answer to the 321 at a much cheaper price. I probably will never sell either one so future value will be a factor but a small factor. However, since the new FOIS came out I have been hearing quality issues with this model. Issues like bracelet, pushers, and crown problems. I have a Speedmaster professional and the quality is top notch and I would have expected the same for a FOIS, but reports are say other wise. I have heard nothing bad about the 321. I thought the bracelet was exactly the same minus the end links. I figured pusher and crown also the same. I know there are far less 321 models made and that they are hand assembled, but I thought quality at Omega was of the highest of standards period. Can anyone with first hand knowledge on these two units comfirm anything that I have read or does everyone have nothing but positive experience with these two watches. Side note, I like the ed White for read ability, 321 movement and rareness. I like the FOIS for style, dial and price.
I have them both. Obviously, they are different watches. While the Ed White is a rare/special piece - the FOIS is no slouch. If the FOIS were available before I got the Ed White - I could see myself not chasing after the Ed White.
 
chiefenergy
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Kmmdad57 Kmmdad57
I'm interested in the 321 Ed White. I have been after my AD to track one down for me for almost a year now, but since the FOIS came out, I thought this could be the answer to the 321 at a much cheaper price. I probably will never sell either one so future value will be a factor but a small factor. However, since the new FOIS came out I have been hearing quality issues with this model. Issues like bracelet, pushers, and crown problems. I have a Speedmaster professional and the quality is top notch and I would have expected the same for a FOIS, but reports are say other wise. I have heard nothing bad about the 321. I thought the bracelet was exactly the same minus the end links. I figured pusher and crown also the same. I know there are far less 321 models made and that they are hand assembled, but I thought quality at Omega was of the highest of standards period. Can anyone with first hand knowledge on these two units comfirm anything that I have read or does everyone have nothing but positive experience with these two watches. Side note, I like the ed White for read ability, 321 movement and rareness. I like the FOIS for style, dial and price.
The FOIS is not the answer to the 321. Re-introduction versus Homage. Different watch. Different collector.
 
zkramez
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Spoke to my AD yesterday. They said they could get me an ED white this year if I give them a deposit. Seems as though they are not as hard to get anymore.
 
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