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Advice on buying a Speedmaster FIOS

  1. the802 Mar 28, 2019

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    Hi there!

    New member here, and just getting going with my knowledge of Omegas. I am thinking of purchasing a second hand Speedmaster First Omega In Space (FIOS) that was bought in 2018. They are asking $3150 for it with box, papers, all the goodies. It's the lowest price I've found so far - does that raise any red flags for anyone? Anything I should be aware of with this watch?

    Thanks!
     
  2. OMEGuy Mar 28, 2019

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    Can it be you are thinking of a lot of purchases? :whistling:
     
    Edited Mar 28, 2019
  3. Shankified Mar 28, 2019

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    Welcome to the forum, @the802

    I think the experts may want to see some photos of the FOIS*
     
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  4. omegaswisst Mar 28, 2019

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  5. the802 Mar 28, 2019

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    Haha, mostly just a day spent researching and falling down the rabbit hole of the options! Going to weigh all the options at the end to see which will suit my needs / taste best. So much info to be had!
     
    Edited Mar 28, 2019
  6. ext1 Mar 28, 2019

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    Second hand 3.1k? Seems too high for me. I’ve seen lower for sure, and full set too.

    But still there are great sellers here on OF that sell modern omegas. Check them out!
     
  7. OMEGuy Mar 28, 2019

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    Well, here is my advice (and it is only my personal opinion):

    Go deep into the rabbit hole and go for a Speedmaster Professional directly. Avoid any abbreviations, they are not worth the time and money, because,as far as I can read from what you said before, you'll end up with a Speedy Pro anyway... :)

    Once you're there, you can decide where to go next. ;)
     
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  8. Sswells Mar 28, 2019

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    also note - depending on when bought in 2018 - could have the newer 5 yr omega warranty.. can factor that in a little if it applies or not.. ext1 - where you seeing well below 3.1? not that Im looking - just not sure ive seen much lower -- mostly curious on where i havent been looking??
     
  9. Yukatan Mar 28, 2019

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    If you're looking at a FOIS used for $3.1k, might as well spend a couple hundred more for a brand-new one with a warranty:
    https://www.chitownwatch.com/produc...onwatch-numbered-edition-311-32-40-30-01-001/

    As far as buying a Speedy Pro instead, I think it depends on your priorities. For me the FOIS was the only choice for two reasons:
    1. Slightly slimmer profile fit my wrists better.
    2. Applied logo, metal hands looks more luxe than the regular Speedy Pro

    I guess it depends on what you want. For sporty, I think the Speedy Pro Ultraman looks amazing. If they come down in price used I'd want to buy one someday...
     
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  10. the802 Mar 28, 2019

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    That is a fair point. Why waste time with something that may not make you as happy instead of just saving up!
     
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  11. the802 Mar 28, 2019

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    This is definitely part of the draw for me. Do you find it sits smaller than that pro? I’ve heard it can be kind of similar since the difference lies in the crown guards?
     
  12. ext1 Mar 28, 2019

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    Exactly the opposite experience for me. There is a huge difference. The straight lug is one of the most central aspect that drew me to buy real 321 straight lug speedys. 42mm is the maximum I can pull off while 39mm sits nicely and unobtrusively on my wrist.
     
  13. Yukatan Mar 29, 2019

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    That's what some people say, but my fiance saw me try on the Speedy Pro and FOIS, and immediately she thought the FOIS fit better, as did I. If you have bigger wrists it may not matter, I think it's the twisted lug portion that adds visual heft.
     
  14. Bp1000 Mar 29, 2019

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    Twisted lugs definitely add to the visual size

    39mm is the perfect size for me as I have large wrists and the 42mm fits me great, by that I mean the ends of the lugs reach the last 25% of my wrist edge top and bottom.

    When the lugs sit too close to the edge of your wrists top and bottom that’s when you know it’s too big.

    39mm is a large watch for the average wrist size where 36mm is the classic watch size.

    I’m 39mm and 42mm.

    FOIS is lovely, research the watch but also research the seller just as much. Both are great and I’m not sure what I’d pick again. I love and have both.

    I have the speedy pro on heslite with leather deployant. It might just have to be that as it’s very versatile. But I gotta admit, very hard decision.
     
  15. astrand Mar 29, 2019

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    Good luck with making a decision. I loved the FOIS until I tried it on - as it looked too small for my wrist whereas a regular speedy pro looks lovely.
     
  16. Evitzee Mar 29, 2019

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    I think the FOIS or the two CK2998 limited editions are worthy of consideration.
     
  17. alam Mar 29, 2019

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    I do prefer the FOIS over the FIOS :cool: and threads w/o pictures are somewhat boring...so here’s mine..

    :)
     
    DB6964BE-D4D4-4212-A1B7-5B4D4526A188.jpeg
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  18. Alfista88 Mar 29, 2019

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    No red flags, but I do think you can do better price-wise. I've contemplated selling my late 2017 FOIS in recent months to fund another watch, and my price barometer has been around $2,800. For $3,150, I'd shy away unless you can verify the strap is in very good condition with no creases, and there are no scratches on bezel and lugs. 3,150 is too close to the grey market price for a brand new one, and the couple hundred in savings may not be worth what you to have to accept in noticeable wear & tear on a pre-owned example.

    On the topic of FOIS or Speedy Pro, I'm truly blessed to have ownership experience with both. In past discussions on this forum, it usually boils down to crystal and lug difference. I've included a pic of my Speedy Pro so you can get a quick impression of whether the Hesalite crystal appeals to you.

    I find the FOIS much more suited to dressy casual. Collared shirt, slacks, or tucked-in polo with chinos. Whereas the Pro is more at home for me when wearing t shirts and jeans. On leather straps, both are equally at home with a leather jacket and have a legitimate motor-sports ethos & heritage.

    If you're going the pre-owned, be mindful that the Barenia Omega OEM strap ages gracefully and gets darker with wear.
    IMG_8690.jpg IMG_7708.jpg
     
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  19. the802 Mar 29, 2019

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    Thank you so much for all the input! This is such a great community. I shall continue my dive into this crazy watch world with more confidence and knowledge. I'll also be sure to update once I acquire!
     
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  20. Ssunnylee24 Mar 29, 2019

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    Very nice on a nato as well
     
    4DD58AD7-2293-40D5-8D69-F510FD0C43FC.jpeg 6E27ED74-3689-4F01-B836-4D3A39406B86.jpeg
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