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Best Speedy under 40mm?

9thsymph
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I would really love to get a Speedmaster, but due to my slim wrist (6.25), I'm limiting my search to the smaller iterations.

Which Speedmaster model do you think offers the most value in terms of caliber, design and proportion?

I'm currently considering the FOIS (39mm), the Reduced (38mm?) and the 38 Co Axial (38mm). Each of these have pros and cons, though, so I'd appreciate hearing from those who have had experience with any or all of these models.

I know it's all very subjective, but it would be helpful for me to have my own leanings either challenged or reinforced.

The issue that kind of bums me out, is the thought that perhaps the Professional is really the only Speedmaster to seriously consider, in which case I'll most likely have to give up on Speedy ownership (I hope I'm wrong...)

Thanks!
 
VetPsychWars
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By the way, Omega made a crapload of chronographs that don't have the "Speedmaster" name.

Tom
 
Foo2rama
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The FIOS is basically the same size as the 42mm pro. The pusher and crown width is the same. The case is slightly narrower as it doesn’t have crown guards. In some ways it wears larger due to the smaller 19mm lug width.

check out Speedmaster dates, racing’s, and the MK40.
 
speedytoronto
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9thsymph 9thsymph
The issue that kind of bums me out, is the thought that perhaps the Professional is really the only Speedmaster to seriously consider, in which case I'll most likely have to give up on Speedy ownership (I hope I'm wrong...)

Thanks!
B4A9A167-FE93-45EC-8167-DAC2CD1D90EC.jpeg

Speedmaster pro on my 15.5cm wrist. Wears fine on a strap. I also wear it on the bracelet but don’t like how the modern bracelet extends the lug to lug distance.
 
9thsymph
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I appreciate the responses and have noted that 1) there are other watches to consider; 2) the FOIS isn't noticeably smaller than the Pro; and 3) the Pro isn't, in fact, too big for my wrist. OK...Thanks! Duly noted...

But before I fundamentally alter my path forward based on this info, can anyone comment more specifically on the qualitative/aesthetic differences between the actual watches I'm currently considering (FOIS vs Reduced vs Co Axial 38)? For example, I feel like I've already found a lot of info on the first two, but the newer CO Axial 38 is a bit of a mystery. I'd be happy to hear thoughts on all three, of course, but particularly in comparison to one another. Thanks!
 
Hamish02
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Have a look at this, it doesn’t completely answer your question but might help:

https://omegaforums.net/threads/fois-and-3570.30298/ - Might not be useful as it compares the FOIS to the Pro and the not the other 2.

Personally I don’t think the Reduced looks ‘proper’ ie not an iteration of the traditional (well known) Speedy line - but that’s my opinion and you and others definitely will disagree. I don’t know anything about the 38 I’m afraid, though I do know I don’t like a date window. It all comes down to personal taste. Trust your instincts, go with what you want - no Speedy is too big for your wrist. Honestly.

Ultimately, patience is the game - you will need to go to an AD or OB to physically try them on - I think you might be pleasantly surprised by the FOIS and/or Pro...
 
83n
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Foo2rama Foo2rama
The FIOS is basically the same size as the 42mm pro. The pusher and crown width is the same. The case is slightly narrower as it doesn’t have crown guards. In some ways it wears larger due to the smaller 19mm lug width.

check out Speedmaster dates, racing’s, and the MK40.

I have the Moonwatch and the CK 2998 Limited, which has the same case as the FOIS.

I often read that the FOIS would not be or wear smaller as the Moonwatch but in my eyes there is a significant difference. While I love the Moonwatch I really think that the CL suits my 18 cm wirst better. It does wear smaller and looks sleaker. So I would recommend the FOIS when someone is looking for a smaller Speedmaster.

That being said, the CK has two downsides that should be the same for the FOIS.

First: the lume is ridiculously poor on that one. The minute hand has just a very thin line. In the dark the watch becomes a Meistersinger - a one handed watch.

Second: the readability (is that a word? I am no native speaker) can be bad. The alpha hands tend to disappear in a certain lighting.


Nevertheless I would say that the FOIS could be a good choice for you.
 
9thsymph
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83n 83n
I have the Moonwatch and the CK 2998 Limited, which has the same case as the FOIS.

I often read that the FOIS would not be or wear smaller as the Moonwatch but in my eyes there is a significant difference. While I love the Moonwatch I really think that the CL suits my 18 cm wirst better. It does wear smaller and looks sleaker. So I would recommend the FOIS when someone is looking for a smaller Speedmaster.

That being said, the CK has two downsides that should be the same for the FOIS.

First: the lume is ridiculously poor on that one. The minute hand has just a very thin line. In the dark the watch becomes a Meistersinger - a one handed watch.

Second: the readability (is that a word? I am no native speaker) can be bad. The alpha hands tend to disappear in a certain lighting.


Nevertheless I would say that the FOIS could be a good choice for you.

Thanks for this. You hit upon precisely my reservation of the FOIS: The hands. They seem very difficult to make out at some angles (even in the light?). I still need to see one in real life, but present circumstances have limited me to online speculation...
 
Donn Chambers
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9thsymph 9thsymph
Thanks for this. You hit upon precisely my reservation of the FOIS: The hands. They seem very difficult to make out at some angles (even in the light?). I still need to see one in real life, but present circumstances have limited me to online speculation...

I have owned a Speedy Pro and currently own the FOIS. I also agree it wears to be slightly smaller than the Speedy Pro. I have never found the hands that difficult to see, even in low light conditions. The polished hands are highly reflective and with just a slight turn of the wrist, you can find an angle to see them. Sure, they may not be as instantly visible as the stark white hands on the Speedy Pro, but they are a heck of a lot prettier!
 
9thsymph
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Donn Chambers Donn Chambers
I have owned a Speedy Pro and currently own the FOIS. I also agree it wears to be slightly smaller than the Speedy Pro. I have never found the hands that difficult to see, even in low light conditions. The polished hands are highly reflective and with just a slight turn of the wrist, you can find an angle to see them. Sure, they may not be as instantly visible as the stark white hands on the Speedy Pro, but they are a heck of a lot prettier!

Did you switch from the Pro to the FOIS for a specific reason (size...look...other)? Are you happy with your FOIS?
 
Hamish02
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FOIS

Just a smart watch that can be worn casually or with a suit. Versatile and very cool.

You do need to try these watches on first though, unless you have the money in the bank to take a gamble?!
 
Donn Chambers
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9thsymph 9thsymph
Did you switch from the Pro to the FOIS for a specific reason (size...look...other)? Are you happy with your FOIS?

I owned two different Speedmaster Pros and never could get over the plain white hands - I just found them quite boring. That was really the only thing I didn’t like about it. When I saw the alpha hands on the FOIS, it answered everything I’d ever wanted in the Speedmaster. I am very happy with my choice, and i rotate it regularly with my other watches.
 
Eve
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Have you considered a 145.006/016 Seamaster chronograph? I think they share a lot of DNA with the Speedmaster. Same movement, same layout of the subdials. It wears also considerably smaller (38mm) than the Speedy pro. I would rather go with one of those than Speedy reduced.
Here is mine:
IMG_20200325_102126.jpg
 
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