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  1. timetostart Jun 30, 2020

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    Hey everyone! Here's hoping this post doesn't ruffle too many purist feathers. :)

    Like many, the age-old question of whether to purchase the classic Moonwatch or the 'First Omega in Space' has caused some sleepless nights. I've owned two FOIS' over the years, and ended up selling both, as the mismatched handset alway bothered me and it also felt a bit too formal. I also prefer acrylic to sapphire when the option is available, and the movement in the Speedy is so beautiful that I've always wanted one with an exhibition case back. For me, the struggle was always between the FOIS and the 3572.50 Speedmaster (aka Hesalite sandwich).

    If I could design my ideal Speedy, it would have the following:
    - Straight lugs (FOIS)
    - No crown guards (FOIS)
    - Moonwatch hands
    - Hesalite crystal
    - Exhibition case back

    If I were to buy another FOIS, is it possible to find OEM Hesalite crystal, sapphire case back, and traditional handset? As far as I know, the size of the watches is the same (the dimensions differ simply due to the crown guard), so those specific elements should be a 1:1 swap into the FOIS, correct? I appreciate all of the expert advice and opinion here in advance!
     
  2. BlackTalon This Space for Rent Jun 30, 2020

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    Suggest you check out Lewis Watch Co., as he has been doing some very nice builds based on the FOIS.
     
  3. abrod520 Jun 30, 2020

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    No OEM Hesalite crystal will fit, the cases are designed differently for sapphire and plexi models. I've heard of aftermarket conversions though.

    Moonwatch hands will fit. There are plenty of good quality aftermarket display casebacks but I don't know whether the OEM sapphire back would fit without some modification or a different spacer.
     
    timetostart likes this.
  4. fergusm Jun 30, 2020

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    timetostart likes this.
  5. timetostart Jun 30, 2020

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    Cheers, everyone! This is helpful info.

    I've read that the OEM case back fits, though it may require a spacer. If anyone has insight on that specifically, I'd love to hear it.
     
  6. redzer007 Jun 30, 2020

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    Several threads on modded Fois, I'm in the middle of doing one, there are 13k of them think a mods will not cause too much of stir
     
  7. machamp6650 Jun 30, 2020

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    Yep exhibition case backs need a different spacer to account for removal of the dust cover.
     
  8. HAL9000 Jul 7, 2020

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    Hi timetostart,

    this is my first answer to a post.
    My aim is to help, and, if possible, to support you.
    An original Omega Speedy hesalite will fit without any problems to the FOIS.
    You just remove the original sapphire crystal and fix the hesalite (and you have to use the sapphire seal - and you will not see a milky ring beneath or under the hesalite after swaping).My FOIS is also water resistant up to 5 bars.
    I did a lot of work/ changes to the watch. All parts of the most " older"
    Speedmaster models are interchangeable. Casebacks, dials, hands, crowns, crystals etc...
    I stay in contact to an AD/ Omega Boutique with level 3 service and the watch maker there is a wizard. He did all the works I pleased him to do. No questions, no doubts....a very helpful and kind man.
    Hope all this will help you.
     
  9. HAL9000 Jul 7, 2020

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  10. HAL9000 Jul 7, 2020

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    Some pictures which should proof what I wrote.
     
    20200707_212926.jpg 20200707_212646.jpg 20200707_212609.jpg 20200707_212509.jpg 20200707_212439.jpg 20200707_212417.jpg 20200707_212403.jpg
    TJH and LeonDeBayonne like this.