First Omega - questions with buying!

phatcatkev · Jan 20, 2020

Hi everyone!

I’m new to the forums and feel that I’ve learned more in the past 2 days by reading here than anywhere else! I’m looking to make my first luxery watch purchase. I have a tag and a shinola but am REALLY trying to take a step up with a speedy.

I have narrowed my search down to two watched: FOIS and a Sapphire Sandwhich. I went and tried them both on and really am torn. I like the size of the FOIS but I like the bracelet and sportiness of the pro. I also really like the case back of the pro.

I live in Denver, CO and would be wanting this to be my “3 days a week watch.” To be completely honest, I use an Apple Watch a lot for work and can’t see myself totally dropping it yet.

This is not going to be another post asking for comparisons - I feel I have read most. However, I do have some questions.

- does anyone have a comparison between the sapphires? Are they the same? I couldn’t tell.
- the pro felt REALLY heavy. Was that all mental or was it is actually heavier than a FOIS?
- is the FOIS a Moonwatch? If no, why not?!

thank you!

Badwolf · Jan 21, 2020

Welcome to the forum!

- Not sure about your first question, can you give more detail? Some people like the Sapphire, most prefer the Hesalite
- The Pro has a bigger case than the FOIS (wider case with crown guards), so basically more metal, plus bracelet rather than leather.
- The FOIS is a Moonwatch, as in it is a later development of the Speedmaster, like the ones NASA used. This particular model has not been on the moon. Three references have actually been on the moon. These are very sought after.

https://www.fratellowatches.com/three-omega-speedmaster-references-that-were-worn-on-the-moon/

https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/comparing-moonwatches

I have A FOIS and a Pro (Hesalite), the Pro is my choice for a daily wearer.

Hope that helps

Pilot85 · Jan 21, 2020

Go with your instinct and get the one you like the most.

I also wear the AppleWatch sometimes.
Did you try the regular Speedy with Hesalite?

Both watches are nice and of course as mentioned above FOIS is smaller hence lighter.

I would take the .005 or .006 as first Speedmaster 😀

STANDY · Jan 21, 2020

I’m a Standard Moon watch metal case back guy. Thinner than a sapphire sandwich and has the Hesalite we all love.

Depends what you want really. Try them all, but most will say the Hesalite has the better appearance compared to the milky ring of the sapphire crystal.

rob#1 · Jan 21, 2020

+1 for the standard 005 hesalite Speedy

But choose what gives you the best feeling 👍

phatcatkev · Jan 21, 2020

Pilot85
Go with your instinct and get the one you like the most.

I also wear the AppleWatch sometimes.
Did you try the regular Speedy with Hesalite?

Both watches are nice and of course as mentioned above FOIS is smaller hence lighter.

I would take the .005 or .006 as first Speedmaster 😀

I did try the hesalite and plan on getting one at SOMEPOINT.

to be completely honest, I’m just a tad bit afraid of the durability vs Sapphire.

phatcatkev · Jan 21, 2020

Badwolf
Welcome to the forum!

- Not sure about your first question, can you give more detail? Some people like the Sapphire, most prefer the Hesalite
- The Pro has a bigger case than the FOIS (wider case with crown guards), so basically more metal, plus bracelet rather than leather.
- The FOIS is a Moonwatch, as in it is a later development of the Speedmaster, like the ones NASA used. This particular model has not been on the moon. Three references have actually been on the moon. These are very sought after.

https://www.fratellowatches.com/three-omega-speedmaster-references-that-were-worn-on-the-moon/

https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/comparing-moonwatches

I have A FOIS and a Pro (Hesalite), the Pro is my choice for a daily wearer.

Hope that helps

Wow this is awesome. Thank you so much.

for my first question, I was more asking if it is the same Sapphire face. I don’t know if there are different sapphires or not but figured if anyone knew it would be on this forum!

Martin_F · Jan 21, 2020

I had to make a decision between FOIS and Hesalite and went for the Hesalite.
Just couldn't stand the milky ring. Plus the lyre lugs really did it for me.
I read that for the extra cost of the Sapphire over the Hesalite you could replace the Hesalite crystal 5 times.
So if the clear case back isn't all that important to you, the Hesalite might be a viable option.
But at the end of the day, you're the one making the decision. Good luck, I'm sure you'll enjoy whichever one you choose!

EauTerre · Jan 21, 2020

Barging in regarding the "milky ring" thingy : I often see it mentionned, but is this the description of a phenomenon witnessed generally on all saphhire watches, or is it specific to the sapphire mounted on the Speedmaster 😕

Evitzee · Jan 21, 2020

P phatcatkev
I did try the hesalite and plan on getting one at SOMEPOINT.

to be completely honest, I’m just a tad bit afraid of the durability vs Sapphire.

Unless you are really tough on a watch the hesalite is very durable and can be easily polished up with Polywatch. Omega will most likely ditch the hesalite crystal version later this year when they switch to the newer 3861 movement and move upwards on the price structure. If it was me I would go for a hesalite watch now, it will be a wise move in the long run for collectability.

Martin_F · Jan 21, 2020

EauTerre
Barging in regarding the "milky ring" thingy : I often see it mentionned, but is this the description of a phenomenon witnessed generally on all saphhire watches, or is it specific to the sapphire mounted on the Speedmaster 😕

I think it's a combination of the curve of the Speedmaster crystal as well as the black dial.
On a lighter color dial Speedmaster, you almost can't tell.

Check out this thread for a great comparison:
https://omegaforums.net/threads/hesalite-vs-sapphire-speedmaster-pro-pics.85579/

phatcatkev · Jan 21, 2020

One other big piece here...there is a local FOIS for sale at a very good price locally. It has 3.5 years left of warranty and looks to be in great condition. We do not have an omega boutique but we do have 2 ADs. Both ADs told me they will not authenticate or look at the watch before I purchase (were just jerks when I told them I wanted to buy used.)

I also asked them about getting me a bracelet for the FOIS and they both said they could not. I know I can get a braclet online through the gray market, but does anyone know if they are easy to instal?

Thanks again everyone!

vbrad26 · Jan 21, 2020

My $0.02?
If you want a "moon watch" then get the standard metal caseback/hesalite speedy.
You can always add a transparent caseback down the road if you really want to.
The only time I would suggest to anyone to get a FOIS is if they found the standard Speedy to be a little big for their preference.
RE: the hesalite vs. sapphire debate.
Yes, the hesalite will get scratches MUCH easier than the sapphire. However, the scratches you get on the hesalite (that otherwise probably would not show up on sapphire) are easy to polish out with a couple drops of PolyWatch and about 3 min of your time.
But in all reality, you should be fine wearing the Speedy daily and not get any significant scratches...unless you are @STANDY .
I have worn mine almost daily for almost 2 years and have maybe polished my hesalite 2-3 times. And this is because I'm super obsessive about keeping it looking perfect.
While the sapphire is "stronger", most people (including myself) do not like the way it looks.

EauTerre · Jan 21, 2020

Martin_F
I think it's a combination of the curve of the Speedmaster crystal as well as the black dial.
On a lighter color dial Speedmaster, you almost can't tell.

Check out this thread for a great comparison:
https://omegaforums.net/threads/hesalite-vs-sapphire-speedmaster-pro-pics.85579/

Thanks. Well looking at the pics on the thread, I can barely tell the difference between both versions, and can't see that "milky ring" at all. So I guess I wouldn't be bothered by the potential by-effects of the sapphire.

Martin_F · Jan 21, 2020

EauTerre
Thanks. Well looking at the pics on the thread, I can barely tell the difference between both versions, and can't see that "milky ring" at all. So I guess I wouldn't be bothered by the potential by-effects of the sapphire.

Surprising, but point taken.
Like I said, it need to work for you!

Evitzee · Jan 21, 2020

EauTerre
Thanks. Well looking at the pics on the thread, I can barely tell the difference between both versions, and can't see that "milky ring" at all. So I guess I wouldn't be bothered by the potential by-effects of the sapphire.

Here's a good discussion of the hesalite vs sapphire choice.
https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/comparing-moonwatches

Hamish02 · Jan 21, 2020

I think you’ll find arguments for both, it just goes down to personal preference. I had a similar dilemma, FOIS or hesalite Pro in my case. I tried on both, did A LOT of research then put that aside and took each watch as they came - each was made in the way they were intended; FOIS with strap and sapphire, Pro with hesalite and bracelet along with all the other little differences. Once I’d taken a step back, I looked at both and decided it was the FOIS I’d taken a shine to, trusted my instincts and went with that. Tbh the milky ring isn’t an issue at all and I bought the 617/1125 bracelet as another strap option. I actually have it on the original strap today. Trust your instincts and just remember that it’s only the beginning of the journey - you’ll own both sooner or later...

phatcatkev · Jan 21, 2020

Hamish02
I think you’ll find arguments for both, it just goes down to personal preference. I had a similar dilemma, FOIS or hesalite Pro in my case. I tried on both, did A LOT of research then put that aside and took each watch as they came - each was made in the way they were intended; FOIS with strap and sapphire, Pro with hesalite and bracelet along with all the other little differences. Once I’d taken a step back, I looked at both and decided it was the FOIS I’d taken a shine to, trusted my instincts and went with that. Tbh the milky ring isn’t an issue at all and I bought the 617/1125 bracelet as another strap option. I actually have it on the original strap today. Trust your instincts and just remember that it’s only the beginning of the journey - you’ll own both sooner or later...

this is awesome. Thanks for the insight. How tough is it to switch the bands?

Hamish02 · Jan 21, 2020

No problem. Depends how experienced you are. I would invest in a spring bar tool with a flat fork for straps (for minimising lug scratches) and a thin fork for the bracelet (will fit in the end link gaps). The Bergeon 6111 is recommended. I actually got someone to fit the bracelet in the first instance as I originally didn’t have the tool - Omega wouldn’t do it, neither a branded jewellers, try a local independent watchmaker, or Timpsons did it for me if you’re in the UK. Now I have the tool the bracelet was easy to remove so I’d imagine it won’t be too difficult when I get round to swapping it back on.

I find the FOIS great with a suit at work and casually out and and about at the weekend. Ultimately, I think I’ll end up with a Pro in the future on a bracelet and use the FOIS on the strap as a slightly dressier option. Both are very versatile. Good luck!

MarmosetJKM · Jan 21, 2020

Reasonable people may disagree, but to me, "moonwatch" refers to the "First watch worn on the moon" engraving on the back of post-1970 Speedmaster Professionals. So the FOIS is not a moonwatch, but neither are the 105.012 and 145.012 Speedmasters that were actually worn on the moon! Those are "pre-moon" Speedmasters.

I got the FOIS because I wanted the applied logo, alpha hands, and straight lugs. I would have preferred hesalite if it was offered. I don't think you can go wrong either way.

First Omega - questions with buying!

phatcatkev

Badwolf

Pilot85

STANDY

rob#1

phatcatkev

phatcatkev

Martin_F

EauTerre

Evitzee

Martin_F

phatcatkev

vbrad26

EauTerre

Martin_F

Evitzee

Hamish02

phatcatkev

Hamish02

MarmosetJKM

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