Hey everyone

I'm considering a First Omega In Space but I'm not so keen on the arrow hands. I'd much rather have a FOIS that recreates the Ed White look with white baton hands.

So my question is whether I could have the FOIS hands (and sub-register dial hands) replaced with batons? Or is there some physical limitation which would preclude it?

Also, what is the lug width of the FOIS and is there an Omega steel bracelet which might fit?

Thanks for any advice and help!

 

19mm lug width, most use a 1125 bracelet. You should be able to swap the hands without issues.

 

You can also use a 1565/976 bracelet, more modern looking compared to the 1125.

 

Adding the bracelet is good idea, fannying about changing the hands, not so much.

 

https://omegaforums.net/threads/parts-interchange-for-fois-speedmaster.68887/

Can definitely change out the crystal and hands. Am definitely looking to do the same if one day funds allow another Speedy acquisition. Add a JB/Forstner and voila- mid to late 60's goodness with a modern twist. Call it Ed White mk II if you will

 

I’m a big fan of the FOIS with batons... if I ever end up with one, it’ll be what I do.

 

Seeing that the only person I know to have changed the crystal says he won't do any more, "definitely" might be a stretch... There are apparently a fair few fitting issues.

 

Hand swaps are easy, except right now I'm not aware of any easy way to swap out the crystal.
FOIS looks like this after the hand swap

And then there are a bunch of other super tiny details that bother me, so I wouldn't do it if I got the FOIS. But that's just me.

 

Agreed. Want your watch waterproof? Don’t mess with the crystal. The case was designed for sapphire, it needs fettling/bodging to make Hesalite fit as far as I understand. If Archer doesn’t approve, then it isn’t a good idea.

 

Thanks all. Sounds like the word of Mr Archer may be a deciding factor (as ever). Fingers crossed he might honour this thread with his thoughts.

In the meantime, Happy Speedy Tuesday to you all!

 

Talked about this many times - the crystals do not swap out without some sort of bodge being made to make it work.

Hands are not a problem at all.

 

You are definately able to add white baton hands to the FOIS or any cal. 1861 watch for that matter. Did it to great success with mine. I think that’s exactly what Omega did with reproducing 103.005s for the recent First Man film as well.

re: sapphire crystals, It used to bother me how much vintage appeal the FOIS exudes save for it’s one flaw; the modern crystal. Over time I’ve accepted that it’s actually the best fit for that watch, and even vintage 2998s with their silver rehauts tend to resemble the milky ring on Omega’s box sapphire crystals.

 

Naaaaaaa...

 

I have to disagree. One reason why I love the 105.002 so much is that it has the silver rehaut with the Ed White design that really makes the dial pop. The milky ring effect is really not the same thing!

 

Thank you!