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FOIS vs 3861 for small wrist?

W
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I have small wrists (6.25 in) and am trying to decide between the FOIS and 3861 Speedmaster. I tried on the 3861, and it feels like an acceptable size, however I would prefer an even smaller fit if possible (and I don't want the Reduced).

Does the FOIS fit any smaller, if just even a tiny bit? Or does it actually fit bigger, given the straight lugs? FYI I would wear it with a bracelet, not a strap.

Thanks for your input in advance, there isn't a FOIS in my area that I can go see in person, so this is my only way to figure this out. Also, sorry if this is a repeat, I've seen this discussed a few times but with no satisfyingly definitive answer given.
 
KnoP
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i would suggest to wear the watch that you like more. both watches are great, but is the size will bother you maybe there is a option for a speedy reduced? way les "iconic" that the both of you are considering, just thinking that you won't be able to enjoy it as it deserves when you always think it might be (too) big?!
Anyway i think the 3861 works on small wrist definitely, FOIS i haven't seen in the flesh now!
 
W
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Thanks for your input KnoP. I haven't seen the FOIS in person so I'm not sure which I like more. At this point, I like both equally, the deciding factor would be which one wears smaller. Even if it's a small difference.

So, for anyone who has actually worn both, which one appeared smaller on your wrist?
 
Taddyangle
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It's noticably smaller. However, FOIS only in sapphire, so not sure if that is an issue for you. I have the ck2998, and 3572. On 7.25 wrist. Both wear great for me. Best to try both on and see for yourself.
 
dsio
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What I’ll say here is the FOIS is going to wear slightly smaller but not my a huge amount. The second benefit of the FOIS is I think they’re on an upward trajectory and if you want one I think you’re better off buying one now or later while the 3861 is going to be available for a long time around teh current market price and may even come down slightly once there are more on the secondary market.
 
savka
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Same size wrist here -- FOIS wears a tiny bit smaller but I think the straight lugs really negate most the diameter in difference such that I actually prefer the Speedy Pro, especially with the updates to the 3861 (bracelet, stepped dial, etc.).
 
wilderbeast
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E862A5D4-4C11-4334-831F-D50AEF5F7ABC.jpeg 60E63279-4A69-4569-A7AB-B95189621B84.jpeg
I own both and have 7.25” wrists. The FOIS is slightly sleeker width wise (not much as the bezel protrudes over the sides of the case) but the 3861 hugs the wrist a little better, partly as I think the depth of the case on the FOIS is slightly bigger with that caseback. Others have tried an aftermarket display back on the FOIS which has shaved off an appreciable difference.

They are both excellent watches and, if you’ve tried and liked the 3861, the FOIS should be no problem for you.

I also have both on a bracelet currently, but the FOIS also sings on a leather strap.

In my opinion, you can’t go wrong with either!
 
KnoP
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question: do you already have a moonwatch? (no discussion if 3861 is a "moonwatch please" 😉 )? If not i personally would go for that because of the "legend" factor...
 
W
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KnoP KnoP
question: do you already have a moonwatch? (no discussion if 3861 is a "moonwatch please" 😉 )? If not i personally would go for that because of the "legend" factor...

No, this is my first Speedmaster, in fact my first luxury watch. The FOIS is considered a moonwatch too no?

I'm hoping to have a mythical one watch collection, so I'm obsessing, perhaps a little too much, over which watch is the one.

Right now I'm leaning toward a 3861 slightly (would be much more inclined toward the 3861 if it weren't for the scary movement issues I heard of when using the chrono). I'm still getting the same sense from the replies that they are pretty much identical in size, so just choose the one I like more visually.
Edited:
 
tudor66
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My wrist is smaller than yours, and I pull it off. Go for it...!
omegaspeed.JPG
 
W
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wilderbeast wilderbeast
E862A5D4-4C11-4334-831F-D50AEF5F7ABC.jpeg 60E63279-4A69-4569-A7AB-B95189621B84.jpeg
I own both and have 7.25” wrists. The FOIS is slightly sleeker width wise (not much as the bezel protrudes over the sides of the case) but the 3861 hugs the wrist a little better, partly as I think the depth of the case on the FOIS is slightly bigger with that caseback. Others have tried an aftermarket display back on the FOIS which has shaved off an appreciable difference.

They are both excellent watches and, if you’ve tried and liked the 3861, the FOIS should be no problem for you.

I also have both on a bracelet currently, but the FOIS also sings on a leather strap.

In my opinion, you can’t go wrong with either!

Thanks for your input. So I'm sensing that you believe that the 3861 wears smaller than the FOIS because of the curved lugs? Would you still say the same if I were to use the thinner Spiralwinder caseback on the FOIS?
 
wilderbeast
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Thanks for your input. So I'm sensing that you believe that the 3861 wears smaller than the FOIS because of the curved lugs? Would you still say the same if I were to use the thinner Spiralwinder caseback on the FOIS?
I would say the 3861 wears smaller than a 42mm watch can do. The bracelet helps, too. But the FOIS does seem slightly smaller, at least to me. I guess what I would say is that, when I tried the 3861 on for the first time, I was struck by the fact that it didn’t feel much bigger than the FOIS…

I’ve not tried FOIS with a replacement caseback but others who have seem to think it makes a significant difference.

Good luck in your hunt!
 
W
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wilderbeast wilderbeast
E862A5D4-4C11-4334-831F-D50AEF5F7ABC.jpeg 60E63279-4A69-4569-A7AB-B95189621B84.jpeg
I own both and have 7.25” wrists. The FOIS is slightly sleeker width wise (not much as the bezel protrudes over the sides of the case) but the 3861 hugs the wrist a little better, partly as I think the depth of the case on the FOIS is slightly bigger with that caseback. Others have tried an aftermarket display back on the FOIS which has shaved off an appreciable difference.

I'm thinking that being sleeker width wise doesn't matter as much for skinny wrists, its actually the height (i.e. lug to lug) of the watch is more the important dimension to minimize in terms of perception, no? Thus this makes me think from your feedback that the 3861 would be a better fitting/smaller watch for me.
 
FlatTop
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The FOIS is considered a moonwatch too no?
Not really, even though the Schirra watch it’s based on went to space - the FOIS is based on what’s sometimes called a “pre-moon” or “pre-Professional” Speedmaster reference. Usually to be considered a Moonwatch it would have to have the later, larger style of case with crown guards and twisted lugs.

Regarding size (I own a FOIS and have tried the 3861 on) - most of the difference is going to be visual. The FOIS looks slightly more elegant and less chunky than the current moonwatch but the overall wearing experience isn’t all that different.
 
KnoP
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fois is a speedy, of course, a moonwatch as well, but (for me) the 1861/3861/xx63 is more iconic!
 
W
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FlatTop FlatTop
Not really, even though the Schirra watch it’s based on went to space - the FOIS is based on what’s sometimes called a “pre-moon” or “pre-Professional” Speedmaster reference. Usually to be considered a Moonwatch it would have to have the later, larger style of case with crown guards and twisted lugs.

Regarding size (I own a FOIS and have tried the 3861 on) - most of the difference is going to be visual. The FOIS looks slightly more elegant and less chunky than the current moonwatch but the overall wearing experience isn’t all that different.

So the FOIS is just a tiny bit smaller feeling? Or did the curved lugs of the 3861 somehow make it feel smaller?
 
JayBe
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I see that they can be both considered speedmasters, so I can understand how people are considering them against each others, but three is mire difference than just the size. The food feels more dressy with its sleeker, polished case, polished hands, whereas the professional feels more sporty. Maybe that is one additional consideration to make that might tip it for you.
 
FlatTop
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So the FOIS is just a tiny bit smaller feeling? Or did the curved lugs of the 3861 somehow make it feel smaller?
The difference is mostly visual to be honest. They don’t feel particularly different but they do look quite different.

My advice would be to go for the one you prefer the look of and not worry about 1mm here or there. (17cm / 6.7” wrist here.)
 
Evitzee
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The FOIS style case makes it much easier to wind. It's not a biggie but you get a lot more tactical feel winding a Speedmaster without the crown guards.
 
DoctorEvil
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I have small wrists (6.25 in) and am trying to decide between the FOIS and 3861 Speedmaster. I tried on the 3861, and it feels like an acceptable size, however I would prefer an even smaller fit if possible (and I don't want the Reduced).

Does the FOIS fit any smaller, if just even a tiny bit? Or does it actually fit bigger, given the straight lugs? FYI I would wear it with a bracelet, not a strap.

Thanks for your input in advance, there isn't a FOIS in my area that I can go see in person, so this is my only way to figure this out. Also, sorry if this is a repeat, I've seen this discussed a few times but with no satisfyingly definitive answer given.
I've got small wrists (just over 6in diameter) and I find that I can just pull off the FOIS, especially with a flat link bracelet. I find the bracelet hugs my wrist better and is more comfortable to wear compared to the original leather strap. I don't think you should have any issues with either watch if you have 6.25in wrists. I've heard some people say that the extra 2mm diameter in case size of the Speedy Pro is accounted for by the crown guard but because the bezel size is the same there's not much difference in how it looks on the wrist. Others say the twisted lugs on the Speedy Pro have a bigger footprint than the straight lugs of the FOIS, so it makes the watch look a bit bigger. I've not tried on the Pro so I can't verify this. Anyway, I've included some pics of the FOIS on my wrist for reference so you can see how it looks. Good luck with your quest!
PXL_20211003_024334342.jpg PXL_20210827_054221414.jpg PXL_20211009_013414119.jpg
 
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