How does the forum feel about the FOIS?

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Sidrox25

·Aug 18, 2021

I picked up a used FOIS back in November literally a week before they announced its discontinuation. I have been wearing it on and off in my rotation. I actually prefer it on leather vs NATOs. I just wanted to see how others on the forum that own(ed) the watch feel about it.

I have a small 6.25" wrist and I had a love hate with the speedy pro. I wore that watch mostly on leather/natos since the SELs of the old bracelet jutted out way too much for me. I eventually ended up selling it to fund another piece a few years back.

I like how the new 3861 has that modern vintage looking band. I still enjoy the smaller ~39/40mm case of the FOIS though.

FOIS


Speedy Pro

 

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Bp1000

·Aug 18, 2021

I love mine. I think I picked mine up in 2014 maybe 2015.

It lead to other purchases of 38.6mm and 39.4mm speedmasters, CK2915 & CK2998.

39mm is the perfect size for me. It looks different from the speedy pro, I think it works best on the leather strap it originally came with. It is certainly one for the fans an a good alternative to the pricey Ed White 321.

 

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Scooterino36

·Aug 18, 2021

I personally prefer the crown guard look and the hands of the Pro, and I also need a bracelet.

I also sold my 1861, party due to the SEL.

I will likely be in the market for a 3861 in a few years once the preowned prices start to normalize.

 

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Evitzee

·Aug 18, 2021

All personal preference. The old 1861 bracelet presents no issues on my oval 7.5" wrist but with rounder, smaller wrists it can be an issue. Just gotta' try them on.

 

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scapa

·Aug 18, 2021

Own and love the FOIS -- in fact, I own a pair of 'em. It's a beautifully-proportioned, versatile take on the Speedmaster that can dress up or down as the occasion requires, has a dial of striking depth and beauty, and possesses a very distinctive charm on the wrist or on any of the straps and bracelets it looks terrific on.

Plenty of love for this modern Prince of Speedies here and elsewhere, especially over the past few years, as the many discussion and WTB threads show. It is one of two watches I've ever owned that an AD or watch enthusiast has spontaneously offered to buy. Great choice, sir!

 

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arno

·Aug 18, 2021

I own it for two days only, but own a blue CK2998 for 5 years now.
I love the case and style more than the speedy pro one, which looks to big to me.
FOIS is well balanced and discrete. The numerous straps and bracelets available at Omega or other brands (nowadays) makes is dressy or sporty at your convenience.

 

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gbesq

·Aug 18, 2021

I’ve never owned one, but liked the look - especially the alpha hands - and was surprised that it was discontinued.

 

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AntonisCy

·Aug 18, 2021

Personally, i don't like the FOIS mainly because of the hands.

 

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blufinz52

·Aug 18, 2021·Hears dead people, not watch rotors.

I prefer the hands on the Pro, but it's a great looking watch nevertheless.

 

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nicolamilton

·Aug 18, 2021

It feels really good. My "baby Ed White"

 

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ckhaing

·Aug 18, 2021

FOIS added just recently to my small fleet of speedmaster because- it is irresistible.
I wish it has the step dial and plastic crystal instead.
Planning to change the telemetry or pulse meter bezel and flat link bracelet in the near future.

 

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ckhaing

·Aug 18, 2021

gbesq

I’ve never owned one, but liked the look - especially the alpha hands - and was surprised that it was discontinued.

May there be newer retlativele affordable edition in the future with DON bezel, step dial, bracelet etc with 3861. 2022 as 60 anniversary?

 

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Donn Chambers

·Aug 18, 2021

Hate it. Ignore my avatar picture and any other post I’ve made raving about it.

😉

 

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wilderbeast

·Aug 18, 2021

ckhaing

May there be newer retlativele affordable edition in the future with DON bezel, step dial, bracelet etc with 3861. 2022 as 60 anniversary?

Never say never with Omega and Speedy variants, but I personally think this is highly unlikely.

The FOIS ran for 8 years and only 16,000 were made in that time. Despite its devotees (and there are many here, including myself), it never exactly flew off the shelf.

Calibre 3861 represents a new stage in the Speedy evolution but also a slight shift in price point - one which I think is here to stay. You will not get a new Speedy at the same price point as the FOIS (which was never issued with a bracelet) again now. And certainly not with 3861 and a bracelet.

Enjoy yours! Mine says hi:

 

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Bizcut1

·Aug 18, 2021

I was also surprised they discontinued the watch. But then, it's Omega so...lots to wonder about....

 

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nicolamilton

·Aug 19, 2021

Bizcut1

I was also surprised they discontinued the watch. But then, it's Omega so...lots to wonder about....

Existing the 321 "Ed White", they can't coexist due to evident similarities.

 

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wilderbeast

·Aug 19, 2021

nicolamilton

Existing the 321 "Ed White", they can't coexist due to evident similarities.

^ ^
Absolutely this, too. FOIS is the cheapest way you’ll get straight lugs and an applied logo in a 39.7mm case. What you do with the handset after acquisition is up to you, of course… and there are plenty of examples of FOIS modded to look like Ed Whites on the forum.

 

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ckhaing

·Aug 19, 2021

wilderbeast

^ ^
Absolutely this, too. FOIS is the cheapest way you’ll get straight lugs and an applied logo in a 39.7mm case. What you do with the handset after acquisition is up to you, of course… and there are plenty of examples of FOIS modded to look like Ed Whites on the forum.

I am thinking about it and want to hear / see some ideas about it, on hand and bezel mods.

 

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DoctorEvil

·Aug 19, 2021

Have owned my FOIS since 2019. A very special watch for me as it was a 50th Birthday gift from my wife. It's my daily wearer and I love it. Looks more elegant and dressy compared to the Speedy Pro, which makes it a bit more versatile when matching with clothes IMHO. Can be dressed up or down depending on strap or bracelet choice. I've got small wrists too (a smidge over 6 inches) and I think I can just about pull it off as the lugs sit just within the outer margins of my wrist. My only gripe, and it's a minor one, is that in some low lighting conditions there's not quite enough light to reflect off the hands but at the same time it's not yet dark enough for the lume on the hands to be easily visible. I guess that's why Omega gave the Ed White and Speedy Pro white stick hands 😁
Overall, a great watch. Definite keeper.

 

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Eve

·Aug 19, 2021

I had a love hate relationship with my FOIS for over a year. I love the dark black colour dial and the case shape for me is much nicer than the Pro. But i couldnt stand the damn caseback, which would always leave an imprint on my skin.
Wearing comfort is for me a number one priority, this one was only comfortable on a nato strap.
Nevertheless i think its a beautifull + great value straight lug Speedmaster.