Hi OF!

The Speedmaster "First Omega in Space" is *almost* perfect to me. It is the perfect size, and I love the look of the slimmer case. I also enjoy the Alpha style hands and the longer indices vs the regular moonwatch. I say almost because the sub dial hands have been bothering me that they are not all matching. I understand it differentiates the time and the chrono function, but I can't help but think it looks kind of odd! Especially when the running seconds hand disappears in certain lighting.

Should I swap the sub dial hands to all match? Either all of the sub dial hands swap to painted white leaf style (like the 2998-2), or painted white stick style (like the 2998-6). I am not sure why Omega decided to do it this way instead of make them matching as the subdial hands were matching on the 2998s.

I have never modified a watch before outside of a simple strap change, but in the eyes of the purist or the community would this kind of modification be looked down upon? Of course I would only use OE Omega parts.

Thank you!!

 

I think that would be personal preference but if you do, definitely keep the original hand/s. Would hate to lose value just for a couple little subdial hands not being original.

 

First time I saw the FOIS I thought the exact same thing..."Why don't the sub-dial hands all match like they did in the original vintage references?" I have heard the explanation that the hands differentiates the time and chronograph function,but, screw it....

Go for it... and since, you asked, I prefer the all leaf style. ( Keep the Original Hands in case you ever sell)

Image from Phillips Auction

 

Thanks for the replies. Yes, definitely will be keeping the original hands if I go through with it.

 

It's not a matter if you SHOULD swap the hands, it's a matter if you WANT to change them. If you don't like the stock hands and you think you can improve the situation then go ahead and do it. There is no right or wrong.

 

Should you change the hands? I say no, because it is one of the features that makes this watch unique.

Can you? Certainly. But I’d wait until it is out of warranty (if it still is) and have a certified watchmaker with an Omega parts account do it. Don’t just buy a part on eBay and have someone who mainly swaps batteries do it.

 

Once again... the time hands are one type and the chronograph hands are another. They match to their function.

 

Personally I am a purist and like to keep them as they come. However if you really are OCD and want to switch it out and have a good watchmaker I've got no qualms - but my hesitation would be that it would need to be swapped back to standard in order to sell it quickly which sounds like a pain. I will keep mine forever (it was a graduation gift) but like the idea of keeping it stock. One thing I hate is fake ("replica") watches and swapping parts makes it look less genuine which is something to consider.

 

Irrelevant to the OP's question.

Personally, I would leave them as they are but that's just me.

 

I had the hand changed as it bothered me; we're all different!

 

It's your watch on your wrist, so as long as you have weighed up the pros and cons as they apply to your particular situation, then it's entirely your decision.

 

You do you, I mean if they can do this...
https://www.ebay.com/itm/OMEGA-Spee...-/402660362718?_trksid=p2349624.m46890.l49292Purchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network
Comparatively your change is really minor

 

If you like the look, do it! The FOIS is not an investment piece (at least not for decades), but a watch meant to be enjoyed. If changing the sub dial hands increases your enjoyment, make yourself happy. Also, be comfortable in knowing you are not likely to impact the value of the watch by more than a few hundred dollars either way.

 

I changed the hand for it to be period correct.

 

Don't see why not... yep keep the hands...

 

Thanks for all the feedback! It does look great with all the white stick hands on the sub dials. For now I think I'm going to leave it as is, but this is something I may do in the future.