Hi , I'm new to omega and really want to buy a speedmaster, but am torn between the moonwatch professional or the fois, any tips or recommendations please. I have a budget of £5000.
Also which one is the better investment watch.
Thanks Steve..

 

Moonwatch professional…then you can branch out on the sub variety’s of the classic.

Not really investments but you will get what you paid within a few years on both.
(Some may say the FOIS is a better investment now they aren’t made anymore but it’s still a bottom of the investment strategy pool not being a LE)

 

I had the same dilemma back in 2014/2015. I didn't care about the investment perspective, never do. But back then it didn't matter since both watches were readily available. Ultimately, I chose the FOIS. I preferred its vintage looks and smaller size of 39mm over the Pro.

It may depend on why you've decided you want a Speedmaster. If you want it because of its icon status, then perhaps only the Speedy Pro "moonwatch" will do. However, if that's not the case, then it's just personal preference based on looks and how it wears on you. Both are great watches, I still think about adding a 3861 Pro to my collection.

 

Get the FOIS because they'll become harder to find at reasonable prices. If you like it, go for the 42mm Speedmaster so that you can get some variation.

 

I was in your shoes 2 years ago. Firstly, I purchased the Speedmaster Professional (1861cal.) and after some months the FOIS.
I have both and if I had to choose only one, I can assure you that i am still in the same dilemma and i can not decide between of them.
I love them both.

If I had to choose between the 3861 Professional and the FOIS, I would definitely choose the FOIS. I suppose you can buy the 3861 later, since it will be years in production and the FOIS is out of production.
But if you are thinking between 1861 Professional and FOIS, I’m afraid I can’t help you.

 

I have both and like my FOIS a little better because of the size. Have you tried both on ? thats the ultimate litmus test.

 

I prefer the 3861. The size of the FOIS is tempting on paper but I find that the straight lugs don’t wear as well as the traditional lyre lugs.

 

I have a 7 inch wrist and find the FOIS a better fit for me from the three different cases I own but only you can decide.

 

Had a Reduced and FOIS in the past... they had their merits and downsides.

As an investment - nope. Not going to help me in my retirement! I just love Speedmasters!

I presently have a Hesalite Sandwich Professional 3752.50 with a 1863 movement which I adore.

Depends if you want a dressy (FOIS) or tool (Professional) like look.

I would go for a recent 1861 as there has been a few negative rumblings about the 3861.

The money saved can go towards a few straps for this 'Strap Monster'!

 

My brief time with a FOIS...



My present Hesalite Sandwich...

 

Something to consider about the FOIS is the 19mm lugs compared to 20mm lugs of the Pro.
Although just 1mm difference, we all know how much 1mm can impact how a watch presents itself on different wrist sizes and shapes.

 

Investment matters aside, I’ve had the FOIS and what bothered me is that it’s not very readable.

Giving your watch a quick and unnoticed glance to check the time was impossible. There was always some turning of the wrist involved for the hands to catch the proper light. At night readability was non existent because of the small amount of lume.

It’s a beautiful watch but I would not buy it again.

 

This is a fair point but bear in mind the Speedy Pro lume is woeful also. If you want really good lume you need a sword hands SMP.

 

To clarify, getting the FOIS because prices are increasing does not mean that it's an "investment." It just means paying less now and feeling less pain should you decide to pick one up in the future.

 

I agree, but the same can be said about the Speedy Pro to a certain extent. I remember when MSRP was $4k not too long ago and now it’s pushing $7k. I’m sure those who have been around longer will recall even lower prices. I’m glad I bought one when I did. The Speedmaster has been a great value given its history/stature and I worry that those days are numbered as Omega continues its upwards trajectory.

 

I would go for the Classic one first. If „the feever“ catches you, with the FOIS you have a nice target to aim on ‍♂️

 

The Speedy Pro is an absolute classic, but there are so many of them out there. The FOIS is just a little bit more interesting, imho.
Fact of the matter is, you really can't go wrong with either.
Having said that, if you do go for the FOIS, put it on the Forstner flat link bracelet with the milled clasp. Looks / feels great!

 

Yes, these are both good options.

And yes, Savka--Speedmaster prices in general have just really climbed over the last year or two.

 

I went with the FOIS. I got it for a solid price on Ebay and then got 15% off through Ebay on a promotion they were running at the time. I like the smaller feeling case size.

I plan to pick up a 60s-70s Speedmaster at some point so I like the idea of having the FOIS which will be a different hand combination.