Community Stories

Should I buy the FOIS?

ninman
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I'm kind of conflicted at the moment. I currently own a 3861 Speedmaster and have done for 4 years. However, there's no real oem vintage style flatlink for it.

Yes, there's are flatlinks that "fit", but they're not a perfect match.

That being said, I've grown very attached to my Speedy, and it would really hurt, emotionally, to sell it.

On the other hand, the FOIS is obviously a very vintage styled watch, comes with a flatlink and has other features I really like, such as the long hour markers and no crown guards.

What should I do?
 
zinterz
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256
ninman ninman
I'm kind of conflicted at the moment. I currently own a 3861 Speedmaster and have done for 4 years. However, there's no real oem vintage style flatlink for it.

Yes, there's are flatlinks that "fit", but they're not a perfect match.

That being said, I've grown very attached to my Speedy, and it would really hurt, emotionally, to sell it.

On the other hand, the FOIS is obviously a very vintage styled watch, comes with a flatlink and has other features I really like, such as the long hour markers and no crown guards.

What should I do?

That's a really broad question. To clarify, is this an FOIS in addition to the 3861, or instead of? Because if it's to have both, might I point you to the Ed White 321 instead of both? Just to confuse matters? 😉

They are very different watches, so to me, they could sit next to each other in a watch box quite easily. I love the 3861 bracelet, so I think it's wise to look at a separate watch if you want to scratch that flatlink itch.
 
hen
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How about a little variation and still have a vintage style?

o23430412103001_1.webp
 
ninman
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290
zinterz zinterz
That's a really broad question. To clarify, is this an FOIS in addition to the 3861, or instead of? Because if it's to have both, might I point you to the Ed White 321 instead of both? Just to confuse matters? 😉

They are very different watches, so to me, they could sit next to each other in a watch box quite easily. I love the 3861 bracelet, so I think it's wise to look at a separate watch if you want to scratch that flatlink itch.
Technically, I can afford to have both, and I do love the 321, but getting that involves importing it to Taiwan, which means import duty.

I'm just not sure I want to splurge that much cash on a 2nd watch right now.
 
ninman
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hen hen
How about a little variation and still have a vintage style?

o23430412103001_1.webp
It's a nice watch, but I don't like divers or automatics.
 
zinterz
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ninman ninman
Technically, I can afford to have both, and I do love the 321, but getting that involves importing it to Taiwan, which means import duty.

I'm just not sure I want to splurge that much cash on a 2nd watch right now.
I'd recommend enjoying the Speedmaster, get a bit more money together, and see if the itch is still there after a few months (unless it's been a few months already?).
 
Sft33
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I have multiple Speedys including the Ed White and the FOIS. FOIS is hands down my favorite. It’s special. Get it. You will love it.
 
bsowers34
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ninman ninman
I'm kind of conflicted at the moment. I currently own a 3861 Speedmaster and have done for 4 years. However, there's no real oem vintage style flatlink for it.

Yes, there's are flatlinks that "fit", but they're not a perfect match.

That being said, I've grown very attached to my Speedy, and it would really hurt, emotionally, to sell it.

On the other hand, the FOIS is obviously a very vintage styled watch, comes with a flatlink and has other features I really like, such as the long hour markers and no crown guards.

What should I do?
I wouldn't sell one to get the FOIS, but if one can swing it, it's worth having both, IMO, they are different enough to justify both. And there's no rush, the FOIS will be around awhile.
 
F
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10
I’ve got both the 1861 Hesalite and the new FOIS and I agree that they’re different enough to justify having both if you’re able to swing it. I’ve put an exhibition caseback on the FOIS and it’s one of my favorite watches.
 
pdxleaf
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Nobody needs two watches.
If you sell your 3861, you'll regret it.
Question is, should you get two watches?
Answer is yes.
Easy.
 
kurtj29
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663
Have you seen the FOIS in person? Loved it till I realized the polished hands disappear into the dial making it very difficult to read the time with my 62 year old eyes. I only need readers, my vision is excellent otherwise but it seems that fact that the watch face is a little blurry without my readers on is enough to make reading the time difficult.
 
T
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30
I have a hesalite moonwatch, white moonwatch and FOIS (and will likely pick up the new reverse panda moonwatch as well). The FOIS is a beautiful Speedy but I prefer it on a leather strap rather than the bracelet (all subjective). The sapphire domed (Hesalite profile) crystal is marvelous. Highly recommended. The strap in the photo is an Artem leather strap with deployant clasp - kinda matches the lume.

IMG_4157.webp
 
chrisb507
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6
I bought the FOIS to scratch the vintage itch, and it’s amazing in that respect and it pairs so well with the flatlink bracelet. But it did not scratch my Ed White vintage itch, so I found one of those too.

A modern movement with vintage styling is what the FOIS does so well. Only you can decide if that scratches that itch.
 
kamaaina1
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47
I’m asking myself the same question. If I do get the FOIS it’ll definitely be on the brown leather strap. It just looks so classy with the blue gray face. Perfect match.
 
Hijak
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IMG_0627.webp
I highly recommend the FOIS. Love its retro look, mine is on an ostrich leg strap.
 
chiefenergy
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173
ninman ninman
I'm kind of conflicted at the moment. I currently own a 3861 Speedmaster and have done for 4 years. However, there's no real oem vintage style flatlink for it.

Yes, there's are flatlinks that "fit", but they're not a perfect match.

That being said, I've grown very attached to my Speedy, and it would really hurt, emotionally, to sell it.

On the other hand, the FOIS is obviously a very vintage styled watch, comes with a flatlink and has other features I really like, such as the long hour markers and no crown guards.

What should I do?
If its hesalite, enjoy your 3861 as is! If its sapphire, enjoy your 3861 as is! The legacy continues.
 
J
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30
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26
ninman ninman
I'm kind of conflicted at the moment. I currently own a 3861 Speedmaster and have done for 4 years. However, there's no real oem vintage style flatlink for it.

Yes, there's are flatlinks that "fit", but they're not a perfect match.

That being said, I've grown very attached to my Speedy, and it would really hurt, emotionally, to sell it.

On the other hand, the FOIS is obviously a very vintage styled watch, comes with a flatlink and has other features I really like, such as the long hour markers and no crown guards.

What should I do?
I traded my FOIS on the new Grey Side of the Moon on a cloth strap. I also own the 3861 Hesalite, love that watch. I really liked the FOIS, but the Grey Side of the Moon is just phenomenal.
 
zinterz
Posts
211
Likes
256
Hijak Hijak
IMG_0627.webp
I highly recommend the FOIS. Love its retro look, mine is on an ostrich leg strap.
Oo now this is the original FOIS, so I’m not sure we’re talking about the same watch here. Regardless, this one is also nice. OP could buy both! 😅
 
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