Hi all, My (2004) FOIS seems too shiny and the dial too crisp. I tried on a 1989 Speedy Pro yesterday and got a kick out of the patina and I could feel the history of the watch. I'm into classic cars in original condition, not restored trailer queens and I guess the same applies to watches. The FOIS is in perfect nearly-new condition with box and papers. I would have to sell it, probably losing a bit on it, and then would still be only able to afford an entry-level used Speedy Pro with 20 years of little to no service history. Is this foolish? I could always add a 1125 bracelet to the FOIS but I'm worried I still won't be satisfied and it's not exactly cheap. Who here has been through something similar?
I wouldn’t sell the FOIS. If you do, I predict you’ll find yourself regretting it down the road. I don’t own one, but I do think the FOIS is an attractive watch.
What? NO! Make your own history and patina with the FOIS, its a lovely timepiece and it'll remain truly yours.
Ah yes, that is true for the lume and maybe even the dial. However, I'd still stick with the FOIS as it will develop its own character and memories with every nick, ding, scratch and 'cheese'. I guess I value my own history with my valuables as opposed to someone else's on something I have, to each their own!
I traded a ~2000 Speedy Pro for a FOIS and couldn't be happier. That said, I'm currently in the market for a vintage Pro, so..I couldn't stay away either.
I unloaded my FOIS after I picked up my 145.022-69 Pre-Moon. No regrets at all! They wear just about the same size. Recall that the 42-mm diameter of the Speedy Pro includes the crown guards.
??? FOIS was announced at Baselworld 2012: https://www.fratellowatches.com/omega-speedmaster-first-omega-in-space-1962/ ???????????
haha I was thinking that earlier when talking about the 145.022-67. If you're going to pay a fortune for a dealer prepared vintage model why not just get a newer watch like the FOIS and make it vintage with some yellow fauxtina
I've seriously thought about it - I think the lume on the 60th Anniversary series looks cool, and I think the design of the FOIS is better … so I'd have a relumed FOIS with faux aged lume on a real vintage bracelet, please It'd make a great beater ...
I got rid of the horrible leaf style second hand, fitted a standard white baton hand. Whacked it on a JB Champion bracelet (although the standard brown leather strap is gorgeous) and its one of my favourite watches. The Dauphin Hands and slightly smaller size make it somewhat nicer than a normal Speedy pro for me.
I always felt the tinge of not having the Professional's crisp white baton hands with my FOIS, so I actually modded mine with an Ed White hand set. Haven't looked back since.
So tempted to buy a 145022 but might as well try something different next time. Tudor BB58 anyone? Think I'll try a 1125 bracelet on the FOIS first and see if that does it for me. And maybe look out for an affordable birth year Speedy Pro, that could be a fun hunt!
