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Wedding gift for fiancé - Aqua Terra or Speedmaster FOIS?

Which watch for my fiancé?

  • Speedy FOIS

    Votes: 33 58.9%

  • Green Aqua Terra

    Votes: 15 26.8%

  • Black Lacquer Aqua Terra

    Votes: 8 14.3%
  • Total voters
    56
M
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Donn Chambers Donn Chambers
Any reason you are considering a FOiS of a standard Speedmaster Pro? The FOiS is a lot flashier — if your fiancé prefers more conservative style watches, you can’t get more conservative than a standard Speedy Pro.
I saw both the standard speedy and the new FOiS at the jewelry store and I just liked the look of new version,
502 to right 502 to right
If he really likes blue I would consider an Aqua Terra in blue. It is the most popular Aqua Terra and for good reason. This will look good in tux, a suit, chinos, jeans, or sweatpants. It's the perfect all around watch. It's one of George Clooney's favorite watches. And as an Omega ambassador he can wear just about anything they make.

omega_seamaster_aqua_terra_150m_co-axial_master_chronometer_blue_dial_stainless_steel_watch__...webp 317862271_1898016067217777_8075967780661452078_n.webp
You are right that does look great. The more I mull over it I think the AT might be the better option for a wedding gift. He has a chronograph already though defintely not as nice as the speedy but the AT seems a little more formal and for a wedding gift that might not be a bad thing. I will have to call the store tommorow to see if they have a blue in stock. Appreciate you giving me your opinion and suggestion.
502 to right 502 to right
If he really likes blue I would consider an Aqua Terra in blue. It is the most popular Aqua Terra and for good reason. This will look good in tux, a suit, chinos, jeans, or sweatpants. It's the perfect all around watch. It's one of George Clooney's favorite watches. And as an Omega ambassador he can wear just about anything they make.

omega_seamaster_aqua_terra_150m_co-axial_master_chronometer_blue_dial_stainless_steel_watch__...webp 317862271_1898016067217777_8075967780661452078_n.webp
 
502 to right
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M mq506
I saw both the standard speedy and the new FOiS at the jewelry store and I just liked the look of new version,

You are right that does look great. The more I mull over it I think the AT might be the better option for a wedding gift. He has a chronograph already though defintely not as nice as the speedy but the AT seems a little more formal and for a wedding gift that might not be a bad thing. I will have to call the store tommorow to see if they have a blue in stock. Appreciate you giving me your opinion and suggestion.

Here's George a little more dressed up with his blue AT.

a01c8e4599a2003d7f8c056b70eb80dc.webp
 
E
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M mq506
I saw both the standard speedy and the new FOiS at the jewelry store and I just liked the look of new version,

You are right that does look great. The more I mull over it I think the AT might be the better option for a wedding gift. He has a chronograph already though defintely not as nice as the speedy but the AT seems a little more formal and for a wedding gift that might not be a bad thing. I will have to call the store tommorow to see if they have a blue in stock. Appreciate you giving me your opinion and suggestion.
That is reasonable logic.

As far as the AT: I think the younger generation cares much less than is traditional about the watch face 'matching'. The green is lovely, and the connection to the wedding is, IMO, worth the color choice. Unless he's someone who doesn't look good in green, I think that is a sweet reason to pick a dial color.

The idea of a 'versatile' color of a watch is, IMO, not particularly relevant to all but the most 'stylish' of the younger folks.

That said, if he's a bit more of a 'sporty' guy, you might consider a Seamaster Pro 300. They have beautiful ones in a couple of colors (including green!) that really pop, and are great every-day watches.
 
texasmade
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M mq506
I saw both the standard speedy and the new FOiS at the jewelry store and I just liked the look of new version,

You are right that does look great. The more I mull over it I think the AT might be the better option for a wedding gift. He has a chronograph already though defintely not as nice as the speedy but the AT seems a little more formal and for a wedding gift that might not be a bad thing. I will have to call the store tommorow to see if they have a blue in stock. Appreciate you giving me your opinion and suggestion.
If you go with the 38mm AT, check out the shades version.

Blue
https://www.omegawatches.com/en-us/...axial-master-chronometer-38-mm-22010382003003

Green
https://www.omegawatches.com/en-us/...axial-master-chronometer-38-mm-22010382010002
 
watch_my_six
Posts
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609
M mq506
You are right that does look great. The more I mull over it I think the AT might be the better option for a wedding gift. He has a chronograph already though defintely not as nice as the speedy but the AT seems a little more formal and for a wedding gift that might not be a bad thing. I will have to call the store tommorow to see if they have a blue in stock. Appreciate you giving me your opinion and suggestion.
To throw out an alternative perspective, I have a few friends who received "dressier" watches as wedding gifts due to similar reasons, but they don't get worn as much if at all. So unless you think the AT is "casual" enough that he could see himself wearing it as an everyday watch (which it totally could be, it just depends on his style/preferences), he may get more mileage out of the FOIS, which could end up making both of you happier!
 
Evitzee
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The Speedmaster is an everyday tool watch, and the FOIS w/o crown guards is easier to live with as it is easier to wind every day. Go with the FOIS, done and don't look back.

The same poster had an identical thread in October 2024 so I'm not sure why she started another one, complete with a poll this time. Scroll down to the bottom of this page and you'll see the thread dated Oct 8, 2024.
Edited:
 
Alfista88
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408
I voted green aqua terra. It's the more durable of the 2, and I believe that's a winning characteristic to have in a wedding present which signifies a timeless bond between 2 lovers.

A few things to keep in mind:
(1) Over the last 10 years, Omega's bracelets have gotten really heavy. Some like that, while me personally, I'm not a fan and prefer the lighter bracelets that Omega used to produce in the late 90's and early 2000's. If you end up getting the Aqua Terra and your fiance feels like it's cumbersome to wear due to its weight, that model really shines in how versatile it is with different watch straps.

You can pair with brown leather for the countryside, pair with a burgundy cordovan if he likes to have a splash of color, or a navy calfskin to marry together the colors of the ocean (aqua) and with the earth green dial (terra). Omega now also makes exceptional rubber straps too, if he prefers a sportier look. It'll never get old / boring, with all of the strap combinations.

(2) Omega's faux-aged lume, as found on the FOIS dial's hour markers, can feel gimmicky, after a period of ownership. When I had that artifically aged lume in a Seamaster 300 anniversary edition, the hour markers looked pumpkin orange in most natural lighting conditions.... I was not a fan. Going back to the theme of enduring, everlasting love in a wedding present... wouldn't you want the gift to have ageless white lume, rather than start out already "old and aged".... especially when it's faked aged.

(3) Service cost and chronograph reliability. There's a slightly higher service cost on chronograph movements, but when you ammortize that over 8-10 year service intervals, I'm sure it won't be a major factor. However, the day to day reliability of a chronograph movement - particular Omega's 3861 in this latest generation FOIS - won't be as bulletproof as the simpler time + date movement in the Aqua Terra. I briefly had a 3861 Speedmaster, and that would sporadically just stop when using the chronograph... others have reported that on this forum a well. In comparison, the Omega's I've had with its 8900 movement were exceptionally accurate and flawless in their operation.

(4) The Aqua Terra's 8900 movement has a hour-jump feature, which I found extremely convenient when traveling for work and traversing timezones. As a pilot, your fiance could find that useful as well!
 
Vinz Clortho
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After thinking about it some more, especially since he already has a chronograph, getting the FOIS might be too similar. Recently picked up my first Aqua Terra, older Bumblebee (black vertical teak dial) Really surprised how can go from dressy to casual and in between without blinking. It's the most versatile out of all my watches.

Works perfectly with tux/suit and dress shirt and slacks, then switch to sweatshirt and jeans, it blends right in. Bracelet dresses it up but is extremely comfortable, different straps (cloth/rubber) give it a more casual vibe and work great in any situation.

It's the first watch I have where as soon as I got it, thought to myself "this is could be my one and almost done" watch. It's understated in a good way. It's the perfect chameleon watch for any situation.

Here's a pic from the Xmas season. Day before was dressed up and this was the day after just being casual around the house.

20241229_104112.webp
 
JimInOz
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M mq506
He is a pilot

Makes it easy.
FOIS.
It's a watch he can use, a watch he can wear, and a watch he can enjoy.


PS: If it doesn't work out and you still want to get married can you call me first?

😁
 
Giarc66
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Tough call, but I LOVE my FOIS and can't stop staring at it when I wear it. Good luck!
 
bsowers34
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I myself would prefer the FOIS. Classic and dressy. Of course I am biased, as I already own it.
 
bsowers34
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JimInOz JimInOz
Makes it easy.
FOIS.
It's a watch he can use, a watch he can wear, and a watch he can enjoy.


PS: If it doesn't work out and you still want to get married can you call me first?

😁
I had similar thoughts...
 
watch_my_six
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M mq506
I don’t want to ask him as I want it to be a surprise.
Does he have any sense you are getting him something like a watch?

Vinz Clortho Vinz Clortho
Might be worth taking a trip shopping and find an excuse to "drop by the boutique" to check out a few watches for yourself. While there, ask the salesman to pull out a few pieces for your fiancé. See which one he likes the most and go from there.
Unless it will be a 100% surprise, it might be worth doing this to properly gauge his preference. That, or get both and let him choose on your wedding day and return the other! 😂

It seems like a 3-way optimization between 1) the surprise; 2) the watch he'll like the most; and 3) you having picked the exact watch he'll like the most, so which are the most important factors? Eg the "drop by the boutique" or "gift both" solutions will prioritize factor #2. Unless the watch he'll like the most is the most surprising one that you picked without his perspective! 🙃
 
alam
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M mq506
I am getting married in a couple months and would like to buy my fiancé a watch as a wedding gift. He isn’t a collector but does appreciate a nice watch. He is a pilot and tends to be on the conservative side style wise. I have it narrowed down to 3 models- the green aqua terre- we are getting married in Ireland. The FOIS- I think he would appreciate the history behind it or the black laquer aqua terre which wasn’t available at the Jewellery store when I went to look in person but is very sharp looking.
What one would you love to receive as a gift? I don’t want to ask him as I want it to be a surprise.

Screenshot 2025-01-17 at 9.12.32 PM.webp Screenshot 2025-01-17 at 9.09.28 PM.webp
 
Trev
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Still think the green AT is a more appropriate choice in this situation, despite all the Speedy fans pushing their agenda. 😁
 
ErichPryde
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I have absolutely no idea what I might have commented in the other thread regarding this topic, but I voted in this Poll for the green at. It's beautiful, it fits the theme, it can be worn with anything. But if your husband doesn't like green, that's a no-go.

I'm also 100% with @502 to right about the blue AT. Blue goes with anything, and anybody who tells you otherwise needs to lay off the--- well whatever it is they are on.

Both of these dials are stunning, and I don't think you can go wrong with either one. Really depends upon your husband's preference, but both will age exceptionally gracefully and in good taste... likely, like the gifter. 😉
 
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