Wedding gift for fiancé - Aqua Terra or Speedmaster FOIS?

Which watch for my fiancé?

  • Speedy FOIS

    Votes: 77 61.6%
  • Green Aqua Terra

    Votes: 30 24.0%
  • Black Lacquer Aqua Terra

    Votes: 18 14.4%

  • Total voters
    125
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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.


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.

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!
Wow thank you for such a knowledgeable and thoughtful explanation. I’m not an expert by any means so I really appreciate the insight you provided. Honestly the feedback from this thread has been so helpful and I have really enjoyed the different perspective you all have. Thank you
 
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Wedding gift has to be a Rolex. ::stirthepot::
Hahah even as a novice I know that’s going to ruffle some feathers here lol
 
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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.
I couldn’t find my original one that is why I started the new one. I honestly am so indecisive about what one and I appreciate the feedback everyone has provided. I didn’t start the poll. I thought that was the moderator. I’m sorry if I have bothered you.
 
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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.

What a gorgeous watch. Is that the 41mm? You are right it can go between super dressy to a dressed down business casual easily. Thanks for providing the photo
 
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I couldn’t find my original one that is why I started the new one. I honestly am so indecisive about what one and I appreciate the feedback everyone has provided. I didn’t start the poll. I thought that was the moderator. I’m sorry if I have bothered you.

Double the pleasure, double the fun! 😁
 
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I think a wedding gift has to be a Rolex. ::stirthepot::
realize not the point but which? datejust? sub?
 
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No wrong choices here, @mq506.

I think it’s so cool how much thought you are putting into this. He’s going to love it no matter what you decide.

I voted for the FOIS, but I am biased. I think the AT options would be exceptional, and I appreciate your reasoning for considering the green dial. The green dial could be a winner!

I’ll also echo the thoughts of others that the Moonwatch Professional should also be considered. The sapphire sandwich and accompanying bracelet look amazing and can easily be dressed up or down, plus it’s a strap monster.

No matter what you decide, be assured that he will appreciate it. My wife bought a watch for me 20 years ago, and my sentimental attachment to it is off the charts.
 
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As an addendum to the above, if the Moonwatch Professional was also an option, I would have voted for it (even though the FOIS is on my wrist now).
 
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The Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch is an icon for a reason.
 
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I'm not sure why she started another one, complete with a poll this time.
I’m pretty sure @Trev created the poll as he’s done so before on other threads.
 
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OP, whichever you choose, sláinte and congrats! ✌☘️
 
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I bought my fiance a FOIS wedding watch, you can’t go wrong there
 
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Outside the box, a white Speedy pro. Another watch for all occasions.
 
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What a gorgeous watch. Is that the 41mm? You are right it can go between super dressy to a dressed down business casual easily. Thanks for providing the photo
Yes, this is 41mm. Have a 7 in wrist so 40-42mm has always been the sweet spot for myself. This Aqua Terra Bumblebee was released in 2013 and always had it on my list, but kept getting overlooked for different watches. Finally had the opportunity to pick it up, wish I had much earlier. Definitely is an all rounder of a watch.
 
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All good choices. I think I would go aqua terra if it were just one watch and done, but the Speedy is an icon.
 
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I saw the black lacquer, model ..004 at an AD and it really pops. On the secondary market it trades considerably above the .001 model (your pic) Check it out, its the .004 model. Myself I ended up getting the Railmaster, as they trade at about a 40% discount, used in very good condition. What I wanted was to check out the accuracy of the 8806 movement. It is underrated and hence a value buy. You can get one new at a considerable discount. One good thing about buying at an AD is you can probably exchange, if you don't wear or take off the stickers. https://www.omegawatches.com/en-us/...axial-master-chronometer-38-mm-22010382001004
 
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All of these are great options, as others have said. I own the first gen FOIS and the green AT and I have to say the AT is the one I reach for most for everyday wear. I have the leather and rubber straps as well as the bracelet, but it also looks cool on sailcloth, perlon or a NATO. It straddles the smart/sporty vibe really well and actually that green dial is surprisingly versatile, looking more grey in low lights and far more vibrant green in the summer.

I love my FOIS as a watch for work but rarely wear it at weekends.
 
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Chronograph watch in my opinion is young and sporty. Plus the fact that I am hunting for speedmaster, I vote for FOIS.

Aquaterra is a much simple design watch (no bezel) that can be dressy and sporty (when paired with rubber strap). I almost bought an aqua terra years ago but I did not appreciate the design (no bezel) that well.

Again, no bezel watch can be an enduring classic (I have 4 no bezel watches now)😀
 
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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. 😁
They have an agenda!? To make him call off the wedding because she got him an over hyped, manuel wind, low WR watch thats more expencive to service! Man thats evil !