Speedmaster Pro VS. FOIS

[mac_135]

Before I get into it, I know there have been multiple threads on this comparison. My reasoning may be a little different.. Originally I wanted a Speedmaster Professional as my one and only watch, but ended up buying an 114060 Submariner. I want to add a second watch just to switch things up and a Speedmaster is likely going to happen as a 30th birthday gift to myself. I feel like the First Omega In Space can dress up a little more easily than the Pro. Whichever I choose will be on a leather strap, I'll probably end up with a black and brown strap as well as either a nato or canvas/fabric option to dress it down.

Does anyone have any reason I should choose the professional over the fois, other than the "classic/hesalite" angle? Keep in mind, I want something that compliments my Sub, and it will 100% be on leather (reason I didn't buy the speedmaster pro in the first place was that I couldn't get a proper fit with the limited adjustment on the bracelet) and this will be my dressier piece. Not concerned about resale as this will likely be a 2 watch collection for at least a year or two.

Thanks in advance.

[henrylee]

If on leather 100% of the time then I choose FIOS. That watch is perfect looking on a leather strap and can be worn casual and dressy. If you were gonna wear the bracelet sometimes then the pro. You can't really go wrong between the two.

[Michael N Q8]

IMO, the FOIS is a bit more dressy with the slimmer lugs.

[AEC]

No shame in going with the FOIS! It's dressier, and if that's your aim, then it sounds like a great choice. Your two watches will make up what I believe may be the perfect two-piece collection :-)

[VintageVagabound]

Both nice watches but a 42mm speedmaster wears much smaller than other 42s and the 40mm FOIS is even smaller. It’s all what you prefer in the end but something to consider

[DCheeta]

I think the FOIS is the perfect choice for your purpose.

Having a Sub and a Speedmaster is the greatest 2-piece collection.

[Dr. Robert]

Originally Posted by DCheeta

I think the FOIS is the perfect choice for your purpose.

Having a Sub and a Speedmaster is the greatest 2-piece collection.

I concur, I prefer the FOIS as it has no crown guards & it’s easier for my fat fingers to wind!

[JR16]

I was in a similar position and went w Speedy Pro. I prefer the hesalite and the hands and better legibility. I wore it on bracelet for the first 3 days I’ve had it and it’s been on straps ever since. I don’t think one compliments a sub more than the other. Also I think FOIS uses a 19mm strap so options are more limited if you are into changing straps like I am


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[HSTexan]

I love the case and size of the FOIS, but dislike the handset and mismatched subdial hands. Pro is a fantastic watch, but bigger than I prefer. It's a tough call, but for your situation I'd probably go FOIS.

[Stevec14]

As a dressy watch, I suspect the FOIS may be marginally the better choice given it’s vintage vibe.

They should both be available at most boutiques and AD’s. Pop along and try them on for the definitive answer.

[Rb10chris]

I originally preferred the FOIS due to the case size, but slowly started to like the speedy pro more due to the hands, and lugs as others have mentioned here.

[artschool]

I have a 114060 and was faced with the same choice of speedy.

I went with the professional and bought a leather strap! best of both worlds.

[Wrist Watcher]

I've been itching to pull the trigger on a Speedy to keep for a while now, and I keep going back and forth between these two, including perhaps an older Speedmaster with the tritium dial or the 3572.50 with the see-through caseback. I still can't decide.

[sensui]

Personally I don't know there is much of a difference between which is dressier when you put both on a leather strap.....I guess perhaps the crown guards make the professional a little more tool like you could argue.....but for me it really comes down to how you take to the sapphire crystal/alpha hands.

[ap1]

I like size of fois with lugs of pro

[7Kenhinho]

It might depend on your wrist size. But if you're dead set on a strap then FOIS is the way to go.

[spndx]

FOIS has a much better size and a great choice.

[AEC]

Originally Posted by sensui

Personally I don't know there is much of a difference between which is dressier when you put both on a leather strap.....I guess perhaps the crown guards make the professional a little more tool like you could argue.....but for me it really comes down to how you take to the sapphire crystal/alpha hands.

I agree. Also, I really dig the more pronounced twist and taper in the lugs of the Speedmaster Pro. The shapes and contrasting finishes are more intriguing, I think.

[TudorTuesday]

I'd choose the FOIS, for all the reasons you mentioned.

But since you asked for reasons against it... This is all I can come up with:

The legibility of the FOIS isn't as good as the pro. Those beautiful vintage hands catch the light well most of the time, but when they don't, they really don't. In some light the hands disappear, which can be a bummer.

The FOIS is (to me) significantly daintier on the wrist in terms of weight. The leather strap, the slimmer lugs, and the lack of crown guards all add up to a surprisingly light watch. Could be good or bad, depending on your taste.

The goodies (box and accessories) on the pro are super impressive right now, and the FOIS, less so. Not really important, but it's a difference. Heh.

Again, for me, if buying new, FOIS is the winner every time. I'd never buy a new pro. If I want the heritage of that watch, I'll buy one with some "extra heritage" that's actually been around a few years, maybe even with some age on the lume and some mileage on the case!

Enjoy your choice, regardless!

[bdex75]

This.........


And I believe Mosco has a LNIB one in the classifieds for $3900. Can’t go wrong. This watch is awesome in spite of the sapphire glass


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[mac_135]

Thanks for all the great responses. I think I will go with the FOIS and buy a black croc style leather strap to switch it up. Does anyone have any straps they can recommend for this watch? I understand the only real drawback here is the 19mm size but I did see some Hirsch options that looked interesting.

[red1108nyc]

Size wise, they look like this and very little difference.

[AEC]

Originally Posted by mac_135

Thanks for all the great responses. I think I will go with the FOIS and buy a black croc style leather strap to switch it up. Does anyone have any straps they can recommend for this watch? I understand the only real drawback here is the 19mm size but I did see some Hirsch options that looked interesting.

The blue variant (CK2998) like the one shown in Fred's post directly above comes on a blue croc strap that's 19mm tapering to 16mm, and I think those proportions are just right for the FOIS. I would go with the Hirsch London, which is available in matte black Alligator and 19mm x 16mm. It's ~$250 directly from Hirsch, and it's really nicely made.

[mac_135]

Originally Posted by AEC

The blue variant (CK2998) like the one shown in Fred's post directly above comes on a blue croc strap that's 19mm tapering to 16mm, and I think those proportions are just right for the FOIS. I would go with the Hirsch London, which is available in matte black Alligator and 19mm x 16mm. It's ~$250 directly from Hirsch, and it's really nicely made.

Perfect, this is exactly what I'm looking for. Thank you.

[Justindo]

If you're going to wear it on a strap and want a slightly dressier look, the FOIS is probably the way to go. Definitely go with a Hirsch London strap as they're very nice and reasonably priced for the quality.

I own the Professional "sapphire sandwich" on the bracelet and the one advantage of it over both the regular Pro and the FOIS is that the movement is slightly upgraded and you can view it from the back. I like this, but others prefer the solid caseback just like they prefer the hesalite, which I personally don't like.

Regardless of which watch you choose, you'll love the Speedmaster. I think it's my least expensive watch but it just might be my favorite. (I also have a 114060 and it's also one of my favorites.) There's a reason these watches are among the best, even after 60 years: they got i right.

[Wembleyisgreen]

pro for the Hesalite.

[Krash]

I have a Sub 114060 and I think I want either a Speedmaster or a blue dial DJ with fluted bezel. If I get a Speedmaster, I want the pro with the black leather strap and clear back case.

I prefer the hands on the pro and the clear case back.

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[Krash]

Just wanted to add that I think the Speedmaster Pro on the black alligator strap is pretty dressy...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_SuU2tDbJRw