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10 October 2014, 07:31 AM | #1 |
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My numbered FOIS is no more!
It is now a FSIS (First Speedmaster in Space), #1/1, a Sigma 7 commemorative.
Some of you recall my project about 10 years ago to build a Speedmaster like the one worn by Wally Schirra on his October 3, 1962 Mercury flight. Circumstances did not permit completion of the project but I kept the case back I had fabricated at the time: It sat in a drawer awaiting a final polish if an opportunity ever arose to use it. When Omega introduced the FOIS at Basel, I suspected the opportunity just might happen. On the day of introduction, I called Jim at Continental and placed my order. I must admit that the OEM FOIS case back was a disappointment, my only disappointment with Omega's effort. I patiently waited as long as I could (didn't want to risk my warranty) but I recently took the ∑7 to my local watchmaker (Gary at Wilson Watch Company) for him to do the final polishing. So without further ado: What do you think? |
10 October 2014, 09:06 AM | #2 | |
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Not a fan of the Omega version. Was intrigued to see this custom job in a previous thread... http://www.rolexforums.com/showthrea...light=Caseback and glad to see you've now pulled the trigger. Well done, well done indeed!
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10 October 2014, 10:05 AM | #3 |
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That looks great, the way it should have been all along!
BTW, I thought the rough engraving looked good, but the finished product ...wow!
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10 October 2014, 11:44 AM | #4 |
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Awesome!
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10 October 2014, 12:07 PM | #5 |
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Awesome work on the case back! It really looks fantastic!
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10 October 2014, 04:50 PM | #6 |
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Great looking!
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10 October 2014, 05:40 PM | #7 |
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Nice job.
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10 October 2014, 07:53 PM | #8 |
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Wow, awesome! I've been waiting to see this completed. Congrats!
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11 October 2014, 12:28 AM | #9 |
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Here is a dial shot of the FOIS next to the unpolished Ʃ7 case back:
and here is the OEM FOIS case back: The engraving around the edge of the Ʃ7 reads "THE FIRST - SPEEDMASTER - WORN IN SPACE - SCHIRRA - MERCURY ATLAS 8 - OCT 3 1962". For more of Wally Schirra and the Ʃ7 story, click here: 'Sigma 7' at 50: Retro Space Images recall 5th US manned spaceflight. After seeing Gary's polishing job, I said to heck with the Omega warranty and swapped the backs without any hesitation or reservations. |
11 October 2014, 05:01 AM | #10 |
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11 October 2014, 05:18 AM | #11 |
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That is one great looking modification. I love the watch but I'm not fond of the case back as well. What is the reference # you used to create your back? Will a standard 145.0012 case back work on the FOIS?
Great job. |
11 October 2014, 10:40 AM | #12 |
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Wow Fr. John. Great work. Such a great watch.
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12 October 2014, 10:53 AM | #13 |
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Very cool caseback.
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13 October 2014, 01:12 AM | #14 |
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Very nice!
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13 October 2014, 04:39 AM | #15 | |
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BTW, I have another Ʃ7 undergoing final polishing. Don't know which one I will be keeping. |
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9 December 2017, 08:09 AM | #16 |
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Sorry for reviving such an old thread. But I am interested in finding/making a thinner case back for my ck2998, and no sure if it would be physically possible. From your pictures, it seems that the custom case back is a perfect fit and thinner!
May I know if that's just appearance or is it indeed the case? How can I get one of those awesome case backs? Thanks!
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10 December 2017, 12:45 PM | #17 | |
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I made two and both have been sold. |
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12 September 2018, 07:54 PM | #18 |
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Thanks for sharing
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12 September 2018, 08:52 PM | #19 |
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Nice.
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12 September 2018, 11:05 PM | #20 |
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very nice
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13 September 2018, 01:23 AM | #21 |
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Very cool!
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18 September 2018, 02:01 AM | #22 |
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Very cool!
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