Switching Cam in FOIS to Column Wheel

[rtalk]

I love column wheels in Chronos and while I love my FOIS, I do wish it had a column wheel akin the 321s.

Does anyone have any information on making that swap?

[Blackdog]

What do you mean ? Swapping the 1861 movement for a 321 ?

I don't think transplanting just the chrono mechanism is at all possible.

[Chester01]

I don’t think so and even if it can be done, it would be a Franken watch. If I wanted the cam, I would just buy a vintage speedy and keep the FIOS. Then of course, many vintage folks tell me they don’t use the chrono function to prevent the hands from misalignment. This is why I went with new as I need and use the chrono often in my line of work and not just for steaks!

[AEC]

I know an Omega enthusiast from a different forum who assembled what was essentially a new Speedmaster Pro from the late '60s. The components were factory Omega parts for a reference 145.012, and everything was brand new except for the caliber 321 movement, which was properly overhauled before going into the case.

I thought it was cool, and I have considered such a project myself.

I suppose you could do this using the case that serves for the FOIS, if that's your preference. I wouldn't be surprised if caliber 321 was a compatible fit in that case. The dial in the FOIS may not work with caliber 321 because I think the attachment points are different between calibers 321 and 1861, but the correct service dial for a reference 145.012 looks pretty much exactly like the dial for the FOIS (longer indices, applied Omega symbol).

[rtalk]

Originally Posted by Chester01

I don’t think so and even if it can be done, it would be a Franken watch. If I wanted the cam, I would just buy a vintage speedy and keep the FIOS. Then of course, many vintage folks tell me they don’t use the chrono function to prevent the hands from misalignment. This is why I went with new as I need and use the chrono often in my line of work and not just for steaks!

Vintage 321 is outside my budget :(