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?

Two unique Speedmaster stories
Happy Speedy Tuesday,Some of you may know of me... My name is Nick - AKA boxandpapers on Instagram. Back in January I launched watchpatina - a website featuring people and their relationship with watches. To date 38 interviews have been conducted - all with original photography of the owners' watches. We've spoken with all levels of watch enthusiasts, including well-known dealers and top collectors, among others... Here's 2 posts about Omega (Speedmasters ). Enjoy reading, let us know any feedback you have! Title links to article... give one a Click!Rob's Mission: Land an Ed White Speedy <-- Click hereIMG_3983.jpgPush(er) Present: Chase's Omega Speedmaster <-- Click hereIMG_1821.jpg

Possible Sector Dial for the 5170?
Well we have seen Arabic markers on the 5070, Roman numerals on the 5170J and Breguet markers on both versions of the 5170G. Aren't we ready for a sector dial chrono for a 5170P? Would love a light colored laceur dial with blue markers and hands. (Pic is not mine and could not find the source but this is a beautiful vintage chrono Ref 130)

Coming Full Circle
I used to be a big Panerai collector. I loved everything about the brand. I loved the heritage and history, the DNA if you will. I then ended up heavily thinning out my Panerai collection to only one piece, from 10. The only one I kept was my PAM199. After these moves and watching the market fall, I felt like I sold myself short and needed some back. I decided I was going to add the ones that meant the most to me. Ultimately, I only ended up adding back the PAM249. I loved the cali dial, history, etc. My Panerai collection felt fine at these 2 pieces. That being said, after buying the PAM249 again, I wore it one time. It was a new piece, unworn, mint, with the OEM strap still in plastic. I wore it the one time and put it back in my safe. I felt like this was my lingering hope that I would once again return to Panerai. Although they are not the most expensive, most prestigious, etc. of brands, I did love them, yet over the last 4 years I did not wear one of my two PAM watches once. I wr

Input Needed
Hi everyone! I have been using my GMTIIC as my daily watch for almost 5 years, and am looking to buy another watch. I am currently debating between a white/silver dial 15400ST or a YM 116680 (pre- 2017 Baselworld hands) and would like some input as I have concerns over both watches.116680 - I love the look and feel of the watch, but worry it might be too similar to the GMTIIC. 15400 - Very different watch to diversify (pro), but as I am still 21, I am worried of how it will hold up without a ceramic bezels.I would appreciate any input!