Omega

1975 Omega Flightmaster (Ref. 145.036) Cal. 911

Tool chronographs dominated the late 1960's and early 1970's, a trend in which Omega is due credit for. During this time Omega created several different chronographs, all with different applications, one of which was the Flightmaster. The Flightmaster series of chronographs are a variant of the Omega Speedmaster line produced and sold towards "Pilots" from 1969 to 1977. The Flightmaster possesses a distinctly oversized 43mm case that includes 3 crowns, 2 pushers, and 7 hands. (Yes you read that right!) The Flightmaster is a technical powerhouse that includes the typical chronograph function paired with an independent blue 12-hour GMT hand, which allows the tracking of a second timezone without the need for military time. And not to mention an inner rotating timing ring similar to that of a supercompressor.  The Omega Flightmaster was designed with pure functionality in mind specifically for commercial pilots and frequent travelers, matter of fact Omega engraved a Douglass DC-8 into the caseback.

The Flightmaster series consisted of two distinct versions, each with a number of dial variants within each version. In addition to the two main versions, there is a rare and limited and solid gold version of one model that is rarely seen. The first Flightmaster variant, reference 145.013, features the Omega cal. 910 movement which is a highly modified version of Omega's famous Lemania based cal. 861 movement. The most noticeable element of the ref. 145.013 is the 9 o'clock sub-dial which is a 24-hour indicator that is half green to indicate day vs. night. Shortly after this, Omega modified their cal. 910 movement and created the cal. 911 and changed the reference to 145.036, Omega's second iteration of the Flightmaster. The Omega cal. 911 movement replaced the 9 o'clock AM/PM sub-dial complication, with a more traditional running seconds sub-dial.

In a quote from Stuart Tentoni via chronomaddox "The Flightmaster has a somewhat undeserved reputation as being a "Monster-sized" watch. Yes, if you look at the Flightmaster's exterior dimensions it is a large watch. However, similar to the Fender Stratocaster, the Flightmaster's shape and taper actually fits and blends in with the back of the wrist well and wears better than many smaller watches", which perfectly sums up the way the Flightmaster reference range wears while on the wrist. The Flightmaster is oversized, but extremely functional and also ergonomic.

This specific 1975 Omega Flightmaster (Ref. 145.036) (2nd version) features a high visibility and eye-catching grey dial with yellow accents that has taken on an interesting and even tropical-like pattern. The watch retains its original bracelet and, although worn, remains in good overall vintage condition. The case retains its original geometry while having a very cool and vintage aesthetic.

Stock # OMFM145036
Brand Omega
Style Flightmaster
Model 145.036
Serial 39XXXXXX
Size Men's
Material Stainless Steel
Dial Matte Black
Millimeters 43mm
Bracelet Omega 1162 Oval-Link Bracelet W/ 172 End Pieces

 

CASE & BRACELET

The unique tonneau style case has been gently polished in the past and retains its original shape with only light signs of use. The case retains all of its original crowns and pushers. The original mineral glass crystal shows normal wear for its age. The case back retains its original factory "Flightmaster" engraving, though it is faint from previous polishing, the case back also features the additional engraving "S2086". The original Omega 1162 oval-link bracelet with 172 end pieces is in excellent condition, retaining 20 links with some stretch from use.

DIAL & HANDS

The original grey dial has taken on a stunning and unique golden speckled patina that is consistent throughout the main dial. The inner rotating bezel is in wonderful condition. The black and white "roulette" style minute track is excellent, showing no signs of aging or discoloration. The black sub-dials remain clean and deep black in coloration. The tritium lume plots and markers have aged to a yellow patina which accents the hands of the watch nicely, under U.V. light inspection only the 3'oclock marker exhibits degradation, the rest of the lume plots remain fully intact. All of the hands remain original to the match, including the sub-dial hands. The white hour and minute hands have aged slightly darker than the dial, the blue hour hand matches the lume plots perfectly, under U.V. light inspection the hands show no degradation and remain fully intact.

ACCESSORIES 

None. The watch was recently serviced and is keeping time accurately, The watch will come with a 1-year warranty of accurate timekeeping.

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