THE ESSENTIALS

MAKE: OMEGA
MODEL: 145.026
YEAR: 1970
BOX/PAPERS: NO/NO
CASE DIAMETER: 43MM
CASE MATERIAL: STAINLESS STEEL
BRACELET MATERIAL: STAINLESS STEEL
MOVEMENT: MANUAL WIND

Launched at the tail end of the 1960s, the Flightmaster was conceived as a full-blown instrument for professional pilots. At a time when commercial aviation was booming and long-haul flights were redefining global travel, Omega answered the call with a purpose-built tool designed for life at 35,000 feet.

Housed in a hefty 43 mm stainless-steel case, the Flightmaster’s distinctive tonneau shape prioritised function over form, with a design focused on protecting the movement from shock and magnetism. Inside beats the Omega calibre 911, a manual-wind chronograph movement with a 12-hour totaliser and running seconds at 9 o’clock. Unlike the earlier calibre 910, the 911 replaced the date window with a constant seconds subdial—better suited to cockpit timing, where every second counts.

What truly set the Flightmaster apart was its multi-time-zone functionality. The bold blue hand, operated by the crown at 10 o’clock, tracks a second time zone, ideal for pilots crossing continents. The Flightmaster’s colourful array of pushers and crowns wasn’t just for show either; each was function-coded, with colour-matched gaskets and anodised caps for intuitive operation under pressure.

This example has survived in excellent condition. The dial and hands are unmarked, and the tritium lume on the markers has aged to a warm, creamy patina. The case remains unpolished, and the original 1162/172 bracelet is full-linked and will fit up to a 20 cm wrist.

A fantastic—and wonderfully vibrant—alternative to the Speedmaster.