Omega flightmaster 145.013 Cal. 910 – The Pilots Watch for the Supersonic traveller. Perfect for that “jet set” lifestyle!

We have spoken before about how the Sixties were an important era for the watch manufacturers of the world, with many involved in the race to produce the first Automatic Chronograph.

Omega themselves were flush with the success of their Speedmaster watch, basking in the glory of Astronauts wearing their watch to and on the moon.

They didn’t sit on their laurels though, because in 1969 they released the flightmaster; a watch specifically targeting Pilots. Their tagline was “a pilot’s watch that has rather more than a revolving bezel.”; which was a direct dig at Rolex’s GMT Master.

If you were to play “Top Trump – Watches” this is the watch to beat; with seven hands, three crowns, three sub-dials, two pushers, an internal bezel and a size that just can’t be ignored. It wins hands down!

Our particular flightmaster with serial number 29133972, was manufactured in late 1969, early 1970 and is one of the first 5000 flightmasters to be produced. It is in great original condition; yes, it has the odd ding and surface scratch, but nothing that detracts.

The first thing that strikes you is the case has perfectly crisp edges with minimal scratching. As I am sure you are aware, with flightmaster watches, case condition is critical. It is impossible to recreate the Sunburst brushed finish; only Omega can do that. So, when they have been re-polished, as many have been, they just look odd. It will be more difficult to find a crisper case than ours!

The second thing you notice, and why wouldn’t you, is the face. The dial is a beautiful grey “12 without dots” (A4) dial, with sans serif fonts and printed “T Swiss Made T”, in white at 6 o’clock. Again, the correct dial for a watch falling within the first 5000 watches produced.

The hands retain their original lume, although some foxing has occurred; but they still hold their bright colours. The inner rotating bezel is unmarked with sharp printing.

The three original crowns and two original chronograph pushers are all in good condition and retain their enamel colour coding which determines their function. The colour of the crowns and pushers relates to the colours of the hands. At first sight, it looks bewildering; there is just so much information to take in. But with time, if you will excuse the pun, it becomes a very simple and pleasurable thing to use.

The crystal is original. When we bought the watch, it had quite a deep surface scratch around the 55-minute area. Rather than replace the original crystal, we have had it lightly polished in this area to try and minimise its effect. I think we have done a pretty good job, but it is still there and can be seen in certain lighting conditions.

The case back is a marvel too. It is engraved with the Ω symbol, the outline of a DC-8 with “flightmaster” below. Notice it is “flightmaster” not “Flightmaster”.

I wonder why? Does anybody know?

The engraving is sharp and clear showing little wear; and what is fantastic the case back still has the Sunburst brushing to its sloped sides and straight brushing to its top surface. The recesses used to open the case back are still sharp too.

Inside, the mighty 1st generation (A1 – clutch lever bridge with chamfered edges) Cal.910 chronograph movement is working as it should, keeping great time and within specification, having just come back from a full service.

Presented on its original 1159 (30) bracelet with 155 end-links, this watch looks just so. There is a little stretch to the bracelet, but nothing that should cause concern. It’s exceptionally comfortable to wear on the wrist which is the most important thing.

So, there you have it, an all-original flightmaster, fully serviced, on its original bracelet, why wouldn’t you like it?

Not bad for a 54-year-old watch!