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 intended to be 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 43mm stainless steel case, the Flightmaster’s distinctive tonneau shape prioritized function over form—its design focused on shielding 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 for cockpit timing, where every second counted.

What truly set the ref. 145.026 apart was its multi-timezone functionality. The bold blue hand, operated by the crown at 10 o’clock, tracked a second time zone—ideal for pilots crossing time zones. The Flightmaster’s colorful array of pushers and crowns weren’t just for show either; each was function-coded, with color-matched gaskets and anodized caps for intuitive operation under pressure.

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

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