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 was 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 was function over form, it was about shielding the movement from shock and magnetism. Inside 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 swapped out the date window for a constant seconds subdial—better suited to cockpit timing needs where every second mattered.

But what really set the 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, handy for pilots hopping between continents. The Flightmaster’s colourful array of pushers and crowns weren’t just for show, either: each was function-coded, with colour-matched gaskets and anodised caps for easy use under pressure.

This example has survived in great condition, the dial and hands are unmarked and the markers have aged to a wonderful warm, cream patina. The case is unpolished and the original 1162/172 bracelet is full linked and can accommodate a 20 cm wrist.

A fantastic and more vibrant alternative to the Speedmaster.