1972 Omega Flightmaster (Ref. 145.036) Cal. 911

Tool chronographs dominated the late 1960's and early 1970's, a trend for 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, a matter of fact Omega engraved a Douglass DC-8 into the caseback.

The Flightmaster series consisted of two distinct versions, each with several 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 1972 Omega Flightmaster (Ref. 145.036) (2nd version) features a high visibility and eye-catching grey dial with yellow accents that has taken on a subtle and attractive patina. The case remains completely unpolished and retains its original bracelet, all in all making for a unique and comfortable wearing experience that has an awesome vintage aesthetic.