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Vintage Omega Flightmaster Chronograph GMT Watch with Orange Hands -  Ref. 145.013 - c.1970.

See our blog piece on these watches here.

This chunky Omega Flightmaster Gents' vintage wristwatch (model reference no. 145.013 dates to c.1970) has a charcoal grey dial with vivid orange and blue chronograph/GMT hands. First produced in 1969, The Flightmaster was Omega's first Chronograph GMT and came at the height of global interest in aviation as Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin successfully completed moonwalks during the Apollo 11 mission. One of Omega’s larger vintage models (with a case width of 43mm) the Flightmaster was used by professional pilots, along with aviation enthusiasts and global travellers. It has been reported that most senior crew members aboard the British Airways Concorde fleet wore this watch (source).

There were three versions (and consequently model reference numbers) of the Flightmaster: the one pictured here (145.013) which was produced with a caliber 910 movement, a domed glass, and a day/night indicator at the 9:00 sub-register. The later iterations of the Flightmaster bore references 145.026 and 145.036 and housed the 911 movement, along with a slightly prouder case than the slightly slimmer fit pictured here. We're currently (July 2020) lucky enough to be in possession of all 3 versions,so if you want the full set be quick! 

The main dial is a standard chronograph with three sub dials displaying a day/night indicator and two registers for recording minutes and hours. The elegantly curved stainless steel case has colour coded crowns to the left side for adjusting the secondary hour hand, along with rotating the inner bezel, which can also be used to measure time elapsed by lining the triangular marker up with either the minute or either one of the hour hands. The charcoal grey of the dial is still razor clear, in part thanks to the great condition of the glass, and has been complemented beautifully by rich, deep colouring to the dial, or to use the technical term; a 'Tropical Chocolate Patina'.

Featuring no fewer than 5 crowns/pushers and 7 hands all brightly coloured, the dial on this watch is timeless on the eyes. Despite its substantial size and robust appearance, the Flightmaster Chronograph is extremely comfortable to wear, due to the ergonomics of the case, a style that Omega refers to as the ‘pilot line.’ Cut from a single block of Swedish stainless steel, the upper case was pressed and tempered sixteen times before assuming its unique elliptical shape, designed to fit the contours of the wrist like a second skin. This watch features a slightly more compressed case fit than the later two variations, meaning it sits slightly closer to the wrist.

The Flightmaster also has a 12-hour GMT complication, with the hand moving independently and set through the auxiliary crown, located at 10 o’clock on the case. The case back features a crisply engraved DC-8 super 61 Jet aeroplane along with the word ‘Flightmaster’ and the instantly recognisable Omega symbol.

The sunburst brushing effect on the case does reflect the occasional small marking when inspected in the light, though these are of minimal impact to the watch's otherwise excellent condition and aesthetic. We don't believe the watch case as ever been re-finished since leaving the Omega factory. 

What’s on offer:

This watch is sold in a vintage red official Omega box, together with an official receipt of service from Omega, France, and will also be supplied with a Vintage Watch Specialist leather pouch, as per our photos.  

The watch is an honest example of the model, with the original Omega unpolished case (sharp edges and crisp sunburst finish). 

Additional information

Made from

Case: Stainless steel. 

Crown: Signed Omega

Dial: Charcoal grey and chocolate.

Crystal: Mineral glass. 

Bracelet: Original Omega 1159 steel bracelet

Technical specifications

Winding: Manually wound. 

Movement type: Mechanical.

Calibre: 910.

Jewels: 17. 

Waterproof: 6 atmospheres. 

Power reserve: 44 hours

Purchase details

Condition: Excellent overall condition.

Model Reference Number: 145.013 - Cal.910.

Date of issue: 1970.

Guarantee

Supplied with a 12-month Vintage Watch Specialist guarantee.

This watch also comes with an official receipt of complete inspection and service of the watch by Omega France, dated to 2014.   

Dimensions

Width: 43mm.

Lug width: 22 mm.

Lug height (lug to lug): 52mm

Wrist size: Adjustable.