Flightmaster without question. I think it is a more wearable watch, the 125 being a real lump. I also prefer the aesthetics of the Flightmaster, and its functions. Both watches need to be in good condition to look their best and do not take polishing in any shape or form. Both have great movements, the Calibre 910/1 based on the Speedmaster 861 with added GMT complication, and the 125 has a unique Chronometer rated 1040 auto, which has a great heritage. Manual watches always speak more to me though. I think both watches are quite plentiful on the market, even though they are relative rarities compared to equivalent Speedmaster Pro models. The 125 is easily built up with service parts and a non chronometer rated 1040 movement, which is something to be careful of, and I would prefer to land a version with the case back mystery serial number engravings of the early run. Value wise I think there is £1k between each models starting with the highest valued 910, then a 911 finishing with the 125
I have a 125 and have been dreaming of a Flightmaster for a couple of years now, also, i almost never wear the 125 due to its size making it difficult to wear with ease and not knock it against any wall I walk through. However, i wonder if i'd feel the same for a 125 if i had a Flightmaster in my collection?
Aren't they both HUGE? Watches are from the same era. I would by the nicest one of the 2 I find first then start saving for the other
I prefer the Speedmaster 125. I’ve had a few flightmasters over the years, and I find them both more wearable than you’d think. The 125 has a brutalist design that makes it look larger than it is. Much of its weight is from the integrated bracelet. Compare the 125 and flightmaster measurements here: http://chronomaddox.com/dimensions_selected_omega.html The 125 is barely thicker but otherwise it is smaller than the Flightmaster. It’s also smaller than a modern Omega diver and smaller than nearly all of the other cal. 1040 chronographs Omega put out. It wears its weight well because the bracelet is much more substantial than other bracelets of the era.
No doubt... the Speedmaster 125 ... nice design and it was flown on several spaceflight missions by the same cosmonaut as Vladimir Dzhanibekov wore it on Soyuz T-6 (1982), Soyuz T-12 (1984) and Soyuz T-13 (1985) ... accumulating 131 days 20 hours onboard the Salyut-7 space station ! I especially like this July 1984 photograph as we recognize the typical brown strap that stayed with the Speedmaster 125 ... and was still on the chronograph when Dzhanibekov returned the automatic chronometer to the Omega museum in April 1991 ! .
Lots of great thoughts and opinions here, thank you everyone I've already owned a Flightmaster and have wanted a 125 for 25 years, but they don't come up for sale around here too often. I love the chronograph set up of the 125 with the Lemania 5100 base movement, but to be honest automatics aren't my preferred movement. In that regard the Flightmaster would edge out the 125 for me. Legibility is the main issue for me and both watches are quite legible, even without glasses.
If it's to get opinions on condition and so on grab the pics and post them in the thread, most don't like to click on a link.
I tried both on at an antiques fair a few years ago and if I had the chance would have opted for the Flightmaster. It wore much better and is a cooler watch IMHO. The 125 is a fair lump of metal, but I would opt for a Mk II if I was heading in that direction (especially if I could find an orange Racing model). Having said that, you have two wrists so could wear both?
If those two particular watches are the ones in question... I'd opt for neither... I think you could do better. As someone who owns... some flightmasters, I'm a big fan - the 145.026 is the variant that I wear most often. I am very much drawn to the 125 though. You've put yourself in a tough position! Both?
