The Flightmaster thread

Jones in LA · Mar 24, 2023

SpeedyPhill
flightmaster Only
THE reference work for the Omega flightmaster, extremely detailed... but a bit vague on how exactly Omega got behind the Iron Curtain 😁
We now know it all really started with the September 1971 IAF conference in Lucerne leading up to a visit at Bienne HQ in May 1973, prior to the Paris Air Show.

For people of means and/or with positions of importance, anything was obtainable in the USSR, even in the darkest days of the Soviet regime. I remember seeing electronic calculators from makers such as Texas Instruments and Casio, on display for purchase at a department store in East Berlin in 1981. When I did the currency conversions in my head I realized the calculators were selling for 10x what they sold for just a few blocks away on the other side of The Wall. I was so fascinated that I began to snap photos of the calculator display case, only to see what looked like store security personnel hustling toward me. I ducked out of the store in a flash, probably avoiding having my camera confiscated and maybe even avoiding a trip to jail. Nevertheless, I still ended up being detained later that night by the East German Secret Police...but that's another story.

Pastorbottle · Mar 24, 2023

I heard Lenin had several Rolls-Royces just like a good communist should!
In communism every body is equal…… some are just more equal than others! 😁

incabloc · Mar 25, 2023

Pastorbottle · Mar 25, 2023

Given the weight of gold, that must be fairly heavy, the steel ones are hefty.
I’d love itno matter how heavy it was.

flqt-9000 · Mar 25, 2023

tyrantlizardrex
I, like a few others have bought mine from the children or grandchildren of original owners (often in dire need of a service) - it seems like the original owners loved these watches (often to near destruction) but their kids and grandkids (in my experience) not so much.

I do confirm, I bought two flightmaster from the grand son of original owner!

Bayrat · Apr 8, 2023

Hello OFers,
I just picked up a flightmaster 145.013, Cal 910, Serial 31633XXX off of eBay in the past week, at a decent price I might add. It is not perfect, but I love beat-up vintage watches. I am ordering an “Extract from the archives” from OMEGA for this flightmaster (and a 165014-62 I have hanging around). Looking to find out where and possibly to whom the watch was forwarded to when new. There is a number etched on the back of the watch “36688”, I am wondering what this number is related to? The watch surprisingly keeps good time but it 100% needs a service. The watch will never get shipped to Omega, I am opting for a local watch shop or shipping the watch out for service. If anyone knows or has recommendations on a reasonably priced watchmaker that can work on this movement (I am in the NYC/LI area) the info would be appreciated.

The watch came with a mixed parts bracelet, which I think is mostly all an Omega 1162 bracelet with 172 end links. The mixed part on this bracelet is in the clasp, it says Omega on the outside and Tissot stamped on the folding part of the clasp. I did pick up an 1159 but the 154 end links are not correct for this watch. I think the links should be 155 for the 1159 with this watch? I am looking for two links if anyone has any hanging around.

Wearing the watch now…I LOVE IT!

gefmey · Apr 8, 2023

Very nice watch. I would expect an abstract to show this is a 1971 watch based on the non-beveled bridge in the movement, and the late .013 serial number. I believe either the 1159 or 1162 band is correct for this watch, I happen to prefer the 1162. The pushers and crown appear to be service items, but not a big deal. As to the engraved number on the back I have seen a few other omegas of various calibers with similar numbers (same style). Most were originally from Venezuela. It will be interesting when you get an abstract to see where this one was originally sent. Good luck, looks like a great watch.

Bayrat · Apr 8, 2023

Gefmey, thank you for your insight. That's very interesting about the engraved number on the back originally from/shipped to Venezuela. I will let you know. I love the watch, it's a keeper.

Arancio601 · Apr 9, 2023

Nice buy! I have a 31633XXX project watch. I can’t quit tell from the pics but does the case have the radial brushing pattern? My Flightmaster Only book hasn’t arrived yet so I am unsure as to when the brush pattern changed on these.

Bayrat · Apr 9, 2023

Arancio601
I can’t quit tell from the pics but does the case have the radial brushing pattern?

I think this watch had "radial brushing pattern". Look at this photo, it looks to me that they polished the case and the buffing went off the side.
Good luck on your project.

foxlovefish · Apr 9, 2023

Hi guys,

Is this a original dial or services dial? Many thanks.

F foxlovefish
Hi guys,

Is this a original dial or services dial? Thanks.

bardamu · Apr 9, 2023

F foxlovefish
Hi guys,

Is this a original dial or services dial? Many thanks.

Hi, looks original to me.

Stripey · Apr 15, 2023

Agree, original.

Chessman85 · Apr 20, 2023

Good evening friends, I have a question, I bought a 145.013 and when I went to place the inner bezel gasket (I didn't have it), I don't know which side the ring that surrounds the inner bezel goes on and where the gasket is placed.

Chessman85 · Apr 20, 2023

What side?

Chessman85 · Apr 20, 2023

With de gasket up or down

SpeedyPhill · Apr 21, 2023

April 2023 RR Auction spaceflown Omega flightmaster went for US $ 56568
.

Biezmez · Apr 27, 2023

Hi guys.
I’ve just delved into the world of the flightmaster. Picked up this one at the weekend.
In very nice condition although I appreciate that it’s been in for a service at some point as it has a service dial. The case has a lovely circular finish and it came on the original corfam strap that whilst still usable I’m going to replace with a strap from Abel Court.

What I’m not so sure about are the movement number and the case. The movement is a 30.581.xxx and a 145.026 case. Isn’t this movement number too early for a 145.026?

Thanks for any help
Chris

spacemission · Apr 27, 2023

Biezmez
Hi guys.
I’ve just delved into the world of the flightmaster. Picked up this one at the weekend.
In very nice condition although I appreciate that it’s been in for a service at some point as it has a service dial. The case has a lovely circular finish and it came on the original corfam strap that whilst still usable I’m going to replace with a strap from Abel Court.

What I’m not so sure about are the movement number and the case. The movement is a 30.581.xxx and a 145.026 case. Isn’t this movement number too early for a 145.026?

Thanks for any help
Chris