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Your thoughts please on this ST145.013 flightmaster

  1. browncow Jan 16, 2014

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    Newbie trying to be more active on this forum...
    I acquired this from a collector in Sweden last year....prior to this I had a Seamaster Cosmic and a pre-moon 861 Speedy but sadly didn't 'bond' with either of them.
    I'd always assumed that the flightmaster would be too bulky on the wrist, but when I finally tried one in the flesh, it proved to wear very very comfortably! =)

    I had my eyes on this one cos it had features suggestive of the very first generation of flightmasters - no lume dots on either side of the 12 o'clock marker, and single colour chrono pushers (rather than the later models which had lume dots on either side of the 12 o'clock marker and the distinctive 'half yellow half red' chrono pushers.
    Apparently the 1159/155 bracelet/endlink was also found on the earliest flightmasters from 1969, to be replaced in 1970 by the 1162/172 bracelet/endlink.
    This one has serial number 29130xxx. The original paint on the pushers have long gone, the case can do with a re-lapping, and internal bezel has some corrosion, but dial and hands are rather clean.
    Thoughts/comments, anyone?

    ben
    Singapore

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
     
  2. ulackfocus Jan 16, 2014

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    Hi Ben, and welcome to ΩF. I don't know squat about Flightmasters. I just wanted to tell you that you escaped having "How now?" as your avatar message because you posted pictures.
     
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  3. browncow Jan 16, 2014

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    Well, first thing to note is that it's flightmaster, not Flightmaster!
    Why? No idea!!!!
     
  4. Gavin It's the quiet ones you have to 'watch' out for. Jan 16, 2014

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    Hi Ben, I know nothing about these flighties. Privateday7 will come along to share some knowledge. Just want to say hi and see you around.
     
  5. timeismoney Jan 16, 2014

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    haha, that won't be all bad though.
     
  6. Time Exposure coordinates his cast with his car's paint job Jan 16, 2014

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    Something that fat should wind itself! ;)

    I have long admired the look of the flightmaster. I especially like that yours is so nice looking without being a sterile museum-like example.

    But like some, I am not familiar with all the nuances (and we know, as collectors, that one model has many flavors)!
     
  7. stefan Jan 17, 2014

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    Thats a very nice all original example with original bracelet.

    Very hard to find In this condition, would say it's a very good candidate :)
     
  8. rolexfantastic Jan 17, 2014

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    A nice solid watch. Would need though a matching wrist for it... :)
    However you won't be missed by your friends with that on your wrist..
     
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  9. tomvox1 Jan 17, 2014

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    Agree 100%--really good, honest original condition. Paint is obviously missing from some of the pushers/crowns but if that really bothers you I believe NOS versions are available.
    Also, the 145.013 case is actually a bit less high than the cal. 911 145.026 version (constant seconds at "9" instead of 24-hour register) and so wears more ergonomically on the wrist.
    Pusher side 145.013: Flight910pushers-3.JPG
    Pusher side 145.026:
    Flight911pushers.JPG
    The cal 910 145.013 is the one to get for my money, IMO. And the example you show is really nice and apparently unpolished . But not so nice that you won't wear it for fear of scratching it up--the best of all worlds in a vintage watch as far as I'm concerned! :thumbsup:
    Flight910wrist.JPG
    Best,
    T.
     
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  10. Joe K. Curious about this text thingy below his avatar Jan 17, 2014

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    Exactly :thumbsup:
     
  11. lanierdams Jan 17, 2014

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  12. Privateday7 quotes Miss Universe Jan 17, 2014

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    Hi Ben,
    Congrats for this nice acquisition.
    Others has give their assessment, you got 100% original, unpolished example. That's very nice.
    The dial has light patina but overall in good condition. Missing paint in pushers would not worry too much, but corrosion in internal bezel might be symptom of other problem. At least have competent watchmaker to take a look at that there is no other corrosion beneath the dial or inside case.

    While relapping will give newer look, I would be happy to wear just as it is, knowing if you want to sell later to other collector, they will prefer original unpolished example.

    Best,
    Herianto
     
  13. ulackfocus Jan 17, 2014

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    No, it's "ben" and he has a "flightmaster" - get it right H!!!! ;)
     
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  14. Privateday7 quotes Miss Universe Jan 17, 2014

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    :D
     
  15. dsio Ash @ ΩF Staff Member Jan 18, 2014

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    Do get the movement serviced before winding and wearing but well done on scoring a nice piece!