1971 Omega Flightmaster Chronograph Cal. 911 43mm 145.036

Here we have a 1971 Omega Flightmaster Chronograph, Cal. 911, 145.036, a legendary pilot's tool watch born of Omega's golden era of functional design. Designed specifically for professional aviators and globetrotters, it features a large, futuristic 43mm aerodynamic pilot-line stainless steel case that sits with undeniable authority on the wrist; it is defined by its sunburst-brushed top finish and dramatic polished chamfers. The radical case architecture results in a commanding lug-to-lug length of 52.5mm and a thickness of 15mm, delivering an extraordinary wrist presence that perfectly encapsulates a vintage tool-watch aesthetic. The ergonomics of the case are unique; the right side features two heavy-duty chronograph pushers flanking a main time-setting crown, while the left side boasts two colour-coded crowns, one in blue to adjust the independent GMT hand, and one in black to rotate the internal 60-minute pilot's bezel. This array of controls frames a flat crystal set above a deeply recessed, highly legible matte-grey dial. The multi-layered dial architecture includes an outer rotating flight bezel, a precise minute track, and vibrant Tritium baton hour markers. The display layout is packed with specialised aviation utility: at 3 o'clock sits a 30-minute chronograph recorder, at 6 o'clock a 12-hour register, and at 9 o'clock a running seconds sub-dial. Flying over the dial are high-contrast hands, including faded-over-time orange chronograph hands for instant readability, and a distinct blue independent GMT hand for tracking a second time zone. On the reverse, a heavy screw-down solid case back proudly features a deeply embossed Flightmaster DC-8 aeroplane emblem, signifying its elite status in Omega’s history. Inside beats the manually wound Omega Calibre 911, a robust and highly sophisticated 17-jewel mechanical movement based on the famous Lemania 1873 architecture, operating at a reliable 21,600 beats per hour. This historic movement is celebrated by collectors for its exceptional durability and precision under changing cockpit pressures. It comes paired with its original 22mm Omega 1162 satin-brushed stainless steel bracelet secured by a signed folding clasp, which will fit up to a 7.2-inch wrist.

This watch is sold as "Watch Only" and therefore comes with no original Omega box or paperwork. Fresh from an Omega Certified Service with a new crystal and crown/pushers- old ones are included. It comes paired with its original 22mm Omega 1162 satin-brushed stainless steel bracelet secured by a signed folding clasp, which will fit up to a 7.2-inch wrist. The watch is from Circa. 1971 and is in worn condition with some marks; as you would expect, the dial and handset are in fantastic vintage condition with an even patina, as you can see from the photographs. The watch comes with our 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty.

The Flightmaster is one of those watches that could only have come from this period of Omega. The huge aerodynamic case, deeply recessed dial, multiple crowns and pushers, and flashes of colour create such a unique design, it’s busy, bold and incredibly functional, yet somehow it all just works. There really isn’t much else like it, even within Omega’s back catalogue, and that’s a huge part of the appeal for me. This example has also benefited from a full service, so it’s mechanically ready to go and be enjoyed by its next owner. A fantastic opportunity to experience one of Omega’s most distinctive vintage tool watches exactly as intended, on the wrist. Snap up this vintage gem and add it to your collection today!

Reference : 145.036
Movement : Manually Wound Omega Cal. 911
Age : Circa. 1971
Year : 1971
Case Size : 43mm
Case Thickness : 15mm
Lug to Lug : 52.5mm
Lugs : 22mm
Condition : Pre-Owned
Box and Papers : None
Case Material : Stainless Steel
Warranty : 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty
The wrist model's wrist size is 7inch

Formerly known as the La Generale Watch Co. in 1848, it was founded by Louis Brandt in La Chaux-de-Fonds. When he died in 1879, his sons carried on his dream. In 1880, they moved to 96 Rue Jakob-Stampfli, where they remain today. The brothers produced their first mass-produced calibre, the Labrador, in 1885. Just a few years later, in 1892, they produced the first minute-repeater. In 1903, they renamed the company Omega until 1982, when they officially changed their name to Omega SA. During WW1, Omega watches were used as official timekeepers for the Royal Flying Corps and the US Army. In 1930, Omega and Tissot merged together to form Société Suisse pour l'Industrie Horlogère (SSIH). In 1931, another group was formed - Allgemeine Schweizerische Uhrenindustrie AG (ASUAG). Where SSIH was primarily French-speaking, ASUAG was founded by the more German-speaking members of the Swiss watch industry. In 1948, they introduced the first edition of one of its most symbolic watches: the Seamaster. Omega first introduced the Constellation in 1952. At the time, it was Omega's flagship timepiece. The first models had a Cal. 354 bumper movement in them. Later, in 1955, Omega introduced the Automatic Cal. 50x, followed in 1959 by the Cal.55x (no date) and 56x (date) versions. Many of the Constellations came with pie-pan dials, diamond indexes, and fancy lug configurations. All the gold Constellations of that time have the Observatory of Geneva's hand engraved on the back. The stainless steel and stainless steel/gold versions had a gold medallion on the back with the Observatory of Geneva. The eight stars above the Observatory stand for the many exploits of Omega in the world Chronometer competition. Celebrating the fact that all Constellations are Chronometer Certified. In 1962, when astronaut Wally Schirra wore a Speedmaster on his Mercury Sigma 7 Mission, making it the first Omega watch to enter space. After rigorous tests, NASA used Omega for all their Apollo missions, including the 1969 Moon landing of Apollo 11. Today, Omega is still the first choice of astronauts. In 1969, President Nixon famously said it was “too valuable” and turned down the first-ever all-gold Speedmaster Professional Deluxe. As a response to the ever-growing threat of electronic watches to the manufacturers of mechanical watches, Omega and many Swiss brands such as Rolex and Patek Philippe formed Centre Electronique Horologer (CEH). Prototypes began to appear in 1967, and their production started in 1968. Then, In 1972, Omega introduced the reference 198.030, which included the Omega calibre 1250, a ‘tuning-fork electronic movement which was made under licence from Bulova. Later we saw a merger of SSIH and ASUAG into SMH, or Société de Microélectronique et d’Horlogerie. This merger took place in 1983. In 1992, the company acquired Blancpain, and in 1998, it officially branded itself from SMH to the Swatch Group. Then, in 1999, they purchased and integrated Breguet into the Swatch Group.