Flightmastered

With seven hands, more ‘functionality’, plus more appeal, timezones, rarity value and even kudos, it’s time for Speedmaster disciples to listen up!

IF THERE WAS any justice in Watchworld (spoiler – there isn’t), everyone would be raving about Omega’s Flightmaster and wondering what all the fuss is about the boring old Speedmaster. Moonwatch schmoonwatch. The Flightmaster will do everything a Speedie can do, but adds ina second timezone, an inner rotating bezel, coloured hands (seven hands in total!) and three crowns to play with. Even bett er,t hat second hour-hand is shaped like an aeroplane.

Powered by the Cal. 911, this one is an example of the second iteration of the Flightmaster. The first used a 24-hour dial at 9 instead of the running seconds on this watch. It’s described as ‘in very goo do verall condition with a case that has some light scratches throughout’, but mercifully unpolished. Polishing vintage watche sisn early always a sin: it strips character and it’s almost impossibl etog et the quality of finish that the Omega workshops at Bienne managed.

This one ha ss urvived with its original bracelet and end links, too. That’s good as these areh eavy old things and their bracelets take quite a pasting. The original tritium lume on the hands has aged nicely, and all looks intact (also good, as bits of flaky lume can end up in the movement, with predictable consequences). The crystal has clearly seen some action, but looks original. All in all, a massive chunk of 1970s cool and character for less than the price of something dull and modern .Ify ou want to skip the whole virtual paddle-waving experience, Sotheby’s has this one in its NY office and you can buy it now for $4250.