Omega Flightmaster 145.026

Within the Omega Flightmsaster family, the reference ST 145.026 holds a specific place. It represents the second generation of the steel Flightmaster, succeeding the initial reference 145.013 and introducing the new Caliber 911 movement. Produced during the early 1970s, the 145.026 embodies a key evolutionary step in the Flightmaster’s short but dynamic history, reflecting Omega’s responsiveness to the functional requirements of its target users. The very existence of the Flightmaster line, designed explicitly for aviation professionals, contrasts with the Speedmaster’s journey, which was initially intended for sports and racing before being adopted by NASA following rigorous testing. This highlights Omega’s strategic effort in the late 1960s and early 1970s to cater to specialized professional markets with dedicated tool watches. The rapid development leading to the 145.026, particularly the change in movement functionality, underscores a design process likely influenced heavily by direct feedback from pilots seeking optimal usability in the cockpit.  

II. Placing the 145.026: Evolution Within the Flightmaster Line

The Flightmaster lineage is primarily defined by the evolution of its movement and associated case/crystal modifications. The core distinction lies between the first generation, powered by Caliber 910 (reference ST 145.013), and the subsequent generations powered by Caliber 911 (references ST 145.026 and ST 145.036). The reference 145.026 marks the introduction of this second-generation movement.  

Comparison with Reference 145.013 (Cal. 910)

The most significant difference between the 145.026 and its predecessor, the 145.013, lies in the functionality of the 9 o’clock sub-dial. The Caliber 910 featured a distinctive 24-hour AM/PM indicator, visually represented by a half-green, half-black sub-dial. While functionally useful for tracking a second time zone’s day/night cycle, feedback, purportedly from pilots, indicated a preference for a clear visual confirmation that the watch was running. Consequently, the Caliber 911, introduced with the 145.026, replaced the AM/PM indicator with a conventional continuous running seconds sub-dial.  

This functional change necessitated physical modifications. The 145.013 initially utilized a domed mineral crystal and possessed a correspondingly flatter case profile. To accommodate a new flat mineral crystal, deemed necessary for improved water resistance, the case of the 145.026 was made taller or thicker.  

Comparison with Reference 145.036 (Cal. 911)

The 145.026 was followed relatively quickly by the reference 145.036. Both references share the same Caliber 911 movement with the running seconds sub-dial at 9 o’clock. However, key differences exist:  

1. Case Finish: The 145.026 largely retained the original Flightmaster’s distinctive sunburst finish on the upper case surface. In contrast, the 145.036 introduced a new lathed finish characterized by concentric circles.  
2. Crystal Gasket: A subtle but specific technical difference lies in the crystal gasket. The 145.026 employed a black rubber gasket, sometimes described as a flat O-ring. The 145.036 utilized a white plastic tension ring, sometimes referred to as a round O-ring. This change in gasket material and design likely played a role in achieving the improved water resistance associated with the 145.036.  
3. Water Resistance: While the introduction of the flat crystal with the 145.026 aimed for increased water resistance over the 145.013 , sources often cite the 145.026 with a 6 atm (60 meters / 180 feet) rating , the same as the original 145.013. The reference 145.036 is consistently associated with an improved rating of 12 atm (120 meters / 360 feet), potentially standardized around 1973. The combination of the flat crystal and the revised gasket system in the 145.036 likely enabled this higher, more robust rating.  

The transition between these references, particularly from 145.013 to 145.026, was not entirely clear-cut. Evidence points to a rapid development phase in 1971, resulting in “transitional” models. These might feature Caliber 911 movements and running seconds dials housed in earlier, thinner 145.013 cases, or early 145.026 models using modified 145.013 dials where the AM/PM indicator was overprinted. Some examples even exhibit case backs stamped with the incorrect reference number (e.g., a 145.026 watch with a 145.013-stamped case back). This period of flux suggests Omega was iterating quickly, possibly utilizing existing parts inventory while adapting to the new design requirements driven by the Caliber 911 and the flat crystal adoption.  

III. Production Period and Historical Context

Pinpointing the exact production window for the reference ST 145.026 is slightly challenging due to its transitional nature and the rapid evolution of the Flightmaster line. Analysis of serial numbers and transitional features suggests production likely commenced around October 1971. It appears to have been a short-lived reference, replaced by the ST 145.036 approximately one year later, placing its production end around late 1972 or early 1973. Some resources date its introduction slightly later, to 1973 , but the documented existence of 1971 transitional models makes an earlier start more plausible. The overall Flightmaster collection spanned from 1969 to approximately 1977. The brief tenure of the 145.026 reinforces its character as an intermediate step, quickly followed by the 145.036 which incorporated the final refinements of the Caliber 911 series, such as the lathed case finish and the gasket system associated with the standardized 12 atm water resistance.  

The Flightmaster, including the 145.026, was unequivocally designed and marketed as a professional tool for the burgeoning era of jet aviation. Omega’s promotional materials explicitly positioned it as a superior alternative to competing GMT watches, emphasizing its comprehensive feature set for pilots.  

Adding a unique chapter to its history is the Flightmaster’s connection to the Soviet space program. While the Speedmaster secured its legacy with NASA, the Flightmaster found favor with ROSCOSMOS. Notably, Soviet Cosmonaut Alexei Leonov, the first human to perform a spacewalk and commander of the Soviet crew for the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project (ASTP), was frequently photographed wearing a Flightmaster – identified as both reference 145.026 and 145.036 – during training and public appearances leading up to the historic 1975 mission. While definitive proof of the Flightmaster being worn during the actual spaceflight remains elusive (period photos suggest Speedmasters were worn in-flight) , its documented use by Leonov during rigorous training provides a compelling, alternative space heritage for the model. This association offered Omega a valuable narrative distinct from the Speedmaster’s NASA-centric story, positioning the Flightmaster as a robust tool watch trusted by space professionals on both sides of the Iron Curtain.  

IV. The Heart of the Watch: Caliber 911

The Omega Flightmaster ST 145.026 is powered by the manual-winding Omega Caliber 911 chronograph movement. This caliber is a direct evolution of, and based upon, the renowned Omega Caliber 861, which itself was derived from a Lemania base movement. The Caliber 861, introduced in the late 1960s to replace the earlier column-wheel Caliber 321, utilized a more robust and cost-effective shuttle/cam actuated chronograph mechanism and operated at a higher frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour (3 Hz).  

The defining characteristic distinguishing the Caliber 911 from both its predecessor (Caliber 910) and its base (Caliber 861) is the configuration of the 9 o’clock sub-dial. As previously noted, the Caliber 911 replaced the Caliber 910’s 24-hour AM/PM indicator with a small, continuously running seconds hand. This modification directly addressed the need for pilots to have an immediate and unambiguous visual confirmation that their watch was operational – a critical factor in high-stakes environments where timing is crucial. Prioritizing this fundamental operational certainty over the potentially more informative but less direct AM/PM indication reflects the watch’s design philosophy as a professional instrument.  

The Caliber 911 provides a comprehensive suite of functions tailored for aviation:

• Standard timekeeping (hours, minutes).
• Continuous running seconds (sub-dial at 9 o’clock).
• Chronograph: central seconds hand, 30-minute counter (sub-dial at 3 o’clock), 12-hour counter (sub-dial at 6 o’clock).
• Second Time Zone (GMT): Independently adjustable blue, airplane-shaped 12-hour hand.  
• Internal Rotating Bezel: 60-minute scale for elapsed time measurement, controlled by a dedicated crown.  

Technical specifications generally align with the Caliber 861 base: 17 jewels are frequently cited , a frequency of 21,600 vph , and a power reserve estimated around 40-48 hours. It is noteworthy that both the Caliber 910 and 911 were specialized movements developed exclusively for the Flightmaster series. This dedication to a unique caliber for a relatively niche model underscores the Flightmaster’s specialized design intent, but may also have contributed to its shorter production lifespan and higher relative cost compared to the Speedmaster, which utilized the more widely produced Caliber 861.  

V. Case Architecture and Design

The Omega Flightmaster 145.026 is immediately recognizable by its substantial and unconventional case architecture, a hallmark of Omega’s bold design language in the early 1970s.

• Material and Construction: The case is crafted predominantly from stainless steel. Period literature and analysis suggest the main case body was impressively machined from a single block of high-quality Swedish stainless steel, undergoing multiple pressing and tempering stages to achieve its final form.  
• Shape and Finishing: The defining characteristic is its large, elliptical or tonneau-shaped profile, measuring approximately 43mm in width (excluding crowns) and 53mm from top to bottom. The lugs are integrated or hidden beneath the main case body, contributing to a surprisingly wearable fit despite the dimensions. The reference 145.026 specifically retained the original Flightmaster’s distinctive sunburst radial brushing on the upper case surface, a finish prone to showing wear over time. The case sides were typically polished. This combination of a large, unconventionally shaped case and specific finishing techniques firmly places the Flightmaster within the aesthetic trends seen across Omega’s sports lines (like the Speedmaster Mark series and various Seamaster chronographs) during this era.  
• Dimensions and Wearability: While objectively large for its time (43mm wide, ~15-17mm thick) , multiple sources note that the ergonomic case shape and lack of traditional lugs allow the Flightmaster to wear more comfortably or “smaller” than its dimensions might suggest.  
• Crowns and Pushers: The Flightmaster’s interface is complex, featuring a standard winding/setting crown and two chronograph pushers on the right side, and two additional auxiliary crowns on the left side for controlling the GMT hand and internal bezel. A key functional and aesthetic element is the color-coding system designed for intuitive operation in a demanding cockpit environment. The crown at 10 o’clock, controlling the blue GMT hand, is marked with blue paint. The crown at 8:30, rotating the black internal bezel, is marked with black paint (though this paint is often worn away on vintage examples). The chronograph pushers feature yellow and red/orange markings, corresponding to the available colors of the chronograph hands. While the earliest 145.013 models had pushers with single-color dimples, the later pushers used on Caliber 911 models, including the 145.026, typically featured dual-color markings. This deliberate color-coding represents a significant ergonomic consideration, enhancing the watch’s utility as a professional tool by minimizing the risk of operational error under pressure.  
• Case Back: The watch features a solid stainless steel screw-in case back. It is distinctively engraved with the Omega logo, the model name “flightmaster” in lowercase, and the silhouette of a Douglas DC-8 jetliner, leaving no doubt as to its intended aviation purpose. Due to the nature of the engraving, these details can often appear faint on examples that have seen significant wear or polishing. As noted, transitional examples might bear incorrect reference number stampings on the inside case back.  
• Water Resistance: The reference 145.026 is generally associated with a water resistance rating of 6 atmospheres (atm), equivalent to 60 meters or approximately 180 feet. While the adoption of the flat mineral crystal was intended to improve water resistance compared to the domed crystal of the 145.013 , the standardized and improved rating of 12 atm (120 meters / 360 feet) is typically linked to the subsequent reference 145.036, likely due to its revised crystal gasket system.  

VI. Dial Variants and Hands

The dial of the Omega Flightmaster 145.026 presents a complex but logically organized display designed for optimal legibility under various conditions.

• Layout: The dial follows a traditional three-register chronograph format, with the 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock, the 12-hour counter at 6 o’clock, and the defining continuous running seconds sub-dial at 9 o’clock. Encircling the main dial, beneath the crystal, is an internal rotating bezel marked with a 60-minute scale, operated by the auxiliary crown at the 8:30 position.  
• Dial Colors and Finishes (Ref. 145.026):
  • The most commonly documented dial color for the steel 145.026 is a grey or charcoal, often with a matte finish. Over time, these dials can exhibit patina, sometimes developing a brownish or “tropical” hue, particularly around the sub-dials.  
  • A matte black dial variation is also mentioned.  
  • Transitional Dials: As highlighted previously, the earliest examples of the 145.026 utilized modified dials originally intended for the 145.013. These dials had the green/black AM/PM segment at 9 o’clock physically painted over or replaced with a black 0-60 seconds scale. These transitional dials might retain other features of the earlier 145.013 dials, such as specific font styles (e.g., flat-top ‘3’ in the hour counter) or a slight step at the dial edge. The rarity and unique characteristics of these transitional dials make them particularly interesting for specialized collectors.  
• Markers and Text: Applied baton or stick-style hour markers are typical, filled with tritium luminous material. This lume ages over time, developing patina often described as creamy, pale yellow, or greenish. Dials are signed with the Omega logo and the name “Flightmaster” (characteristically in lowercase) , along with “T SWISS MADE T” at the bottom edge indicating the use of tritium.  
• Hands: The Flightmaster employs a total of seven hands, color-coded for clarity:
  • Hour and Minute: Typically white-painted or polished steel baton hands with tritium lume inserts.  
  • Chronograph Seconds (Central): Either bright orange or cadmium yellow.  
  • Chronograph Sub-dial Hands (3 & 6 o’clock): Matching the central chronograph seconds hand (orange or yellow). The choice between orange and yellow was offered as a no-cost option, with yellow purported to offer better legibility under the infrared lighting conditions found in some aircraft cockpits. This specific functional consideration underscores the watch’s professional design intent.  
  • GMT Hand: A distinctively shaped blue hand, often described as “airplane” or “rocket” shaped, indicating the second time zone on the main 12-hour scale.  
  • Running Seconds Hand (9 o’clock): A small, simple white or steel hand.  

VII. Crystal and Gasket Specifications

The crystal and its sealing system represent key technical differentiators for the Flightmaster 145.026 compared to its siblings.

• Crystal Type: The 145.026 utilizes a flat, tempered mineral glass crystal. This marked a departure from the domed mineral crystal found on the initial 145.013 reference. The move to a flat crystal was directly linked to the goal of enhancing the watch’s water resistance. While durable against pressure, mineral glass is susceptible to scratches, which are commonly observed on vintage examples.  
• Gasket System: Specific to the reference 145.026 is the use of a black rubber gasket to seal the crystal to the case. Some sources describe this as a flat O-ring. This gasket type serves as a technical distinction from the subsequent reference 145.036, which employed a white plastic tension ring (or round O-ring). Although an internal component, this difference in gasket material and potentially design is a defining characteristic separating the two Caliber 911 references and may be directly related to the final, improved 12 atm water resistance rating achieved by the 145.036.  

The transition from a domed to a flat mineral crystal represents a significant engineering choice. Beyond the stated aim of improving water resistance, flat crystals are generally less complex and potentially less costly to manufacture and seal reliably compared to domed profiles, suggesting that practicality and perhaps production efficiency may also have been contributing factors in this design evolution.

VIII. Original Bracelet and Strap Options

Identifying the correct original bracelet is crucial for collectors seeking period accuracy for their vintage timepieces.

• Standard Bracelet: The overwhelming consensus across multiple sources identifies the Omega reference 1162 bracelet, featuring distinctive oval links, paired with No. 172 end links, as the standard and likely primary factory option for the stainless steel Flightmaster 145.026. This same bracelet combination is also associated with the subsequent 145.036 reference. One source mentions 1162/173 end links, which could be a typo or a minor variation. The consistency with which the 1162/172 is cited strongly suggests it was the designated steel bracelet for this model. These bracelets are often described as being in good condition but commonly exhibit some stretch between the links due to age and wear.  
• Lug Width: The Flightmaster case features a 22mm lug width. This relatively wide stance for the era contributes significantly to the watch’s bold wrist presence, anchoring the large 43mm case, even as the overall case shape was designed for ergonomic wear.  
• Other Options: While less specifically documented for the 145.026 in the available materials, it is plausible that Omega offered the Flightmaster on leather or Corfam straps as alternatives to the steel bracelet, as was common practice for many models during that period. However, the 1162 steel bracelet remains the most commonly associated and verified original fitment.  

IX. Conclusion: Legacy of the Flightmaster 145.026

The Omega Flightmaster ST 145.026 occupies a distinct and significant position within the history of Omega’s professional tool watches. As the first reference to incorporate the Caliber 911 movement, it marked a key functional evolution from the original Caliber 910 model (Ref. 145.013) by introducing the continuous running seconds sub-dial at 9 o’clock – a change driven by the practical needs of pilots desiring immediate visual confirmation of the watch’s operation.

Characterized by its imposing 43mm tonneau case with the original sunburst finish, a flat mineral crystal sealed by a specific black rubber gasket, and a complex dial featuring color-coded hands (offering orange or yellow chronograph options) and controls for chronograph, GMT, and elapsed time functions, the 145.026 embodies the bold, function-driven design ethos of early 1970s Omega. Its connection to the Soviet space program, particularly its use by Cosmonaut Alexei Leonov during Apollo-Soyuz training, adds a unique layer to its provenance, setting it apart from the NASA-centric narrative of the Speedmaster.

Produced for a relatively brief period, likely between late 1971 and 1973, the 145.026 serves as a crucial transitional reference. It paved the way for the final steel Flightmaster iteration, the 145.036, which introduced further refinements like the lathed case finish and the white plastic gasket associated with the improved 12 atm water resistance. This rapid succession of references within just a few years highlights a dynamic period of innovation and adaptation at Omega, possibly spurred by user feedback and the competitive pressures mounting on the Swiss mechanical watch industry on the verge of the Quartz Crisis.  

Despite its technical sophistication, unique design, and intriguing history, the Flightmaster series, including the 145.026, has historically remained somewhat in the shadow of the immensely popular Speedmaster Moonwatch. For discerning collectors, however, this relative obscurity can be part of its appeal. A well-preserved Flightmaster 145.026 offers a compelling combination of historical significance, specialized functionality, distinctive 1970s aesthetics, and relative rarity compared to its more famous sibling, representing a fascinating and rewarding area of vintage Omega collecting.   Sources used in the report