Omega are a watchmaker that sit well and truly at the top table so far as horology is concerned and it’s certainly not difficult to see why their wares are so loved the world over. Back in 1957, Omega released one of the most iconic watches of the 20th century – namely, the Speedmaster – which went on to be worn by everyone from pilots through to astronauts.
Needless to say, this was a tough act to follow but Omega, being Omega, managed it and unleashed the Flightmaster onto the market….and we were fortunate to have one in our workshop recently. 
The Omega Flightmaster was first released back in 1969 and it was a timepiece made to really appeal to the pilot fraternity out there. And one look at its aesthetics and you’ll know that it well and truly succeeded in this objective. Uncompromising and bulky in design, it’s tailor made to life as a pilot and it is definitely one of the finest examples of an aviation watch that we’ve had the privilege to work on here at Manhattan Time Service. 
Take to the Skies
At the time of release, the Flightmaster from Omega was considered to have quite the futuristic aesthetic and quite unlike any other watches that were on the market at the time and this immediately made it stand out and resonate with those in the pilot fraternity. The case was boasted an instantly recognizable sunburst finish and had three crowns along the side of the watch face. 
The Flightmaster typically has a blue 12-hour hand that can be adjusted separately to show another time zone at the same time without the need to resort to military time. Its vibrant, orange chronograph hands could be easily be replaced with cadmium yellow one as a no-cost special order option which was something unprecedented at the time and testament to the fact that Omega are one of the leading luxury watch brands and always have been. 
Whilst there is undoubtedly a lot going on on the watch face of the Omega Flightmaster, it is always extremely legible and easy to read which, of course, is of paramount importance for a pilot watch. There is such a retro, vintage appeal to this timepiece that really draws the eye and, in our opinion (admittedly as somewhat biased lovers of aviation style watches), this is one of the most iconic and gloriously crafted timepieces that the Swiss watchmakers have ever made and we were delighted to encounter one in our workshop and have the chance to work on it was a pleasure. 
Omegas Everywhere
It wasn’t just the breathtaking Flightmaster from Omega that we were lucky enough to work on recently in our workshop. We’ve actually had a number of vintage Omega timepieces through our doors of late including an excellent looking Speedmaster and a gloriously dapper Triple Date Watch – all of which confirmed our love of the Swiss watchmaker’s work and showcased why they are so well respected throughout the watchmaking community. 
We’ve been lucky enough to work with more than our fair share of Omega watches here at Manhattan Time Service over the years and it’s a rare treat indeed when this number of vintage ones from the Swiss watchmaker find their way onto our work benches. The Flightmaster is an icon of the aviation industry and, it’s fair to say, the Speedmaster needs no introduction whatsoever as it really is a colossus in the world of luxury timepieces. 
There is a real sense of pride to be had from helping restore these older watches and whilst the quality of Omega timepieces, even those as old as these, speaks for itself, it’s great when we get a chance to go to work on old school Speedmasters and Flightmasters. With a real 60s and 70s aesthetic to the Flightmaster, it is one of those watches that really speaks of an era and we’re proud that we so regularly get the chance to work on watches like these. 
It’s not everyday you see iconic watches cross your midst so we were delighted to work on not one, not two but three vintage Omegas over the last few weeks and it’s difficult to pick a favourite from these because they all boast their own unique aesthetic charms. But what is clear with each is that they have such exceptional craftsmanship and a bold visual appeal that is simply beyond compare.
