<<. I have an idea for a nice Flightmaster update that wouldn't require much work and could easily be done, ask me about it!!! >

Okay Chuck..;) -- Steve C.

Ok, here is a refresher:

Omega Flightmaster c.911 (ST145.036)
Omega Flightmaster c.910 (ST145.013)
Left: Omega Flightmaster c.911 (ST145.036)
Right: Omega Flightmaster c.910 (ST145.013)

-- Photos courtesy of Eric Katoso's Favorite Omega's Site.

There were two main types of Flightmaster. Both models had these common features:

  1. Setable "GMT" Hand
  2. Chronograph functions
  3. Water-Resistant 60m case
  4. Under-Crystal Rotatable Bezel
  5. Tri-Compax (3, 6, 9) Sub-Dial layout...
  6. Manual Wind
The main difference is that the c.911 has a small second indicator at 9 o'clock, while the c.910 has a AM/PM Indicator at 9 o'clock...
 
So there are a couple of ways to do a new version of the Flightmaster... One could simply dial-up Lemania and say "Yo! we want to purchase a bunch of c.910 and c.911 movements, and fire up the assembly lines. The problem is that it may be quite costly to revive a movement that saw limited use 25-30 years ago.
 
But there is another possibility...
 
Any new Flightmaster should have all of the functions of the original. So how do we incorporate all of the old features (and potentially add a couple) in a new watch quickly and economically? By using solutions that already exist on readily available ebauches with a little tweeking to satisfy all of the requirements.
 
We start with the basics... The case would be an adaption of the old Flightmaster with some modifications to be detailed later in this post. We need a readily available chronograph movement with a set-able GMT hand. We don't have to look far... Take a gander at this Sinn GMT:
 
 
 
We stay within the Swatch Group for the base ebauche a Valjoux 7750. Sinn has proven the GMT modification can be made, we can cross off the first two items on the list.
 
This leaves the following items on our wish list: Manual Wind, Waterproof case, Under-Crystal Rotatable Bezel, Tri-Compax (3, 6, 9) Sub-Dial layout and our model specific items: a small second indicator and a AM/PM Indicator. Let's work on the next two features next...
 
We would like to have the option of either a Small Seconds indicator or a AM/PM Indicator in one of the subdials, and preferably both. Well we have even less distance to go to find a potential donor for these features:
 
 
By using a Valjoux 7751 ebauche we not only have our choice of small seconds/AM-PM indicator we can elect to have them both... So we can cross off our model specific features, leaving the following: Waterproof case, Under-Crystal Rotatable Bezel , Tri-Compax (3, 6, 9) Sub-Dial layout, Manual Wind. It shouldn't be difficult for Omega to develop a waterproof case with a Rotatable bezel...
 
Then there is the issue with the Tri-Compax layout... The easiest way to address this issue is to rotate the movement 90° counter-clockwise creating a bullhead layout... Omega does have experience with a bullhead layout watch with an under-crystal bezel:
 
 
I'm sure some of you will wonder if the Valjoux 7750/7751 will even work in a bullhead configuration? Well I can answer that question as well:
 
 
This Nicolet Chronograph uses a Valjoux 7750 movement in a bullhead configuration. It works well... It even has a case shape somewhat similar to the original Flightmaster...
 
That leaves one last requirement: Manual Wind. Valjoux calls the manual-wind version of it's 7750 movement the 7760. If one wishes to have a manual wind 7750 that's possible too. But perhaps this isn't the best way to proceed with a new model...
 
So what we would end up using my vision of a revised Flightmaster is:
 
  1. Valjoux 7751 based automatic
  2. Chronograph
  3. Independently settable GMT hand
  4. Water resistant case
  5. Under Crystal Bezel
  6. Bullhead configuration
  7. Tri-Compax layout
  8. Combination small-second/AM-PM or 24 Hour indication at 6
  9. Option of a date indication (this is a feature of the Valjoux 7751...
The R&D Costs shouldn't be that high, Omega already is familiar with the 7751 as they offer several watches with that base movement, they shouldn't have to do much retooling for anything other than the case, it can be done there are watches on the market currently or in Omega (and others) past that show elements in different combinations.
 
The question is, will Omega build it?
 
What do you think? Should they?
 
-- Chuck