Omega Flightmaster ref 345 801 A large and rare 18ct gold two time zone chronograph wristwatch with registers and bracelet, circa 1971

Dial: gilt, baton faceted indexes, luminescent baton hands, blue airplane hand indicating secondary time zone, orange hand for chronograph, three subsidiary dials for constant seconds, 12-hour and 30-minute registers, revolving outer ring with Arabic numerals, winding crown at 3 o'clock for time setting, setting at 8 o'clock for revolving inner bezel, crown at 10 o'clock for second time zone
Calibre: cal. 910 manual winding movement, 17 jewels
Movement number: 31631047
Case: 18ct yellow gold 'helmet' form, revolving outer ring with Arabic numerals, screw-back engraved flightmaster and airplane
Case number: 345.801 145.013
Closure: 18ct gold Omega bracelet with folding clasp, stamped 345.0801
Dimensions: 43 mm diameter, bracelet circumference approximately 165mm
Signed: case, dial and movement
Accessories: Omega guarantee with reference number 345801, movement number 31631017, dated 10 August 1972, Kollection 1971/72 pricelist and presentation box

The Flightmaster in gold is amongst the rarest watches ever made by Omega. The ultimate 'tool watch', the Flightmaster was introduced in 1969, the same year as Omega's celebrated Speedmaster - unquestionably one of the most popular models ever made by the watchmaker. Possibly overshadowed by the Speedmaster at the time, the Flightmaster has come to achieve an iconic status in its own right. Advertised at the time as 'A very comprehensive instrument with a number of individual features, which tells the time in two places at once, records time from 1/5th second up to 12 hours, has a totally enclosed movable bezel and is clear to read, simple to use and looks like this'. The Flightmaster and its characteristic modernist and vibrant 70s design is now regarded as one benchmark for 'tool watches' that accomplish specific tasks beyond simply keeping accurate time. Because of the short production run of four years this reference appears at auction infrequently. Offered by the original owner's daughter, this Flightmaster presents an uncommon opportunity to acquire this luxurious gold model.

• Lot Sold $55,000 (Hammer Price)
• $67,100 (Hammer Price with Buyer's Premium)