Omega Speedmaster Pilot "Flight Qualified" Master Chronometer automatic black dial steel bracelet 40,85 mm

The story

Remember this image that made the rounds of the watchmaking networks in September 2024? A US Army fighter pilot, wearing a Speedmaster with an unusual design and the words “Flight Qualified” on his wrist. This photograph set off a veritable treasure hunt among watch enthusiasts. Today, Omega lifts the veil on this mystery and officially presents the Speedmaster Pilot “Flight Qualified”, in its “civilian” version. Out of the shadows, this aviator's watch could be related to the legendary “Flightmaster”...

Omega and aviation

OMEGA watches have always enjoyed a highly respected reputation among pilots. As early as the Second World War, the brand delivered over 110,000 watches to the British Ministry of Defence to support air force and navy pilots during their service. The most famous and widely used of these watches is undoubtedly the UK/CK2292. Supplied to the majority of RAF and Fleet Air Arm personnel, this watch was distinguished by its very high magnetic resistance, ideal for pilots sitting behind the powerful engines of their Hurricanes and Spitfires.

When the OMEGA Speedmaster saw the light of day in 1957, it was quickly adopted by some US Air Force pilots, many of whom would later become Mercury astronauts on NASA's first manned space program.

In 1969, the OMEGA Flightmaster was launched specifically to meet the needs of aircraft pilots, enabling them to check the time in an instant, while providing travelers with a complete instrument for their journeys. The Flightmaster's radical design was imposing and bold, and contrasted sharply with the standard chronographs of the time.

1969 was also the year of the Concorde's maiden flight. Not only did OMEGA time-measuring instruments become standard components on many Concorde aircraft, but many Concorde crew members also chose to wear OMEGA watches to keep accurate time at their fingertips. One of them was Captain John Hackett, the first person to fly Concorde over the Atlantic Ocean.

The model

Rising between earth and space, OMEGA watches have a long history in the skies. Today, to reinforce this heritage, the brand presents the new Speedmaster Pilot. Aimed at a new generation of pilots, this 40.85 mm model retains the symmetrical styling of the original 1957 Speedmaster. Known for its sturdiness, reliability and ease of reading, this original model became the “pilots' choice” for many members of the US Air Force at the time.

This steel case, measuring 40.85 mm in diameter by 49.60 mm in height, offers a symmetrical design and features a satin finish to avoid light reflections. Although it may appear thick (14.7 mm) at first glance, it is nonetheless comfortable and well-balanced. This extra thickness compared to a “classic” Speed is explained by its reinforced water-resistance to 100 meters and the integration of an automatic caliber. A true “toolwatch” ... The little extra is the box-shaped sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment!

On this case, we appreciate the matt aluminum tachometric bezel, which retains its link to the Speedmaster heritage thanks to the “Dot Over Ninety” and “Diagonal to Seventy” markings on the tachometric scale.

As for the display, this “Pilot” watch lives up to its name! Its display is clearly inspired by aircraft cockpits! The matt black dial features two “twin” counters and a date at 6 o'clock. At 3 o'clock is a 60-minute and 12-hour counter, designed to resemble a “burn rate” indicator. It features a matte orange triangular hand and white decal numerals. At 9 o'clock, the small seconds display, designed to resemble a target/vision indicator, features a matte yellow varnished hand and an artificial horizon in blue.

Brightness-wise, it's a no-brainer! The hour and minute hands and hour markers are all presented with large blocks of white Super-LumiNova with green luminescence, offering total visibility in the darkness of night flights. The central chronograph hand, matt black, is also distinguished by its varnished orange airplane-shaped tip.

Finally, this Speedmaster Pilot is worn on a satin-finish steel bracelet with flat links featuring OMEGA's patented screw-and-pin system. We also appreciate its folding clasp with micrometric adjustment!

Motor side

The Co-Axial Master Chronometer caliber 9900 is on hand! This self-winding chronograph movement is resistant to magnetic fields of up to 15,000 gauss. It is equipped with a silicon balance spring and a column wheel for optimal precision and timing! With its two barrels fitted as standard, it offers 60 hours of power reserve. A small complication very useful to the pilot is its “time zone” function, enabling the hour hand to be set independently.

This movement is housed behind a metal caseback, stamped with Speedmaster's traditional seahorse medallion and engraved with the “100m / 330ft” water-resistance indication.

A “Flightmaster” inspiration?

The Flightmaster heritage is undeniable in this new Speedmaster Pilot. The color scheme, notably orange and yellow, recalls the Flightmaster chronograph and counter hands. The large, airplane-shaped seconds hand is an obvious nod to its predecessor's double hour hand, as are the luminescent touches that evoke the Flightmaster's characteristic long luminescent stripes. Although the Speedmaster Pilot doesn't repeat all the details of this inspiring model, such as the external timer, it retains its spirit: a harmonious blend of functionality and aesthetics, a true concentrate of 60's and 70's design. The Speedmaster Pilot's movement, while modern, follows in the footsteps of the chronograph movements developed by Omega at the time, offering performance to match the demands of modern aviation. By taking up the aesthetic codes of the Flightmaster, Omega demonstrates its ability to reinterpret its classics while keeping them in step with the times.

A special case

This Speedmaster Pilot is presented in a special grey travel case, allowing you to take the watch with you on the move. Inside, it includes a tool for changing the strap and an additional gray NATO strap reinforced with KEVLAR® fibers. An easy way to personalize your style.