Under The Radar: The Omega Speedmaster Flight Qualified Pilot’s Watch
Last month, the Omega Speedmaster Flight Qualified pilot’s watch leaked on social media. Normally, we don’t respond to leaks or rumors, but the number of questions we received about this watch was (and still is) getting out of hand. At least for now, this new Omega Speedmaster pilot’s watch is only available to US military pilots. Apparently, according to one of the pilots involved, who is also active on the Omega Forums platform, you need to be able to prove that you are a winged aviator, pilot, or navigator to purchase one of these watches. Without further ado, let’s dive into this practically unattainable Speedmaster Flight Qualified watch!
Omega Speedmaster Flight Qualified pilot’s watch
The initial thought I had when seeing this watch was that it was a nod to the famous Omega Flightmaster models (1969–1977). The Flightmaster was a watch for pilots rather than astronauts (or race car drivers) and used different colors to indicate the functions of the hands. Whereas the Flightmaster had different versions with either red or yellow hands, the Speedmaster Flight Qualified shows both. Red/orange is for the chronograph functions, and yellow is for the running seconds.
A wrist shot of the US-military-exclusive Speedmaster Flight Qualified — Image: Flathat via Omega Forums
Then, there’s the chronograph seconds hand with a plane-shaped tip. This shape was also present on the Flightmaster’s dual-time hand. Some of the Mark-series Speedmasters and the X-33 had this aircraft-shaped hand as well. You can even see some Speedmaster Speedy Tuesday “Ultraman” influences on the dial of this new straight-lug Speedmaster watch. It’s a bold mix, but it somehow looks good. As I mentioned above, we’ve received a ton of questions about this watch, which indicates that many feel this way.
An image of the Speedmaster Flight Qualified in action — Image: Flathat via Omega Forums
Caliber 9900 in a smaller case
An official document has been floating around and shared on the forums, indicating a caliber 9900-based chronograph with two counters on the dial. It is interesting to learn that this 9900-powered watch has a mere 40.85mm diameter. This demonstrates that Omega can make a smaller-sized Speedmaster with its in-house Master Chronometer-certified movement. Just like the Speedmaster Professional Speedy Tuesday “Tribute to Alaska III,” the entire case of this watch has a brushed finish. It underlines the “tool watch” look and feel, and perhaps it’s also best for pilots to have a watch that won’t reflect light.
Case back for engraved wings and patches
In the document, you will see the Speedmaster Flight Qualified pilot’s watch available on a NATO strap (as seen in the wrist shots) and on the Speedmaster Apollo 11/Ed White bracelet. But it also shows a case back with engraved US Navy wings. Another slide shows a range of examples for wings (US Army, US Navy, and US Air Force). The example above uses the name of Charles Laevens, but to end the discussion around that name, he’s the head of retail, operations, and training in the USA for Omega. Therefore, his name was merely used to create an example piece of what’s possible when someone or a group orders this watch.
Available to the public?
With water resistance to 100 meters, a Master Chronometer-certified automatic movement, and a straight-lug case with a 40.85mm diameter, this Speedmaster ticks many boxes. The question we received shouldn’t be that hard to guess, right? Will this watch be available in the standard Omega collection? Unfortunately, we don’t have the answer for you, but it seems Omega would make quite a few (of us) Speedmaster collectors very happy. It appears to be a funky, great alternative for lacking a Speedmaster “Reduced” in the collection.
You can find more information, including input from pilots who have this watch (on order), here.
