The Omega Speedmaster's legendary status as a space-faring timepiece traces its origins back to 1962, predating the iconic Moon landing. It all began with astronaut Wally Schirra, who wore his personal Omega Speedmaster 2998 during the Mercury-Atlas 8 mission. Upon discovering their chronograph had successfully ventured into orbit, Omega initiated the confidential "Alaska Project" to engineer a specialized watch for NASA's rigorous extraterrestrial endeavors. This covert initiative yielded the Alaska I and Alaska II prototypes, both showcasing innovative designs and advanced thermal protection. Although the initial prototypes did not achieve widespread use by NASA, the Alaska Project chronographs eventually found their way into the hands of Soviet cosmonauts. In 2008, Omega unveiled a limited-edition civilian model, seamlessly blending historical authenticity with contemporary enhancements, which has since cemented its place as a coveted collector's piece.
Today, the Omega Speedmaster Alaska Project is celebrated by collectors for its distinctive aesthetics and rich history, which bridges the early days of space exploration with the brand’s enduring legacy in horology. The civilian iteration, released in a limited run, pays homage to the original prototypes by incorporating key design elements such as the striking white dial, red accents, and an optional thermal shield. This unique blend of functionality and historical significance has propelled its value in the secondary market, transforming it from an overlooked release into a highly desirable collector’s item that embodies both the spirit of space exploration and exceptional watchmaking.
The Genesis and Evolution of the Omega "Alaska Project"
The tale of the Omega Speedmaster's ascent into space history commenced not with humanity's lunar footsteps, but rather in 1962, when astronaut Wally Schirra, aboard the Mercury-Atlas 8, inadvertently propelled his Omega Speedmaster 2998 into the annals of space travel. This unforeseen orbital journey, captured in photographs seen across the Atlantic, spurred Omega executives to action. Realizing their chronograph, initially designed for terrestrial timing, had proven its mettle in the unforgiving vacuum of space, the brand embarked on a secretive endeavor dubbed the "Alaska Project." This initiative aimed to refine the Speedmaster for future space missions, addressing every identified flaw and pushing the boundaries of watchmaking resilience.
By 1964, Omega found itself alongside Rolex and Longines-Wittnauer, competing for NASA's stringent qualification for manned space missions. The watches faced an arduous series of 11 extreme tests, simulating the most brutal conditions imaginable in spaceflight. These included drastic temperature fluctuations, vacuum exposure, high humidity, corrosion, and intense shocks, acceleration, vibration, and sound. Only the Omega Speedmaster ref. 105.003 emerged unscathed, earning the coveted status of "Flight-qualified by NASA." This certification paved the way for the Speedmaster to become the official timepiece for Gemini and Apollo missions, marking a pivotal moment in its history and cementing its reputation for unparalleled durability in hostile environments.
Innovations and Legacy: From Prototypes to Collector's Item
As NASA transitioned to the ambitious lunar program with Apollo 7, new thermal challenges emerged, with spacecraft exteriors experiencing temperature swings of nearly 350°C. In response, Omega continued its "Alaska Project," developing specialized instruments to endure these extreme conditions. The project's code name, "Alaska," was deliberately chosen to misdirect competitors from its true purpose. The first prototype, Alaska I (ref. 5-003), debuted in 1969. Although it housed the reliable caliber 861 movement, its design diverged significantly from the traditional Speedmaster, featuring a titanium, asymmetrical cushion case, recessed crown, and an internal chapter ring for precise timing. Its most notable innovation was a removable anodized aluminum thermal housing, designed to protect the watch from extreme temperature variations, echoing the spacecraft's passive thermal control. The dial, coated with zinc oxide, further enhanced its resilience against solar radiation.
In 1972, the Alaska II prototype appeared, returning to the classic Moonwatch silhouette but incorporating mission-critical enhancements like a bead-blasted finish to minimize reflections and radial sub-dial layouts for improved readability. Although economic considerations and waning public interest in deep-space exploration ultimately prevented the prototypes from entering full production, the Speedmaster Alaska Project's story didn't end there. From 1977 to 1981, it found an unexpected role on the wrists of Soviet cosmonauts, proving its capabilities in actual space missions. Decades later, in 2008, Omega released a civilian-spec limited edition, honoring the original prototypes with a distinctive white dial, red accents, and a user-friendly thermal shield. This release, initially understated, has since gained significant acclaim, with its value appreciating considerably, solidifying the Alaska Project's cult status among watch enthusiasts as a testament to innovation, endurance, and historical significance.