Sixty years ago, Omega launched the iconic Speedmaster. Twelve years later, it earned the ultimate distinction – selected by NASA for their space program to be worn during the Apollo 11 moon-landing mission. According to communication from the Omega Museum accompanying this lot, after being re-qualified by NASA, a very small batch of Speedmasters were delivered in 1978 for NASA’s Space Shuttle program following design studies code-named ‘Alaska III’. Forced to comply with the U.S. government’s ‘Buy American Act’, Omega worked with an American case manufacturer and chose the ‘Star Watch Case Company’ of Michigan for these Alaska III models. Fifty-six were ordered by NASA and issued to astronauts, with a further batch being ordered soon after. The present lot is of the latter batch, and has not been issued. Fresh to the auction market, its details are utterly fascinating. While the dials of these watches were crafted in Switzerland, it’s lacking “Swiss Made” at 6 o’clock. In virtually unused condition, it has sharp lug bevels, with a case back featuring the Star Case Company hallmark, as well as the NASA script SED12100312-301, both of which are perfectly crisp. The ‘radial’ dial is unique to this model, and features subdials with radially-oriented print that is visually pleasing. This ‘Alaska III Speedmaster’ is one of the most intriguing examples of the model to ever appear on the market. With its unique configuration, direct linkage to NASA, and exceptional condition it is a superb trophy timepiece. We sincerely thank Petros Protopapas of Omega for his invaluable research on the present lot.