The “Alaska Project” was a series of secret projects (four in total) undertaken by Omega in order to supply NASA with space-qualified timepieces. The results of the projects are a number of watches which have been extensively used in space and which are now true collector’s grails, at least the few ones which are not in possessions of Omega, museums, or NASA.

To celebrate such an important legacy, Omega released in 2008 a limited edition timepiece produced in 1970 examples, of which the present lot is number 933. The production number is a direct nod the the year the first Alaska Project produced the timepiece which inspired the present one. In fact, with the exception of minor material upgrades, the modern edition is a very faithful reproduction of the 1970 piece. The extremely unusual dial layout is the result of months of studies and tests made at the time in “space simulators” to optimize the design for space needs. The timepiece was supposed to resist to extreme conditions, including shocks, vibrations and temperature fluctuations. The additional aluminum outer case was an effort to provide further protection, and astronauts were able to choose between wearing the piece with or without it, for more casual use.

Offered in excellent, practically new-old-stock condition, the present watch is complete of all its documents and accessories including of course the protective case, but also the tools, the embroidered patch and the additional strap and bracelet.