Omega - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVI Hong Kong Wednesday, May 24, 2023 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Omega
    Year: Circa 2009
    Reference No: 311.32.42.30.04.001
    Case No: 77’213’309, No. 423/1970
    Model Name: Speedmaster, “Alaska Project”
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 1861, 18 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Omega bracelet, max length 195mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Omega deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 42mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Omega warranty stamped Omega Genève and dated 24th July 2009, pictograms card, limited series card, grey card holder, purchase invoice, instruction manual, product literature, hang tag, a pair of limited edition white Velcro straps, red thermo-protective case, fitted presentation box and outer packaging.
    Provenance: Christie’s, New York, Omega Speedmaster 50, 15th December 2015, Lot 49

  • Provenance

    Christie’s, New York, Omega Speedmaster 50, 15th December 2015, Lot 49

  • Catalogue Essay

    The “Alaska Project” is consisted of four classified projects driven by Omega to develop space-grade timepieces for NASA. This series of top-secret projects resulted in a number of watches that were extensively used by astronauts who went to space in the 1970s. Now considered holy grails among collectors and scholars, the originals are often only found in the Omega museums or locked away in NASA.

    To celebrate this monumental legacy, Omega released a 1970-piece limited edition in 2008, as per the present example. The production number is a nod the year “Alaska II” commenced, which subsequently was the blueprint for the present reference. Adhering strongly to its predecessor, the modern interpretation bears a distinctive dial display, similar to its original which was developed in “space simulators” for optimised performance catered to the conditions in outer space. The reissued model is fitted with a white dial for increased sun heat reflection, a removable casing to act as a shield against extreme temperatures, along with small luminous chronograph hands.

    Numbered 423 of a limited edition of 1970 pieces, the present Alaska Project is offered in excellent overall conditions with a stainless-steel bracelet, and is further accompanied by its original accessories.

  • Artist Biography

    Omega

    Swiss • 1848

    Omega's rich history begins with its founder, Louis Brandt, who established the firm in 1848 in La Chaux de Fonds. In 1903, the company changed its name to Omega, becoming the only watch brand in history to have been named after one its own movements. A full-fledged manufacturer of highly accurate, affordable and reliable watches, its sterling reputation enabled them to be chosen as the first watch company to time the Olympic Games beginning in 1932. Its continued focus on precision and reliability ultimately led their Speedmaster chronograph wristwatch to be chosen by NASA in 1965 — the first watch worn on the moon.

    Key models sought-after by collectors include their first, oversized water-resistant chronograph — the reference 2077, early Speedmaster models such as the CK 2915 and 2998, military-issued versions of the Seamaster and oversized chronometer models such as those fitted with their prestigious caliber 30T2Rg.

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949

Lot offered with No Reserve

Ref. 311.32.42.30.04.001
A well-preserved and attractive stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with white dial, tachymeter scale, bracelet, warranty and presentation box, numbered 423 of a limited edition of 1970 pieces

Circa 2009
42mm diameter
Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$60,000 - 120,000 
€7,000-14,000
$7,700-15,400

Sold for HK$127,000

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2001
WatchesHK@phillips.com

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVI

Hong Kong Auction 24 - 25 May 2023