Omega Speedmaster Alaska Project Prototype
Vintage

Omega Speedmaster Alaska Project Prototype

By amanico · Jun 4, 2015 · 8 replies
amanico
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Amanico, a self-professed novice to the world of Speedmasters, shares his captivating experience at an Omega event. His primary goal was to encounter the elusive "Alaska Project," a watch he found uniquely compelling among the iconic Speedmaster lineage. This post delves into the fascinating history and distinctive features of this rare prototype, offering insights gleaned directly from the Omega Museum curator.

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I first have to confess that I know almost nothing on Speedmasters. I only know that I love the straight lugs one ( CK 2915 / 2998 / 105 003 and probably one more reference ), and the " lyre lugs " are those who went on the moon, and not all of them, from what I understood.

The Speedmasters are closely linked to the conquest of the space, then. Ok. They are loaded with History, undisputably, but most of them ( don't hit me on the head ) don't speak to me.

Most of them, except the 2915 and a certain 2998 Lollipop. AND... The Alaska project.

So, I was invited to a cocktail in honor of the Speedmaster and for once ( I rarely go to cocktails ), I decided to attend, with three goals.

- Meeting some interesting people, which was obviously the case ( old friends, the curator of the Omega Museum, new friends ).

- Learning a bit more about these Speedies. When you are Lucky enough to meet the Curator of the Omega Museum, you can expect to learn quite a lot of things, and... I did!

- Crossing my fingers, hoping to see an " Alaska Project ". And I must say that my wishes turned to... Reality!

The problem is that I focused only on the Alaska Project, and I didn't pay much attention to the other Speedies which were there, and there were a lot!

So, what did I learn?

1/ The Alaska project doesn't have nothing to see with Alaska. It was just a code name.

2/ The Alaska project, in its first configuration, was not round, but cushion shaped!

It is said that it was one of the first titanium Watch. And that the project was very costly, to end in a bad way, since the Nasa didn't want it, preferring to keep using the " normal " Speedmasters for their expéditions.

So, the first version came in a short production of 5 pièces, 5 prototypes. Circa 1969.

3/ The Red eloxed aluminium thermic case was made to protect the Watch ( as you should guess ) against very low and very high températures.

Here it is:

 

It belongs to the Omega museum.

4/ The Alaska Project we better know, since it was faithfully re edited, is the round one , the second generation, like this one which was auctionned by Antiquorum at 2007 " Omegamania ". ( Credit picture: Antiquorum ).

 

Same try, same outcome, the Nasa didn't want to adopt this one, either, even if the case was in steel, and with its usual shape. The case reference is 145 022, if I am not wrong, it was made around 1970 / 1971, in a series of 5 to 10 prototypes.

There are a few things I learnt, but I am not sure it is ok to publish these informations.

We'll see in a close future if I can gather and share more informations, as a visit of the Omega Museum may well be in the tube.

Best,

Nicolas.

PS: I would like to thank Antoine de Macedo for the invitation and the opportunity to live a great horological moment.

About the Omega Speedmaster Ref. CK2998

The Omega CK2998 is a chronograph model recognized for its robust design and functional aesthetic. It belongs to a lineage of chronographs that established a distinct visual identity for the brand, characterized by a clear and legible dial layout. This reference is notable for its early adoption of a tachymeter scale on the bezel, a feature that would become a hallmark of many subsequent sports chronographs.

This reference features a 39 mm stainless steel case, housing the manual-winding Caliber 321. This movement provides a power reserve of 45 hours. The watch is fitted with a Hesalite crystal and offers a water resistance of 60 meters. The fixed tachymeter bezel is a key design element, framing a black dial.

The CK2998 holds interest for collectors seeking early examples of Omega's chronograph development. Its design elements, including the case proportions and dial configuration, represent a significant period in the brand's history. The presence of the Caliber 321 further enhances its appeal among enthusiasts of vintage chronograph movements.

Specifications

Caliber
321
Case
Stainless steel
Diameter
39 mm
Dial
Black
Water Resist.
60m
Crystal
Hesalite

Key Points from the Discussion

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The Discussion
MA
Mark in Paris
Jun 4, 2015

due to its case shape etc... This is really something that came out of a research exercize and I like this. The times when pilot watches were created for a purpose! Thanks for the article Nicolas. Cheers, Mark

NA
nacho217
Jun 4, 2015

fantastic read , you sure had a great time in such good company and with the Original Alaska , an historic piece Thanks for sharing

NI
nilomis
Jun 4, 2015

Be careful. The Speedmaster like is like a strong and powerful virus. It "infects" you and you get an urge to get another. Cheers, Nilo

WA
watchthatman
Jun 4, 2015

and the thermal case. And to think that this was designed for the next generation of NASA. Second, and related, is the heritage of the more common round Alaskas, tied right to this prototype, with their triangular subdial hands. Let's just say there's a new dimension to my appreciation.

AM
amanico
Jun 5, 2015

When I think that a few years ago, I had the opportunity to buy the round one... Pfffff! Thanks for your feedback, my friend. Nicolas

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