[Houston]

The Pioneering Spirit Part 1

The Speedmaster Moonwatch “Alaska Project”

In the early 70s as NASA considered the practicality of exploring the dark side of the moon, Omega began to develop an outer case for the Speedmaster Professional which would withstand the extreme temperatures of space. The project however was not to advance beyond the development of a prototype as NASA then declared that the Speedmaster was perfect as it was and met all of the needs of the space agency. As a special commemorative to the pioneering work of the team, Omega has issued a limited edition of 1,970 pieces of the Speedmaster Moonwatch “ Alaska Project ”, named after the title of its’ specialist team.

The Speedmaster Moonwatch “Alaska Project” features a white dial which provides a particularly effective thermal reflection coefficient. The central chronograph seconds hand is bold red with the 30-minute recorder in the 3 o’clock position and the 12-hour recorder at 6 o’clock have large triangular counterweights, the so-called “Apollo hands”.

Unique to the Speedmaster Moonwatch “Alaska Project” is the stunning, red-anodised aluminium outer case. The unusual colour, which is the result of anodic oxidation treatment (eloxage), was chosen because no other colour offered the same level of protection from temperature shock. The case safely encloses the watch, making it temperature resistant between -148° C and +260°C. That’s a range of more than 400 degrees while allowing full use of the chronograph function with the ingenious system of “mushroom” pushers.

Together with its’ special presentation box containing the red-anodised aluminium outer case and a set of tools, this remarkable timepiece is delivered with black and white Velcro straps on brushed red, anodised aluminium buckles in company with a stainless steel bracelet.

Pictures - omegawatches.com




Enjoy Pals

ZIN

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[Houston]

Whilst excavating for news and gems of information on my travels through the www, I came across an article by Eric Katoso that vintage Speedy enthusiast whom some of us may know which stated that the white dial was originally designed for the purpose of using it on the Moon where the light source / intensity might varies quite a lot.

Interesting I thought since the Apollo XI 35th Anniversary which some have said did not make time-telling as easy as on the standard Speedy Pro had a white dial too. What's good on the moon need not necessarily be good on earth.


Y'all have a nice day pals

ZIN

 

[tricky dicky]

Hey Zin,

Thanks for posting this. I really want one of these. My AD has been at Basel this week. I intend to ring him to find out about availability and pricing. The only problem I can see is that I will not in the market for a new timepiece again this year. Will they have all gone by the time I'm ready to go for it. The G4 and 50th anniversary patch watches were all still readily available a long time after launch. So, who knows.

I just think the overall package that is offered here is wonderful. I think the black hands against the white dial would be quite easy to read on Earth.:biggrin:

This is the first time I have ever heard anybody say that the white dial was designed for use on the Moon. I have always readn and agreed, that the black dial of the Moon Watch is better suited to use on the moon because it does not reflect the intense light from the Sun. Instead it absorbs it. The only down side to this is the browning of the dial over time due to the absorbed UV radiation.

 

[Houston]

I think it's very nice that Omega does present an all-in package like this which gives the watch a overall historic charm. I recall your Oris with the Hurricane. Not essential but it's just a nice touch and adds to one's enjoyment of the piece.

Glad you like the article. There's another one coming up to close Basel week.


Enjoy your day pal

ZIN