133 Omega Prototype, Limited Edition and Very Important, Speedsonic Project Alaska III, Wristwatch in Steel, Reference St188.002, With Extract from the Archives

Estimate: €35,000 –⁠ 70,000

Model: Speedsonic
Reference: ST 188.0002
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Bracelet Material: Leather Strap
Year: 1978
Movement: Quartz
Caliber: 1255
Movement N°: 38 413 202
Dimensions: 44 mm
Signed: Dial, movement and case
Accessories: Extract from the Archives

The lot here offered is an extremely rare and remarkable example of an Alaska III prototype specifically created by Omega for NASA. In 1978 the new Space Shuttle needed some equipment to be used on board and in that situation Omega presented three different watches. They were all code-named “Alaska III” at Omega: Speedmaster Professional reference ST 145022, the Speedmaster reference 11003, and the present prototype Speedsonic reference ST 188.0002 with electromechanical movement. Unfortunately, this very model wasn’t chosen because the NASA was unsure how taking a battery-powered watch would fare up in space and thus the Speedmaster Professional was chosen instead. The stainless steel tonneau case of the present watch was meant to be American-made and thus was especially commissioned to Star Watch Case Company of Michigan. This was done to comply with an official part of the procurement rules called “Buy American Act” that called for 50% of the product’s value program to be American-made. The numbers on the counters are also arranged radially, thought to allow for increased legibility. The whole watch is preserved in truly remarkable conditions with no evident signs. The black dial with tachymeter scale and three counters is charming with the applied luminous indexes that have gained a very nice light-yellow color. This lot is also provided with the Omega Extract from the Archives confirming this watch was part of the “Alaska III” program fitted with experimental “radial” dials and encased in cases made by Star Watch Case Company.