1968
RACING DIAL 1968
ULTRAMAN 1969
COMMEMORATIVE EDITION
The origins of the rare Racing Dial model are still
shrouded in mystery, but it is generally accepted that
the bicolor minute markers and orange hands and
logo were created to make the chronograph easier to
read. This particular model has inspired subsequent
editions throughout the years, including the 2004
limited series that was released in Japan. Having appeared in the Japanese science fiction TV
show “The Return of Ultraman” in 1971, this rare
model is most notably distinguished by its orange
seconds hand. The creator of the Ultraman series,
Eiji Tsuburaya, was known for including interesting
watches in his productions, and this very uncommon
Speedmaster is no exception. It is unknown how
many genuine pieces still exist. This was the first 18-karat gold Speedmaster, created in
a numbered edition with a rare burgundy bezel. The
first watches in this series were presented to 19 astro-
nauts during a gala dinner in Houston on November
25th, 1969, to celebrate the Apollo 11 moon landing.
Three watches were also awarded posthumously to
the three crew of Apollo I – Virgil Grissom, Ed White
and Roger Chaffee.
1969
MARK II 1969
ALASKA I (prototype) 1971
MARK III
This streamlined Speedmaster Mark II signaled the
first redesign of Omega’s chronograph. Created in
1969, it extended the Speedmaster line with a brand
new look and was available in stainless steel, 18-karat
gold, or gold-capped versions with various dial and
timing scale combinations. The MARK II, with its barrel
shaped case and enhanced readability, was also the
first Speedmaster that did not use hesalite crystal. “Alaska” was Omega’s chosen code-name for every-
thing that involved NASA and was always deemed
top-secret. To meet the demands of the extreme
temperatures of space, the “Alaska I” prototype had a
removable anodized aluminum outer case or “thermal
shield” and a pure titanium inner case, making it the
first wristwatch in the world to be cased in pure tita-
nium. The white dial was added to better reflect the
heat of the sun. Launched in 1971, the Speedmaster Mark III, with its
pilot case, was Omega’s first self-winding chronograph.
The new calibre 1040 was a milestone for the brand
and, in an advertisement from 1972, Omega famously
stated, “After six landings on the moon, there was
only one thing we could teach the Speedmaster. To
wind itself.” Other interesting features include the
cross-shaped 60-minute chronograph hand and
the unique 24-hour day/night indicator at 9 o’clock.
100 | INTERNATIONAL WATCH | WINTER 2018