1972 ALASKA II( prototype) Continuing its secret project to build the perfect space watch for NASA, Omega returned with a new prototype, this time in a Moonwatch style that retained some of the original features of the Alaska I model, including the large red heat shield. As before, the white dial was also retained to better reflect the heat of the sun. Other updates included rocket shaped subdial hands for balance, luminous markers and radial numerals on the subdials, and a 0 – 60 numbered bezel.
1973 SPEEDSONIC This model is nicknamed the“ lobster” due to the unusual shape of the bracelet that resembles the tail of a crustacean. With the growing desire for electronic watches, the Speedsonic was created with an innovative electromechanical movement to meet the demand for greater precision and reliability. Interestingly, the crown was deliberately made smaller in size to emphasize the reduced need to change time or date.
1973 SPEEDMASTER 125 This model was the world’ s first automatic chronograph to receive an official Chronometer Certification. It was released to celebrate the founding of the OMEGA brand in 1848; 2,000 pieces were produced to mark the occasion. The watch’ s adventurous spirit was embraced by the Russian cosmonaut Vladimir Dzhanibekov, who wore the Speedmaster 125 in 1978 when he spent a total of 145 days and 16 hours in space.
1975 APOLLO-SOYUZ In 1975, Russian cosmonauts and American astronauts wore Speedmasters during a historic meeting in space that signaled the beginning of the end of the Cold War. Made in a limited edition of 500 pieces to mark this famous American-Soviet space rendezvous, this watch was the first of the“ Patch” watches. It has the mission patch at 12 o’ clock in place of the Omega logo as well as longer markers on the dial and wider pushers.
1978 ALASKA III When Omega began work on the Alaska III project, its aim was to adapt the classic Moonwatch to include anti-reflective surfaces and an easy-to-read dial. The result included a brushed stainless steel case and large radial numerals on the subdials. A first batch of 56 pieces was delivered to NASA and they used them on board the Space Shuttle in the 1980s. A second batch soon followed.
1979 ALASKA IV When the Speedmaster briefly went digital, this prototype was created for the astronauts at NASA based on the commercial models. The functions were still the same but it also included a BETA light system as an innovative way to illuminate the display without using a typical light bulb. Twelve pieces were sent to NASA astronauts who tested the watch in training and on the Space Shuttle. Ultimately, they chose not to adopt the watch.
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