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The OMEGA Speedmaster Alaska Project was a spaceflight-oriented watch concept—not a watch named for the U.S. state. Its Alaska II was a 1970 Speedmaster Professional prototype; the 2008 watch turned that design idea into a numbered limited edition of 1,970 pieces.
What was the Speedmaster Alaska Project?
“Alaska” was a project codename for work on a Speedmaster concept intended for the demands of spaceflight. The name does not refer to the U.S. state. For the Alaska II, OMEGA adapted a Speedmaster Professional with a distinctive dial and hands and an external anodized-aluminum thermal shield. OMEGA says the shield was intended to let the watch withstand temperatures from −148°C to +260°C in lunar or spatial atmospheres; this describes the stated design purpose, not an independently reported test result. OMEGA’s 2008 model history
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Omega | $7,600.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Omega Speedmaster Chronograph Hand Wind Black Dial Men's Watch 310.32.42.50.01.001 | $7,350.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Omega Seamaster Automatic Chronometer Black Dial Men's Watch 210.30.42.20.01.001 | $6,350.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch 311.93.44.51.99.001 | $10,500.00 | Buy on Amazon |
What was the original Alaska II?
The original Alaska II was a 1970 Speedmaster Professional prototype based on reference 145.022-69, according to Fratello’s comparison. It was not the same thing as the later production re-edition: it was a prototype, and details cited for that example should not be generalized to every Alaska Project generation or development stage.
- Case: stainless steel.
- Movement: caliber 861.
- Luminous material: tritium markers.
Fratello describes the prototype as a standard Speedmaster modified with a different dial and hands, with the thermal shield as its most conspicuous external feature. The white dial’s purpose was to reflect solar heat. Fratello’s historical comparison
#1 Best Overall
- Model 310.30.42.50.01.001
How does the 2008 re-edition differ?
The 2008 watch brought the Alaska II look into a commercial, numbered limited edition. OMEGA lists it as reference 311.32.42.30.04.001, with a 42 mm stainless-steel case, white dial, Hesalite glass, caliber 1861, baton hands, rocket-shaped subdial hands, and a white textile strap. The anodized-aluminum thermal shield is a removable outer component of the design.
| Feature | Original Alaska II prototype | 2008 re-edition |
|---|---|---|
| Status | 1970 Speedmaster Professional prototype, based on reference 145.022-69; Fratello | Numbered production limited edition; OMEGA |
| Case | Stainless steel; Fratello | 42 mm stainless steel; OMEGA |
| Movement | Caliber 861; Fratello | Caliber 1861; OMEGA |
| Luminous material | Tritium markers; Fratello | Super-LumiNova; Fratello |
| Dial and hands | Distinctive dial and hands; Fratello | White dial, baton hands, rocket subdial hands; OMEGA |
| Edition size | Prototype; no production count stated | 1,970 pieces; OMEGA |
OMEGA’s product page gives reference 311.32.42.30.04.001. Phillips also catalogued a circa-2008 example under reference 311.32.42.04.001, with manual caliber 1861, 18 jewels and a 42 mm steel case. That listing documents one auction lot; it is not a substitute for OMEGA’s official product-page reference, nor evidence that every watch came with the same accompanying items. Phillips’ 2023 catalogue entry
Rank #2
- Model 310.32.42.50.01.001
What does the NASA connection establish?
OMEGA says NASA declared the Speedmaster flight-qualified for all manned space missions on March 1, 1965. That is important background to the Alaska Project’s spaceflight context, but it does not establish that NASA separately qualified the 2008 Alaska Project re-edition. OMEGA’s 2025 qualification history
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What to know when identifying the 2008 watch
- Use OMEGA reference 311.32.42.30.04.001 as the model identifier on its product history.
- Look for the 42 mm steel case, white dial, Hesalite crystal, caliber 1861 and white textile strap in the official specifications.
- Fratello reports that the caseback carries the familiar “Flight-qualified by NASA for all manned space missions” engraving, an “Alaska Project Limited Series” marking and an individual number. The wording reflects the broader Speedmaster qualification history; it should not be taken as evidence of a new, model-specific NASA qualification.
- Distinguish the thermal shield and the watch itself: the shield is an external anodized-aluminum component, not the watch’s case material.
These details help identify the model, but do not establish a particular watch’s authenticity, completeness or condition. Current resale prices, availability and condition-adjusted values are not established here.
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Rank #3
- Omega Seamaster Automatic Chronometer Black Dial Men's Watch 210.30.42.20.01.001
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
