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What is the Omega Speedmaster Alaska Project?
It is Omega’s 2008 limited-edition Speedmaster, reference 311.32.42.30.04.001. Omega describes it as a standard Speedmaster adapted with a modified dial and hands and used with an outer anodized-aluminium “thermal shield.” The white dial and distinctive hands give the watch its Alaska Project character; the red shield is an external component, not the watch’s ordinary case.
Omega identifies the edition as 1,970 pieces, a figure Fratello connects to 1970, the year of the Alaska II project. The model’s identity, reference, year and edition size are stated on Omega’s official product page.
How does it relate to the Alaska Project prototypes?
“Alaska” referred to Omega’s NASA-related development project, not specifically to the U.S. state, according to Fratello’s historical account. Fratello recounts that NASA engineer James H. Ragan worked on equipment specifications and that the project’s design brief emphasized heat resistance and legibility in difficult conditions. These historical details are Fratello’s account; the sources cited here do not include NASA archival documentation.
#1 Best Overall
- Model 310.30.42.50.01.002
The 1969 prototype
Fratello describes an initial 1969 titanium prototype with a light dial and a red anodized-aluminium outer casing. It was a distinct prototype iteration, not the 2008 edition.
The Alaska II design
Fratello says the cost of the titanium approach led Omega to explore less expensive versions using the standard Speedmaster case. It identifies a 1970 white-dial Alaska II prototype as the design inspiration for the 2008 model. The re-edition borrows from that lineage; it is not itself one of the historical prototypes.
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- Stainless steel case
- Black dial
- Swiss-automatic movement
- Case diameter: 40mm
- Water resistant to 330 feet
Alaska III and the 2017 Speedy Tuesday
The 2017 Speedy Tuesday is a separate watch, reference 311.32.42.30.01.001, inspired by Alaska III—not the 2008 Alaska Project. Omega’s product page identifies it as a tribute to Alaska Project III, while Fratello also distinguishes the project phases.
| Model | Reference | Connection |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 Speedmaster Alaska Project | 311.32.42.30.04.001 | Inspired by Alaska II; 1,970 pieces, according to Omega. |
| 2017 Speedy Tuesday | 311.32.42.30.01.001 | Tribute to Alaska Project III, according to Omega. |
Sources: Omega’s 2008 model page, Fratello’s Alaska Project history, and Omega’s 2017 model page.
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Rank #3
- Model 310.32.42.50.01.001
What should buyers check on a pre-owned example?
A listing should be assessed as an individual watch, not assumed complete because it shares the Alaska Project name. Phillips catalogued one example with a manual-winding caliber 1861, 18 jewels, a 42 mm diameter, a red outer case, an additional white leather strap, and other papers and packaging. Those are details of that auctioned example, not a guarantee of what accompanies every watch or proof that another example remains unchanged.
- Confirm the reference: look for 311.32.42.30.04.001 rather than the similar-looking 2017 reference.
- Inspect the dial and hands: compare their appearance and condition with reliable reference material for the 2008 model.
- Check the external shield and accessories: ask whether the red shield, additional strap, box and papers are present, and document their condition.
- Verify condition and provenance: request listing-specific evidence and an inspection by a qualified watch professional. The sources cited here do not establish the authenticity, condition or provenance of any current listing.
Phillips’ catalogue is evidence for one documented example, not current availability or a present market valuation: Phillips auction catalogue.
Rank #4
- OMEGA Speedmaster Racing Chronograph 326.30.40.50.01.001
Is the 2008 Alaska Project a NASA-issued watch?
Its design lineage is connected to Omega’s NASA-related Alaska development, but the 2008 limited edition is a civilian re-edition inspired by Alaska II. The available sources do not establish that this edition itself flew on a NASA mission. Fratello also reports that Omega sent 56 watches to NASA for the Space Shuttle program after the Speedmaster’s 1978 requalification; that historical figure concerns a separate event and must not be attributed to the 2008 edition.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Rubber
- Rotating bezel, gmt
- Automatic-self-wind movement
- Case diameter: 40mm
- Water resistant to 330 feet
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.
