Omega’s Alaska Project was a NASA-related watch-development effort—not a watch designed for the US state of Alaska. Its best-known idea was a removable red thermal shield paired with a white dial, first explored in the 1969 Alaska I prototype and carried into the Speedmaster-style Alaska II in 1972. The 2008 Speedmaster Alaska Project, inspired by Alaska II, was a separate limited production watch: Omega says 1,970 pieces were made.
What was the Omega Alaska Project?
“Alaska” was Omega’s code name for work involving NASA. The name referred to the project, not a watch intended for the US state. The effort explored how a watch might cope with the temperature demands and visual conditions of space. Omega’s published accounts describe two key prototypes, Alaska I and Alaska II, followed decades later by a limited production Speedmaster inspired by Alaska II.
The distinctions matter: Alaska I and Alaska II were prototypes, while the 2008 reference was a commemorative production edition. Omega’s summaries establish these broad milestones and selected specifications, but do not provide a complete primary record for every Alaska sub-project or a fully documented test protocol.
1969: Alaska I introduced the white dial and red shield
Omega dates Alaska I to 1969 and lists its prototype reference as 5-003. It paired a 46 mm titanium case with a removable anodized-aluminium outer case, or “thermal shield.” Inside, the titanium case was intended to protect the watch, while the white dial was chosen to reflect solar heat. The design was visibly unlike a conventional Speedmaster.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Omega says color tests for the heat shield took place in Switzerland’s only space simulator at the time. The company explains that red was preferred for its heat resistance and reflective properties. That is Omega’s institutional account; no individual is named as the source of the statement. The listed Alaska I specifications also include mineral glass and a silvered matte dial.
1972: Alaska II brought the concept closer to a Moonwatch
Omega dates Alaska II to 1972. This prototype carried the white-dial and large red-shield concept into a more recognizable Speedmaster form, styled like the Moonwatch. Its listed reference is ST 145.022, with a 42 mm steel case and Hesalite glass.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Several design choices addressed legibility and glare rather than following the usual chronograph formula:
- Matte case finish: Omega says the case was micro-bead sandblasted to avoid shiny surfaces and reduce glare.
- Minute-scale bezel: The 0–60 numbered bezel replaced the tachymeter scale, which Omega notes had no use in space.
- Distinctive hands and markers: Rocket-shaped subdial hands, luminous markers and radial subdial numerals gave the prototype its own visual character.
- Protective shield: The prominent red heat shield remained a defining feature of the design.
How Alaska I, Alaska II and the 2008 edition differ
| Watch | Role and date | Case and protection | Dial and key design details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska I, ref. 5-003 | NASA-related prototype, 1969 | 46 mm titanium case with removable anodized-aluminium thermal shield | White, silvered matte dial; mineral glass |
| Alaska II, ref. ST 145.022 | Speedmaster-style prototype, 1972 | 42 mm steel case with red shield | White dial; rocket-shaped subdial hands, luminous markers, radial subdial numerals and 0–60 bezel; Hesalite glass |
| Speedmaster Alaska Project, ref. 311.32.42.30.04.001 | Limited production edition, 2008; inspired by Alaska II | 42 mm steel case | White dial, rocket-shaped subdial hands and Hesalite glass; calibre 1861 |
The first two entries are prototypes, not ordinary production models. The 2008 watch translated Alaska II’s visual identity into a production Speedmaster, rather than turning either prototype into a generally available modern watch.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
2008: the Alaska Project became a 1,970-piece edition
Omega says it made 1,970 pieces of the Speedmaster Alaska Project in 2008. The edition, reference 311.32.42.30.04.001, was inspired by Alaska II and has a 42 mm steel case, white dial, Hesalite glass, calibre 1861 and rocket-shaped subdial hands. Omega lists a white textile strap and says a long white Velcro strap was included alongside the steel bracelet.
The figure of 1,970 is Omega’s stated edition size, not an independently audited count of surviving watches. The model is a later limited production watch, not one of the Alaska prototypes. Omega’s historic model information does not establish current stock or pricing, so it should not be treated as readily available new.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
What the 2024 white-dial Moonwatch borrows from Alaska
Swatch Group’s official archive account says the 2024 white-dial Speedmaster Moonwatch draws on the black-and-white colors of astronaut suits. It also describes the red Speedmaster name as a nod to the red protective case around Alaska I. That is a design reference—not evidence that the 2024 Moonwatch is an Alaska Project edition.
Why the Alaska Project still stands out
The project’s visual signatures followed a practical idea: use a light dial and a removable red shield as part of a watch concept for spaceflight conditions. Alaska I explored that idea in a distinctive titanium-and-aluminium form; Alaska II adapted it to a Speedmaster-style watch with details chosen for legibility and reduced glare. The 2008 edition made the Alaska II design available as a limited production Speedmaster, preserving the red-and-white look without being the original NASA-oriented prototype.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
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.
