For Extreme Weather - Omega Alaska Project

In 2008, Omega released a limited edition piece named the Alaska Project. It was part of a prototype project led by Pierre Chopard from 1971 to 1973 to improve the design of the Speedmaster allowing it to sustain extreme temperatures in space. They designed an outer case shell to for the watch protecting it from the extreme temperature fluctuations. Whether this actually will do so on the 2008 model is a mystery as I have never been subjected to or ever will survive such intense weather. In the original design, the watch's dial was coated with Zinc Oxide, providing the highest resistance to solar radiation but unfortunately, NASA didn't believe the Speedmaster needed any improvements and the project was dropped. 

Then in 2008 Omega, being the main sponsor of the Beijing Olympics, decided to unveil the Alaska Project at Basel. It was the most unique Limited Edition piece they released that year and stood out apart from all the Olympic variations they had created...this was something different. It was the first and only all white dial with white subdial Speedmaster they have ever released, giving it an almost albino look. They decided to release 1970 pieces of the Alaska Project and each came with it's special boxing with two white Alaska Project embroidered straps and a bracelet. Each piece also included a red outer casing that goes over the watch itself to replicate the original design. On the back of the case, it states it is temperature resistant from -148 C to +260 C!! With the gauge on it simply makes it look kind of outrageous. Nevertheless it's a very special piece. This piece is currently for sale. Interested parties may contact me.

 

Here's the infamous wrist shot with the capsule on. It makes it look like the Egiziano of the Omega world!!