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Lot Essay
Accompanied by an OMEGA Extract from the Archives confirming delivery of the two present prototypes in 1979 to NASA as part of the "ALASKA IV Project." These watches were tested by NASA for use in the space shuttle program, bearing No. 16 and No. 19.
The present lot of two ALASKA IV prototypes is a spectacular discovery for any Speedmaster collector. Preserved in excellent overall condition these two watches were part of the 12 examples especially made and delivered to NASA in 1979 to be tested by the astronauts of the Space Shuttle program, specifically Shuttle pilots.
The ALASKA IV examples have a very specific configuration using the prototype caliber 1621 with tritium stripes (called the "BETA light") as a permanent lighting system and differing from the regular production version equipped with caliber 1620 that had a switchable miniature light bulb (as most digital watches had at that time). A total of 20 prototypes were produced and 12 examples were selected to be sent directly to several NASA astronauts who tested the watches during their Space Shuttle training.
The present lot of two ALASKA IV prototypes is a spectacular discovery for any Speedmaster collector. Preserved in excellent overall condition these two watches were part of the 12 examples especially made and delivered to NASA in 1979 to be tested by the astronauts of the Space Shuttle program, specifically Shuttle pilots.
The ALASKA IV examples have a very specific configuration using the prototype caliber 1621 with tritium stripes (called the "BETA light") as a permanent lighting system and differing from the regular production version equipped with caliber 1620 that had a switchable miniature light bulb (as most digital watches had at that time). A total of 20 prototypes were produced and 12 examples were selected to be sent directly to several NASA astronauts who tested the watches during their Space Shuttle training.