Omega Speedmaster Alaska Project vs. Swatch x Omega Mission to Mars: From Space Race to Street Style
Any watch enthusiast knows the impact the Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch has had on the watch world. It's not just a timepiece—it's a bit of history, linked to space exploration and worn by astronauts. But have you ever heard of the Omega Speedmaster Alaska Project? If not, don't worry you’re not alone. This blog will take you through the origins of the Alaska project and how it’s been revived for modern times right through to the Swatch x Omega Mission to Mars.
What Was the Alaska Project?
Back in the 1960s, Omega teamed up with NASA to create a watch that could handle the extreme conditions of space travel. This was called the Alaska Project—nothing to do with Alaska, but more of a codename to keep things under wraps. In 1969, Omega created the Alaska 1 (Prototype) reference 5-003, a watch designed with space missions in mind. It wasn’t exactly like the Speedmaster we all know, but it shared the same bulletproof Calibre 861 movement. In short: it was built to last.
What Made the Alaska Project Stand Out?
The Alaska 1 had a few key differences from the classic Speedmaster. First, it came with a titanium case, which made it incredibly light and strong—perfect for extreme environments. The case was 44mm and cushion-shaped, which was quite different from the typical Speedmaster, and it had this asymmetric back that gave it a unique look.
Instead of the usual tachymeter bezel, it had an internal sloped bezel to track time in finer detail. And those red, funnel-shaped chronograph markers? They were inspired by the Command Module’s Launch Escape System from the Apollo missions.
But the real star of the show was the clamshell heat shield. Omega designed this to keep the watch from getting too hot or cold, especially in space. Without it, the temperature of the watch could go up to 106°C in the sun, but with the shield, it stayed at a more comfortable 36°C. This heat shield even had a striking red colour, which still stands out today.
Alaska Project II (1970s)
After the Alaska Project 1, Omega continued their work on a second version to further refine the design. The Alaska Project II was created in response to the challenges astronauts faced on the lunar surface, including extreme temperature fluctuations and physical stress on the equipment. This version kept the core Calibre 861 but included further innovations:
- Heat Shield Refinements: The aluminum heat shield was upgraded with a new design that was easier to handle during missions. The shield’s bright red colour remained to ensure visibility in space, and it was tested to withstand temperatures ranging from -148°C to +260°C.
- Enhanced Durability: Omega worked on making the heat shield easier to attach and detach, focusing on how astronauts could use the chronograph while wearing thick gloves.
Although the Alaska Project II was more refined and space-ready, NASA ultimately didn’t adopt this version for official missions. Nonetheless, Omega continued to develop the concept, making sure future models would still be tied to their space legacy.
Alaska Project III (1978)
The Alaska III was a significant departure from the earlier models. While Omega had developed unique designs for the first two iterations, NASA eventually requested a more traditional model for space use. In 1978, Omega responded with the Alaska Project III, which resembled the standard Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch with a few critical enhancements:
- Antimagnetic Properties: The Alaska Project III used an antimagnetic case, a key feature as astronauts operated in environments with significant magnetic interference, such as in the Space Shuttle.
- Subtle Visual Differences: The watch still had the iconic black dial and tachymeter bezel, similar to the original Speedmaster, but was designed specifically for durability in spaceflight conditions.
In the end, this version was chosen by NASA for use on Space Shuttle missions, and the Speedmaster Professional remains a critical tool for astronauts.
Alaska Project IV (Prototype)
The Alaska Project IV, also known as the Speedmaster X-33, marked a huge leap forward. Developed in the late 1990s, this version embraced the digital age, combining analog and digital functionality to meet modern astronaut needs. This was Omega’s first attempt to merge both worlds in a single watch, primarily aimed at space professionals:
- Hybrid Analog Digital Display: The X-33 had a dual display, featuring traditional chronograph functions alongside digital capabilities like alarms, countdown timers, and mission timers.
- Lightweight Case: Omega opted for a titanium case, a nod to the original Alaska Project’s lightweight focus, keeping it robust yet functional for astronauts.
- Mission Ready: Though this version was designed with space missions in mind, the Alaska Project IV remained in prototype phase for a long time before later iterations led to more advanced models in Omega’s X-33 series.
Omega Speedmaster Alaska Project Reissue (2008)
Credit Image @Watchcollecting
To celebrate its space heritage, Omega launched a limited edition Alaska Project reissue in 2008. This watch paid tribute to the original Alaska I design while incorporating some of the modern advancements in watchmaking. Only 1,970 pieces were produced, nodding to the original release year.
- Design Fidelity: The reissue stayed true to the iconic red and white colour scheme of the original Alaska Project, including a removable red aluminium outer case heat shield.
- Modern Touches: Though it echoed the original design, the reissue had modern upgrades in movement and materials, keeping it a fully functional Speedmaster.
This reissue became highly collectible among watch enthusiasts, thanks to its limited run and historical significance.
How the Mission to Mars MoonSwatch Brings It All Back
The Swatch x Omega Mission to Mars MoonSwatch takes some of the most iconic design elements from the Alaska Project and gives them a fresh, modern twist. You’ve probably noticed the bold red and white colours—a direct nod to the original heat shield from the Alaska 1. The rocket shaped markers on the sub-dials? Also straight from the Alaska Project, as well as the bezel markers for those all-important time increments.
But, while the Alaska Project was designed to handle the extremes of space, the Mission to Mars is made for everyday wear. Instead of titanium and heat shields, it’s crafted from bioceramic—a lightweight, durable material that still feels special on your wrist. Plus, the velcro strap brings back that practical, space ready vibe, but it’s a lot more fun and wearable now.
Key Differences Between the Two
- Material: The Alaska Project used titanium for space; the Mission to Mars uses bioceramic for comfort and style.
- Design: The Alaska 1 had a larger, cushion-shaped case, while the Mission to Mars has a more compact, modern look.
- Purpose: Alaska Project was all about space travel, while the Mission to Mars gives a nod to that legacy but is built for everyday use.
Give Your Mission to Mars a Personal Touch
You can shop the Swatch x Omega Mission to Mars here or take yours to the next level with one of our custom straps. Whether you want something sleek like leather or more practical like woven rubber, we’ve got a range of options to suit your style.
The Alaska Project is one of the most intriguing chapters in Omega's history, particularly for space and watch enthusiasts, without it the Mission To Mars design would potentially not exist!
