Omega - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: SIX Hong Kong Monday, May 28, 2018 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Omega
    Year: Circa 2008
    Reference No: 31132423004001
    Case No: 77'215'384, limited edition no. 0933/1970
    Model Name: Speedmaster Alaska Project
    Material: stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1861, 18 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: White leather Omega strap
    Clasp/Buckle: Velcro
    Dimensions: 42mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and strap signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Omega International Warranty card stamped by München retailer Hilscher and dated September 2008, limited edition card, outer additional red case, numbered price tag, additional white leather Omega strap, additional stainless steel Omega bracelet, embroidered patch, tools, cardholder, product literature, fitted presentation box and outer packaging.

  • Catalogue Essay

    The “Alaska Project” was a series of secret projects (four in total) undertaken by Omega in order to supply NASA with space-qualified timepieces. The results of the projects are a number of watches which have been extensively used in space and which are now true collector’s grails, at least the few ones which are not in possessions of Omega, museums, or NASA.

    To celebrate such an important legacy, Omega released in 2008 a limited edition timepiece produced in 1970 examples, of which the present lot is number 933. The production number is a direct nod the the year the first Alaska Project produced the timepiece which inspired the present one. In fact, with the exception of minor material upgrades, the modern edition is a very faithful reproduction of the 1970 piece. The extremely unusual dial layout is the result of months of studies and tests made at the time in “space simulators” to optimize the design for space needs. The timepiece was supposed to resist to extreme conditions, including shocks, vibrations and temperature fluctuations. The additional aluminum outer case was an effort to provide further protection, and astronauts were able to choose between wearing the piece with or without it, for more casual use.

    Offered in excellent, practically new-old-stock condition, the present watch is complete of all its documents and accessories including of course the protective case, but also the tools, the embroidered patch and the additional strap and bracelet.

  • Artist Biography

    Omega

    Swiss • 1848

    Omega's rich history begins with its founder, Louis Brandt, who established the firm in 1848 in La Chaux de Fonds. In 1903, the company changed its name to Omega, becoming the only watch brand in history to have been named after one its own movements. A full-fledged manufacturer of highly accurate, affordable and reliable watches, its sterling reputation enabled them to be chosen as the first watch company to time the Olympic Games beginning in 1932. Its continued focus on precision and reliability ultimately led their Speedmaster chronograph wristwatch to be chosen by NASA in 1965 — the first watch worn on the moon.

    Key models sought-after by collectors include their first, oversized water-resistant chronograph — the reference 2077, early Speedmaster models such as the CK 2915 and 2998, military-issued versions of the Seamaster and oversized chronometer models such as those fitted with their prestigious caliber 30T2Rg.

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FROM A VISIONARY JAPANESE COLLECTOR

801

Lot offered with No Reserve

Ref. 31132423004001
A fine stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with white dial, outer protective case, Warranty and box. Number 933 of a 1970 pieces limited edition

Circa 2008
42mm diameter
Case, dial, movement and strap signed

Estimate
HK$15,000 - 25,000 
€1,700-2,800
$1,900-3,200

Sold for HK$118,750

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2001
thomasperazzi@phillips.com

Ziyong Ho
Specialist
+852 9386 2032
ziyongho@phillips.com

Jill Chen
Specialist
+852 2318 2033
jillchen@phillips.com

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: SIX

Hong Kong Auction 29 May 2018