Alaska Project advice

Amg786s · Oct 25, 2019

Hi all,

I’m currently considering pre-owned Alaska Project Speedy. I’ve always wanted an Omega, but just have not got round to it.

This would be my first Speedy and I wanted something a little less ubiquitous than the usual black dial variant. I’m a sucker for crisp white dials!

I’ve been offered the following for £8,000/ $10,300 by the first owner- apologies for his poor pics. He has the full set with an additional bracelet (not sure if that came with these Alaska projects), but no service has been carried out. Claims he has only worn during special occasions and that it’s in good condition. He also said something about the warranty card never being date stamped when he purchased it and that it was some kind of bonus?

Guys, what do you think from the pics and the price?

Is this truly an iconic piece?

Is there longevity in this piece?

Will it maintain its price a few years down the line?

It’s a lot of money for my first Omega and I’d really appreciate some expert advice.

Kindest regards

Al

BlackTalon · Oct 25, 2019

Iconic? Longevity? Retain it's Price? All good questions, and only time will tell.

In general the prices on these have about doubled in the last few years. Whether that will continue or not is anyone's guess. And if we all thought they would rise up a lot in value, they would never get sold. So at least the owner of the one you are looking at does not necessarily think they will shoot up in value (or he really needs the money for something else right now).

Blank warranty card is basically meaningless, as it would be out of warranty anyway. Full papers are a must for these if you want full value down the road. And there should be a white strap that goes with this as well. I'm not sure how easy it is to source a replacement if it is missing.

The provided photos are not great for assessing the condition, but it seems decent enough overall. I would ask for a pic of the caseback to make sure it has the proper text on it. And I would plan on having the caseback opened as soon as I received it to make sure the movement is proper.

And due to the age, definitely consider a movement service is you plan on wearing it regularly.

percymon · Oct 25, 2019

From my limited knowledge the price seems OK but it’s hard to see the actual condition on those photos. Here’s one to compare/contrast..

https://www.vintagespeedmaster.com/product-page/2008-omega-speedmaster-professional-alaska-project

Amg786s · Oct 25, 2019

BlackTalon
Iconic? Longevity? Retain it's Price? All good questions, and only time will tell.

In general the prices on these have about doubled in the last few years. Whether that will continue or not is anyone's guess. And if we all thought they would rise up a lot in value, they would never get sold. So at least the owner of the one you are looking at does not necessarily think they will shoot up in value (or he really needs the money for something else right now).

Blank warranty card is basically meaningless, as it would be out of warranty anyway. Full papers are a must for these if you want full value down the road. And there should be a white strap that goes with this as well. I'm not sure how easy it is to source a replacement if it is missing.

The provided photos are not great for assessing the condition, but it seems decent enough overall. I would ask for a pic of the caseback to make sure it has the proper text on it. And I would plan on having the caseback opened as soon as I received it to make sure the movement is proper.

And due to the age, definitely consider a movement service is you plan on wearing it regularly.

Great advice, many thanks BlackTalon. I do feel myself gravitating towards it. I’m planning on visiting the seller soon to check out in person. Will feedback.

Amg786s · Oct 25, 2019

P percymon
From my limited knowledge the price seems OK but it’s hard to see the actual condition on those photos. Here’s one to compare/contrast..

https://www.vintagespeedmaster.com/product-page/2008-omega-speedmaster-professional-alaska-project

Thanks percymon. Interesting read.

sgrossma · Oct 25, 2019

The bracelet was included. It should have come with 2 Alaska white straps, which are still available at the boutique for around $200 something if and when you need replacements. The price seems good for complete. I don't think you will find a complete one for much less.

Amg786s · Oct 25, 2019

sgrossma
The bracelet was included. It should have come with 2 Alaska white straps, which are still available at the boutique for around $200 something if and when you need replacements. The price seems good for complete. I don't think you will find a complete one for much less.

Thanks sgrossma, I believe he has both the short and long white Velcro straps. But, he also has two bracelets, which from my research I am pretty sure these Alaska’s never came with. Whether it’s additional and period correct 849 bracelet or not I don’t know, but it looks like a new Omega one nonetheless. Kind regards

sgrossma · Oct 25, 2019

These sets came with (1) 1998/849 bracelet.

Walrus · Oct 25, 2019

10k damn you aren’t getting your feet wet for your first omega you are jumping in the deep end. Looks like a very niece piece, I’ve seen a few around put a number of them no longer had the doughnut. I know maintaining value is a consideration when dropping cash on a watch but who knows what the future will bring. Maybe it’ll drop to 5k or go up to 50k. I was thinking of that when I purchased my speedy but then I decided screw it I really like it and will wear it so I didn’t stress future value so much. I say if you like it get it and there is a very good chance it will increase or maintain value.

Amg786s · Oct 25, 2019

Hi Walrus, it is a lot to drop on a first piece, but it does speak to me. The crisp white is just super looking. To be honest with you, regarding the price it is significantly lower than the 10 or so I’ve seen floating around on eBay/ C24 so it makes this particular piece even more of a value prop. I will be taking a first look at it v.soon at a local watchmakers, and will go from there. Thanks for your input.

DaveK · Oct 25, 2019

Omega Great White also look... great, with a lower price tag

WatchTimes · Oct 26, 2019

Its a great looking unique Omega for any collection!
I am still mad at myself for not buying one when I first started debating it...

Seaborg · Oct 27, 2019

If you like it, buy it, this is my advice 😉

johnnylarue · Oct 29, 2019

I tend to view these limited run "self-homage" watches as a bit gimmicky, but the Alaska Project look is one gimmick I happen to be a sucker for. 😉

Those are really cool watches, but as others have said it's impossible to tell which way the value is gonna go. My instinct would be to haggle hard as I suspect there's still some wiggle in that asking price. (I'm, er, kind of thrifty so I take most C24 and Buy It Now prices on eBay to be approximately 20-30% higher than their actual street value.)

That said, as unusual reissues go, this one has enough of vintage, classy late-60s mojo that it should always appeal to fans of that era and the lore of the Moonwatch, so it's a pretty safe bet you won't have a hard time finding a buyer should you ever decide to part with it.

Uscjake87 · Oct 30, 2019

I would pounce on it. Its a desirable limited run watch that looks awesome. Its already broken away from its plastic and tags, so its no longer a safe queen. You get a discount, but at least you wont fear wearing it. Beware possible replicas and have it looked at by a watchmaker. At this pricepoint I would go the extra mile.

Honza · Oct 30, 2019

I was looking at this watches for a while at $10K is a very good deal IMO. Make sure you will due extra due diligence to make sure its good

Alaska Project advice

Amg786s

BlackTalon

percymon

Amg786s

Amg786s

sgrossma

Amg786s

sgrossma

Walrus

Amg786s

DaveK

WatchTimes

Seaborg

johnnylarue

Uscjake87

Honza

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