i was recently asked about whether Omega has ever used American made cases on any model(s) of Speedmaster? And if they ever have, will Omega replace the case with a Swiss one for a fee? I am prepared to withstand the barbs of what might be a silly question, but I am asking for someone else. I have no clue.

 

I've read literature that Omega used American-made cases for NASA watches to qualify for "American Made".

Tom

 

Yes. In the late 1970s, Omega delivered a batch of approximately 56 watches with radial dials that flew aboard early shuttle missions during the 1980s. The cases for these watches were manufactured by Star Watch Company, in Luddington, MI. The cases are identifiable because they have a uniformly matte finish; the caseback has a small Seamonster engraving in the center, and, there is a small star stamped into the caseback. Note that the star has nothing to do with NASA - it is for Star Watch Company.

 

That's great fun fact information! The only piece you forgot to add was the appropriate logo at the end:

 

Yes, exactly!! Haha

 

Would these be the Alaska Project III watches?




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Yes, exactly.

I believe 100 total dials were created, and that NASA placed a total of two orders totaling 56 end items. I believe two speedmasters were retained by omega as prototypes, and, that some number about 25 of the remaining dials were Installed into traditional Swiss-made cases and sold in a limited market - I think in Italy.

 

Here is a link to the article by Fratellowatches:
Speedy Tuesday – We’ve Found An Astronaut’s Speedmaster Professional
Robert-Jan Broer Oct 09, 2012
http://www.fratellowatches.com/speedy-tuesday-weve-found-an-astronauts-speedmaster-professional/

In the article they show a picture of the case back mentioned above.

 

Well that was already my grail, now it's definitely my grail! Thanks for the info! [emoji16]


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In short, I'm sure pretty much anyone here would be willing to replace that American made case with a Swiss made case for free ;-)

 

For me it's more about the radial dial, honestly.


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Davidoff Bros had one, may still be there. It weren't cheap.

 

Yep, out of my comfort zone. Someday, but I'm more of a Seamaster guy honestly.


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And the radial seamasters are more accessible.