In 1979, NASA astronauts received 𓄧a special batch of the reference 186.004, a prototype version of the 186.0004. These digital Speedmasters were for the Omega Alaska project, the company’s testing ground for watches. These prototypes differ from production versions in several aspects: a thicker case to fit a tritium tube lighting system for the dial, the ꦛword ‘Light’ on the dial is absent, and identical numbering of 1621 to the inside case back.

Of these prototypes, 12 are recognised as being sent to NASA with individually hand engraved to the back with numbers. The p🅠resent lot is number 1 of this issue, and provides an exciting opportunity to obtain an important example of a watch which bridges horological technology with advances in sp♔ace travel.