Why Is The Omega Snoopy Special

Certain timepieces transcend mere functionality to become cultural icons. One such timepiece, the Omega Speedmaster Professional Snoopy has etched its name into the annals of watchmaking history. This luxury watch, adorned with the iconic Peanuts character, has captivated collectors and enthusiasts alike for decades. 

The Omega Speedmaster's claim to fame lies in its role as the first watch worn on the Moon. During the Apollo 11 mission in 1969, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin relied on their Speedmasters to navigate the lunar surface and perform important tasks.

However, the Speedmaster's true mettle was tested during the Apollo 13 mission in 1970 when a catastrophic oxygen tank explosion left the crew stranded in space. With the primary navigation system inoperable, the crew turned to their Omega Speedmasters to calculate their trajectory and time their crucial engine burns. The Speedmaster's accuracy and reliability proved invaluable, helping to bring the astronauts safely back to Earth.

What is the Omega Speedmaster Snoopy Award Watch?

One of the most coveted luxury watches for collectors and enthusiasts is the Omega Speedmaster "Silver Snoopy" Snoopy Award Watch. This special edition of the iconic Omega Speedmaster was created to commemorate the "Silver Snoopy Award" that Omega received from NASA in 1970. NASA gave this award to Omega for its crucial role in the successful return of the Apollo 13 mission after an in-flight emergency.

The Speedmaster was used by the astronauts to time important burns of the spacecraft's engines, helping them safely return to Earth. To honor this, Omega released several limited-edition Speedmaster watches featuring Snoopy, the beloved Peanuts character who serves as NASA’s safety mascot.

The first Snoopy Award watch was released in 2003, followed by another in 2015 to celebrate the 45th anniversary of Apollo 13, and then another in 2020 for the 50th anniversary. Due to their historical significance, unique design elements, and the connection to one of NASA’s most famous space missions, these Snoopy moon watches are highly sought after.

History of the Silver Snoopy Award Watch

The history of the Omega Silver Snoopy Award Watch is deeply intertwined with the Apollo 13 mission and the subsequent recognition Omega received from NASA.

Apollo 13 Mission (1970)

• The Apollo 13 mission, launched on April 11, 1970, was NASA's third manned mission intended to land on the moon. However, an oxygen tank explosion two days into the mission forced the crew to abort the landing and focus on returning safely to Earth.
• The astronauts used the Omega Speedmaster, the official watch for NASA astronauts at that time, to time a 14-second engine burn that was vital for correcting their trajectory and ensuring their safe return to Earth.

Silver Snoopy Award (1970)

• In recognition of Omega's significant contribution to the success of the Apollo 13 mission, NASA awarded Omega the Silver Snoopy Award in October 1970. This award, named after the famous Peanuts character Snoopy the Beagle, is a prestigious honor given to individuals and companies for outstanding achievements related to human spaceflight safety and mission success.
• Snoopy, a character known for his reliability and cool demeanor, was chosen as NASA’s safety mascot, making the award a symbol of trust and excellence.

First Omega Snoopy Watch (2003)

• To commemorate the 30th anniversary of receiving the Silver Snoopy Award, Omega released the first Speedmaster Snoopy Award Watch in 2003. This limited edition featured a small Snoopy image on the dial at the 9 o’clock subdial and on the case back. The watch became an instant collector's item.

45th Anniversary Edition (2015)

• In 2015, Omega celebrated the 45th anniversary of the Apollo 13 mission with another Snoopy-themed Speedmaster. This edition was more elaborate. It featured a Snoopy illustration on the dial with the words “Failure is not an option,” a famous phrase associated with the mission. The case back displayed Snoopy in a space suit on the moon, and the watch was limited to 1,970 pieces, a reference to the year of the mission.

50th Anniversary Edition (2020)

• For the 50th anniversary of Apollo 13, Omega released a third Snoopy Award Speedmaster. This edition featured a unique animated case back, where Snoopy, in a command module, floats around the dark side of the moon as the chronograph seconds hand is in use. The watch’s design details such as the blue and silver color scheme pay tribute to both the Apollo mission and the Silver Snoopy Award.

Key Features of the Omega Speedmaster Silver Snoopy Award 50th Anniversary Watch

The Omega Speedmaster Silver Snoopy Award 50th Anniversary Watch, released in 2020, is a highly detailed and innovative timepiece, befitting Omega's dedication to superb craftsmanship. Let's check out the features of this special edition watch:

1. Case and Size

• Material: The watch has a 42mm stainless steel case, maintaining the classic Speedmaster Professional design.
• Bezel: The bezel is made of blue ceramic with a white enamel tachymeter scale, a signature element of the Speedmaster series.

2. Dial

• Color: The silver dial has a sun-brushed surface, contrasting beautifully with the blue subdials and accents.
• Subdial at 9 O'clock: The standout feature is the embossed image of Snoopy in his space suit, set within the blue subdial at the 9 o’clock position. This references the Silver Snoopy Award and Omega’s connection to NASA.
• Subdial at 3 O'clock and 6 O'clock: These subdials also have blue detailing with the 3 o'clock subdial showing the chronograph’s 30-minute counter. The 6 o'clock subdial displays the 12-hour counter and small seconds.
• Hands: The hour markers and hands are coated with Super-LumiNova for visibility in low light.

3. Case Back

• Animation: The case back is one of the most unique features of this watch. It includes an animated scene where Snoopy, aboard the command module, "floats" around the far side of the moon whenever the chronograph is in use. This is achieved through a special hand that rotates in sync with the chronograph seconds hand on the front.
• Design: The case back is crafted from sapphire crystal and decorated with a micro-structured surface to depict the lunar surface and the dark side of the moon.

4. Movement

• Caliber: The watch is powered by the Omega Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 3861, a manual-winding movement that is METAS-certified for accuracy, anti-magnetism, and overall performance.
• Power Reserve: It has a power reserve of approximately 50 hours.

5. Strap

• Material: The watch comes with a blue nylon "Snoopy bracelet" fabric strap, which complements the blue accents on the dial and bezel.
• Details: The strap features white stitching, echoing the color scheme of the watch. The lining traces the trajectory of the Apollo 13 mission.

6. Limited Edition

• Unlike some previous Snoopy editions, the 50th Anniversary model is not a numbered limited edition, but it is produced in limited quantities.

7. Packaging

• The watch comes in special commemorative packaging that includes a booklet detailing the history of the Apollo 13 mission and Omega’s role in it as well as the story behind the Silver Snoopy Award.

8. Water Resistance

• The watch is water-resistant up to 50 meters (167 feet).

Technical Specifications of the Omega Speedmaster Silver Snoopy Watch

Technical Specifications

• Model Reference: 310.32.42.50.02.001

Case

• Material: Stainless steel
• Diameter: 42 mm
• Thickness: 14.47 mm
• Bezel: Blue ceramic with white enamel tachymeter scale
• Crystal: Scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment on both sides
• Case Back: Sapphire crystal with animated Snoopy scene, depicting Snoopy in the command module orbiting the moon

Dial

• Color: Silver with sun-brushed finish
• Subdials: Blue subdials with Snoopy at the 9 o’clock position
• Hour Markers: Applied indexes with Super-LumiNova coating
• Hands: Hours and minutes hands with Super-LumiNova coating; chronograph hands in blue

Movement

• Caliber: Omega Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 3861
• Type: Manual-winding
• Frequency: 21,600 vibrations per hour (3 Hz)
• Power Reserve: Approximately 50 hours
• Jewels: 26 jewels
• Chronograph Functions: Central chronograph seconds, 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock, 12-hour counter at 6 o’clock
• Certification: METAS-certified Master Chronometer, resistant to magnetic fields reaching 15,000 gauss

Strap

• Material: Blue nylon fabric strap with white stitching
• Lug Width: 20 mm
• Buckle: Stainless steel pin buckle
• Special Feature: Lining of the strap features the Apollo 13 mission trajectory

Water Resistance

• Rating: 50 meters (167 feet)

Additional Features

• Special Packaging: Commemorative packaging with Apollo 13 mission details and Silver Snoopy Award history

Getting the Omega Speedmaster Silver Snoopy Award 50th Anniversary

Getting your hands on the Omega Speedmaster Silver Snoopy Award 50th Anniversary watch is all about passion and love for its unique history and design. It's a rare find that any watch enthusiast would be thrilled to add to their collection.

Where Can You Purchase the Snoopy Watch?

How to get Snoopy watch face? You can purchase the Omega Speedmaster Silver Snoopy Award 50th Anniversary watch through several avenues:

1. Authorized Omega retailers: The most reliable option is to visit an authorized Omega boutique or retailer. These stores may have the watch in stock or be able to place a special order for you.
2. Online marketplaces: Watch websites often list pre-owned or new Snoopy watches. However, prices can be higher due to their limited availability and high demand.
3. Auction houses: Prestigious auction houses like Sotheby’s or Christie’s sometimes feature the Snoopy watch in their luxury watch auctions. Prices can be competitive here.
4. Private sellers and collectors: You may also find the watch through private sales, either through forums like Watchuseek or through connections within the watch enthusiast community. Ensure you verify the authenticity before making any purchase.

Price Range for the Silver Snoopy 50th Anniversary Watch

The price range for the Omega Speedmaster Silver Snoopy Award 50th Anniversary Watch varies based on several factors. Generally, you can expect the following:

• Retail price: The official retail price was around $9,600 USD when it was first released in 2020.
• Secondary Market: Due to its limited availability and high demand, prices on the secondary market often range from $10,000 to $35,00 with some examples even higher depending on condition, full set packaging, and market trends.

Ensuring Authenticity

An Omega Speedmaster Silver Snoopy Award 50th Anniversary Watch is a big investment. Make sure you're getting the real thing by following these tips.

1. Buy from reputable sources.

• Authorized dealers: Purchasing from an authorized Omega retailer or boutique is the safest option as they guarantee authenticity.
• Trusted online marketplaces: If buying online, use established platforms, which offer authenticity guarantees and buyer protection.

2. Check for documentation.

• Original papers: The watch should come with its original warranty card, manual, and any certificates that came with the purchase. The warranty card should have the serial number, date of purchase, and dealer stamp.
• Special packaging: The Snoopy edition comes in a unique box with specific booklets and documentation related to the Apollo 13 mission and the Silver Snoopy Award.

3. Examine the serial number.

• Serial number verification: The serial number on the watch should match the one on the warranty card. You can contact Omega or use trusted databases to verify the serial number.
• Location: The serial number is usually engraved on the case back or the lugs.

4. Inspect the watch.

• Detail and quality: The Snoopy watch has intricate details. Check the quality of these details.
• Movement: The watch should house the Omega Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 3861. Have a professional open the case back to verify the movement.

5. Get a professional appraisal.

• Watchmaker inspection: Take the watch to a certified watchmaker or an Omega service center for a thorough inspection. They can verify the movement, materials, and overall authenticity.
• Appraisal report: Request a written appraisal report, which can also help if you decide to insure the watch.

6. Consider the Price.

• Market value awareness: If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is. Familiarize yourself with the current market value to spot any red flags.

Conclusion

The Omega Snoopy is a symbol of human achievement, resilience, and the enduring power of imagination. Its association with the Apollo 13 mission, where it played a critical role in ensuring the safe return of the crew, solidifies its status as a legendary timepiece. The Omega Speedmaster Snoopy represents a timeless reminder of the human spirit's ability to overcome adversity. 

Its combination of technical excellence, historical significance, and iconic design has earned it a place of honor among watch enthusiasts.