Hands-on Review: Omega Speedmaster Silver Snoopy Award 50th Anniversary

Omega created its first Speedmaster Snoopy edition (ref. 3578.51.00) in 2003 to celebrate the unique link between the the Swiss watch brand, NASA and the famous beagle featured in the comic strip Peanuts.   

Snoopy became the mascotte of the NASA astronauts in the 1960s when Charles M. Schulz began creating comic strips depicting the famous dog character on the moon. In 1968, Snoopy was chosen as the symbol of NASA's safety programme. Astronauts introduced the ”Silver Snoopy Award” to recognize people or companies who contributed significantly to “the success of human space flight missions.” 

Omega received the award in 1970 for its contributions to space exploration and the Speedmaster’s vital support during the rescue of Apollo 13.info: xtime-store

Coming exactly 50 years from that event, the new Speedmaster “Silver Snoopy Award” 50th Anniversary created lot of buzz among watch enthusiasts and collectors, especially for its unprecedented animation on the caseback that makes this edition different from any other Speedmaster special edition.info: xtime-store

The watch comes in stainless steel and measures 42 mm in diameter, the typical size of the Moonwatch. Compared to it, the new model is slightly thicker at 14.47 mm, sapphire crystal included (vs. 14.26 mm). info: xtime-store

With its typical lyra lugs and asymmetrical design, the case is equipped with a blue ceramic [ZrO2] fixed bezel with a tachymeter scale. Water resistance is 50 metres / 165 feet.info: xtime-store

The dial is crafted from silver as remarked by the "Ag925" central engraving. The silver background provides the ideal contrast to the three blue subdials. The 30-minute and 12-hour chronograph counters are positioned at 3 and 6 o'clock and have a snailed finish. info: xtime-store

The Snoopy character makes its first appearance at 9 o'clock in the embossed silver medallion on the blue subdial reproducing the silver pin that NASA astronauts give to award recipients. The milestone of the 50 years of the Silver Snoopy Award is celebrated with the “50th Anniversary” text. info: xtime-store

The angle-shaped hour markers and hands are also blue to perfectly harmonise with the ensemble. The blue colour will change its hue depending on the light of the environment and the angle. info: xtime-store

Super-LumiNova is used for the central hands (hours, minutes and chronograph seconds) as well as for the hour markers. The tachymeter scale of the ceramic bezel has not been treated with luminescent material. Instead, white enamel has been used for longer-lasting whiteness and durability.info: xtime-store

While turning the watch, be prepared to something special. The lower half of the sapphire crystal is decorated with a photorealistic representation of the moon surface created using a unique micro-structured metallisation. In the upper half, our beautiful Earth and the quote “Eyes on the Stars” stand out against a starry black sky.info: xtime-store

The Earth is connected to the running seconds of the subdial at 9 o’clock thus making one turn per minute.  

An amazing spectacle starts when the chronograph seconds hand is in use: after a while, Snoopy and his black and white Command and Service Module (CSM), placed on an almost invisible sweeping hand, appears while orbiting around the moon, just to disappear again behind the moon after 34 seconds. The  special hand is made of silica glass using a subtractive manufacturing process.info: xtime-store

To have a better idea of the resulting effect, you can watch this short clip from our Instagram channel.

The NAIAD LOCK keeps all caseback engravings in the correct, upright position. These include the date in 1970 that Omega received the Silver Snoopy Award, as well as a tribute to the legendary Apollo 13 mission that same year. info: xtime-store

Inside, the hand-wound Omega Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 3861 - updated version of Calibre 861 / 1861 - the beats at the frequency of 3 Hz (21,600 vibrations per hour) with a power reserve of 50 hours when fully wound.  

This movement features a co-axial escapement and a free-sprung balance with silicon balance spring. A certified Master Chronometer approved by METAS, it is resistant to magnetic fields reaching 15,000 gauss. 

The watch is fitted with a nylon fabric strap in a blue tone that perfectly matches the blue of the dial and the ceramic bezel. info: xtime-store

Secured to the wrist by a stainless steel pin buckle, the strap is meticulously finished and features the trajectory of the Apollo 13 mission embossed on the lining.info: xtime-store

Different from any other Speedmaster models and executed with absolute care for details, the Omega Speedmaster “Silver Snoopy Award” 50th Anniversary ref. 310.32.42.50.02.001 will certainly gratify the playful side (and we all have it) of watch collectors and enthusiasts. 

The watch is not a limited edition and is delivered in a special Apollo 13 presentation box, with a microfiber cleaning cloth, a brochure, and a magnifying lens. The indicative retail price is Euro 9,700 (including VAT) / US$ 9,600  (excluding sales taxes).info: xtime-store