With nearly two centuries of watchmaking heritage, Omega has a knack for throwing a good party. The brand consistently experiments with bold colours and has produced some wild limited editions (who could forget Mr. Bond).
In a recent venture, the brand had placed a cartoon beagle into a rocket ship and sent it soaring through space.
We are, of course, talking about the Omega Speedmaster “Silver Snoopy Award” 50th Anniversary – a watch that paid direct homage to the very first Silver Snoopy award presented on October 5, 1970, following the infamous Apollo 13 mission.
The reason Snoopy graces Omega watches harks back to the ill-fated Apollo 13 mission, NASA’s seventh crewed endeavour in the Apollo space programme. In April 1970, a critical incident unfolded when an oxygen tank exploded, putting the astronauts in a life-threatening predicament. To navigate this crisis, the astronauts relied on their Omega Speedmaster Professional watches to precisely time engine burns, vital for adjusting their trajectory and ensuring a safe return to Earth. Accurate timing proved indispensable for their survival. In acknowledgment of the pivotal role played by the Speedmaster, NASA bestowed upon Omega the prestigious Silver Snoopy Award, among the highest honours within the space agency.
In the late 1960s, NASA astronauts sought a means to express their gratitude to workers and contractors contributing to the success of their spaceflights. The idea of creating an award emerged, and one NASA employee suggested using the beloved Peanuts character Snoopy due to its widespread popularity.
Peanuts creator Charles M. Schulz generously supported the space programme by allowing NASA to use the Snoopy trademark without charge. Since then, NASA has continued the tradition of presenting the Silver Snoopy Award, creating a lasting connection between Snoopy, Omega watches, and the space agency’s appreciation for exemplary contributions to space exploration.
Since its release in 2020, the Omega Snoopy 50th Anniversary, often referred to simply as the “Omega Silver Snoopy,” has emerged as one of the most sought-after timepieces in the Omega lineup.
The watch’s navy blue subdials and bezel elegantly contrast with the silver dial, creating a visually pleasing aesthetic. Once again, Snoopy makes an appearance in the form of an embossed silver Snoopy medallion on the blue subdial at 9 o’clock. It’s worth noting that while all three watches may be colloquially referred to as Silver Snoopy, this particular model stands out with its unique silver dial. The caseback is adorned with imagery of the moon’s surface, accompanied by the poignant inscription “Eyes on the Stars.”
Distinguishing itself from its predecessors, the 50th Anniversary Silver Snoopy Omega is equipped with the advanced Master Chronometer and houses the modern manual-wind 3861 movement. This represents a departure from the trusted caliber 1861 movement found in numerous Speedmaster Professionals throughout the years. As a result, the Omega Snoopy 50th Anniversary not only commemorates a prestigious award but also showcases cutting-edge technology and craftsmanship, making it a coveted piece among watch enthusiasts and collectors alike.
The enchantment unfolds on the rear of the watch, where an animated portrayal unfolds Snoopy’s cosmic journey in his spacecraft, emerging from behind Earth and gracefully traversing the Moon. This animation intricately links to the central chronograph hand, a connection that Omega has facilitated by utilizing lightweight aluminum for the hand, ensuring sufficient torque for the seamless operation of the animation.
Astronaut Snoopy is perched atop a transparent hand, mirroring the rotation of the chronograph-seconds hand. When observed directly from above, the animation creates a captivating illusion of Snoopy playfully hovering on the back of the case. Changing perspectives reveal the transparent hand in graceful motion, adding an extra layer of dynamic charm to the watch’s design.
This ingenious integration of animation and transparency transforms the case back into a stage where Snoopy takes center stage in a celestial performance.
While the 50th anniversary edition of the Omega Snoopy may not carry the label of a limited edition, its allure and potential as a sought-after timepiece are unmistakable. Drawing inspiration from the growing fascination with older editions, this watch is poised to become a coveted collector’s item. The absence of strict limitations doesn’t diminish its appeal; instead, it opens the door for more enthusiasts to acquire a piece of horological history.
As the demand for vintage and commemorative timepieces continues to rise, the 50th-anniversary Omega Snoopy is positioned to become a sought-after accessory for watch enthusiasts. In the world of horology, where craftsmanship meets storytelling, the 50th-anniversary Snoopy Speedmaster stands out as a timeless piece that transcends mere timekeeping, promising a journey through history for those with a keen eye for aesthetics.
The Omega Snoopy Moonwatch extends beyond the realm of traditional timepieces, capturing hearts with its animated charm. The magic unfolds on the case back, where Snoopy takes center stage in a cosmic ballet. This fusion of horology and artistry exemplifies Omega’s commitment to pushing boundaries and creating watches that transcend mere functionality. The Snoopy animation adds an extra layer of delight, making this timepiece not just a watch but a captivating storytelling device that invites wearers to embark on a celestial journey with everyone’s favourite beagle.
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BQ Watches has a vast inventory of pre-owned luxury watches, and we’re ready to help you find your ideal timepiece. If you don’t see the watch you want in our current inventory, be sure to let our team know. We have comprehensive sourcing services to help you find your dream watch. Get in touch with the team at BQ Watches today to talk watches!
