If you are new to the world of watches and have recently started exploring Omega timepieces, you may have already come across terms like ‘Snoopy’ and ‘Apollo 13’ associated with the Omega brand. While the connection between space and high-end mechanical watches might sound rational and normal, I understand that encountering animated characters in this realm might seem a bit perplexing and unusual at first. However, the connection between Omega, Snoopy, and Apollo 13 is not just a work of fiction; it dates back to the 1960s when it all began. The full story is detailed below.
Snoopy and NASA
The special connection between Snoopy and NASA first started in the 1960s, when Charles M. Schulz began creating comic strips depicting the lovable dog on the moon. Those animations captured public excitement about America’s adventures into space, and established Snoopy as a symbol of exploration.
In 1968, when NASA went in search of a “face” for its safety programme, Snoopy was the obvious choice. Not only would he act as a safety “watchdog”, but he represented total mission success, while also keeping things light in serious situations.
In fact, Snoopy became so beloved by NASA’s own astronauts, that they created a very prestigious prize in his name. Designed by Charles M. Schulz, the Silver Snoopy Award depicts the beagle in a spacesuit and wearing his famous Flying Ace scarf.
The award is presented by the astronauts themselves, and is given to people or companies who they believe have contributed significantly to “the success of human space flight missions.” To be personally recognised by the flight crews in such a way is considered to be a highly esteemed honour within the industry. Since 1968, it has been given to no more than 1% of eligible recipients, proving just how rare and special it is.
Omega, Snoopy and Apollo 13
So how did Omega come to receive such an illustrious honour in 1970? The Swiss watchmaker had been an invaluable support to NASA ever since the Omega Speedmaster was declared, “flight qualified for all manned space missions” in 1965. The chronograph was subsequently trusted by all the astronauts throughout some of their most important hours, and even became the first watch worn on the moon in 1969.
But it was the Apollo 13 mission, in 1970, which best represents Omega’s critical precision, and the “safety” that Snoopy was entrusted with. When an oxygen tank exploded on board, just two days after launch, the crew was quickly moved into the Lunar Module. This craft, however, was not built to support so many people for such a long time. Therefore, to conserve energy, the astronauts shut down nearly all power – rendering their digital timers obsolete.
Apollo 13 faced many serious challenges over the next several days, as NASA worked around the clock to overcome the increasingly volatile situation. It was at the final stages, however, when Omega’s mechanical excellence was called for. Because the mission had drifted off its intended course, it meant that the module would re-enter Earth’s atmosphere at the wrong angle, and bounce back into space with no chance of recovery. Therefore, to manually readjust the course of the craft, an exact 14-second burn of the engine was required.
There was simply no room for error. Without their digital timers, the crew led by Commander James Lovell, instead used their OMEGA Speedmaster chronographs to time the burn. To huge relief, the manoevre worked perfectly, and finally, on April 17th, Apollo 13 splashed safely back to Earth.
In recognition of its overall contributions, including that remarkable mission, Omega received its Silver Snoopy Award on Monday, October 5th, 1970. The unique 925 sterling silver pin was presented by the astronaut Thomas P. Stafford, Commander of Apollo 10, together with a Manned Flight Awareness certificate signed by the crew of Apollo 13, including James Lovell, Jack Swigert and Fred Haise.
Omega and Snoopy: a look at modern watches
In recent history, Omega has released three special editions of the Snoopy watch. The first, the Speedmaster Professional Snoopy 3578.51, was launched in 2003 as a limited edition of 5441 pieces. Apart from the dial, caseback, and packaging, there were no differences from the regular Speedmaster Professional 3570.50.
Speedmaster Professional Apollo 13 Silver Snoopy Award
In 2015, Omega introduced the Speedmaster Professional Apollo 13 Silver Snoopy Award, commemorating the 45th anniversary of the Apollo XIII mission. This limited edition features a white dial, black hands and hour markers, and a black ceramic bezel.
Today, the Speedmaster Professional Apollo 13 Silver Snoopy Award is truly a collectible timepiece that is highly desirable for many collectors.
Omega Speedmaster “Silver Snoopy Award” 50th Anniversary.
The most recent release came in 2020 as the 50th-anniversary piece, the Speedmaster “Silver Snoopy Award” 50th Anniversary. Snoopy, the beloved beagle, takes a prominent role in this timepiece, appearing as an embossed silver medallion on the blue subdial at 9 o’clock, wearing his iconic spacesuit. The silver and laser-engraved Ag925 dial includes two additional blue subdials, as well as blue PVD angle-shaped hour markers and hands.
On the caseback, the fun really begins! This time, Snoopy has gone into orbit, thanks to his animated black and white Command and Service Module (CSM) on a magical hand. When the chronograph seconds hand is in use, Snoopy takes a trip around the mysterious far side of the moon – just like the Apollo 13 crew – with the lunar surface being decorated on the sapphire crystal using a unique micro-structured metallisation.
Despite being part of the regular collection, obtaining the Omega Speedmaster “Silver Snoopy Award” 50th Anniversary can be challenging at boutiques, leading to higher prices on the second-hand market, which are surpassing the retail value.
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