A Brief History of the Speedmaster & Snoopy

Few watches enjoy a mythology quite like the Omega Speedmaster. Already cemented in history as the first watch worn on the Moon, the Speedmaster achieved legendary status during the Apollo 13 mission. With the crew relying on their Speedmaster to time a critical 14-second engine burn, Omega was later honoured with NASA’s prestigious Silver Snoopy Award — a recognition personally given by astronauts for outstanding contributions to flight safety.

Snoopy, already NASA’s unofficial safety mascot, became forever woven into the Speedmaster story. It’s a partnership that blends genuine aerospace achievement with a playful, uniquely human touch. The Snoopy connection has even appeared more recently in the Omega × Swatch MoonSwatch collaborations, where a special edition with Snoopy on the moonphase brought the cartoon beagle back into the cultural spotlight.

Looking Back at Previous Snoopy Editions

Omega’s first Snoopy Speedmaster arrived in 2003, featuring a jubilant Snoopy in a spacesuit on the dial. In 2015, for the 45th anniversary of Apollo 13, Omega released another limited edition — this time with a white dial, glow-in-the-dark Snoopy on his doghouse and the iconic film line “Failure is not an option”. Both editions were produced in small numbers and now command strong premiums on the secondary market.

In 2020 came the watch we’re handling today: the Speedmaster Silver Snoopy Award 50th Anniversary, reference 310.32.42.50.02.001. Unlike previous versions, this model isn’t a numbered limited edition — but demand has been just as feverish. And after spending time with one, it’s easy to understand why.

Design & Details: Blue, Silver, and Bags of Character

The watch uses the classic 42 mm Speedmaster case, complete with lyre lugs and a blue ceramic tachymetre bezel — complete with the all-important Dot-over-Ninety.

The dial is where the first surprise appears. Omega uses a beautiful silver Ag925 base, paired with three blue sub-dials for a reversed “blue panda” look. The hour markers and hands are treated in blue PVD to match. At 9 o’clock sits a silver Snoopy medallion, designed in the exact style of the award pin astronauts give out. It’s a wonderful detail — subtle enough not to feel gimmicky, yet full of charm once you notice it.

The blue nylon strap, stitched in white, is comfortable and suits the watch perfectly. On the inside you’ll find the Apollo 13 flight path neatly embossed — a delightful Easter egg for enthusiasts who love a bit of historical flair.

Movement: The Modern Master Chronometer

Inside beats Omega’s Calibre 3861, a hand-wound Master Chronometer movement with a co-axial escapement, METAS-certified precision and anti-magnetic resistance up to 15,000 gauss. It offers around 50 hours of power reserve and represents a meaningful upgrade from the older 1861.

It’s a nice blend of old and new: the traditional winding ritual of a classic Speedmaster, paired with thoroughly modern reliability and accuracy.

The Caseback: Where the Magic Happens

Let’s be honest — the caseback is where this watch truly separates itself.

Instead of a standard sapphire window, you get a full animated lunar tableau. A micro-textured Moon sits in the foreground beneath a starry sky, while a tiny Earth rotates once per minute, linked to the small-seconds.

Start the chronograph and Snoopy appears in his Command Module, orbiting the Moon on a hidden hand mechanism. He sweeps across the caseback for exactly 14 seconds — an intentional tribute to that crucial Apollo 13 burn — before disappearing behind the lunar surface again.

It’s whimsical, clever, beautifully engineered and guaranteed to make anyone grin. Even in a world of increasingly complex watchmaking, this remains one of the most joyful complications on the market.

On the Wrist & Final Thoughts

Despite all its storytelling and visual theatrics, the Snoopy is still unmistakably a Speedmaster. The 42 mm case wears comfortably, the dial is legible, and on the wrist it balances fun with genuine refinement. The blue-silver palette gives it versatility — smart enough for a suit, lively enough for the weekend.

What truly makes this model special is how it captures the emotion behind the Apollo 13 story. It’s a celebration of human ingenuity, teamwork and the role a humble watch played in one of NASA’s most dramatic moments.

It’s no surprise the waiting lists have been long and the demand unrelenting. This is one of those rare watches that appeals equally to collectors, space enthusiasts and anyone who simply appreciates a beautifully executed idea.

If you’re considering adding the Silver Snoopy Award to your collection, it’s one of those pieces that feels even better in the hand than you expect — full of character, charm and technical brilliance. And if you’re ready to take the next step, we’re always happy to help source one.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️  Requirement to See in Person  

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆  Versatility  

⭐️⭐️⭐️☆☆  Wrist Presence  

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Design & Aesthetic  

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆  Overall