Omega—that one very special brand that releases too many limited editions that are too expensive, which fetch ridiculous prices on the secondary market. These were the initial thoughts flying through my head as I caught the promotional video announcing the new Omega Speedmaster ‘Silver Snoopy Award’ 50th Anniversary Edition. Like the 2015 version released right around the time I started to seriously get into watches, this is by far one of the most beautiful non-standard Speedmasters I’ve ever seen. From an interesting set of materials to the more classic Silver Snoopy imagery (and a neat party trick), this watch really captures what Omega fans should truly expect in a special edition watch. And yes, I’m calling this a special edition because it is in fact, not limited.
Specifically, this third Silver Snoopy Speedmaster is meant to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the moment Omega received the award in 1970. After the Apollo XIII crew used an Omega Speedmaster to time an emergency engine burn—which landed them only three-and-a-half nautical miles from the recovery ship Iwo Jima—NASA deemed it appropriate to award Omega the Silver Snoopy award. This was due to their ability to contribute to the assurance of “flight safety and mission success.” Today, we get an incredible anniversary edition that blows the ridiculous Ed White reissue out of the water.
The new Omega Speedmaster ‘Silver Snoopy Award’ 50th Anniversary Edition features the familiar and modernized 42mm case, a silver dial laser-engraved with Ag925, blue accents along the bezel (with dot over ninety) and sub-dial, and the classic Charles Schulz Snoopy illustration at the 9 o’clock sub-dial. Interestingly, blue PVD was also used for the hands and markers. I didn’t even know blue PVD was a thing. The watch also comes with the METAS-certified OMEGA Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 3861. Yeah, whatever. Let’s talk about that caseback.
Flip the watch over, and what is you get is something Omega is calling a “magic hand.” Essentially, what you find is an enchanting and living illustration of Snoopy riding the command and service module, blasting through the stars around the far side of the moon. There appears to be immense depth to the caseback, and I’d love to one day get the opportunity to test one out and see the party trick for myself. In my opinion, this is not only the perfect followup to the Silver Snoopy release of 2015 but the original edition that was unveiled in 2003.
Omega Speedmaster ‘Silver Snoopy Award’ 50th Anniversary Specs
- Case Diameter: 42mm
- Case Material: Stainless steel
- Water Resistance: 50m
- Movement: Omega Caliber 3861
- Crystal: Sapphire
- Strap: Blue coated nylon fabric strap
- Price: $9,600
I haven’t written an article on TBWS since May of 2020. Nothing has gotten me this excited since—and I’ll leave it at that. Learn more about the Omega Speedmaster ‘Silver Snoopy Award’ 50th Anniversary Edition on the brand’s official site.
Co-Founder & Senior Editor
Michael Peñate is an American writer, photographer, and podcaster based in Seattle, Washington. His work typically focuses on the passage of time and the tools we use to connect with that very journey. From aviation to music and travel, his interests span a multitude of disciplines that often intersect with the world of watches – and the obsessive culture behind collecting them.
I have to admit, that’s seriously cool and that case back is beautifully done. Very creative! Too bad I’ll never be able to afford it or find one.