The Collaboration between Omega, NASA, and Snoopy: A Historic Journey

The Omega Speedmaster was originally designed in 1957 for motorsports timekeeping. In the 1960s, after being among the few chronographs tested by NASA that could handle the conditions of space travel, the Speedmaster became the only watch certified for manned space flight and was included in the official equipment for the Apollo space flights, culminating in the first moon landing in 1969.

 

Photo source: Omega

 

Snoopy was introduced to Omega watches in collaboration with NASA and Peanuts Worldwide. The idea of using a recognizable character to symbolize NASA's mission was proposed by the director of public affairs at Houston's Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center. The creator of Peanuts, Charles Schulz, a strong supporter of the US space program, offered the images of his character Snoopy for free. Snoopy became the representative mascot for NASA's space program.

 

 

Photo source: Fratello Watches

 

During the Apollo 13 mission in 1970, crew member Jack Swigert used the Omega Speedmaster to time the critical maneuver that ensured their safe return after an oxygen tank explosion jeopardized the mission. Omega's important contribution to space flight safety and mission success led to the brand receiving the prestigious Silver Snoopy Award from NASA.

 

Photo source: Omega

 

Omega released the first edition of the Speedmaster Silver Snoopy in 2003 as a tribute to the Apollo 13 mission and its award. The watch was produced in a limited run of 5,441 pieces, representing a total mission duration of 142 hours, 54 minutes, and 41 seconds. The second edition was released in 2015 to commemorate the 45th anniversary of Apollo 13, produced in a limited run of 1,970 pieces.

 

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The latest edition of the Silver Snoopy was released in 2020 on the 50th anniversary of Apollo 13. It features a dark blue color scheme inspired by the original NASA patches used during the mission, with Snoopy's rocket ship traveling across the case and a depiction of the Earth and its galaxy on the case back.

 

Photo source: Omega x Swatch

 

Recently, Omega released a new version of their popular MoonSwatch with a white bioceramic case featuring Snoopy. The high level of excitement surrounding this model has already led to prices going higher than retail on the market.

 

Given the upcoming anniversary milestones of the Apollo 13 mission (55 years) and the iconic film (30 years), Omega enthusiasts can expect exciting new products from the brand in 2025.