Omega Speedmaster and Snoopy: Three References from True Enthusiasts.

In fact, the connection between Snoopy and NASA began in the 1960s, when Charles M. Schulz began drawing comics featuring the adorable little dog on the moon. These comics captured the attention of the public, which was exalted by American space adventures, and solidified Snoopy as a symbol of exploration. 

In 1968, when NASA was looking for a "face" for its security program, Snoopy was the obvious choice. Not only did he play a "watchdog" in charge of security, but he represented the success of the entire mission while downplaying serious situations. 

In fact, Snoopy was so beloved by NASA astronauts that they created very prestigious award named after him. Designed by Charles M. Schulz, the Silver Snoopy Award shows a beagle in a spacesuit wearing his famous Flying Ace scarf. 

The award is presented by the astronauts themselves to people or companies they believe have contributed significantly to "the success of man's space missions." To be personally honored by the crew is considered a very high honor. Since 1968, it has been awarded to no more than 1 percent of those who meet the established criteria, confirming how rare and special it is. 

How did Omega manage to receive such a prestigious award in 1970? 

The Swiss watchmaker has been an invaluable support for NASA since the Omega Speedmaster was declared, "flight-qualified for all man's space missions" in 1965. The chronograph was then the astronauts' trusted instrument during some of their most important hours, eventually becoming the first watch worn on the Moon in 1969. 

But it was with Apollo 13, in 1970, that best represented the accurate OMEGA precision and "safety" guaranteed by Snoopy. 

When an oxygen tank exploded on board just two days after launch, the crew was quickly moved to the Lunar Module. However, this spacecraft was not built to support that many people for a long time. Therefore, to conserve power, the astronauts turned off almost all power - making their digital timers obsolete. 

Apollo 13 faced many serious challenges in the days that followed as NASA worked tirelessly to resolve an increasingly shaky situation. However, in the final stages, intervening was Omega's mechanical excellence. The mission had strayed from its planned path, which meant that the module would re-enter Earth's atmosphere at the wrong angle and then bounce back into space with no chance of recovery. Thus, in order to manually readjust the spacecraft's path, the engine required a 14-second burn. 

There was no room for error. Without their digital timers, the crew led by Commander James Lovell used OMEGA Speedmaster chronographs. 

With great relief, the maneuver worked to perfection and finally, on April 17, Apollo 13 arrived safely on Earth. 

In recognition of all its contributions, including that incredible mission, Omega received its Silver Snoopy Award on Monday, Oct. 5, 1970. The 925 silver pin was given by astronaut Thomas P. Stafford, Apollo 10 commander, along with a "Manned Flight Awareness" certificate signed by the Apollo 13 crew, including James Lovell, Jack Swigert and Fred Haise. From that moment, the stories of Snoopy and Omega were forever intertwined, forever sharing a special journey through the years and between the stars. 

The Swiss manufacturer, for its part, wanted to celebrate this event with customized special series. The first in and the next two five years apart. The reception, especially at first, was mixed. To first-time purists, the Snoopy on the dial made their mouths twitch a bit. Some criticized the use of a cartoon on an almost "sacred" object like the Speedmaster. History tells us, however, that within a few days Omega dealers were flooded with requests and the watch sold out probably without ever having been displayed in the window. Those, however, who elbowed their way in to "grab it," perhaps even paying a premium for it, now own a piece that full set and in impeccable condition is worth well over 20,000 euros.

The first series of the 2003 Speedmaster Professional Snoopy "Eyes on the Stars" ref. 3578.51.00 .It was 2003 when Omega decided to make a special series of the Speedmaster commemorating the Snoopy Award received from NASA on October 5, 1970 for "services" rendered during the Apollo 13 mission that ended in April of that year. Only 5,441 pieces were produced, a number derived from the time of that mission: 142 hours, 54 minutes and 41 seconds. Distinctive feature is the presence of the patch with the famous bracelet, either in polychrome enamel on the dial over the continuous seconds counter or in a disc in the center of the case back.

Lhe second series of 2015 Speedmaster Professional 45th Silver Snoopy Award ref. 311.32.42.30.04.003 - Tribute to the 45th Anniversary of Apollo 13 and to the Silver Snoopy Award that Omega subsequently received from NASA, this model features a white dial with a "Failure is not an option" comic strip at 12 o'clock with the little Snoopy placed inside the summing box at 9 o'clock. On the case back, a medallion with a 925 silver Snoopy, echoing the award patch, "floats" on a blue enamel.

The third series in 2020 Speedmaster "Silver Snoopy Award" 50th Anniversary Ref. 310.32.42.50.02.001 - To pass on the history of the iconic Speedmaster design, Omega has included a 42mm stainless steel case in this model, inspired by the legendary 4th generation style of the chronograph (known for being the first watch worn on the moon) .On the case back, Snoopy appears inside his Command and Service Module (CMS) on a "magic hand." When the chronograph seconds hand is used, Snoopy goes around the dark side of the Moon, which has been decorated with sapphire crystal, using a unique micro-structured metallization technique. There is also a disc depicting the Earth, which rotates once a minute, synchronized with the watch's small seconds hand. Thewatch is powered by the OMEGA Co-Axial Master Chronometer caliber 3861, the latest version of the legendary Moonwatch movement. It took four years to create a caliber in line with Master Chronometer certification standards while respecting the dimensions of the previous Moonwatch movement, the 1861.

For more than half a century, Snoopy has been the guardian of NASA's space safety program; he is a symbol of space mission success and helps people find the lighter side of things even in the most serious situations. Since 1968, the "Silver Snoopy Award" has been presented to individuals or companies who have contributed significantly to the "success of manned spaceflight missions.