The Omega Speedmaster Silver Snoopy Award 50th Anniversary and the MoonSwatch editions—officially named the Omega x Swatch Snoopy MoonSwatch Misson To The Moonphase Full Moon for the white edition and the New Moon for the black edition—illustrate a profound blend of space exploration themes and cultural iconography within the world of horology. These timepieces honor the historical Apollo missions and cater to distinct segments of the watch enthusiast community through their unique narratives and varied pricing strategies.
Designer: OMEGA
Before diving into the MoonSwatch edition, let’s briefly look at the Omega Speedmaster Silver Snoopy Award 50th Anniversary. Introduced on October 5, 2020, this timepiece marks a significant celebration of Omega’s pivotal role in the safe return of the Apollo 13 mission. For its contributions, NASA awarded Omega the “Silver Snoopy,” a symbol of safety and outstanding achievement. The watch intertwines precise timekeeping with an engaging story, highlighted by an animated depiction of Snoopy, the beloved Peanuts character, orbiting the moon in a command module. Visible through the sapphire crystal case back, this animation serves as a creative tribute to Omega’s contributions to space exploration.
Celebrating a momentous half-century milestone, the Omega Speedmaster marks the 50th anniversary of receiving NASA’s esteemed Silver Snoopy Award with a special edition timepiece that embodies the brand’s rich legacy of space exploration and innovative design. Known for its historic role as the first watch on the moon and a participant in all six lunar missions, the Speedmaster epitomizes Omega’s adventurous and pioneering spirit.
This commemorative model honors the five decades since Omega was recognized by NASA for its significant contributions to space exploration. The watch features a beautiful 42mm stainless steel case paired elegantly with a blue nylon strap, which subtly incorporates the trajectory of the Apollo 12 mission on its embossed lining, merging historical reverence with contemporary style.
The dial of this unique timepiece is rendered in a refined silver-tone, complemented by blue PVD hour markers and hands and three striking blue subdials. A standout feature is the 9 o’clock subdial, where Snoopy is depicted as an embossed silver medallion, celebrating the enduring partnership between Omega and the iconic Peanuts character.
However, it is the caseback that truly transforms this watch into a statement piece. Through the sapphire crystal, an animated Snoopy aboard his Command and Service Module is vividly animated on a special hand mechanism. This feature, activated by the chronograph function, simulates Snoopy’s journey through space. At the same time, an Earth disc rotates in the background, completing one full rotation every minute to correspond with the small seconds hand, adding a dynamic visual element to the watch’s design.
Powered by Omega’s 3861 calibre movement, a clear demonstration of the brand’s horological expertise, this timepiece serves as a dynamic celebration of Omega’s storied achievements on Earth and beyond. Each element of the watch, from the METAS-certified OMEGA Master Chronometer movement to its artistic and functional details, underscores Omega’s commitment to excellence and adventure. This Speedmaster encapsulates a narrative of heroic pasts and infinite frontiers.
New Omega × Swatch Speedmaster MoonSwatch Misson To The Moonphase Full Moon and New Moon
On a more accessible level, the MoonSwatch editions, specifically named Omega x Swatch Snoopy MoonSwatch Mission To The Moonphase Full Moon for the white version and New Moon for the black, bring a playful touch to the same space-themed legacy. Molded from Bioceramic materials, these watches merge Omega’s renowned watchmaking expertise with Swatch’s innovative, design-centric approach. The “Snoopy MoonSwatch” mirrors the luminous full moon with its white hue, while the New Moon edition embodies the hidden aspects of the lunar cycle with its deep black color. Each version boasts a moonphase complication at the 2 o’clock position, adorned with Snoopy and Woodstock, which enhances the watch’s functionality and adds a whimsical element tied deeply to the lunar cycle.
Designer: Swatch and OMEGA
The MoonSwatch editions are designed for everyday wear or as an introductory piece for new collectors. They offer an accessible entry price point into the theme of space exploration without the significant investment typically associated with luxury watches. Their playful designs and historical motifs are intended to engage a broader audience, making the celebrated theme of space exploration enjoyable and attainable.
The straps for the MoonSwatch’s Full Moon and New Moon editions are thoughtfully designed to complement each watch’s unique themes. The Full Moon edition features a white Velcro strap, while the New Moon edition comes with a black Velcro strap, each enhancing both comfort and durability. These straps feature tone-on-tone stitching and bear the Omega and Swatch logo inscriptions, underscoring the collaboration between the two brands.
The use of Velcro allows for easy adjustability and a snug fit, making the straps ideal for everyday wear and ensuring that the watch remains securely on the wrist during various activities. This choice of material aligns with the overall design philosophy of the MoonSwatch series, which aims to be casual, fun, and user-friendly.
Although these watches haven’t been declared limited editions, they are only available at select stores worldwide, and customers are limited to purchasing one watch per day. When we attempted to line up at a Swatch store in Nagoya, Japan, to purchase one, the line was hundreds deep. Suffice it to say, we didn’t stick around.
Bridging Time and Space: The Omega Speedmaster and MoonSwatch Snoopy Editions Unite Tradition and Innovation
Both the Omega Speedmaster Silver Snoopy Award 50th Anniversary and the MoonSwatch Snoopy editions—Full Moon and the New Moon — celebrate the spirit of adventure and the role of Snoopy as NASA’s safety mascot. They do so across different market segments, appealing respectively to seasoned collectors and those seeking a stylish, affordable piece of space-themed memorabilia. Each watch tells the time and narrates a story of human achievement in space, employing various styles and materials to connect with audiences who share a fascination with the cosmos and the narratives we construct about our extraterrestrial journeys.
The Omega Speedmaster’s story shows its ongoing iconic status, enhanced by collaborations that broaden its legacy with new designs and formats centered on space exploration and cultural significance. Whether drawn to its nostalgia, design, function, or the excitement of the collaboration, these editions confirm the Omega Speedmaster’s enduring presence in the horology world.
Do you value this collaboration between Omega and Swatch, especially if you already own or intend to own the Speedmaster Silver Snoopy Award 50th Anniversary? If not, given the chance, would you contemplate acquiring the black, white, or both MoonSwatch Snoopy editions? We’re eager to hear your thoughts.
