# Omega Speedmaster Silver Snoopy Award 50th Anniversary – A Detailed Review The Omega Speedmaster Silver Snoopy Award 50th Anniversary is a celebration of a quirky piece of space‑related history wrapped in a fully functional chronograph. Launched in 2020 to mark the half‑century of the “Silver Snoopy Award” that Omega received from NASA astronauts in 1970, the watch blends the brand’s classic Speedmaster aesthetic with a playful, animated case‑back that moves in sync with the chronograph. Housed in a 42 mm stainless‑steel case, it sports a silver dial laser‑engraved with pure Ag925, blue PVD‑finished hour markers, and two blue sub‑dials. The movement is Omega’s Co‑Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 3861, a manual‑winding calibre that carries the brand’s modern chronometer certification. Finished with a blue nylon fabric strap and a water‑resistance rating of 50 m, the piece is priced at US $11 900 and is produced as a non‑limited model. Below we break down how this tribute watches stacks up in heritage, design, performance, wearability, and overall value. ## Heritage — the model's place in the brand's line and its launch context Omega’s Speedmaster line is synonymous with space‑flight heritage, and the Silver Snoopy Award 50th Anniversary sits squarely within that narrative. The watch commemorates the “Silver Snoopy Award” that Omega was presented with by NASA astronauts in 1970—a token of appreciation for the brand’s contributions to space exploration, notably the Apollo 13 mission. Rather than being a limited‑edition collector’s item, Omega positioned this model as a regular production piece, allowing a broader audience to own a watch that references a historic accolade. The model was introduced in 2020, exactly fifty years after the original award was bestowed. It forms part of Omega’s “Anniversary Series” – a sub‑line that revisits iconic moments in the brand’s timeline with contemporary technology. In the broader Speedmaster portfolio, the Silver Snoopy sits alongside the more conventional Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch (reference 310.30.42.50.01.002, launched 2021 with an approximate price of US $7 400). While the Moonwatch remains the baseline chronograph for enthusiasts, the Snoopy edition adds a narrative layer, targeting collectors who value storytelling as much as technical merit. ## Design & Case — case dimensions, materials, dial At first glance, the Silver Snoopy makes a confident statement. Its 42 mm stainless‑steel case is a size that Omega has long used for the Speedmaster, offering a balanced presence on the wrist without veering into the oversized territory that has become common in recent years. The case’s finish is polished, and the bezel retains the classic tachymeter scale, subtly integrated beneath the blue‑PVD hour markers. The dial is where the watch truly differentiates itself. It is a silver‑coloured canvas laser‑engraved with pure Ag925 (sterling silver), giving it a tactile, slightly brushed texture that catches light in a way that a flat black dial cannot. Two blue sub‑dials sit at the 3 o’clock and 9 o’clock positions, echoing the colour of the hour‑marker accents and the strap. The hour‑hand, minute‑hand, and chronograph seconds hand are all finished in a matching blue PVD, and the hour markers themselves are angle‑shaped, adding a modern geometric flair while still respecting the Speedmaster’s heritage. The case‑back is arguably the watch’s pièce de résistance. Omega calls it the “NAIAD LOCK” case‑back, featuring a sapphire crystal that is micro‑structured with metallisation to depict the far side of the Moon. Within this backdrop, an animated Snoopy – depicted in his Command and Service Module – is rendered on a “magical hand” that rotates whenever the chronograph is activated. This kinetic element is not merely decorative; it is mechanically linked to the chronograph’s start‑stop function, providing a playful visual cue each time the timing function is used. The watch is supplied on a blue nylon fabric strap, a nod to the aerospace heritage of the brand and a comfortable, breathable alternative to leather or metal bracelets. The strap’s colour ties the whole composition together, echoing the blue accents on the dial and case‑back. ## Movement & Performance — caliber, power reserve, accuracy Powering the Silver Snoopy is Omega’s Co‑Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 3861. This is a manual‑winding movement that incorporates Omega’s Co‑Axial escapement, a design that reduces friction and theoretically extends service intervals. As a Master Chronometer, the calibre has passed METAS (the Swiss Federal Institute of Metrology) testing, which includes stringent criteria for precision, magnetic resistance, and overall robustness. While the source data does not disclose the exact power reserve, the Calibre 3861 in other Omega applications typically offers a respectable reserve that comfortably covers a full day of wear, provided the wearer winds the watch regularly. The movement is fully visible through the sapphire crystal case‑back, allowing owners to appreciate the finishing of the bridges, the oscillating weight, and the animated Snoopy mechanism. The watch’s water resistance is rated at 50 m, making it suitable for everyday exposure to rain or short swims, but not intended for diving. Omega backs the piece with its standard five‑year warranty, underscoring confidence in the movement’s durability and finishing. Because the watch is a manual‑wind chronograph, it requires regular winding and manual activation of the chronograph function to see the Snoopy animation. This interactive aspect adds a layer of user engagement that is rare in contemporary chronographs that often rely on automatic winding. ## On the Wrist — wearability, lug‑to‑lug, comfort notes The 42 mm case sits comfortably on most wrist sizes, though it will feel more prominent on smaller wrists. The lug‑to‑lug spread is not specified in the source material, but based on typical Speedmaster proportions, it is likely around 48 mm, providing a balanced silhouette that does not overhang the wrist excessively. The stainless‑steel case, while robust, adds a noticeable weight; however, the blue nylon strap helps offset this by offering a lighter, more flexible wearing experience compared to a metal bracelet. The strap’s fabric construction is breathable, reducing the likelihood of sweat buildup during extended wear. Its quick‑release spring bars make strap changes straightforward, allowing owners to swap to a leather or metal bracelet if they wish to dress the watch up for more formal occasions. The animated case‑back is a delightful tactile feature. When the chronograph is engaged, the Snoopy figure rotates, providing a subtle, kinetic visual that can be appreciated by the wearer without being ostentatious. The case‑back’s sapphire crystal also offers excellent scratch resistance, protecting the artwork for years. Overall, the watch feels solid yet wearable. The manual‑wind nature means the wearer must remember to wind the watch daily, a habit that may be seen as a drawback for those accustomed to automatic movements. Nevertheless, for enthusiasts who enjoy the ritual of winding, the experience is rewarding. ## When to Wear — occasion, setting and dress‑code fit The Speedmaster Silver Snoopy straddles the line between heritage‑driven dress watch and conversational‑piece sports chronograph. Its polished stainless‑steel case and silver‑toned dial allow it to pair well with business attire, especially when paired with a leather strap. The blue accents add a pop of colour that can complement a navy suit or a crisp white shirt, making it suitable for smart‑casual environments such as board meetings, presentations, or upscale dinners. Conversely, the animated Snoopy case‑back and the blue nylon strap inject a playful, informal vibe that works perfectly for weekend outings, casual gatherings, or events where a touch of personality is welcome. The watch’s 50 m water resistance makes it safe for everyday activities, including light water exposure, but it should not be considered a dive watch. Because the watch references a specific NASA award, it also finds a natural home at space‑enthusiast meet‑ups, watch collector shows, or any setting where storytelling is appreciated. However, the animation is subtle enough that it does not dominate the aesthetic, allowing the piece to transition smoothly from a casual coffee meet‑up to a more formal dinner without looking out of place. ## Value & Verdict — price‑positioning + final take At a retail price of US $11 900, the Speedmaster Silver Snoopy sits at the higher end of Omega’s chronograph range. Compared with the standard Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch, which retails around US $7 400, the Snoopy edition commands a premium of roughly $4 500. That premium is justified primarily by the unique case‑back animation, the special edition branding, and the use of sterling‑silver laser‑engraving on the dial. From a purely technical standpoint, the watch shares the same calibre family as other contemporary Speedmasters, offering the same Co‑Axial Master Chronometer performance. The added value, therefore, is largely aesthetic and emotional – the animation, the tribute to the 1970 award, and the limited‑edition feel (despite being non‑limited in production). For collectors who value narrative and exclusivity, the Snoopy model offers a compelling proposition. For the everyday wearer who prioritises pure chronograph performance without the novelty factor, the standard Moonwatch may present a more cost‑effective choice. However, for those who appreciate a watch that tells a story, engages the wearer with moving artwork, and still delivers Omega’s renowned build quality, the Speedmaster Silver Snoopy Award 50th Anniversary is a worthy investment. **Verdict:** The watch succeeds in marrying heritage with modern flair. Its design is striking without being garish, the movement is reliable, and the animated case‑back adds a unique, interactive element rarely seen in this price segment. While the manual‑wind requirement and higher price point may deter some, the overall package delivers a distinctive, well‑crafted chronograph that honors a unique slice of space‑flight history. For enthusiasts who want a Speedmaster that stands out on the wrist and in the story‑telling department, the Silver Snoopy is an excellent, albeit premium‑priced, choice.