What do a luxury Swiss watch and a cartoon beagle have in common?
The Omega Snoopy watch story begins with one of the most dramatic moments in NASA’s history: the Apollo 13 mission. What started as a near-tragedy in space became a powerful symbol of precision, survival, and tribute—immortalized through the Speedmaster and its connection to the beloved Peanuts character, Snoopy. Today, that story continues to captivate collectors and space enthusiasts alike.
The Omega Snoopy Watch isn’t just a collector’s item—it’s a tribute to timing, survival, and NASA’s ultimate recognition. And today, its legacy continues, even in affordable forms like the Swatch MoonSwatch lineup. Let’s rewind to understand how it all started—with Apollo 13.
Apollo 13: A Mission Gone Wrong
On April 11, 1970, Apollo 13 launched toward the Moon. But 55 hours into the mission, an oxygen tank in the service module exploded—crippling the spacecraft and triggering the now-famous words:
“Houston, we’ve had a problem.”
The command module lost power and life-support systems. The crew—Jim Lovell, Jack Swigert, and Fred Haise—had to retreat into the lunar module, originally designed for just two astronauts for two days.
To survive, they needed to make a precise course correction. With onboard computers down, their only option was a manual engine burn, lasting exactly 14 seconds—no more, no less.
With no digital timing available, the astronauts used the Omega Speedmaster Professional, the only NASA-certified chronograph for space missions at the time. When every second counted, the astronauts used their Speedmasters to time a precise 14-second engine burn—critical to adjusting their return trajectory.
That moment became one of the most iconic uses of a wristwatch in history. No tech backup. No automation. Just the pure, reliable mechanics of Swiss watchmaking.
The manoeuvre worked, and the crew made it home safely.
Why Omega Received the Silver Snoopy Award
NASA doesn’t hand out praise lightly. But for safeguarding the lives of astronauts, Omega received the Silver Snoopy Award—the highest honour NASA astronauts can give to civilians or organizations.
Why Snoopy? The beloved Peanuts character served as NASA’s safety mascot during the Apollo era. Astronauts saw Snoopy as a good luck charm—one with a nose for danger and a paw on precision.
When Omega received the award, it wasn’t just about craftsmanship—it was a thank-you for saving lives.
A Timeline of Omega Snoopy Editions
To commemorate this prestigious award, Omega has released four Snoopy-themed Speedmasters—each a collector’s dream.
2003: The First Omega Snoopy Watch
Omega’s first Snoopy tribute came in 2003, marking over three decades since the Apollo 13 mission and the award itself.
- Design Highlights: A subtle yet meaningful execution—Snoopy appears in a space suit on the 9 o’clock sub-dial, along with the Silver Snoopy Award logo on the caseback.
- Limited to 5,441 pieces, a nod to the length of the Apollo 13 mission (142 hours, 54 minutes, and 41 seconds).
- The dial remained mostly traditional Speedmaster, appealing to purists with a touch of whimsical homage.
- It flew under the radar initially but has become highly sought-after in today’s vintage market.
2015: “What Could You Do in 14 Seconds?”
The 45th anniversary of Apollo 13 brought a bolder tribute—and it struck a chord with both collectors and casual fans.
- Design Highlights: This version features a crisp white dial, black sub-dials, and comic-style artwork of Snoopy laying on the dial at 9 o’clock, accompanied by the quote: “What could you do in 14 seconds?”
- Around the dial, there’s a luminous mission timeline marking the crucial seconds that saved the astronauts.
- The caseback features an engraved Snoopy medallion set against a dark blue enamel background.
- Limited to 1,970 pieces, honoring the year of the Apollo 13 mission.
2020: Silver Snoopy Award 50th Anniversary Edition
Released in October 2020, this is arguably the most technically impressive and visually striking Snoopy edition yet.
- Design Highlights: A silver dial with blue sub-dials and accents. Snoopy is shown in a command module at 9 o’clock, surrounded by the Silver Snoopy Award badge.
- But the real magic is on the caseback: a rotating Earth and an animated Snoopy in a command module orbiting the moon, driven by the watch’s movement.
- Omega used a Naiad Lock caseback to keep the artwork perfectly aligned, a detail much appreciated by enthusiasts.
- This edition is not limited, but extremely hard to get at retail due to overwhelming demand.
From Speedmaster to MoonSwatch: The Affordable Space Watch Legacy
Omega’s space legacy once seemed reserved for collectors and connoisseurs. But thanks to its collaboration with Swatch, the iconic Speedmaster silhouette—and space history—is now more accessible than ever.
The MoonSwatch lineup delivers bold colorways, playful interpretations, and planet-themed models at a fraction of the price. Each one captures the spirit of exploration and design Omega is known for.
The latest drop in the MoonSwatch series is the Omega x Swatch MoonSwatch Mission to Earthphase Moonshine Gold, blending Swatch’s playful DNA with Omega’s luxury heritage. With Moonshine Gold accents and an ethereal look, it pays homage to the moon’s beauty—and the Speedmaster’s historic lunar journey.
This brings a piece of that heritage closer to the wrists of collectors everywhere—not through compromise, but through clever reinvention. It’s a reminder that horological history doesn’t have to live behind a display case. Sometimes, it ticks right along with you.
Why the Omega Snoopy Legacy Still Matters Today
Omega’s partnership with NASA, its role in Apollo 13, and the Snoopy watches it inspired are more than marketing—they’re a chronicle of resilience, engineering, and human ingenuity.
When you wear an Omega Snoopy or even a Swatch MoonSwatch, you’re not just wearing a timepiece. You’re carrying a story of survival, space travel, and the timeless quest for precision.
And thanks to the growing MoonSwatch universe, that story is now more accessible than ever.
