Omega Speedmaster "Snoopy Award" 3578.51.00 mechanical 42 mm Full Set

The story

Not so long ago, Omega presented a special edition of its famous Speedmaster, for the 50th anniversary of the “Silver Snoopy Award”. On the dial and back of the watch, it featured a little character well known to comic book fans: Snoopy. But what is the relationship between one of the most famous watch models and this comic book character?

To find out, we need to know why NASA chose Snoopy as its mascot! The space agency chose the famous dog as its icon in 1968 to pay tribute to successful missions and to bring good luck to crews on future missions, as he always keeps his good humor, even in the most dramatic situations. The Silver Snoopy Award was created the same year.

Tribute to the success of the Apollo 13 mission

The model we present to you today, was launched on the occasion of the presentation of the Silver Snoopy Award to OMEGA in 1970 for its participation in the rescue of the Apollo 13 crew. Indeed, the Apollo 13 crew used the Omega Speedmaster to time the rocket ignition, both to shorten the estimated time of return to Earth and to reduce speed by increasing the angle of the flight path for re-entry into the Earth's atmosphere. This 14-second operation was crucial, as any error in timing could have resulted in an incorrect entry angle and, consequently, catastrophe.

In recognition of the Speedmaster's and Omega's contribution to the mission's success, the crew presented Omega with a Silver Snoopy Award in October 1970.

This version consists of a fairly simple Speedmaster, but with the “Eyes on the Stars” logo on the small seconds and sapphire crystal caseback. This is in fact the illustration on which the Silver Snoopy Award is based, and is said to have been drawn and donated free of charge by Charles M. Schulz.

This version was produced in a limited edition of 5,441, a figure that recalls the duration of the Apollo 13 mission: 142 hours, 54 minutes and 41 seconds.

Caliber 1861

At the heart of the watch is Calibre 1861, the natural evolution of Calibre 861 which equipped many Moonwatch models. Coated with a more corrosion-resistant rhodium plating, it offered the same frequency as the caliber 861, 21,600 vib/h, and was equipped with the same Delrin® chronograph shuttle and brake, designed to protect the chronograph seconds hand teeth from wear and friction. A classic, reliable and historic movement!

The package

This commemorative Speedmaster is one of the most sought-after and rare! In excellent condition, it is delivered Full Set. It has been authenticated and inspected by our Omega-approved watchmaker, and as such benefits from the Lepage Vintage 1-year warranty.