The Omega Snoopy: A Collector’s Guide
The answer to the question “Why is Snoopy on Omega watches?” is tied to the ill-fated Apollo 13 mission, which was the seventh crewed mission in NASA’s Apollo space program. In April 1970, an oxygen tank exploded on the spacecraft, causing a life-threatening situation. The astronauts used their Omega Speedmaster Professional watches to time engine burns needed to adjust their trajectory for a safe return to Earth. This accurate timing was essential to their survival. In recognition of the critical role played by the Speedmaster, NASA awarded Omega the Silver Snoopy Award, which is one of the highest honors given by the space agency.
In the late 1960’s, NASA astronauts wanted to create an award to emphasize their appreciation for workers (and contractors) that made their spaceflights successful. One NASA employee had the idea of using the famous Peanuts character Snoopy, simply because it would be popular with the public, and it was. Peanuts creator Charles M. Schulz was happy support the space program by letting NASA use the Snoopy trademark for free, and NASA has been giving the Silver Snoopy Award ever since.
What is an Omega Snoopy?
Omega has released three Speedmaster Professional references to commemorate their 1970 Silver Snoopy Award, and these are what collectors refer to as an “Omega Snoopy.” The first one came in 2003, resembling a standard black Omega Speedmaster Professional except for the astronaut Snoopy imagery in the 9 o’clock subdial. A white Snoopy came in 2015 in honor of Apollo 13’s 45th anniversary, and a 50th-anniversary “Silver Snoopy” version was released in 2020. All three are regarded as among the most reliable investment-grade Omega watches.
Is the Omega Snoopy Limited Edition?
The first Omega Snoopy (2003) was limited to 5,441 pieces while the White Snoopy (2015) was limited to only 1,970 pieces. The current Silver Snoopy debuted in 2020 and is not a limited edition.
Why is the Omega Snoopy So Expensive?
Well, it’s really just a matter of supply and demand. The 2003 and 2020 versions trade for about $20,000 as of 2023, with the 2015 going for more than twice that. Let’s take a closer look at all three generations of Snoopy Speedmasters:
2003 Omega Speedmaster Snoopy (“Eyes on the Stars”)
The original Snoopy, ref. 3578.51.00, is a limited edition that has steadily grown in price since its 2003 debut. Although 5,441 pieces seems like a lot for a limited edition, the colorful Snoopy imagery on the dial and caseback has proven to have a very broad appeal. This Snoopy is the closest to a “regular” Speedmaster Professional, and although it sells for a big premium now, its original MSRP was about the same as standard Speedmaster prices at the time.
Omega Speedmaster Professional Snoopy Specs
| Model | Omega Speedmaster Professional Snoopy |
| Reference | 3578.51.00 |
| Case Material | Stainless steel |
| Case Diameter | 42mm |
| Case Thickness | 14mm |
| Movement | Omega Caliber 1861 (Manual-wind, 6 beats per second) |
| Power Reserve | 48 hours |
| Dial | Black with Snoopy in 9 o’clock subdial |
| Bracelet/Strap | Coated nylon fabric strap |
| Crystal | Hesalite |
| Water Resistance | 30m |
| Limited Production | 5,441 pieces |
| Last MSRP | $3,195 |
| Market Price (2023) | $24,000 |
2015 Omega Speedmaster White Snoopy (“Failure is Not an Option”)
In 2015, to celebrate the 45th anniversary of their prestigious Silver Snoopy Award, Omega released 1,970 examples of a white Speedmaster Professional featuring Snoopy in the 9 o’clock subdial, with a thought bubble that reads “Failure is not an option.” The first 14 seconds are outlined as an homage to the 14 seconds of thrust that the Apollo 13 crew calculated that they needed for a successful reentry angle. Text underneath reads “What could you do in 14 seconds?” The Snoopy motif on the caseback is a piece of solid silver, and the bezel insert is ceramic. The White Snoopy is by far the rarest and most desirable of the three Snoopy models.
Omega Speedmaster Professional Snoopy 45th Anniversary Specs
| Model | Omega Speedmaster Professional Snoopy 45th Anniversary |
| Reference | 311.32.42.30.04.003 |
| Case Material | Stainless steel |
| Case Diameter | 42mm |
| Case Thickness | 14.8mm |
| Movement | Omega Caliber 1861 (Manual-wind, 6 beats per second) |
| Power Reserve | 48 hours |
| Dial | White with Snoopy in 9 o’clock subdial |
| Bracelet/Strap | Coated nylon fabric strap |
| Crystal | Sapphire |
| Water Resistance | 50m |
| Limited Production | 1,970 pieces |
| Last MSRP | $7,350 |
| Market Price (2023) | $45,000 |
2020+ Omega Silver Snoopy Speedmaster
The Omega Snoopy 50th Anniversary (usually just called the “Omega Silver Snoopy”) has been one of the hottest Omegas since its release in 2020. Its high demand relative to supply even caused comparisons to the Rolex waiting list. Although the market price of this Omega Snoopy watch has decreased markedly from its peak, it still sells for roughly 1.5x MSRP, and it’s easy to see why so many collectors want one.
The navy blue subdials and bezel provide a lovely, subtle contrast to the silver dial. Once again, Snoopy is in the 9 o’clock subdial. Note that you might hear any of these three watches referred to as a Silver Snoopy, because that’s the award they’re all commemorating, but this is the only Snoopy with a silver dial. Its caseback displays imagery of the moon’s surface underneath the text “Eyes on the Stars.” While the previous editions used the trusty caliber 1861 movement found in countless Speedmaster Professionals over the years, the 50th Anniversary Silver Snoopy Omega is a Master Chronometer equipped with the excellent modern manual-wind 3861 movement.
Is the Omega Snoopy Still in Production?
Yes, as of 2023, Omega is still shipping the Silver Snoopy 50th Anniversary Speedmaster Professional models.
Omega Speedmaster Professional Silver Snoopy 50th Anniversary Specs
| Model | Omega Speedmaster Professional Silver Snoopy 50th Anniversary |
| Reference | 310.32.42.50.02.001 |
| Case Material | Stainless steel |
| Case Diameter | 42mm |
| Case Thickness | 14.5mm |
| Movement | Omega Caliber 3861 (Manual-wind, 6 beats per second) |
| Power Reserve | 50 hours |
| Dial | Silver with blue subdials, Snoopy in 9 o’clock subdial |
| Bracelet/Strap | Coated nylon fabric strap |
| Crystal | Sapphire |
| Water Resistance | 50m |
| MSRP (2023) | $10,600 |
| Market Price (2023) | $19,000 |
That concludes our collector’s guide to Omega Snoopy models. We don’t know if the current Snoopy will be discontinued or when a new one might ever come out, but given the popularity of these releases, it is unlikely that we’ve seen the last Snoopy Speedmaster!
More on Omega:
A Guide to Omega Dive Watches
Omega’s “Summer Blue” Seamaster 75th Anniversary Collection
How to Sell an Omega Watch
