Following Omega’s contribution in the safe return of the “successful failure” Apollo 13 mission (after the mission had to be aborted), NASA awarded Omega with their Snoopy Award on the 5th of October, 1970. This was for their exceptional contribution to the success of what would have otherwise been a tragedy should the crew not have had their Speedmasters with them to time their re-entry into Earth’s orbit. To celebrate this honor, Omega released the “Blue Snoopy” Speedmaster ref. 3578.51.00 in 2003, again in 2015 and most recently in 2020 for the 50th anniversary. Paying homage to the illustrious award, this latest release boasts a depiction of Snoopy in its 9 o'clock subdial and is perhaps the most visually distinctive of the three-anniversary models. With a white dial made of silver, just like the award, the hands, indices create a stark contrast to the dial via their blue PVD coating. Continuing with this blue theme, the subdials and bezel are also the same blue colour, as is the nylon fabric strap. While the watch looks stunning from the front, the real surprise is with the caseback where it features a depiction of the Moon, Earth, and a white Command and Service Module (CSM) with Snoopy riding along inside. Looking to take this caseback to the next level, Omega created a 'magic hand' which allows Snoopy's CSM to move when the chronograph is engaged. Travelling around the far side of the Moon, Omega makes a direct reference to the trip the Apollo 13 astronauts were forced to take all those years ago. In addition to this, the Earth itself spins once per minute as it is connected to the seconds hand subdial completing what is a unique and ingenious tribute to the most critical event a Speedmaster has ever been used in.

A fun and colorful tribute to one of Omega's most important contributions to NASA's space program, the 50th Anniversary Snoopy has proven to be a thoroughly sought-after timepiece that Omega collectors can't help but seek out.