Home / Watches / Top Stories

Why Are Watch Nerds All Wearing Snoopy Watches Right Now?

This beagle has more horological cred than you might think.

a watch on a fabric surface Omega

By Zen Love and Johnny Brayson

Published

·

Every product is carefully selected by our editors. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Learn more

Watches with cartoon characters on their dials aren’t what they might first appear to be. Though they may seem made for kids or theme park gift shops, the nostalgia and iconic status of the characters and some of the vintage watches they’ve graced have made them something of a watchmaking tradition — some more than others, and Snoopy watches are a bonafide phenomenon.

First published in 1950, Charles M. Schulz’s iconic cartoon Peanuts reaches millions of readers around the world, is firmly cemented in the zeitgeist and has transcended its American roots to be loved globally. And it’s transcended your typical T-shirt and lunchbox merch, too, assuming more elevated forms that might cause you to take the cute beagle a bit more seriously.

These factors have helped the Snoopy watch proliferate, but it’s prestigious watchmaker Omega’s connection with NASA (see below) that really offers the horological cred. NASA adopted Snoopy as a mascot for public relations purposes and later offered a Silver Snoopy Award to recognize employees’ and contractors’ outstanding contributions. Omega received the award in 1970 and first made a watch to mark that moment in 2003. The cool factor, plus an association with the iconic watch and its story, made many people look at the idea of a Snoopy watch in a different light, and the brand released two more “Silver Snoopy” Speedmasters in 2015 and 2020.

Even more Snoopy and Peanuts watches have been made in recent years by the likes of Timex, Seiko and even Franck Muller, with Swatch most recently emulating Omega with its own Snoopy MoonSwatch. Here are some of our favorite Snoopy watches that you can buy right now — from Swiss horological heavy hitters to more playful and budget-friendly options.

Products in the Guide

Omega x Swatch Bioceramic MoonSwatch “Mission to the Moonphase”

Swatch

Omega x Swatch Bioceramic MoonSwatch Mission to the Moonphase

The latest Snoopy watch is sure to be among the most hyped ever. It’s an all-white rendition of the already-hyped MoonSwatch, featuring a moonphase chronograph complication for the first time. But the scene-stealer is Snoopy, as his presence on the moonphase alludes to the highly collectible and very hard to get Omega Speedmaster “Silver Snoopy Award” editions.

Omega Speedmaster “Silver Snoopy Award”

Though this model was created in 2020 to honor the Silver Snoopy Award, first given in 1970 by NASA to staff members and contractors for outstanding service, it wasn’t the first such remake from Omega. You can learn more about the intersection of NASA, Snoopy and Omega here, but it’s safe to say these are the coolest Snoopy-adorned watches of them all — thanks in no small part to the animated space-themed caseback. It has become one of the most hyped modern Omega watches, with a lengthy waiting list and very inflated prices on the secondary market.

Franck Muller x Bamford Crazy Hours Arctic Snoopy

This 2023 Snoopy watch is also arguably the most high-end to date, coming from haute horology brand Franck Muller and Bamford Watch Department and retailing for over $30,000. Limited to just 45 pieces (and now sold out), the watch features Franck Muller’s patented “Crazy Hours” complication, which sees the hour hand — in this case Snoopy’s arm — jump to the next hour’s random position on the dial. The watch also features a fully lumed dial, adding to its wacky appeal … quite appropriate for a cartoon.

Apple Watch

The Apple Watch first debuted with animated Mickey Mouse faces, but in 2023 it officially joined the ranks of Snoopy watches. Watch OS 10 introduced a number of faces featuring Snoopy and his sidekick Woodstock engaged in all kinds of cute hijinx. It seems even Apple gets that this cartoon has a special relationship with watches.

Swatch x Peanuts

This timepiece is perhaps what you’d imagine when you hear “Snoopy watch,” and it feels completely natural for cartoons to be plastered on plastic Swatch dials and straps. It’s cute, casual and affordable — and the brand offers a full range of options and designs that are sure to tickle your Snoopy bone.

Timex x Peanuts

Timex has an entire collection of watches as a collaboration with Peanuts, and the above watch featuring a baseball-playing Snoopy is just one of the examples. Some of the models sell out, but you can expect the partnership to be an ongoing one, as the brand has a large collection featuring the entire Peanuts gang.

Seiko 5 Sports x Peanuts

In its seemingly endless parade of limited-edition collabs, Seiko 5 Sports has also teamed up with the beloved beagle. It released two variants: one in its dive-style line featuring a surfer Snoopy and the other in its field-watch line with Snoopy’s ears becoming a helicopter propeller. They were both limited editions that quickly sold out, but you can usually find them on eBay.

Goodwoof x Bamford GMT

Partnering with the Goodwood motorsports festival, British watchmaker Bamford produced a special edition GMT with a dapper detective Snoopy. In the tradition of cartoon character watches, here Snoopy’s hands indicate the hours and minutes — and his pal Woodstock serves as the GMT hand.

Vintage Snoopy Watches

If you dig Snoopy and Snoopy watches, the vintage space offers a lot to explore. Yes you can find some cheap old quartz watches for around $10, but also unique alternatives that might be of even greater interest.

Read More

, , , ,