Omega, particularly the Speedmaster, is very popular in Japan. The Land of the Rising Sun is one of the most developed watch markets, with experienced collectors and a huge number of moonwatch enthusiasts. Today, we share another proof of this love for the Speedmaster. 51-year-old Professor Eric M. Skier lives in Tokyo, Japan, and is perhaps better known by his IG tag @Jewpanese.dude. His love for Omega watches reached new heights when he acquired his Speedmaster Silver Snoopy Award. Today he shares the story of what makes these particular watches special.
Frank Gilen, – Why Omega?
Eric M. Skier @jewpanese.dude – I have been a fan of Omega for over 30 years and respect their relationship with NASA. As a former Air Force member, I have always been fascinated by pilots and astronauts, and I appreciate what it takes to become one. The fact that they chose to wear Omega in space or on the Moon means a lot to me. Somehow, in 1991, when I decided to move to Japan, where Omega has a great reputation, and after working for a month in 1994, I was able to buy my first watch: Omega Seamaster 120 (black dial, automatic). Back then, I thought $1,000 was a huge amount for a watch. It's funny how our perception changes over time.
I like that Omega offers something for everyone. Of course, the Speedmaster Professional is what they're most famous for, but the Seamaster and other lines are distinctive, stylish, yet also tool watches. I greatly admire this about Omega. I also appreciate that in recent years, Omega has been collaborating with fans and releasing watches that genuinely appeal to us, such as Speedy Tuesdays.
So you're a NASA fan, is that why these watches caught your attention?
As soon as the Omega Silver Snoopy Award release was announced, I fell in love. To be honest, it was the first Snoopy model that I really liked. I immediately loved the color combination, the dial design, and the caseback. The caseback, where Snoopy can fly between the (rotating) Earth and Moon, is, in my humble opinion, simply ingenious. And the amazing details of the Earth and Moon make the watch a work of art. I would definitely make a poster with a good photo of the caseback.
All reviews focused on the appearance, but I was also pleased to read about the inclusion of the 3681 movement. I have an Ultraman with the 1861 movement, and I love it, but I find the 3681 movement much better, and I was happy to pay extra for it (compared to the Ultraman). I am also a big fan of Charles Schulz and Peanuts since childhood. I remember watching the Halloween special every year as a child. I also visited the Charles Schulz Museum in Santa Rosa, California. The deep ideas he put into his works have always resonated with me. Some people see Snoopy as just a cartoon character, but I never did. I think Omega and Snoopy (through Charles Schulz) are a match made in heaven due to their commitment to science, education, exploration, etc. If I could sit down with one person and have a beer, Mr. Schulz would be at the top of my list.
When and where did you buy them?
Honestly, I never thought I would get them. I wrote to the guys at the Ginza boutique, and they replied that the waiting list (just a few days in) was huge. It makes sense, as both Snoopy and Omega are very popular in Japan. Anyway, in very polite Japanese, they explained that it might take years before I could get my watch. I replied that I would be happy to wait. That was in October, if I remember correctly.
I think it was the end of January when I received a letter from the boutique that the watch had arrived, and they quite dispassionately asked when I could come and pick it up. I think I gasped loudly, and my wife thought I had gone crazy. LOL. Anyway, I replied that I would go next week and pick up the watch in person. I know I wasn't the first in Japan, but I was definitely at the front of the queue. I invited a good friend to join me (who agreed in seconds), and we picked up the watch on a Monday afternoon - a day I will never forget. Unboxing with the staff was also a memorable experience for life. Damn, everyone in the room was grinning from ear to ear!
For what it's worth, my Snoopy is a testament to the power of helping others. Shortly after Omega announced that they would release several watches to commemorate the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, friends approached me asking for help in acquiring some of these watches. Thanks to this, I found myself on the "good side" of the local boutique, and I'm sure those purchases helped me get my Snoopy in a timely manner. If I hadn't helped my friends, I'm sure I wouldn't be wearing this amazing watch now, answering interview questions.
And how do you wear them in real life?
It might get me in trouble with my Instagram followers, but I honestly wear Snoopy 5-6 days a week since I got them - especially on the OEM bracelet. I know I post different photos on my Instagram, but in reality, I wear Snoopy more often than not. These will be the last watch in my modest collection that I would ever sell.
Have you ever received compliments from other people?
Again, my wife thinks I'm crazy and doesn't get it. My sons? They like the watch, but they aren't as in love with it as I am. Most friends here in Tokyo are also into watches, so they enjoy seeing them in person and are happy for me. Due to the pandemic, I rarely go out, but the other day, when I was at Nakano Broadway (known for its many watch shops), all the staff in every shop I walked into immediately noticed the watch. I've never seen such a reaction to any watch I wore while watch shopping before. I wanted to buy a Cartier Santos; I needed a dress watch, and I let them play with Snoopy while I tried on the watch. They kind of ignored me as they were mesmerized by the watch. Several female friends also like the watch. As I mentioned, Snoopy is very loved in Japan. If there were a "Snoopy Land" here in Tokyo, it would undoubtedly be a hit.
Do you know the current market value of the watch?
I see these watches are already selling for three times as much, and it's new to me. Although I have bought and sold more than a few vintage watches and made some money, even doubled my money in several cases, I have never bought a watch at retail and seen it instantly worth three times more. And I'm sure Snoopy's price will continue to rise - especially the day Omega announces they will stop production. Despite this, I can't imagine ever parting with this watch. Perhaps they will become a family heirloom, like the simple Seamaster I passed on to my son.
How do they fit in with your other watches?
Besides the 1994 Seamaster (which I gave to my younger son), I already have a 145.022-69ST (from 1972) and a Speedy Tuesday Ultraman. I thought the Snoopy Silver Award watch would be a great addition since they are really different from the other three models.
Are these the only watches you own?
Of course not! As many who follow me on Instagram (or knew me earlier on watch forums) know, over the past few years, I've acquired more than a few rather rare vintage watches. And having ready access to the Japanese market certainly helped with that. Punctuality is rule number one (or maybe two?) here, so everyone wears watches. And many people here greatly appreciate fine watches. Therefore, I got my hands on some fairly eclectic models from brands that aren't household names, like Gallet, Enicar, Universal Geneve, etc. Why? Simply because I was here in Tokyo. How some of these rather rare models ended up in Japan in the past will always impress and, I'm afraid, remain a mystery to me.
People also know that I'm not a fan of duplication. I have friends who own three or more watches of practically the same model from the same brand, and that's not what interests me. I like having watches with different functions, designs, and color schemes. I'm also a fan of "outsiders," meaning watches that not everyone has. My first Rolex was a 216570; they were easy to buy at retail. The same with my first Panerai - 320. My second Omega was a Speedmaster Broad Arrow GMT with a white dial. These were great watches that few appreciated (or bought) compared to the Speedmaster Professional, but that's fine with me. I buy what sings to me. Lately, as vintage prices rise, I've found that I've caught the "reissue bug." Besides the Ultraman, I bought the 765 AVI and 806 from Breitling and genuinely fell in love with them!
Are there any other watches you wish to own?
As I mentioned, I want to buy a true dress watch, and I think my next purchase will be a white-dial Santos from Cartier. Otherwise, since I'm in love with Snoopy, I don't feel the need to increase the size of my current collection. I've found that I'm not interested in owning more than 12 watches at the same time. Why? I don't see the need to have something that I'm not going to wear. Of course, if a good deal on a fine watch comes up, and it occasionally happens here in Japan, I'll definitely buy something. I'm especially fond of vintage Heuer and have bought some in the past purely impulsively. I would be lying if I said that here in Japan, I don't always look at watches with wide-open eyes.
What are the chances that other collectors will ever find an affordable Snoopy?
Sorry for the laugh, but besides waiting possibly several years to buy at retail, you'll have to open your wallet. And honestly, if you decide to buy from a dealer, I'd do it as soon as possible. I can't imagine these Snoopys dropping in price. Sorry, I don't have any other useful advice on this.
Maybe then some general advice for those looking to start collecting?
Buy what sings to you. People regularly come to me for advice, and my first question is always, "Have you already tried the watch on?" I could never buy a watch that I didn't like. Looking back, I realize that cost me dearly. I could have bought various Omegas (which literally sat in Japan for years) for almost nothing, but at that moment, they didn't appeal to me. An Omega Alaska Project BNIB sat in a shop here in Nakano for almost two years for $4K. The same with the Tin Tin and Japan Racing Dial models. They didn't attract me, and I never bought them, although I could have. Racing Dial now sings to me. It's a pity, but it's too late now. Sigh.
And that's the second lesson: never say never. The more I learn about watches, the more I develop as a collector. And I think it's universal. What we value now may be indifferent to us in five years, and vice versa. But in the end, if you put on a watch and like what you see and feel, buy it! And don't worry about what others think.
Another piece of advice? Instead of buying (or not buying) based on a brand name, buy based on a model. There's no brand loved by everyone, but certainly, almost every brand has models considered classics. Buy a classic, and even if one day it stops singing to you, you're sure to be able to sell it to someone who will want to buy it. It's happened to me several times, and I am sincerely grateful to the mentors who have pointed me in this "right direction" over the years.
Do you have collector friends?
Of course! Since around 2010, I've made some amazing friendships on forums and various social media. And before COVID-19, it was nice to travel the planet and know that anywhere I went, I could meet someone for a beer and food and talk about watches and life in general. And it works in reverse. I've met more than a few friends during their visits to Tokyo and had a great time showing them around here in the Big Mikan. Many of these friends are serious collectors and have shared their knowledge of watches with me, for which I will be eternally grateful. Some of the nicest, most reliable, generous, and caring people I've ever met have come through this hobby of ours, and I have no regrets about getting involved and making it a part of my daily life.