Orient Does Snoopy: a Co-Branded Anniversary

A couple of weeks ago, we encountered the first batch of "75^th Anniversary" releases from Orient, and today, the brand takes it up a notch and, in a step taken by many a watchmaker before them, does a Peanuts collab.

To be honest, an Orient x Peanuts anniversary celebration actually makes sense, as both originated in the same year, 1950. Indeed, around the same time that the Orient factory began its production, Charles Schulz began drawing and publishing his famed "Peanuts" cartoons, starring Charlie Brown, Snoopy the dog, and a little yellow bird called Woodstock.

In this sense, while Orient's effort might not be the most original, it is no less justified than previous Snoopy watches. Looking at some of those watches, Omega's being perhaps the most notable, Orient has nothing to be ashamed of.

The current collaboration includes four references, mostly versions of the brand's most recognizable models, and – as such collaborations usually go – all are limited editions, although produced in fairly large numbers.

First, we have two automatic 38mm Bambino, or "Classic and Simple", models. Reference RA-AC0M16S has a white dial and is limited to 7,650 pieces, while ref. RA-AC0M17G has a cream dial and is limited to 2,900 pieces. Both have a Japanese market equivalent: RN-AC0M16S and RN-AC0M17G, limited to 150 and 200 pieces respectively.

Next, we have the 40mm Mako, or "Diver Design", with a white dial. Reference RA-AC0Q08S is limited to 3,650 pieces, while the JDM version ref. RN-AC0Q08S is limited to 150 pieces.

Finally, there is the contemporary semi-skeleton model. Reference RA-AR0011S is limited to 1,800 pieces, with an additional 100 pieces of the JDM ref. RN-AR0011S available in Japan.

While the new references are generally identical to their base models, there are a number of notable features added here:

·         Most obvious, of course, are the images of Snoopy and Woodstock on the dial.

·         All models bear the special cursive logo that Orient reserves for special occasions.

·         All models have a special logo on the back, combining the 75^th anniversary and Snoopy images. The Mako has it engraved, while the other watches have it painted on the case-back crystal.

·         The Mako and Bambino watches have a unique date wheel, where the "1" has been replaced with the image of Woodstock.

·         The watches are packaged in a special anniversary box.

Note that all these perks don't come for free though; the Snoopy models all cost about 15% more than their base models. These watches should become available in March.