An action hero on the scale of James Bond requires a timepiece that can keep up with his high-octane adventures, and for more than two decades his watch of choice has been an Omega Seamaster. For Lindy Hemming, costume designer for 1995 film GoldenEye, the watch was a natural choice. ‘I was convinced that Commander Bond, a naval man, a diver and a discreet gentleman of the world would wear the Seamaster with the blue dial,’ she says.
Since then the world-famous agent has sported everything from a Planet Ocean 600M Co-Axial in Casino Royale to the dressier Aqua Terra seen in Skyfall. His last on-screen appearance in Spectre saw Bond tackle his mission with the help of two timepieces – the Seamaster 300 Spectre Limited Edition and Aqua Terra 150M.
As the franchise gears up for the release of the next instalment – No Time to Die – in April, Omega is back in full force with a new addition to the iconic line that will accompany him on his latest assignment. Daniel Craig collaborated closely with the watchmaker to create a fitting piece that would meet the tough demands of the role. ‘When working with Omega, we decided that a lightweight watch would be key for a military man like 007. I also suggested some vintage touches and colour to give the watch a unique edge. The final piece looks incredible,’ he says.
The Seamaster Diver 300M 007 Edition has been designed for top performance both on and off the big screen. Developed with military needs in mind, it is crafted from grade-2 titanium, used in both the case and titanium mesh bracelet, resulting in a watch that is both resilient and lightweight. Further increasing its wearability, the weight has been cut further with the use of brown aluminium for the dial and bezel ring.
The watch also packs in plenty of subtle details that will appeal to both enthusiasts of James Bond and of military timepieces. The caseback features a series of numbers following the format for military-issue watches; 0552, the code-number specified for Navy personnel, and 923 7697, the number for a divers’ watch. Meanwhile, it of course features Bond’s iconic agent number, 007, alongside ’62’, the year the first James Bond film was released. These engravings are kept perfectly in alignment thanks to Omega’s Naiad Lock case back, while the watch is equipped with the powerful and precise Omega Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 8806.
The watch comes with a choice of titanium mesh bracelet or striped Nato strap in dark brown, grey or beige, and is available from Omega boutiques.
SPOTLIGHT ON THE OMEGA SEAMASTER DIVER 300M 007 EDITION
‘The relationship with Omega and Bond is one not born out of fiction, but from fact. Since 1995 James Bond has worn an Omega watch. To this day, Bond continues to choose a piece from the brand’s collection, as 007 embarks on his 25th mission. Be it for a winning hand in a high stakes poker game, or crashing an aeroplane through an Alpine chalet, the watch mirrors its wearers toughness and reliability.’
Neil Baxandall, sales ambassador, David M Robinson
