1962 was a special year for the cinematic world as it marked the debut of the James Bond series, which has since released 25 films starting with Dr. No and the most recent being No Time to Die. Throughout the illustrious history of 007, the British secret agent has transcended from being a fictitious character to a lifestyle where even the elements from the movies are as iconic as the man himself.
Of the numerous objects that have appeared in the movies, one would be remiss for not mentioning the Aston Martin DB5. The vehicle first appeared in Goldfinger and subsequently in seven more Bond films: Thunderball, GoldenEye, Tomorrow Never Dies, Casino Royale, Skyfall, Spectre and No Time to Die. However, out of the many movies, GoldenEye holds a special place for luxury watchmaker Omega.
Since becoming the archetypal Bond watch in 1995, the Omega Seamaster Diver Professional timepiece has appeared on the wrists of James Bond character played by Pierce Brosnan and later Daniel Craig, who has been an ambassador of the brand throughout his time in the role of 007. Besides the titular character, Moneypenny played by Naomie Harris also joined the Omega family and is described as “delivering both elegance and female empowerment on and screen”.
The choice of casting Omega the Bond watch came from Oscar-winning costume designer Lindy Hemming who said, “I was convinced that Commander Bond, a naval man, a diver, and a discreet gentleman of the world would wear this watch.” And the rest is history. More recently, the current US President Joe Biden has on several occasions been seen wearing an Omega.
To celebrate the 60th anniversary of the James Bond franchise, a brand new Seamaster has made its debut this week. Called the “Seamaster Diver 300m 60th Anniversary Edition”, the timepiece is a steel watch with no date display and comes with a mesh bracelet. What makes this watch so unique is its design style that calls to mind the first-ever Seamaster that appeared in GoldenEye. A blend of vintage with 90s stylistic codes, the new watch features an anodized aluminium blue bezel paired with an aluminium blue dial and the signature laser-engraved wave pattern. Reference to the 60th anniversary is apparent on the bezel as the traditional bezel pip or triangle at the 12’o clock shows the number “60”.
Available in two editions: Stainless Steel and Canopus Gold. The former is powered by the Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 8806, while the latter is powered by the Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 8807. Crafted by the manufacture’s 18K Canopus Gold, the gold version’s dial is embedded with crystallites that pay tribute to the Jamaican flag — Ian Fleming’s estate in the country.
Lastly, on the caseback, the ultimate homage to the James Bond series is made. The movie’s iconic opening sequence with Bond in silhouette and a spinning gun barrel design takes centre stage, which is achieved by laser-engraving a single disk.
Speaking more about this special edition, Raynald Aeschlimann, President and CEO of Omega said, “Our partnership with EON Productions and James Bond is something totally unique within watchmaking. It’s a chance to be creative and have fun, while highlighting our qualities of style and reliability. We love to bring that partnership to life on nights like this.
Daniel Craig, who played the role of James Bond over five films said, “It’s been a joy for me to work with Omega in all the films since Casino Royale. James Bond is a character who likes the very best of everything, so it’s always made sense that he would wear something as beautiful and trustworthy as an Omega.”
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