The first James Bond film Dr. No was released in 1962 and was played by the late Sean Connery.
It was not until 33 years later when Pierce Brosnan played James Bond in GoldenEye (1995), that Omega first appeared on Bond’s wrist.
Fast forward to 2022, and Omega has now appeared in every Bond film since GoldenEye (1995), Tomorrow Never Dies (1997), The World is Not Enough (1999), Die Another Day (2002), Casino Royal (2006), Quantum of Solace (2008), Skyfall (2012), Spectre (2015), No Time To Die (2021).
While there’s an official partnership between Omega and EON Productions, the product placements that appear in Bond films, whether it be cars, suits, or wristwatches, must adhere to the aesthetics, lifestyle, and status of the fictional character James Bond. Omega clearly does that, not to mention, there’s an authentic connection between Omega and the United Kingdom’s Ministry of Defence (MoD), having delivered more than 110,000 watches to pilots, navigators, and soldiers during World War II, according to Omega.
Today, Omega announced the Seamaster Diver 300M 60 Years of James Bond, celebrating the 60th Anniversary since the beginning of the James Bond franchise, which now spans 25 films.
Inspired by the same Seamaster that 007 wore in GoldenEye, the 42 mm Seamster 300M is delivered in a stainless steel case, with a black and white spinning gun barrel mounted (decorated with micro-structured metallization) on the backside of the movement, that replicates the animation at the intro of GoldenEye. Visible through the sapphire caseback, the “moiré” effect animation is possible thanks to a link to the running seconds hand (and is the subject of a pending patent).
Compared to the Seamaster seen in GoldenEye, which was powered by a quartz movement, this Bond Seamaster is equipped with a more advanced mechanical Co-Axial Master Chronometer caliber 8806 movement. However, the bezel and dial are both made from blue oxalic anodized aluminum, which is a throwback considering modern Seamaster 300Ms are equipped with ceramic dials and bezels. Perhaps most notably, the dial features laser-engraved waves as a nod to the original Bond Seamaster dating back to 1995.
Interestingly, this special edition Seamster is paired with a mesh-style stainless steel bracelet, which is the same as is offered on the modern Seamaster 300M that James Bond wore in No Time To Die (2021), and that’s still in production.
In a move sure to stir controversy among both Bond and Omega faithful, the designers removed the diving scale’s traditional inverted triangle and luminescent green dot and placed a commemorative “60” in its place. While we can understand the reasoning behind this design decision, the triangle and dot are functional elements, so by removing them some of the watch’s utility has been diminished.
There was also bejeweled white gold James Bond Seamaster 60th Anniversary released, as well as cuff links and bracelets, however, the main release is the 42 mm diameter stainless steel Seamaster Diver 300M 60 Years of James Bond timepiece.
For collectors, the steel version comes in a blue wooden presentation box that’s adorned with the original Diver 300M wave pattern, with three dots inspired by the classic Bond opening title sequence, including a secret push button on the right.
The Seamaster Diver 300M 60 Years of James Bond retail price is estimated to be $7,000 and includes an extra blue and gray Omega Nato-style strap (Ref. 210.30.42.20.03.002).
Photos by Omega.
