Like his cars, tuxedoes, and women, watches are a distinctive part of James Bond’s sleek and sly persona. From Sean Connery’s “Dr. No” to Daniel Craig’s “No Time To Die,” the iconic spy character has been famously known for his elegant taste in timepieces.
Over the last half a century, Agent 007 had been seen wearing brands like Rolex, Gruen, Seiko, TAG Heuer and Omega. But since 1995, Omega has become the official watch partner of the spy film franchise. The Swiss luxury brand has even created some limited edition timepieces whose features pay tribute to the enduring spy figure.
One of the popular Omega watches seen around Bond’s wrist is the Omega Seamaster Diver 300M which was first introduced in 1993. It’s a professional dive watch—which makes sense since Bond was a naval commander working as a spy—in stainless steel with a blue rotating bezel, helium escape valve, and wave pattern on the dial.
Omega has released an updated version of this wristwatch, with a few additional aesthetic details and a gray dial. “The most significant upgrade is the movement,” says Executive Class host David Celdran, who featured the Bond fashion and lifestyle in his show’s recent episode. The chronometer is driven by a CoAxial Master Chronometer Calibre, for improved accuracy underwater and in harsh conditions—which a man like Bond usually finds himself in.
For Celdran, the most stunning timepiece to adorn Agent 007’s wrist is the Omega Seamaster 300 Spectre Limited Edition, named as such to commemorate the film of the same title. It has a vintage dial and bezel design and black and gray NATO strap. This model is no longer available though, as per the Omega website.
But the Swiss company has produced a regular production version, the Diver 300M Co-Axial Master Chronometer that’s practically identical to the Omega Seamaster 300 Spectre Limited Edition. Identical except for the missing 007.
Omega worked closely with Craig and the James Bond filmmakers on the development of this Bond watch. It was made with military needs in mind and the final design was influenced by Daniel’s own experience as 007. Grade 2 Titanium was used for the 42 mm case and titanium mesh bracelet, making this watch simultaneously strong and light. Perfect for an undercover agent. This watch is also available in a striped NATO strap.
Another highly coveted piece is the Seamaster 300M James Bond Limited Edition, which commemorates the 50th anniversary of the film “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.” Limited to just 7,007 pieces, it is crafted with secret surprises. The spiral-brushed black ceramic dial is laser-engraved with James Bond’s iconic gun barrel design. The diameter of its center is exactly 9mm— which is just like Bond’s bullet. Found at the 12 o’clock mark is 007’s family crest in gold.
Perhaps because it’s his last time as Bond, for “No Time to Die,” Craig was tapped by Omega to help design his new timepiece. In the film, the British actor is armed with the 42 mm Seamaster Diver 300M 007 Edition built from strong yet lightweight titanium. The military style watch has a tropical aluminium bezel ring and dial in brown and is slightly slimmer than the standard Diver 300M models. "It looks to me like a commander's watch. But it's very, very modern, and to me that seems like the perfect balance,” Craig said in an interview hosted by Omega.
Explaining the breadth of his participation in the design, Craig said in this Gear Patrol article, “Clearly I've said things, that it would be nice to do this, nice to do that...but what they came up with was way above and beyond," said the actor, pointing out the arm candy’s vintage quality, as well as it's “incredibly light” and wearable attributes. “But it's rugged enough,” the actor adds. “It's light, but you could still smack someone in the head with it." Indeed, what’s a Bond watch for if it can’t do that—and tell the time just in case someone asks?
Catch a new episode of Executive Class every Monday on ANC. "No Time to Die" premieres in the Philippines on December 15.
Photos from Omega Watches official website