James Bond's new watch in "No Time to Die"
James Bond is back. Titled "No Time to Die," the new 007 film has recently filled cinemas across Germany. In addition to his sharp mind and agility, the secret agent is also distinguished by his refined taste. He demonstrates this not only in terms of good food, fine drinks, fast cars, and beautiful women; his watch selection has also delighted fans around the world for decades. Below, we present the new Bond watch and its special features.
James Bond and OMEGA
Anyone who has already read our article "James Bond and His Wristwatches " will know which watch models have accompanied the double-zero agent over the past half century. It's worth noting that Bond has been wearing OMEGA for 25 years now. Pierce Brosnan started it all in 1995 with his Seamaster Professional automatic caliber. Since then, Bond has been portrayed by various actors, but the OMEGA has remained by his side.
Since Daniel Craig's first appearance in Casino Royale in 2006, Bond has worn models from the Seamaster series . These include the Seamaster Professional, the Seamaster Planet Ocean, and the Seamaster Diver. According to current OMEGA President and CEO Raynald Aeschlimann, the double-zero agent and the Swiss watch manufacturer are a perfect match. Both represent exclusivity, a spirit of adventure, and excellent precision. The relationship between James Bond and his watches is well known. After all, Bond's watches often play an important role in the film.
The important role of the secret weapon OMEGA
In Goldeneye (1995), Pierce Brosnan used the special function of his OMEGA Seamaster 300M DIVER QUARTZ to defuse limpet mines. In the following Bond film, Tomorrow Never Dies (1997), Bond also wears an OMEGA that had been modified by the Chinese secret service and thus serves as his secret weapon. In 1999's The World Is Not Enough, James Bond activates LEDs on the dial of his SEAMASTER to illuminate the inside of his inflatable ski jacket and is thus able to be rescued from an avalanche. Brosnan also uses his OMEGA in his final mission, triggering a life-saving explosion by turning the helium valve. We won't reveal what role the secret agent's watch plays in the current film, but it is definitely a secret weapon once again.
Characteristics of the new 007 OMEGA Seamaster
For the fifth and final film starring Daniel Craig, the Swiss watchmaker has created a very special model. While previous Bond models mostly come from OMEGA's core collection, the new Bond watch is an original creation with a neo-vintage look. The James Bond watch is a special variant of the OMEGA diver's watch. The 42 mm Seamaster Diver 300M in solid titanium exudes a robust, military, and agile flair. Crafted from solid titanium, the 007 version features a brown aluminum bezel and dial. The luminous material used reinforces the vintage style.
The model is available with either a titanium mesh bracelet or a NATO strap in dark brown, gray, and beige. Those who can't decide can save money by purchasing the model with the titanium bracelet and the NATO strap as an add-on. OMEGA's attention to detail is also evident on the case back. Various engraved numerical codes are reminiscent of military watches and are intended to reflect Bond's military experience. While "0552" is a code for naval personnel, the numerals "923 7697" refer to the engraved markings on military diving watches. The letter "A" indicates that the watch has a screw-down crown. The year "62" was engraved to represent the first Bond film, and the number 007 is Bond's agent number.
Surprisingly, the new model is a non-limited edition. It will now be integrated into the iconic OMEGA collection and will be available worldwide from February.
Personal finishing touches by Daniel Craig
Craig, who was recently appointed an Honorary Commander in the Royal Navy, reportedly had a significant influence on the design. The actor provided inspirational input and suggested OMEGA's desired stylistic features. The watchmaker then implemented them. "What the makers at OMEGA have come up with truly exceeds what I had in mind," Daniel Craig recently admitted at the premiere of the latest Bond film in Los Angeles, describing the watch as an incredibly lightweight, yet robust, and highly wearable model with a "vintage quality."
The watch's lightweight design was one of the key objectives. During the design phase, the team decided that a military man like 007 needed a very lightweight watch, and designed the edition specifically with 007's needs in mind. Vintage nuances and colors were also intended to give the watch a unique appearance that reflects the secret agent's classic, excellent taste.
As Craig revealed in LA, he had already tried to incorporate his OMEGA watches more into scenes in previous films. For example, during the filming of Casino Royale, he suggested using his then-Bond watch, the Seamaster Planet Ocean (Ref. 2900.50.91), to knock out an opponent. Although his plan was not implemented during filming, Daniel Craig revealed with a mischievous grin at the current film premiere that he still considers his idea a very suitable way to demonstrate the robustness of OMEGA models.
Despite the reduced case thickness, which contributes to the watch's lightness, the OMEGA model remains water-resistant to a depth of at least 300 meters. The certified 300m water resistance offers a 100% guarantee; in fact, the model's effective water resistance is said to be 425 meters. Even if the helium escape valve is not tightened before diving, contrary to the recommended use, the watch remains water-resistant to 50 meters. The watch is powered by an OMEGA caliber 8806 movement rated as a Master Chronometer, featuring a co-axial escapement and a 55-hour power reserve. The dial, without a date display, underscores the utilitarian, military-inspired look of the watch. This extremely light, comfortable, and robust model is delivered in a watch roll made of water-repellent, waxed cotton and nubuck leather. The case is reminiscent of Barbour jackets and was made by the British Millerain company.
This is what the watch from “No Time to Die” costs
The recommended retail price for a model with a NATO strap is €6,950. Those who want to equip the model with a Milanese strap will pay €7,900 for the version. The price of the James Bond model is justified by its "Master Chronometer"-certified movement and the generally rising prices in the luxury watch sector.
Daniel Craig's glorious departure as James Bond
Although "No Time To Die" marks Daniel Craig's final appearance as James Bond, the film star's farewell was nonetheless a grand affair. Craig not only took center stage at the film premiere in LA, but the iconic agent was also celebrated at the event organized by OMEGA in New York to celebrate the latest James Bond watch. The new Seamaster Diver 300M 007 Edition was unveiled at "The Top of the Standard," and both the Bond actor and producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli were in attendance.