There have always been two sides to the enigma that is James Bond. Yes, he’s MI6’s cold-blooded killer, but he also enjoys the finer things in life, be it casinos, cars or gadgets. If anyone can mix business and pleasure successfully, it’s Bond. His loyalty to the late Queen and the pursuit of his nation’s enemies is unwavering and has made him an iconic figure in Britain and the wider world, but he’s always carried out his duty with style, panache, and usually with a beautiful woman on his arm, too. This year marks the Bond movie franchise’s 60th anniversary and to celebrate that milestone, OMEGA – his long-term collaborator – has released two stunning new 007 watches. The first, OMEGA’s Seamaster 60 Years of James Bond in stainless steel, captures the character’s rugged and militaristic side. Its partner, the colourful Canopus Gold version, highlights his exuberant side and that of his creator.
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Seamaster 60 Years of James Bond Stainless Steel | Image: OMEGA
For watch fans, a pivotal point came in the ’90s with the release of GoldenEye. Pierce Brosnan’s chiselled Bond ditched the one-liners in favour of a more serious demeanour – a good choice, as Fleming’s original Bond was based on military men he’d worked with in the Naval Intelligence Division. Costume designer Lindy Hemming then suggested that, as a naval man, Bond would have most likely worn an Omega watch. She didn’t pull this idea out of thin air – OMEGA did supply the UK’s Ministry of Defence with 110,000 watches in World War II and a famous batch of Seamaster models in 1967. From that point OMEGA and Bond have been inseparable, with the British spy’s watch getting him out of numerous scrapes – remember in GoldenEye when Bond used his Seamaster’s laser to cut an escape hatch in the floor of a train?
Now we’re not saying these latest releases have metal-melting lasers, but OMEGA has taken that iconic Seamaster 300 as the base for these anniversary editions. It’s a well-established design and we’ve recently seen the actual Seamaster 300 that Daniel Craig wore in No Time to Die sell at Christie’s for a staggering GBP 226,800.
What makes the OMEGA Seamaster 300 such a special watch? Aside from the authenticity of OMEGA’s use by the Royal Navy, the Seamaster is successful on a number of fronts. Like Bond, it blends rugged functionality with tasteful styling. This new special edition continues that theme with a comfortably sized stainless steel case, a crown that is protected by crown guards and a helium release valve at 10 o’clock.
Seamaster 60 Years of James Bond Stainless Steel | Image: Omega
The distinctive bezel features a deep blue oxalic anodized aluminium insert and watch geeks will notice the commemorative 60 at the top of the dial replacing the usual triangle insert. The dial, with its laser-engraved waves, is reassuringly familiar as are the hands and simple markers.
So far, the Seamaster 60 Years of James Bond delivers what we’d expect from the Swiss watchmaker’s signature dive watch. But the real star of the show is hidden, which seems fitting for a spy’s watch. Turn this beauty over and you’re presented with an eye-catching tribute to the Bond movies. Using what is known as “moiré” effect animation, the rear of the watch recreates the opening scene from Bond’s movies. Bond moves in silhouette as the watch ticks – this being achieved through a link with the second hand. It’s a unique feature and took some clever innovation and modification of the Calibre 8806 movement.
We’d noted earlier that Bond has a more colourful and playful side and the Canopus Gold variation captures that beautifully. Inspired by Ian Fleming’s Jamaican estate, this watch adds Caribbean flair to the mix. It has the same 42mm case, and a similar Calibre 8807 movement, but it’s crafted from Canopus Gold – an exclusive white gold alloy. The stunning bezel colour is achieved by the use of diamonds in 10 tropical shades, and again, the rear of the watch boasts the stunning Bond animation.
Seamaster 60 Years of James Bond Canopus Gold | Image: OMEGA
James Bond is a complex character and to celebrate 60 years of Bond movies Omega has released two unique editions of the Seamaster 300, a watch indelibly linked to the fictional character. Launched in London, the home of MI6, and with the most recent Bond – Daniel Craig – in attendance, the new Seamaster Diver 300M 60 Years of James Bond is a fitting tribute to a movie icon.
Seamaster 60 Years of James Bond Stainless Steel | Image: OMEGA
OMEGA Seamaster Diver 300M 60 Years of James Bond – Stainless Steel
Diameter: 42mm
Height: 14.3mm
Case: Stainless Steel
Movement: Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 8806
Bracelet: Stainless Steel
Crystal: Sapphire
Water Resistance: 300M
Seamaster 60 Years of James Bond Canopus Gold | Image: OMEGA
OMEGA Seamaster Diver 300M 60 Years of James Bond – Canopus Gold
Diameter: 42mm
Height: 15.3mm
Case: 18K Canopus Gold
Movement: Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 8807
Bracelet: 18K Canopus Gold
Crystal: Sapphire
Water Resistance: 300M
