Omega and James Bond

One of the most significant aspects in the history of the Seamaster has been its connection with fictional super spy James Bond. Up until 1993 Bond actors Connery, Lazenby, Moore and Dalton wore a Rolex Submariner.
In 1995, with a new actor in the role, Pierce Brosnan, and a new film in the pipeline, Goldeneye, Bond producers decided they wanted a new ‘Euro’ look for the character. One of the prime movers in this switchover was Lindy Hemming, who was in charge of costume and wardrobe for the film. She felt the appearance of the Omega Seamaster Diver 300m had the look of a watch that would be worn by a rogue spy who also had to ‘dress up’ from time to time. She was also aware of Omegas actual history with the British Navys Special Boat Service (SBS), for whom James Bond had served, hence his official rank of Commander Bond.
In 2002, the 40th anniversary of Bond, a commemorative version of the Seamaster Diver 300m was produced. (Ref no 2537.80.00). Initially planned as a run of 10,000 watches, Omega produced 10,007 units in homage to the spy. This watch is identical to its predecessor except the dial, case-back and clasp all had 007 inscribed on them.
In 2006 Daniel Craig took over the Bond role in Casino Royale. In this film Craig wears the Seamaster, The Seamaster Planet Ocean and the Seamaster Diver 300m. He even references the watch by name to Vesper Lynd during their initial meeting. On the release of this film, Omega released a 007-special of the professional 300m, which featured the 007 ‘gun logo’ on the second hand, and a circular rifle pattern on the dial, which represents the gun-barrel sequence of the opening credits.
Also in 2006, Omega released a second James Bond limited edition. This was a Seamaster Planet Ocean, similar to the watch Daniel Craig is wearing in the beginning of the film, differing only by having an orange 007 logo on the second hand, and a 007-engraved case-back and clasp. Again, an intended production run of 5,000 was amended to 5,007.
In 2021’s No Time to Die, the Seamaster Diver 300m returns in the form of a new model, this time with a black dial, a titanium case and powered by Omega's Co-Axial Master Chronometer 8806 movement. It is the first in the line of Seamasters designed to have a Milanese mesh strap and not to feature a date window. This watch was designed in collaboration with Daniel Craig.

Author S Chadd