‘No Time To Die’ is hitting theatres next April but the new Bond watch, the Omega Seamaster Diver 300M is here. Take a closer look.
Despite it still being a few months more before we can see Bond on the big screen, you can already wear the spy’s latest Seamaster on your wrist. Bond fans were left in dismay when it was recently announced that ‘No Time to Die,’ the 25th film in the franchise originally releasing in November, was deferred to April 2021. This was the second time the film was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic this year.
However, enthusiastic horologists will be thrilled to know that Omega’s latest creation with the James Bond franchise — the Seamaster Diver 300M 007 Edition — has very much released on schedule.
Omega’s Seamasters are practically synonymous with James Bond; they have been spotted on the wrist of every actor cast in the iconic role since 1995, with Pierce Brosnan’s first Bond debut in ‘GoldenEye.’ Since then, the classic timepiece has been a complementary addition to 007’s slick, extremely well-tailored wardrobe, not to mention succinctly befitting the reliability and adventurous spirit of the ex-Naval commander.
Returning to the screen five years after ‘Spectre’, the latest 007 Edition is a pared-back remake of the classic Seamaster that departs from its dressier counterparts, and instead harnesses a hard-working, military-style approach. It is a piece that fits Daniel Craig’s version of Bond all too well, with his roguish, rugged, no-nonsense attitude to getting the job done.
As it is Craig’s final reprise in the iconic role, he and the filmmakers had an active part in helping with the watch’s design which reflected his time as the British spy. “When working with Omega, we decided that a lightweight watch would be key for a military man like 007,” Craig commented. “I also suggested some vintage touches and colours to give the watch a unique edge. The final piece looks incredible.”
The result? A versatile and functional piece that fares more wearability between parachuting off planes and sipping martinis at hotel bars. It’s also designed to be a lot more hardy — necessary, given the ever-increasingly dangerous situations Bond finds himself in as he tackles an all-new villain in ‘No Time to Die.’
Crafted in grade two titanium, the 42mm timepiece features a titanium mesh bracelet and a new domed sapphire-crystal glass, making it a lightweight yet sturdy piece that is comfortable on the wrist and resistant to action-packed wear and tear — or even just your morning commute. It’s also thin enough to seamlessly slip under suit sleeves, avoiding any awkward hand wringing to fling caught-up cuffs loose. A striped NATO strap in dark brown, grey and beige is also available for those who prefer it, with ‘007’ engraved on the loop (though from the trailer, the mesh iteration seems to be Craig’s preferred choice).
As Omega’s reigning diving watch, enduring signatures of the style make a reappearance, such as its unidirectional bezel and helium escape valve. There were some majors changes though: The 007 edition forgoes the Seamaster’s usual wavy-patterned dial with a muted, darker overhaul. The date window was removed for a more field-style aesthetic, and replaced with a fitting broad arrow emblem — a symbol of British government issued property (which appears again on the reverse). The dial itself is made from anodised aluminium in a hue which replicates the deep, aged brown of vintage dials that have faded over time — a colour tone collectors often refer to as “tropical.”
Inside, the piece is driven by Omega’s Co-Axial master chronometer calibre 8806, an impressive movement that has gained highest praise of precision and performance — all leading back to the divewatch’s wholly functional character. On the back, the viewing window has been closed up for a more utilitarian take, and now displays a string of inscribed numbers that reference the core of the James Bond character, including ‘0552’ the British Royal Navy code, numerals of a diver’s watch ‘923 7697’, as well as Bond’s iconic agent number ‘007’ and ’62’ — the year the first-ever Bond movie was made.
Should you deem to match with Daniel Craig for his last run as James Bond as the film releases next spring, the Seamaster Diver 300M 007 Edition currently retails for HK$76,500 for the titanium mesh strap, and the NATO version for HK$67,500. It delivers in an exclusive brown fabric pouch and comes with Omega’s full five-year warranty.
All images: Courtesy brand
This story first appeared on Lifestyle Asia Hong Kong.
Lorria Sahmet
Editor
After two years writing in luxury retail, Lorria now covers food and drink happenings in Hong Kong. When not taste-testing for the best fries in the city (shoestring, always!), find her at home obsessing over tableware and attempting a fruit garden on her tiny bay window. She is happiest by the ocean with a giant fishbowl-glass of Aperol Spritz.
Most Popular
