Can you hear the vodka martini being shaken? Or that iconic Aston Martin screaming around the corner?
Well, if you can’t right this second, you will by the 26th of October. It’s almost time for the latest 007 addition to hit the big screens and more exciting, the latest Bond watch has been released! But we’ll get back to that in a moment.
As we all know James Bond has made his way into all of our hearts and has made a stamp in the publishing and film industry as one of the most influential spy franchises.
James Bond was first introduced to us in 1953 through a series of exciting novels created by Ian Flemming. From this revelation, 12 novels written by Ian Flemming himself have been published, additional books have been added to the series by a collection of authors, as well as a variety of spin offs.
But as we know it doesn’t end there, James Bond is the third highest grossing movie franchise in the world. But what makes James Bond so cool? Is it his looks? His suits, cars? We may be biased, but here at William May we think a huge factor of Bonds ultra-sophisticated look is his collection of powerful, modern mechanical watches.
Flemming strongly believed that Bond should have a watch – it was an essential element to the suave persona of the character. Throughout the novels, Bond was stated to be wearing a Rolex Oyster Perpetual with a metal bracelet. But the film differentiates between watches and brands throughout each film, and we’re eager to find out which one is the most popular between all of you Bond fanatics.
Rolex Submariner
The first mechanical watch to make its way onto the big screen as Bonds ultimate accessory was the Rolex Submariner. In total 11 variations of this watch starred in 11 films and 4 out of 6 of the Bond actors wore this piece, making it the most popular Bond watch.
- No (1962) – Worn by Sean Connery
- From Russia with Love (1963) – Worn by Sean Connery
- Goldfinger (1964) – Worn by Sean Connery
- Thunderball (1965) – Worn by Sean Connery
- You Only Live Twice (1967) – Worn by Sean Connery
- On Her Majesty's Secret Service (1969) – Worn by George Lazenby
- Diamonds are Forever (1971) – Worn by Sean Connery
- Live and Let Die (1973) – Worn by Roger Moore
- The Man with the Golden Gun (1974) – Worn by Roger Moore
- The Living Daylights (1987) – Worn by Timothy Dalton
- License to Kill (1989) – Worn by Timothy Dalton
This powerful watch became an established piece of James Bonds appearance during Sean Connery’s take on the character, followed by Sean Connery, Roger Moore and briefly by George Lazenby. The black face and the bold silver detailing created a suave and a charm about Bond, which only amplified his personality.
Although the Rolex submariner made multiple appearances, in between the years of 1973 – 1983 four other watches crept their way on the spy’s wrist for a one time only appearance.
Breitling
Breitling is a brand we all know and love, so it surprised us that this brand only had the chance to accompany Bond once. The Breitling Top Time Diver Chrono is spotted in Thunderball alongside the Rolex Submariner in 1965.
- Breitling Top Time Diver Chrono with Geiger Counter - Thunderball (1965) – Worn by Sean Connery
Hamilton
This watch differed from the Rolex Submariner in a collection of ways. The first major difference was the watch was digital, not mechanical. The Hamilton was placed into the film to create a futuristic, modern twist on the classic spy.
Although this watch had limited features, showing the time was its highest point of technology. But Pulsar was the first successful brand to create a working digital watch, hence making it extremely important that Bond had one.
Surprisingly during this time in the early 70’s this basic watch cost the same amount as a steel mechanical Rolex watch, which Moore also wore during this film.
- Hamilton Pulsar ‘P2 2900’ LED - Live and Let Die (1973) – Worn by Roger Moore
Seiko
The Rolex Submariner was boxed away, and Seiko took centre stage with Roger Moore. All the models of Seiko were digital watches, creating that futuristic and modern hint. These models were ideal for incorporating gadgets into the design and moulding a spy like approach to a new model of watch.
- Seiko 0674 LC - The Spy Who Loved Me (1977) Worn by Roger Moore
- Seiko H357 Analogue with Digital Display -For Your Eyes Only (1981) – Worn by Roger Moore
- Seiko G757 Sports 100 - Octopussy (1983) – Worn by Roger Moore
Omega Seamaster Professional & Seamaster Planet Ocean
In 1995 it was time for Bond to have a new addition to his watch collection, Omega, after a long bid? won the hearts of the Bond franchise. Now Omega celebrates its 20th year being a part of the British spy’s ensemble.
When Omega first took centre stage, it was Pierce Brosnan who sported Omega. The first model worn was the Omega Seamaster Professional throughout 1995 – 2002, ranging from mechanical and automatic versions of the watch.
It was then Daniel Craig who introduced the Seamaster Planet Ocean in 2006 up until 2015, but during the quantum of Solace Bond was spotted also wearing a new coaxial version of the Seamaster Professional.
- Goldeneye (1995) – Worn by Pierce Brosnan
- Tomorrow Never Dies (1997) – Worn by Pierce Brosnan
- The World is not Enough (1999) - Worn by Pierce Brosnan
- Die Another Day (2002) - Worn by Pierce Brosnan
- Casino Royale (2006) – Worn by Daniel Craig
- Quantum of Solace (2008) – Worn by Daniel Craig
- Skyfall (2012) – Worn by Daniel Craig
- Spectre (2015) – Worn by Daniel Craig
Now that Spectre is nearly here, and the newest version of the Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean is out for the public to buy, it's time to join the buzz of the Bond. These stunningly crafted watches are truly made for Bond himself, and you can have the chance to feel as smart and suave as the spy himself feels.
A final count of 6 men have taken on the role as Bond and a grand total of 23 watches have been used to help create Bond’s killer look. We want to know what you think. Who is your favourite Bond? And most importantly, which model of watch was is your favourite? Let us know in the comments below.
