Is there a figure in cinematic history who has captured our imaginations more than the elegant and perfect James Bond? It is believed that 007, who was created by Ian Fleming, is the kind of guy all other men want to be and all other women dream of being with.
Bond is the epitome of elegance and sophistication. He enjoys the more refined things in life, and his watches are certainly not an exception to this rule. Let’s take a look at a few of the Smartwatches that James Bond has made famous over the years.
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The Beginnings (which span the years 1962 through 1974):
The first clip is from the casino that appears at the beginning of the film Doctor No, which was released in 1962.
Rolex is the only watch brand that author Ian Fleming ever mentions in any of his books or stories. In the first five films, you will only see Sean Connery’s portrayal of James Bond wearing this well-known Swiss-made brand. This is because director Albert Broccoli thought it was appropriate to pay tribute to this fact.
To begin with, the watch of choice was the Submariner, which retails for around $9,000. It features a sapphire crystal dome that is scratch-resistant and a stainless steel case that is 40 millimeters in diameter. Both the bracelet and the case are constructed of stainless steel. The markers and hands glow in the dark so that the time can be read even in dim conditions. On the inside, there is a movement that happens automatically.
By the time the movie came out in 1962, the Submariner was known for being both tough and stylish, which made him a great choice for a character who didn’t want to draw too much attention to himself.
In the movie, his watch was accessorized with a brown leather strap, which gave the impression that the watch had an expensive design. You could note that he switches to a NATO strap later on in Goldfinger. This is something you should keep an eye out for. True enthusiasts are unable to get past the fact that the cloth strap seems to have an improper fit.
The James Bond films “Live and Let Die” and “The Man with the Golden Gun” from the 1970s and 1980s continued the Rolex connection with the series. Before Roger Moore took over for his stint as the Super Spy, several actors had previously played the role. This is where we see the switch over to Seiko, which was something that die-hard Bond fans did not enjoy. However, as the spy began to acquire an increasing number of intriguing devices, his wristwatch needed to keep up with the pace.
In the watch industry, the late 1970s and 1980s were marked by an increase in the popularity of quartz movements. This came dangerously close to putting an end to the craft of manufacturing mechanical movements, but thankfully, purists prevented this from happening. Moore’s interpretation of Bond had to keep up with the times, which is why the digital pioneer Seiko was picked as his watch of choice.
In Moonraker, James Bond is seen wearing a Seiko M354.Even in modern times, you can still find this Memory Bank Calendar watch being sold on auction websites for close to $75. If you prefer old digital-analogue dual-displays, you’re in luck.
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Today
The most devoted readers of the book series continue to argue that James Bond should always be shown wearing a Rolex since the watch is the only one that is ever featured in any of the stories. Watch lovers contended that he would look better with an Omega watch.
In 1995, their prediction was validated. Omega is a brand that is synonymous with elegance and refinement, not to mention the highest quality and workmanship, and in the film Goldeneye, James Bond is shown wearing a watch by Omega on his wrist.
The next scene shows Pierce Brosnan’s James Bond wearing a Seamaster 300m watch, which retails for $3,500. This watch features a blue face and a bezel that matches the color. The bracelet is made of rubber, while the case is 42 millimeters and is made of stainless steel. Sapphire makes for the protective dome-shaped gemstone that sits above the face. On the inside, an automated movement provides the propulsion. The fact that it is waterproof is made clear by the fact that its name includes the word “diving” (or secret agents).
Daniel Craig has undeniably taken up the mantle and is now seen wearing a Seamaster Planet Ocean watch, which retails for $4,500. The face of this watch is black, as is the bezel that surrounds it. It has a casing that is 42 millimeters in diameter and is made of stainless steel. This makes it chunkier than ever before. The bracelet is made of the same material, and the sapphire crystal, which is the brand’s signature feature, safeguards the face. Once again, the watch is powered by automated movements.
In the most recent mission, Spectre, Bond switched to a more expensive Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra watch, which cost $4,000. This watch has a more official appearance and is 38 millimeters thick. It features a case made of stainless steel, and the strap is made of black alligator leather. Because it has just half the resistance of the earlier version, it is not nearly as ready for the water. But at 150 meters, who is going to argue that the throw should go the other way?
Tomorrow
Spoiler alert! In the promotional material for the next Bond film, No Time to Die, starring Daniel Craig as James Bond, we see him wearing a special 007 version of the Seamaster Diver 300M watch. This release was based on the movie that Omega intended (Bond films are rife with product placement). This 42 millimeter superwatch made of titanium and black aluminum costs approximately $7000 and comes in a lovely dark brown color. It comes with a mesh bracelet that can be changed out for a NATO version in either gray, brown, or beige. Additionally, the well-known 007 insignia is etched directly into the bracelet’s loop.
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Can I purchase a watch in the James Bond style?
Any of the Smartwatches that have been described here are still available for purchase. Some of them are surprisingly easy on the wallet. For some of them, you may need to make some significant adjustments to your lifestyle before you can afford them. You will be able to feel like James Bond if you pre-order the exclusive 007 Omega before the movie is even out and wear it at the premiere of the film.
You should check out our evaluation of the Tag Heuer Connected Modular 41 if you, like James Bond, are looking for something that is not only practical but also luxurious.
