Inside James Bond's Next-Level Omega Seamaster Collection
James Bond's relationships with clothing, watch, and car brands are much like his interactions with villains: some don't make it past Act I, while others endure across films. Take his watches: since GoldenEye (1995), he's worn different versions of the Omega Seamaster, itself the company's longest-running line—and exactly the choice you'd expect given Bond's backstory as a naval commander. And now that we've seen the watch 007 will wear in next year's No Time To Die, we're taking a look back at every Omega he's worn over the last 24 years.
Omega Seamaster Quartz Professional Diver 300M 2541.80.00
As seen in: GoldenEye (1995)
James Bond’s story with Omega starts here. Or, specifically, on the armored train on which he finds himself trapped, with seconds ticking away before it explodes. Bond (played by Pierce Brosnan) uses the watch’s built-in laser on the bezel to cut through a steel plate, enabling him to leap free in the nick of time.
Omega Seamaster Professional Diver 300M 2531.80.00
As seen in: Tomorrow Never Dies (1997)
In his second adventure as James Bond, Brosnan wears the automatic chronometer version of the famous Omega Seamaster Diver 300M. In the film, it incorporates a detachable remote-controlled detonator—useful if you, like Bond, need to set up a booby trap using a grenade and a glass jar.
As seen in: The World Is Not Enough (1999)
When James Bond is caught in an avalanche, his life is saved by an inflatable ski jacket, while his Omega’s LED lights bring welcome relief in the darkness. Later, when Bond is trapped at the bottom of a nuclear bunker inspection pit, he unveils the Seamaster’s miniature grappling hook (doesn't yours have one?), fired by pressing the helium escape valve.
As seen in: Die Another Day (2002)
This Seamaster has two crucial (and fantastical) modifications, each of which borrows from the watch's actual features: a detonator pin replacing the helium release valve, which is controlled by twisting the bezel, and a laser, activated by pressing on the dial, that shoots from the crown.
Omega Seamaster Diver 300M 2220.80.00
As seen in: Casino Royale (2006)
The first watch Daniel Craig wore as 007. A subtle update from earlier models, and with an attractive blue dial, it catches the eye of one eagle-eyed character, who describes it, simply, as "beautiful."
Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean 600M 2900.50.91
As seen in: Casino Royale (2006)
Craig's first outing gets two Omegas: the second is a rubber-strapped, black-faced Seamaster Planet Ocean 600M Co-Axial Chronometer with a beefy 45.5mm diameter case.
Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean 600M 2201.50.00
As seen in: Quantum of Solace (2008)
Say you've got to take a phone call in your Aston Martin while speeding along the shores of Lake Garda and you need to know what watch to wear. With a cool, classic black dial and bezel, this Planet Ocean model—a slightly slimmed-down version of the traditional Bond watch—feels a pretty safe pick.
Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean 600M 232.30.42.21.01.001
As seen in: Skyfall (2012)
This Seamaster can be seen across many of Skyfall's most memorable scenes, including the dramatic motorcycle across the roofs of Istanbul.
Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 231.10.39.21.03.001
As seen in: Skyfall (2012)
With its blue dial and "Teak Concept" finish, the Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra is a little dressier than the Planet Ocean, but still powered by the same 600M Co-Axial Chronometer movement.
Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 231.10.42.21.03.003
As seen in: Spectre (2015)
A classic, robust timepiece that plays on Omega’s rich maritime heritage? No wonder Bond chose it.
Omega Seamaster 300M 233.32.41.21.01.001
As seen in: Spectre (2015)
Notably, Omega's first 007 watch with a NATO strap. Other interesting features: the lollipop central second hand, and the bidirectional rotating GMT bezel. (Not included in the floor model: the explosive secret that helps Bond out of a tight situation.)
This piece was originally published in British GQ.
Originally Appeared on GQ
