Words: Tom Mulraney
In 1995’s GoldenEye, a rather dapper looking Pierce Pierce Brosnan uses his laser-equipped Omega Seamaster to escape a train car moments before it explodes. It was a great bit of cinematography and the Swiss watch maker has served as 007’s official timepiece supplier ever since.
In 2017, Omega celebrates this ongoing partnership with the Bond movie franchise with the introduction of the Seamaster Diver 300M “Commander’s Watch” Limited Edition, a watch that pays tribute to Bond’s connection to the Royal British Navy.
It wasn’t by chance that the Omega ended up on Brosnan’s wrist all those years ago. According to Lindy Hemming, the Oscar-winning costume designer who was responsible for casting 007’s watch in GoldenEye, she was “…convinced that Commander Bond, a naval man, a diver and a discreet gentleman of the world would wear the Seamaster with the blue dial.” Reliable, accurate, accessible and stylish without being ostentatious, it certainly seems Hemming made the right choice, at least if history is anything to go by.
Speaking of history, Albert R. Broccoli’s EON Productions and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios’ (MGM) Bond franchise is celebrating some of its own this year. 2017 marks three noteworthy anniversaries, including: the 50th anniversary of “You Only Live Twice”; the 40th anniversary of “The Spy Who Loved Me”; and the 20th anniversary of “Tomorrow Never Dies.” Three great films, with three very different leading men, however in each, James Bond can be seen wearing his official military uniform.
To celebrate these three anniversaries, Omega has created a unique watch design inspired by the red, white and blue colours of the Royal Navy as well as the Commander’s insignia itself.
Officially named the Seamaster Diver 300m “Commander’s Watch”, it is presented in a 41mm steel case and features a polished white ceramic dial, complete with 12 blue indexes, the word “Seamaster” written in red, and blue skeleton hands. Completing the military look is a NATO strap in blue, red and grey, which follows a 5-stripe pattern and features a polished buckle.
Omega has created a unique watch design inspired by the red, white and blue colours of the Royal Navy - as well as the Commander’s insignia itself
Die-hard James Bond fans will appreciate the ‘007’ gun logo counterweight on the central seconds hand and the fact that the number 7 in the date window is coloured red, while all other numbers are blue. Around the outside of the dial, and in keeping with the Royal Navy theme, is a stunning blue ceramic bezel insert, with a Liquidmetal® diving scale for tracking elapsed minutes and red rubber covering those critical first 15 minutes. At 10 o’clock is the Helium Escape Valve, while the screw-in crown at 3 o’clock guarantees water resistance up to 300m.
Providing the power is the Omega calibre 2507, an automatic movement fitted with Omega’s famous Co-Axial escapement. Ticking at a slightly unusual frequency of 25,200vph, it offers a 48h power reserve and has been certified as a chronometer by the COSC. Visible through the sapphire caseback, the rotor features the stripes of the Commander’s naval insignia, while a central 9mm “bullet” design adds that extra 007 touch.
Limited to 7,007 pieces, the stainless steel version of the Omega Seamaster Diver 300m “Commander’s Watch” comes with a 3-year warranty and is presented in a special box that has been inspired by a military medal case. In addition to the watch, the box houses a stainless steel bracelet, a changing tool and a “naval pin” that mirrors the design of the NATO strap.
Of course, if you’re looking for something even more exclusive, there is a yellow gold version available in a limited edition of just 7 pieces. Its diving scale is crafted from Ceragold™ and the watch also includes an 18K yellow gold central seconds hand.
Tom Mulraney is the Managing Editor of online watch magazine thewatchlounge.com.
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