Eight Omega Watches Worn By James Bond (and its Uses)

The latest instalment in the James Bond franchise to hit silver screens, Spectre is everything one might expect from a movie about the fictional British secret agent. An intriguing plot, explosive action scenes and most importantly, super cool gadgets — because let’s face it; a spy flick is only as awesome as the fancy tools wielded by its protagonist. Really, who could ever forget the Lotus Espirit that doubled up as a submarine in 1977’s The Spy Who Loved Me?
Needless to say, Spectre offers viewers just that. Interestingly though, we noticed that 007’s Omega timepiece finally has a special use for it again (spoiler alert!), apart from telling the time. This comes following an absence of such additional features in the watches worn by the MI6 spy (played by Daniel Craig) in the past three Bond films. Also, the Omega ticker sported by Bond is fitted with a Nato strap for the first time since the character began donning one in 1995. Inspired by the watchstraps used by British pilots, navigators and army personnel during World War II, Nato straps seem to be back in trend of late. Not that we are complaining — it certainly gives the wristwatch a more rugged feel.
So this got us thinking: What other Omega pieces have James Bond worn over the years and what fascinating features have they been equipped with in the movies?

2015, Spectre; Seamaster Diver 300M, Aqua Terra 150M

In the most recent movie, Bond’s Seamaster Diver 300M doubles up as a bomb and saves him from dying at the hands of a criminal mastermind. It should also be noted that unlike previous commemorative “James Bond” watch editions released by Omega in line with the films, the Seamaster Diver 300M that’s available for sale to public is exactly like the one worn by Craig in the show.

2012, Skyfall; Aqua Terra 150M, Seamaster Planet Ocean 600M Co-Axial

While the Omega watches don’t have a snazzy spy-esque functions in Skyfall, it certainly withstands some hard knocks as Craig’s James Bond braves everything from gunfights to explosions with these pieces strapped to his wrist.

2008, Quantum Of Solace; Seamaster Planet Ocean 600M Co-Axial

In line with Omega’s vision of a more rugged and serious Bond, the watch he wears does little more than keep time in this film.

2006, Casino Royale; Seamaster Diver 300M and Seamaster Planet Ocean 600M Co-Axial

Though it may be the first 007 movie to feature an Omega watch sans the nifty gadgetry, Craig certainly wears it in style while battling the bad guys. There is, however, one memorable dialogue about his choice of timepiece from this instalment where Vesper Lynd (portrayed by Eva Green) tries to suss out Bond’s personality over some drinks. “You know…former SAS types with easy smiles and expensive watches. Rolex?” she asks, peering at his wrist. “Omega,” Craig replies. One for the history books, we say.

2002, Die Another Day; Seamaster Diver 300M

Since 1995’s GoldenEye, the James Bond portrayed by Pierce Brosnan has always worn an Omega with secret built-in gadgets. In this 20th Bond film, the watch worn by his character is equipped with a laser beam in its crown. The crown and stem also detach to become an explosive that is detonated by rotating the bezel.
1999, The World Is Not Enough; Seamaster Diver 300M

Here, the timepiece comes with a miniature grappling hook and is additionally fitted with a high-intensity light within its dial. Rather useful stuff, really.

1997, Tomorrow Never Dies; Seamaster Diver 300M

In this film, Brosnan’s Bond isn’t given the watch by Q. Instead, he picks it up at a safe house and pockets it for later. As it turns out, the timepiece conceals a small, detachable charge that can be detonated by rotating the bezel.

1995, GoldenEye; Seamaster Diver 300M

In its first appearance as the British spy’s watch of choice, the Omega piece here comes with a built-in laser and remote detonator, activated by one of the push pieces.