Top 3 Watches Every James Bond Fan Should Know
James Bond is more than a secret agent—he’s a style icon. From tailored suits to exotic cars, every detail of 007’s world screams sophistication, including his watches. Over six decades, Bond has worn a variety of watches, but three stand out to me as definitive icons of the franchise. Let’s explore these legendary watches, their designs, and how they became essential to Bond’s image.
1. Rolex Submariner Ref. 6538 – Dr. No (1962), From Russia with Love (1963), Goldfinger (1964)
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The Rolex Submariner Ref. 6538 is the original Bond movie watch; for many, it remains the ultimate. Featuring a compact 38mm case and an oversized crown, the 6538 has all the lovable characteristics of a vintage Submariner. Its simple design and raw utility made it a natural choice for Sean Connery’s portrayal of Bond—a man who’s at home in a white tuxedo or a wetsuit.
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One of the most iconic moments for this Submariner comes in Goldfinger, when Bond checks the time while donning a white dinner jacket. The close-up of the watch, paired with its famous 16mm NATO strap (despite the watch’s 20mm lug width), is a subtle yet memorable detail for watch enthusiasts. This strap pairing has since inspired the "Bond NATO," featuring broad stripes that have become a genre of their own.
The 6538’s Bond cameos helped solidify the Submariner’s status as the most famous dive watch ever made. It cemented the connection between Bond and Rolex, but a few decades later, a new Swiss powerhouse entered the chat.
2. Omega Seamaster Professional 300M Ref. 2541.80 – GoldenEye (1995)
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The Omega Seamaster Professional 300M ref. 2541.80 ushered in a new era: not just for Bond, but for Omega. While its appearance in GoldenEye marked the beginning of Omega’s partnership with Bond, the watch itself stands out as the first Seamaster 300M—what is now Omega’s flagship diver. Its 41mm case, wave-patterned dial, 10 o’clock helium escape valve, and skeleton hands introduced a bold, modern design to Omega’s catalog and the Bond franchise alike.
The OG Seamaster 300M lacks any flashy branding or overt James Bond connections. Its functionality and distinct design elements made it a fan favorite in its own right, independent of its cinematic fame.
GoldenEye not only revitalized the Bond franchise but also catapulted the Seamaster 300M into the spotlight, cementing it as a modern tool watch icon: on and off the silver screen.
3. Omega Seamaster Diver 300M Master Chronometer '007 Edition' – No Time to Die (2021)
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The Seamaster "007 Edition" perfectly embodies Daniel Craig’s grittier, more grounded Bond. Its 42mm unpolished titanium case has a rugged, military-inspired look, complemented by a textureless brown dial, beige lume, and a titanium mesh bracelet (or nylon “Bond” NATO).
Co-designed by Craig, this Seamaster reflects his hands-on approach to the role. The unbranded dial serves the watch’s understated, military-inspired design language, while the subtle 007 engraving on the caseback is a subtle nod without being overbearing. The titanium mesh bracelet is another standout feature to me—slimmer and more elegant than Omega’s traditionally bulky Seamaster 300M bracelets.
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This watch feels like the culmination of Bond’s horological journey. While decidedly modern, it celebrates the vintage and military inspirations of 007’s past watches. This watch is, in a word, badass.
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