Created by writer Ian Fleming, James Bond is the fascinating and classy British secret agent who has been capturing the hearts of audiences globally for over half a century. From his exciting adventures to impeccable fashion, Bond epitomizes undying appeal and intrigue.
James Bond made his cinematic debut in “Dr. No” in 1962, in which Sean Connery portrayed the main character. Since then, this movie collection has become one of cinema’s most hit and enduring franchises. Each installment guarantees a heady blend of espionage, action, romance, and exclusive locales, making it a need-to-watch for enthusiasts of the secret agent.
Among the many elements that contribute to his charm, one that stands apart is his first-rate watch taste. Over the years, James Bond watches became iconic, each reflecting their respective eras’ technological and stylistic developments. Be it Roger Moore or Daniel Craig playing James Bond, the watches are accessories and symbols of the character’s sophistication and preparedness.
Among the numerous James Bond watches he wore in the franchises, a few high-end names include Rolex Submariner, Omega, Seiko, and TAG Heuer. For instance, in GoldenEye, a movie launched in 1995, James Bond not only managed to intrigue the audience with an exciting plot but by wearing an attractive watch as well.
In this article, let’s explore the most attractive watches James Bond wore. From the early Rolex Submariner to the excessive-tech Omega Seamaster, let’s find out how Bond watches were a part of his impeccable personality.
History of James Bond
The history of James Bond is a tale of innovation, intrigue, and global appeal. The journey of cinematic James Bond commenced in 1962 with the release of “Dr. No.” Adapted from Ian Fleming’s novels, the film introduced audiences to the enigmatic MI6 agent who would become a cinematic icon.
The James Bond series owes its rich storytelling to talented writers and visionary producers. Ian Fleming, a former naval intelligence officer and the character’s creator, provided the source material for many early films. Talking about the producer, EON Productions, established by Albert R. Broccoli and Harry Saltzman, played an essential role in bringing Bond to the big screen.
The James Bond franchise has delivered a treasure trove of cinematic gems. “Goldfinger” was released in 1964 and is often considered a classic, notable for its iconic villain, Auric Goldfinger, and the introduction of unforgettable gadgets. “Casino Royale” was released in 2006 and marked a turning point with Daniel Craig as Bond.
“Skyfall” came out in 2012 and was released in celebration of the 50th anniversary of Bond on screen. The fame and popularity of James Bond are attributed to several key factors, such as an enigmatic protagonist, timeless themes, globe-trotting adventures, innovative action, memorable villains, and iconic music.
Bond’s Watch Chronicles: A Look at the Timepieces Across the Films
Here is the list of all watches worn by James Bond so far:
1. Dr. No – Rolex Submariner – 1962
The luxury watch that was featured in this James Bond film was the Rolex Submariner. A classic dive watch, Bond’s Rolex Submariner radiated superiority. Its different black rotating bezel, black dial, and stainless steel case symbolized the flawless taste of the character played by Sean Connery.
The sizeable glowing hour markers and Mercedes’s hands ensured adequate readability underwater.
- Price: $13,500
- Water Resistance: 100 meters
- Diameter: 40mm
- Release Date: 1953
2. For Your Eyes Only – Seiko Quartz Diver – 1981
Roger Moore portrayed the role of sophisticated and suave spy in this James Bond movie and was seen wearing a Seiko Quartz Dive watch, turning away from the Rolex Submariner that was synonymous with the character in earlier movies.
The Seiko Quartz Diver watch was a sporty and rugged timepiece. Its black bezel, matching black dial and stainless steel case offered a functional and stylish look. The watch also featured a durable rubber strap and a digital display, making it an appropriate choice for underwater thrills.
The watch found its moment in an action-packed scene where Bond is stuck in a challenging situation underwater. The watch was an essential thing that helped him complete the mission by navigating the deceitful water.
- Price: $400 – $500
- Water Resistance: NA
- Diameter: 49mm
- Release Date: 1965
3. The Living Daylights – TAG Heuer Professional Night-Dive – 1987
The character was played by Timothy Dalton in this Bond film. He was seen sporting a different timepiece, a TAG Heuer Professional Night-Dive – which added a touch of functionality and elegance to his adventures.
With luminous, bold markers, a black dial and a stainless steel case, this watch offered style and ease of reading in different lighting conditions. This watch featured a stainless steel bracelet and a unidirectional rotating bezel, giving it an elegant and sporty appearance.
This TAG Heuer watch got its limelight when Bond was in a perilous and thrilling car chase through the streets of Vienna. The water-resistant quality and reliability of this watch came in handy during this scene.
- Price: $3,350
- Water Resistance: 50 meters
- Diameter: 43mm
- Release Date: 1978
4. GoldenEye – Omega Seamaster Professional 300M – 1995
Pierce Brosnan portrayed the character of James Bond in this movie and sported a stylish Omega Seamaster Professional 300M watch. The watch looked versatile and sophisticated. It featured a different blue rotating bezel, a blue dial, and a stainless steel bracelet along with the case.
The watch’s luminous hands and markers offered fantastic readability. The watch played a vital role in one of the essential scenes in the movie. Bond used the inbuilt laser of the watch to escape a dangerous situation, showcasing its functionality and gadgetry.
- Price: $5,200
- Water Resistance: 200 meters
- Diameter: 42mm
- Release Date: 1993
5. Live and Let Die – Hamilton Pulsar P2 2900 LED Watch -1973
Roger Moore, portraying the character of James Bond in Live and Let Die, was seen flaunting this digital watch, which was indeed a revolutionary accessory at the time. The Hamilton Pulsar P2 2900 LED watch was a futuristic and cutting-edge timepiece. It featured a stainless steel bracelet and case with a black dial.
Its LED digital display was a characteristic that made the watch stand out. This Bond’s watch got its moment of glory in a suspenseful scene of Live and Let Die, where Bond used the LED display of the watch to illuminate a dark room. This displayed the unique LED technology of the watch and contributed to the intrigue of the movie.
- Price: $320 – $490
- Water Resistance: NA
- Diameter: 40mm
- Release Date: 1972
6. Thunderball – Breitling Watch Top Time – 1965
Breitling’s Top Time watch was selected as Bond’s watch in this movie, perfectly completing his overall style. Sean Connery wore this elegant and suave watch with a black dial, white subdials, and a stainless steel case. Its chronograph functions and minimalist design made it a fashionable accessory.
The watch was prominently featured in a scene where James Bond used the Geiger function of the watch to detect radiation, which was an essential element of the movie. This simply showed the multifunctionality of the watch and the role it played in the movie.
- Price: $5,500
- Water Resistance: 100 meters
- Diameter: 41mm
- Release Date: 1964
7. From Russia With Love – Rolex Submariner – 1963
In this Bond movie, Sean Connery wore the stylish Rolex Submariner. The watch embraced Bond’s wrist throughout the movie as he went on his mission. Whether he was engaging in dialogues, navigating through dangerous water, or executing thrilling action, the watch remained a constant thing.
8. Goldfinger – Rolex Submariner – 1964
Bond’s Rolex Submariner continued to appear in this movie as well. It showed when, Sean Connery, playing the role of Bond got strapped to a table. As he is trying to escape the horrific laser beam moving towards him, Bond checks the time on his watch.
9. On Her Majesty’s Secret Service – Rolex Submariner – 1969
George Lazenby took on the role of James Bond in this movie. Although the movie doesn’t show any certain scenes where Bond is wearing a Rolex Submariner, it still stays consistently on his wrist throughout various action scenes.
10. The Man With The Golden Gun – Rolex Submariner – 1974
In several scenes of The Man With The Golden Gun movie, Roger Moore is seen wearing a Rolex Submariner watch. While there are no specific scenes, the watch is spotted throughout the movie.
11. Tomorrow Never Dies – Omega Seamaster Professional 300M – 1997
Pierce Brosnan portrayed the role of James Bond in this movie and wore the Omega watch, which was the Seamaster Professional 300M Watch, throughout the movie. Although there is no specific feature where the watch got its limelight, it was featured throughout the movie as an integral part of James Bond’s overall persona.
12. The World is Not Enough – Omega Seamaster Professional 300M – 1999
Pierce Brosnan is seen wearing an Omega watch, the Seamaster Professional 300M watch in this movie. Bond donned this watch in various action scenes, demonstrating its functionality and durability.
13. Die Another Day – Omega Seamaster Professional 300M – 2002
Die Another Day is one such movie where James Bond was spotted with this watch again on the wrist of Pierce Brosnan. This watch is also worn in various underwater scenes, action scenes, and high-stakes moments.
14. Casino Royale – Omega Seamaster Professional 300M – 2006
Daniel Craig debuted as the iconic spy in Casino Royale and seen sporting another Omega watch throughout the film. This watch is spotted when Bond bets, bluffs, and confronts his adversaries during the poker game.
15. Quantum of Solace – Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean – 2008
Daniel Craig reprised his role as the iconic spy and was spotted wearing an Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean watch. The action-packed opening scene of the film displays the watch prominently. There are other significant scenes where this watch is worn, such as the Bolivia chase, an interrogation scene and a hotel scene.
16. Skyfall – Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean – 2012
There are a handful of scenes where the Omega watch got its star moment on the wrist of Daniel Craig. James Bond wore this watch in a thrilling action sequence against the Shanghai skyscraper. Another scene where the watch reflects his attention to detail is when Bond is in a casino in Macau, engaging in high-stake gambling.
What Watch James Bond Promoted in Recent Movies?
In recent movies, the character has been wearing Omega watches. Daniel Craig, who played Bond in movies like “Casino Royale,” “No Time to Die,” “Quantum of Solace,” “Spectre,” and “Skyfall” sported Omega watch variety.
James Bond’s watches included the Omega Seamaster Diver 300M, Seamaster Diver 300, and Seamaster Planet Ocean, displaying a blend of functionality and style.
What Brand Watches James Bond Worn in Movies?
James Bond’s watches came from well-established brands, such as Rolex, Omega, and Seiko watches in diverse movies. Rolex Submariner and Rolex Sea-Dweller are the ultimate choices, showcasing the timeless style and resilience of Bond in movies.
Seiko offered digital watches with advanced technology in the ‘70s and ‘80s, mirroring the innovative era.
From the Writer
Undoubtedly, there have been many alluring timepieces that graced the wrist of James Bond – a legendary character. It is incredible to experience how James Bond’s watches evolved, reflecting not just transforming styles but technological advancements throughout the decades.
Bond’s watches are as iconic as his character, from the classic Rolex Submariner to the modern Omega and innovative Seiko.
