Bond Anniversary or not, this is the nicest configuration of the SMP I’ve seen for a long time. The Culmination of a journey and a fitting tribute of a near 30 year long partnership. The Gun Barrel image on the Caseback actually moves while the watch is running and relies on the movement to operate (similar to the snoopy Speedmaster Caseback) Great watchmaking as usual with Omega ;)
This is by far and away your best video to date. Adrian (Bark & Jack) doesn't get the Bond connection to watches. Perhaps snubs is a more accurate word. Oisin (The Timeless Watch Channel) is spot on when he says the Brosnan era Omega Seamaster is for many a watch entusiast, the gateway drug that got us into watches in the first place. Thank you for so lovingly presenting the history of Omega & Bond. It's important to so many of us. You're a class act!
I'm so glad you said this. Adrian also called Omega 'not a luxury brand' (these things are not cheap, and they are extremely well finished), and said the Omega-Bond connection would be like a watch company doing a collaboration with the Harry Potter films, despite their being no narrative tie-in with watches in those at all. The character might not be real, but what is real is that James Bond is a significant part of English literature and popular culture.
It might sound flippant of me, but I don't watch many other watch channels just because I don't want their opinions influencing mine. It helps a great deal 😆 I should've gone further into this and said that this 60th model feels like a "thank you" to the Bond franchise - without Brosnan and the 90's, who knows where the Seamaster would be today? I'd argue Bond made the SMP a household name (which is bloody fantastic 🥃)
@@theaussiewhinger Bond is a global brand and literary figure that is recognised in every corner of the world and I reckon it was because of this partnership in the 90's that allowed the SMP to become a household name - so in a way this 60th anniversary is a "thank you" from the brand. Having Omega able to do these collaborations and create amazing unique designs is what I'm all for though. Bond connection or not, they create some awesome machines! Doesn't Omega makes World Times, Tourbillions, Minute Repeaters? 😆
The idea of the lollipop seconds hand is that each time it reaches the top of the hour, quarter past, half hour, or quarter to point is that you have two bullets in quick succession then a third a short moment after. Just like in the opening credits across the screen in Bond movies, and hence the opening of the accompanying box.
As a tribute to the Bond franchise to which Omega is now inextricably linked, this is a fantastic piece. The wave pattern on the dial is like the original and it had to be blue! The fact there’s no 007 reference on the front is a huge plus snd the backside is a work of art 👌
I hope this is a step towards a future SMP generation. The subtle wave dial and matte bezel insert is a great combo. If they give the 9 link bracelet a taper and smaller clasp they will have perfected the design imo.
Damn, I’m loving this new release from Omega! I have a Bond Seamaster 2531.80.00 and I love it. It seriously strikes me as a underrated watch. Swiss 300m diver that is svelte on the wrist and only about 11mm thick. I love the look of those older dials and the modern reinterpretation looks pretty spectacular!!
I was eagerly anticipating your take on this, and I agree on almost everything you’ve outlined. To me, this is an almost perfect SMP, anniversary or otherwise - I’d be very happy if the next generation of these models continued with the same design elements of the domed crystal, matt bezel and wave dial in particular (the more usual seconds hand though please!). Unlike you, I did love the 90s model when I first saw it on Brosnan’s wrist. When the dial and movement appeared graphically in the opening credits of Tomorrow Never Dies it cemented my lust for the thing! I could never afford one back then, but I now have a 2220.80.00 (Casino Royale) which I also love for being the first SMP with the Daniels Co-axial escapement. Nice to see you using that model in the video, and as I probably won’t have the means to buy the 60th Bond model for the foreseeable future, I rather like the fact that my watch has so many of the same design queues.
I should've said this in the clip but this model feels like a nod to Bond for making the SMP what it is today. Without Brosnan rocking this piece I bet the Seamaster Pro would've been a very different watch today 😉 Thanks as always Tan. Hope you're well brother 🥃
Thanks for the video. A very nice overview of the Omega and Bond partnership through the Brosnan and Craig era. I love this edition because of the tribute to those first Bond Seamasters which are my favourite. I agree that the lollipop sedond hand is an odd choice as well as the mesh bracelet. I would prefer to see that original and super comfortable Seamaster bracelet with this model.
Here is the thing, why do we need an anniversary watch for a fictional character that didn’t wear Omega in the books or in the films 60 years ago? The Moonwatch was really worn in space, it’s built for a purpose. Even the snoopy editions commemorate a real Snoopy award that Omega won from NASA. But a James Bond anniversary is just kinda dumb. It’s a celebration of a fictional character and that Omega pay for product placement. It’s just crass. The watch is great but the price compared to the normal one is not. It’s inflated price wise and we are all stupid enough to swallow it. PS I like Omega, just not the 007 obsession. It’s stupid.
Great points made here. I had no idea about the £2k extra they put on the watch too. Do you reckon the Bond Licence has run so deep that it's now overkill? From the early years the watches were just used until now where they're made for the films (and the character) - for me at least, I dig the design of it (not that interested in the whole Bond connection) but with this model looking back at that 90's model, it's pretty slick 😉
@@ID-Guy I also like the design and the harking back to the 90s. It’s just a crazy price for what it is, the bezel is cheaper surely than the regular one? It’s a crazy price.
@@PepeDeezNutz he also wore a Seiko. Who cares. It’s an anniversary that isn’t true and it’s a paid for product placement. It’s shallower than a box full of Rolex as your whole collection.
This is what’s great about a great design. You don’t need to overhaul the design. You maybe change a t thing or two but the overall design stays the same. This is why I love military watches. The overall design stays the same with a few updates to spice it up a bit. A tool watch is a tool but that doesn’t mean it can’t look great at the same time. A great looking tool enhances the user experience.
Exactly right Chris. I love the subtlety that went into this AND it's going to be everlasting for it... so wish more brands would focus on the small things and reduce at the same time. This is such a great exercise! 10/10 for milspec watches too, they just never fail to look "regimental" and infinitely timeless 🥃
Great work (as always). I agree that this is a great piece, and I love the SMP (I have the black dial version). That said, I also think this this would be a great occasion to retire some of the dated features of the SMP. This could be the last SMP with an exterior HEV, the scalloped bezel (which is hard to turn even when your hands are not wet), and the tank-tread bracelet. What if Omega's next iteration was a true rework with an integrated HEV, coin-edged bezel, and an updated bracelet. Keep the wave design, skeleton hands, and ceramic dial so that the SMP DNA shows through, but signal a break from the Bond era versions. I think that could be a great design.
I'd love for this to be that cornerstone to end the collection (you're right, possibly keeping some of the features) - Seeing more love and care put into a new generation of 165.024 inspired models would be amazing! Looks like they've got potential with their collections 😉
Wonderful that you don’t sit on the fence. You really nail it. Not perfect; but so damn good, bordering on great. Thanks for the analysis. I side with you. Love this Watch.
A very interesting view IDGuy. I'm not usually a fan of movie tie ins or limited editions but this one is more interesting. Taking the older Seamaster style dial and putting it into the modern case blends the start to today (could this be the end of Bond and Omega?) brilliantly with a few caveats. It has the modern coaxial movement but looks back to the Brosnan era for the style without anything on the front stating it's a movie related watch. The lollipop seconds hand doesn't work for me and like you nor does the case back animation but at least it's on the back. Personally I prefer the current SM300M ceramic wave dial just a tad over this one. I doubt of it's a watch for me right now but it is certainly a cracking watch. The lumed bezel has a nice touch with the 60 instead of a pip in lumed green that really hits the note for Bond at 60.
Man you put it perfectly, there was no other way to say it. This watch is beautiful, we have 2 amazing bond watches, three if you count the Spectre one, fingers crossed if we see a new iteration with the 2254.50 dial? Have ana amazing week mate cheers.
Love that they've paid tribute to that OG dial... it's so subtle and brilliant! Being born in 93... something tells me I need a classic Tritium dial of one of these originals...
A nice blend of the 95 Sea Master and the current No Time To Die model. The waves are back on the dial and I personally like the lollipop hand (helps with legibility)
I actually like the Bond silhouette graphics on the caseback. Sure it may seem a bit tacky, but this is the iconic 007 look...and the motion effect is pretty darn cool 😎. I agree with your take on the lollipop seconds hand, not a fan of it at all. Also I've never been keen with the Seamaster's hour/minute hands either (I'll take broad arrow hands any day). Here's to hopefully 60 more years of James Bond 🥃. And for crying out loud have him in future movies partake in underwater missions strapped with an Ultra Deep or Proplof. He is ex-navy afterall. Cheers 🍺
An Ultra Deep would be so killer... BUT it seems like these bespoke pieces will be his bread and butter from now on (whatever they may be) It's cool for the likes of us to chat about them 😉 Thanks as always Fresh! 🥃
Superb video & analysis. Couldn’t agree more with your minor critiques. Overall so much to like though, but perhaps not quite enough to pull the trigger. I’d also personally prefer this on a blue rubber strap or new oyster-style bracelet (not overly keen on the straight edged Milanese making a gap to the case) Price a tad high too relative to other Seamasters in the lineup…
I really like how you wouldn’t change a thing on this watch. Neither would I, not even the lollipop second hand. With the lollipop touching the minute track, it has a faster rotational speed than if it were inside of the hour markers. This makes the lollipop more noticeable thus improving readability. Besides, it ties directly to the opening movie sequences. This watch is perfect as is! One other thought. The monochromatic 300M’s like the Seaweed and this Bond one are the most visually appealing ones to me.
Sir, I listened to this on my drive to work and watched it again over lunch. Your content drops are always amazing, and you smashed it with this one also. 💙! The watch will be a lasting tribute to the 007 franchise, even with the quirky exhibition case back. My only request would be a 38mm or 39mm version from Omega.
I would change a few minor things about this watch: "Seamaster" should be red the second hand should be a syringe style and dipped red the dial and bezel should be ceramic other than that I love this watch, specifically the "new/old" waves I wish my current 300m had waves that aggressive.
I think they included the lollipop seconds as an homage to the Spectre Seamaster which many fans heralded as the best collab model. Part of its genius was the lack of gimmicks & gmt bezel which was unique to that configuration. As a long time Bond/Omega fan I wish they would have kept the 9 link “bond” bracelet & just added a taper & quick adjust clasp. While the case back is a bit over the top, it’s a fitting tribute to a monumental partnership.
@@ID-Guy my favorite too, I know what's really makes it the best around, heritage, innovation, designs, value, branding, history, variety, engineering, but what I love the must is that omega almost always goes for the extra mile.
I think SMPs are definitely nice - but there's just TOO many renditions. I don't see them as options anymore but just annoyances..and yet, I still want one. Ugh.
The seamaster professional whether it be the goldeneye quartz right up to this 60th anniversary edition is an avant-garde. It went in a different direction from its range before it and that lineage is a testament to this new release .
Well said - over 25 yr partnership celebrated with a gorgeous piece. Agree with your quibble about the graphic on the back - could do without it. I’d add: just a dash of red somewhere on the front. But where? Maybe the Greek ‘Omega’ letter?
Couldn't pass on without saying another fantastic view. Nailed it... I like the case back but not the thickness....but to be expected with exhibition case back I guess.
On first view I was all in on this (just the £7100 to find). However, you can get the regular blue dial/bezel model on a rubber strap and the same mesh bracelet as the 007 for £4500ish, if you go via Chrono24, etc. (bracelet is £680 direct from Omega). The £2500 difference is not loose change (to me at least) and you’d also have two straps. The ‘package’ with what is a plain box and no extra straps or trinkets is severely lacking for the RRP. Nice caseback though.
Awesome watch for sure, but why they are not able to create a new bracelet for the seamaster in general? 🤷🏻♂️ (I know they are using the Milanese from the „no time to die“ model in that case but I speak in general) For example something similar to the 321 bracelet or the 557 limited edition models? They current bracelet is way to bulky and heavy…
I agree (always been more of a fan of the flatlink) - I so wish they'd adopt the simpler style with their mainstream models. Must say though, the Plant Ocean bracelet option is also fantastic 🥃
It looks nice and clear and uncluttered, especially in the subtle, all-blue colour scheme and on the mesh bracelet. Other agents that I know say that they like a watch to have a date window and a GMT hand. They also prefer a clear view of the movement through the caseback.
The caseback is a bit ridiculous…I wonder does anyone ever comment negatively on all the 00 insignias on the watch? The dial of the watch looks good though. The green jeweled Jamaica omega SM300 is a beautiful watch.
I had no idea (until it was pointed out to me) that those images on the caseback actually work with the movement. It's not a distortion thing like those 90's 3D cards that we'd see. It's actually a spinning gun barrel spiral. Blew my mind 😆 BUT that said, a clear back would've been nicer... we love our movements 😉🥃
@@S-A-M. The gaudiness is a bit much (luckily its on the caseback) - but this might be a starting point where they take the future collection. It's hard to guess with Omega 🥃
To omega..the king of taking the beauty of a clear caseback, then etching a bunch of nonsense to ruin the visual..gives me a headache just thinking about it
Meh, at the end of the day the face is sterile, and the caseback for your eyes only... There was a SMP, I want to say from the late '90s, which was _very_ aggressively Bond-branded, with a 007 seconds hand counterweight. Made me gag a little back then, and it hasn't aged any better either.
Indeed (though I disagree over the bezel insert!)! Best SMP ever, by a long way - true to the original but better and not as try-hard as the overworked prop-watch that is the NTTD. I only wish it was a regular edition, because I couldn't bring myself to wear a Bond watch! Imagine finding yourself on a train with Eva and explaining that you were wearing a James Bond Special Edition...Then showing her the caseback. Oh dear! But let's hope Omega stay on a role with their 60th anniversary divers in 2023, eh!
I understood the use of the circle at the end of the second hand was to emulate the opening sequence of Bond films .. as per the from of the presentation box 🤷🏼♂️
I love the watch dial up, and the fact that the "Bond " theme is not in your face but on the caseback. Only a aficionado would get the design cues from seeing the watch on wrist. My only gripe is that Omega milks the customer on pricing of themed Speedys and Seamasters.
Thunderball is still one of my favorites (second to Casino Royale) Love it Junior and thank you! Lots happening this side (I'll be moving house next week - so it's all going on 😉)
Thank you for the video. Very nice dial design, fits well in the lineage of the modern bond partnership. To me, the endless limited editions with quirky back displays, fancy large boxes, and high price tags, remove it further away from the great tool watch it originally was.
Sadly didn’t have the money for a nice watch in the years of Goldeneye. The watch is still on my wishlist. Did get the two from Skyfall. I loved that they aren’t gadgets in the movie added something to Craig. Also remember the movie very well, luckily enough to be at the first day of release in Sydney.
I've never been into "themed" watches but besides that bond casesback I do think it really looks good, much prefer this implementation of the old school waves to the thick laser engraved dials, I'd love to one day get that SS mesh to put on my PO 2201.50.
Funny story Davi, I've sold off a lot of my collection recently and with a bit spare every month I've just purchased the mesh yesterday (will definitely report on it soon) Made by Staib, can't really go wrong 😉 It's going to dress down our watches so well 🥃 100% get one for your PO. From the shots I've seen... the PO was made for mesh!
@@ID-Guy it is funny you mentioned that, seems we're on the same page IDGuy, Staib mesh are some of the best you can buy and I also feel they match up extremely well with the style of the PO, seeing this new Omega SS mesh now has me torn on which one to go with knowing full well the Staib quality is on par with the triple+ priced Omega mesh 🤷 but I'll figure it out hahaa, I look forward to seeing your watches on the Staib, great content as always my friend.
i love the seamster the way it looks and might buy one sometime in future. One omega watch that I own is speedmaster. I was looking into buying one of the new bond seamaster but honestly, it didn't impress me much. This one looks like a regular seamaster which you can get a brand new for less than $6k or preowned way less. I am a big james bond fan, I wish they would have done something better with face of the watch that gives some symbol of 007 besides just changing the bracelet (Mesh or copying rolex old 007 sub strap). The logos and tranparent case back doesn't make sense for me as nobody can see it unless it reversable. I understand in movie, 007 is classified but in real life I want ppol to know its a james bond watch or make me feel better or I want to make it feel like its worth the money other wise you just paying extra for nothing. Even my fav James Bond Daniel Craig last watch could have been so much better. it could have a better box and instead of having same watch available in 2 bracelet with different price, they should have it available in both strap with one good price. And again nothing in face or side of the face has any logos except in the strap I believe. I saw how omega bumped up the price like $2k in their website for brand new but the preowned ones are now going for way down the retail price and its sad not much ppol are excited to buy one. I think Omega lacked to make a proper use of 007 and thats why I feel 007 should just go off with some other brands like Rolex, Breitling, Cartier, etc. Again its just my opinion but I do genuinely like omega watches and thats why I bought one speedmaster.
I think this release is far superior to the prior Bond watch. It’s color tone, size, bezel and wave dial are incredible. While I don’t really like the 60 at the 12 position, and thing the caseback animation is a silly gimmick, I’d love to get this someday.
The perfect Seamaster 300M would be 40 mm, the same dial as the 60th anniversary but in green with ceramic bezel and tapered bracelet, the mesh is very nice but the buckle needs to be better and less chunky, they can keep the Helium scape valve if they want. This is just my opinion and is what I would like to have.
I like it very much. But I'm still drawn to 2254.50 era Omegas. Thin and elegant. I am loving this deep blue and white contrast though.... to be seen in person... BUT SO PRICEY!
I had no idea they bumped the prices of this model so much... a pity that the Bond brand pushes the cost so high. But man, what a stunning colour combo and dial... Having experienced a 2254 I know we're you're coming from brother. Those early models were spot-on 🥃
I own a 2254.50. It does all the things right, I don't like on most other SMPs. I like how thin it is. I like that it does not have skeletonized hands. it has the more subtle waves on the dial. I also prefer stick markers over dots. It has a less blingy bracelet. It uses an easy to service but still chronometer level ETA movement. What is not to like here... I don't think they are too expensive. I bought mine earlier this year for $2500 and spent another $400 for a full service. Still pricey but a far cry from $7k.
@@heiner71 I'll be checking out those early 2000s seamasters for sure. If only they made them in the same case size these days... and I prefer a solid case back
@@Valera_Scotland Good point about the solid case back. I prefer those too. I take a watch that is half a millimeter thinner over the ability to see the movement.
The subtleness and elegance reminds me of the Breitling Heritage ii, but I much prefer the Omega. This is one Omega that could have ditched the helium escape valve and really benefited from it, but then again how else would one activate the laser in that time of need? Thanks for the review! I may end up with this watch...
My seamaster was my gateway drug into watches, but it wasn't the bond watch, I went with the 2254.50 with the black dial, and sword hands. Coming up on 15 years with it soon. This watch with those hands anda regular bracelet would have had my 💲💲💲
Honestly, I think it’s a really cool watch, and having the gun barrel on the back is really cool. However, I can’t justify spending seven grand on this one the basic model is only five and there’s no waiting list
I want one in black no date with the normal bracelet, basically the Nacken with ceramic bezel and clear case back. So, I guess I’ll wait for the MOD and cry buckets if they put a date on it!
The only thing that really bothers me with all modern 300M is the font on the bezel. It always reminds me of some weird Clipart invitation I’d get for birthday parties when I was little - something they could have solved with going back to the Goldeneye design (my first Bond I watched in a cinema btw).
Back in the 90s the people in the forums always referred to the 2541.80 and 2531.80 as the blue Seamaster Professional 300, SMP, SMP300 or just the blue 300M. Not to confuse it with the 2254. Eventually it became the Bond watch. After its discontinuation, every new generation of the watch people refer to it as a Bond watch while Omega calls it a Diver 300. As famous and well known a watch no one knows what to call it. Watching IDGuy refer to it as the Seamaster Professional reminded me of the 90s chatter. I still call mine a 300m/SMP or Bond watch but I think the watch community needs to pick a name for 2531.80.
'93 is my birth year SO I'll be calling it "my birth year SMP" 😉 - actually want to find one in fresh condition... those T dials are looking so good today! Would be great to create a nickname for the OG 🥃
I love the front. The back is a complete mess. I wish they had been sensible with it. Instead, it looks like they put a bunch of 007 and 60th graphics + the watch type and depth rating in a cannon and fired it at the back of the watch.
The Bond franchise is just a marketing juggernaut. Every Bond film is nothing more than a glorified Omega commercial. It's no longer a prop in the films, it's an actor with a script written around it. The franchise has evolved into everything I despise about bad cinema e.g mass product placement, corny script, unbelievable gadgets, bad CGI, terrible storyline. When a prop becomes so essential in the script and endorsement of the film that the DNA of the character is diluted from the original concept. Fleming would be turning in his grave to see what they have done to his original character from the novels. Compare the early Connery films to every Bond film made since Brosnan and you can tell the difference between the watch being used as a prop versus a commercial product of consumption. In the Connery films the Rolex didn't have any spectacular features. It was just a part of Bond's kit as much as his Walther PPK. The cool factor was that it was a dive watch used for it's intended purpose. It also used to time explosions. Nothing remarkable but it made enough impact of cult status. What Omega have done to Rolex is not dissimilar to a Cuckoo bird laying it's egg into another bird's nest. It's gotten to the point now that Bond doesn't just wear an Omega. It's the watch that wears him. As proof, Daniel Craig has become so entrenched in the character of Bond's Omega profiling that he is synonymous with the brand, just as Brosnan had been, although he doesn't get paid to continue his endorsement after his Bond contract was terminated, the legacy of the watch has consumed his name.
@@ryantannehill2830 For the record, the only real spy watch known to be 'officially' issued was the Bulova Accutron Astronaut. This watch was issued by the CIA to the pilots of the reconnaissance planes used to fly missions over the former Soviet Union during the cold war. No spy working as a field operative has ever been silly enough to wear a MoD issued watch for fear of being captured and exposed as an espionage agent working for a western government. Especially with your unit or service number engraved on the caseback and the tell tale broad arrow markings of the British MoD. Even US special forces military units in Vietnam discarded their issued Hamilton hack watches and purchased Seiko divers instead. They also often exchanged their M16 rifles for AK47s to help disguise their spent bullet cartridges as 'American' when in deep behind enemy lines.
Grand Seiko might be jealous of the "see through" case back on this one. Oy vey. For my money, the mesh bracelet is a great choice. But I can own a Breitling Superocean II for half the price.
Great watch design synthesising the watch designs from two Bond eras. But I would agree that the lollipop seconds, aluminium bezel, and gimmicky pictogram hiding the movement are shortcomings. I would add that the price doesn't seem justified at £2,000 more than the current base model and without a ceramic bezel. For that money I think I'd expect titanium or multiple straps (mesh, 90s, Nato). I wonder whether we are going to get a new standard model along these lines in 2023 as a 30 year update on the SMP 300M 🤔 ... I hope so ... we could lose the gimmicky pictogram, have a sensible second hand, a ceramic bezel and a more reasonable price.
Bond Anniversary or not, this is the nicest configuration of the SMP I’ve seen for a long time. The Culmination of a journey and a fitting tribute of a near 30 year long partnership. The Gun Barrel image on the Caseback actually moves while the watch is running and relies on the movement to operate (similar to the snoopy Speedmaster Caseback) Great watchmaking as usual with Omega ;)
I think the rendered photos look nicer than the in-person photos. Don't think the blues and whites pops as much in the on-hand shots.
I love your passion and I love this watch. Easily the best SMP ever made. Omega are back, baby!!
I just can’t get on with the handset. Detest the hollow empty hands.
Always have.
@@gyang333 have you seen it in person?
@@Yorkshiremadmick Sword hands?
This is by far and away your best video to date. Adrian (Bark & Jack) doesn't get the Bond connection to watches. Perhaps snubs is a more accurate word. Oisin (The Timeless Watch Channel) is spot on when he says the Brosnan era Omega Seamaster is for many a watch entusiast, the gateway drug that got us into watches in the first place. Thank you for so lovingly presenting the history of Omega & Bond. It's important to so many of us. You're a class act!
Adrian doesn’t like watches. He is a Rolex promotions guy.
I'm so glad you said this. Adrian also called Omega 'not a luxury brand' (these things are not cheap, and they are extremely well finished), and said the Omega-Bond connection would be like a watch company doing a collaboration with the Harry Potter films, despite their being no narrative tie-in with watches in those at all. The character might not be real, but what is real is that James Bond is a significant part of English literature and popular culture.
It might sound flippant of me, but I don't watch many other watch channels just because I don't want their opinions influencing mine. It helps a great deal 😆 I should've gone further into this and said that this 60th model feels like a "thank you" to the Bond franchise - without Brosnan and the 90's, who knows where the Seamaster would be today? I'd argue Bond made the SMP a household name (which is bloody fantastic 🥃)
@@theaussiewhinger Bond is a global brand and literary figure that is recognised in every corner of the world and I reckon it was because of this partnership in the 90's that allowed the SMP to become a household name - so in a way this 60th anniversary is a "thank you" from the brand. Having Omega able to do these collaborations and create amazing unique designs is what I'm all for though. Bond connection or not, they create some awesome machines! Doesn't Omega makes World Times, Tourbillions, Minute Repeaters? 😆
@@theaussiewhinger i understand his point - they're a gteat watchmaker but not a luxury brand
The idea of the lollipop seconds hand is that each time it reaches the top of the hour, quarter past, half hour, or quarter to point is that you have two bullets in quick succession then a third a short moment after. Just like in the opening credits across the screen in Bond movies, and hence the opening of the accompanying box.
As a tribute to the Bond franchise to which Omega is now inextricably linked, this is a fantastic piece. The wave pattern on the dial is like the original and it had to be blue! The fact there’s no 007 reference on the front is a huge plus snd the backside is a work of art 👌
Love that they've kept this watch so clean (and simple) - I hope this continues! Omega is seeing that less can be so much more 🥃
@@ID-Guy exactly so, I love the clean looks, something I know you’re a fan of! 😉👍
I hope this is a step towards a future SMP generation. The subtle wave dial and matte bezel insert is a great combo. If they give the 9 link bracelet a taper and smaller clasp they will have perfected the design imo.
Bracelet taper would be so killer with these... i mean, if they can do it with the flat links they've gotta do something with the next gen 🥃
Damn, I’m loving this new release from Omega! I have a Bond Seamaster 2531.80.00 and I love it. It seriously strikes me as a underrated watch. Swiss 300m diver that is svelte on the wrist and only about 11mm thick. I love the look of those older dials and the modern reinterpretation looks pretty spectacular!!
I was eagerly anticipating your take on this, and I agree on almost everything you’ve outlined. To me, this is an almost perfect SMP, anniversary or otherwise - I’d be very happy if the next generation of these models continued with the same design elements of the domed crystal, matt bezel and wave dial in particular (the more usual seconds hand though please!).
Unlike you, I did love the 90s model when I first saw it on Brosnan’s wrist. When the dial and movement appeared graphically in the opening credits of Tomorrow Never Dies it cemented my lust for the thing! I could never afford one back then, but I now have a 2220.80.00 (Casino Royale) which I also love for being the first SMP with the Daniels Co-axial escapement. Nice to see you using that model in the video, and as I probably won’t have the means to buy the 60th Bond model for the foreseeable future, I rather like the fact that my watch has so many of the same design queues.
Hit on all the points perfectly! A contentious piece but the comprehensive review of the history in this video is key to putting it all together.
I should've said this in the clip but this model feels like a nod to Bond for making the SMP what it is today. Without Brosnan rocking this piece I bet the Seamaster Pro would've been a very different watch today 😉 Thanks as always Tan. Hope you're well brother 🥃
One of the best looking 300M Seamasters to date, no doubt about it
I feel you Mark... it's a looker! 🔥
That’s not saying much
Thanks for the video. A very nice overview of the Omega and Bond partnership through the Brosnan and Craig era. I love this edition because of the tribute to those first Bond Seamasters which are my favourite. I agree that the lollipop sedond hand is an odd choice as well as the mesh bracelet. I would prefer to see that original and super comfortable Seamaster bracelet with this model.
When I got my first "Bond" in '98, my 7 year old said, "Cool! Make it shoot a laser!"
The Bond Watch - Capturing imaginations everywhere 😉 Love it Dave!
Hi ID Guy. Happy Sunday. Have an awesome week my friend.
Thank you as always John. I hope you had a fantastic Thanksgiving! Much love 🥃
Here is the thing, why do we need an anniversary watch for a fictional character that didn’t wear Omega in the books or in the films 60 years ago?
The Moonwatch was really worn in space, it’s built for a purpose. Even the snoopy editions commemorate a real Snoopy award that Omega won from NASA.
But a James Bond anniversary is just kinda dumb. It’s a celebration of a fictional character and that Omega pay for product placement. It’s just crass.
The watch is great but the price compared to the normal one is not. It’s inflated price wise and we are all stupid enough to swallow it.
PS I like Omega, just not the 007 obsession. It’s stupid.
Great points made here. I had no idea about the £2k extra they put on the watch too. Do you reckon the Bond Licence has run so deep that it's now overkill? From the early years the watches were just used until now where they're made for the films (and the character) - for me at least, I dig the design of it (not that interested in the whole Bond connection) but with this model looking back at that 90's model, it's pretty slick 😉
bUt……….hE wOrE A rOLeX
@@ID-Guy I also like the design and the harking back to the 90s. It’s just a crazy price for what it is, the bezel is cheaper surely than the regular one? It’s a crazy price.
@@PepeDeezNutz he also wore a Seiko. Who cares. It’s an anniversary that isn’t true and it’s a paid for product placement. It’s shallower than a box full of Rolex as your whole collection.
@@TheRunningManZ Don’t get so butthurt over a watch video.
This is what’s great about a great design. You don’t need to overhaul the design. You maybe change a t thing or two but the overall design stays the same. This is why I love military watches. The overall design stays the same with a few updates to spice it up a bit. A tool watch is a tool but that doesn’t mean it can’t look great at the same time. A great looking tool enhances the user experience.
Exactly right Chris. I love the subtlety that went into this AND it's going to be everlasting for it... so wish more brands would focus on the small things and reduce at the same time. This is such a great exercise! 10/10 for milspec watches too, they just never fail to look "regimental" and infinitely timeless 🥃
@@ID-Guy so true. I just wish watch makers would switch to Tritium for their lume and ship them with a NATO instead of a bacteria attracting bracelet.
Love this. My boutique just offered me this watch to become available to me in the next 4-8 weeks. I said yes immediately.
Great work (as always). I agree that this is a great piece, and I love the SMP (I have the black dial version). That said, I also think this this would be a great occasion to retire some of the dated features of the SMP. This could be the last SMP with an exterior HEV, the scalloped bezel (which is hard to turn even when your hands are not wet), and the tank-tread bracelet. What if Omega's next iteration was a true rework with an integrated HEV, coin-edged bezel, and an updated bracelet. Keep the wave design, skeleton hands, and ceramic dial so that the SMP DNA shows through, but signal a break from the Bond era versions. I think that could be a great design.
I'd love for this to be that cornerstone to end the collection (you're right, possibly keeping some of the features) - Seeing more love and care put into a new generation of 165.024 inspired models would be amazing! Looks like they've got potential with their collections 😉
please god !!!
Wonderful that you don’t sit on the fence. You really nail it. Not perfect; but so damn good, bordering on great. Thanks for the analysis. I side with you. Love this Watch.
This is going to be so very much in demand & the waiting list time will resemble its very own reference number. Another home run by Omega
I'm sure collectors are already going mad for these (rightly so) Nicely said Ian! 🥃
A very interesting view IDGuy. I'm not usually a fan of movie tie ins or limited editions but this one is more interesting. Taking the older Seamaster style dial and putting it into the modern case blends the start to today (could this be the end of Bond and Omega?) brilliantly with a few caveats. It has the modern coaxial movement but looks back to the Brosnan era for the style without anything on the front stating it's a movie related watch. The lollipop seconds hand doesn't work for me and like you nor does the case back animation but at least it's on the back. Personally I prefer the current SM300M ceramic wave dial just a tad over this one. I doubt of it's a watch for me right now but it is certainly a cracking watch. The lumed bezel has a nice touch with the 60 instead of a pip in lumed green that really hits the note for Bond at 60.
Man you put it perfectly, there was no other way to say it. This watch is beautiful, we have 2 amazing bond watches, three if you count the Spectre one, fingers crossed if we see a new iteration with the 2254.50 dial? Have ana amazing week mate cheers.
I'd still take the 90s Quartz. It, after all, started it all.
I'm on the hunt for a minty '93 model (birth year) - love how the Tritium has aged on them too! 🥃
@@ID-Guy Add it to that great watch collection of yours. BTW... I also own a Seiko SNK381K.
Goldeneye made me buy the Omega SMP quartz! I still love it today!
Love that they've paid tribute to that OG dial... it's so subtle and brilliant! Being born in 93... something tells me I need a classic Tritium dial of one of these originals...
I’ve always heard of the Brosnan era omega sporting the “basket weave” bracelet.
Basket Weave. Imagine someone actually believed that it was woven from reeds? (without seeing it was steel) 😆
My SMP is a mid size from the Brosnan era. It doesn’t get much wrist time these days, but it’s hanging in there.
A nice blend of the 95 Sea Master and the current No Time To Die model. The waves are back on the dial and I personally like the lollipop hand (helps with legibility)
I actually like the Bond silhouette graphics on the caseback. Sure it may seem a bit tacky, but this is the iconic 007 look...and the motion effect is pretty darn cool 😎.
I agree with your take on the lollipop seconds hand, not a fan of it at all. Also I've never been keen with the Seamaster's hour/minute hands either (I'll take broad arrow hands any day).
Here's to hopefully 60 more years of James Bond 🥃. And for crying out loud have him in future movies partake in underwater missions strapped with an Ultra Deep or Proplof. He is ex-navy afterall.
Cheers 🍺
An Ultra Deep would be so killer... BUT it seems like these bespoke pieces will be his bread and butter from now on (whatever they may be) It's cool for the likes of us to chat about them 😉 Thanks as always Fresh! 🥃
It's so frustrating i can't afford one, and, "I've Got no time to sigh."
No Time to Sigh 😆 Gold!
Superb video & analysis. Couldn’t agree more with your minor critiques. Overall so much to like though, but perhaps not quite enough to pull the trigger. I’d also personally prefer this on a blue rubber strap or new oyster-style bracelet (not overly keen on the straight edged Milanese making a gap to the case) Price a tad high too relative to other Seamasters in the lineup…
Nicely said and all true. Great improvements, helluva price increase AND here's hoping these changes arrive in the standard collection? We can hope 😉
I really like how you wouldn’t change a thing on this watch. Neither would I, not even the lollipop second hand. With the lollipop touching the minute track, it has a faster rotational speed than if it were inside of the hour markers. This makes the lollipop more noticeable thus improving readability. Besides, it ties directly to the opening movie sequences. This watch is perfect as is!
One other thought. The monochromatic 300M’s like the Seaweed and this Bond one are the most visually appealing ones to me.
Faster velocity??
Love it. But I will always maintain that a Bond watch should be a traveler. SMPs should have the jump hour setting.
Fantastic point. Think his Aqua Terra in Skyfall had a jump hour (maybe I'm wrong 😉) He does deserve a traveller complication...
Very true and so obvious. Come on, Omega!
What a superb video! Absolute magic discussion of the history, blending into the contemporary. Bravo, and subscribed!
This…and the white SMP 300m are the two God Tier SMP’s.
Sir, I listened to this on my drive to work and watched it again over lunch. Your content drops are always amazing, and you smashed it with this one also. 💙! The watch will be a lasting tribute to the 007 franchise, even with the quirky exhibition case back. My only request would be a 38mm or 39mm version from Omega.
very good informative video. keep it up
I would change a few minor things about this watch:
"Seamaster" should be red
the second hand should be a syringe style and dipped red
the dial and bezel should be ceramic
other than that I love this watch, specifically the "new/old" waves I wish my current 300m had waves that aggressive.
I always eagerly await your next video as you really provide great analysis regardless of whatever watch you choose to review. Excellent work! 🥃
Beautiful watch, I am not keen on that mesh bracelet. Omega make a lot of great watches, I am so keen to see a hands on review.
I think they included the lollipop seconds as an homage to the Spectre Seamaster which many fans heralded as the best collab model. Part of its genius was the lack of gimmicks & gmt bezel which was unique to that configuration. As a long time Bond/Omega fan I wish they would have kept the 9 link “bond” bracelet & just added a taper & quick adjust clasp. While the case back is a bit over the top, it’s a fitting tribute to a monumental partnership.
Love this channel! I really love omega.
Thank you Danny! Omega will always be my favorite too... just something about the brand that I admire 🥃
@@ID-Guy my favorite too, I know what's really makes it the best around, heritage, innovation, designs, value, branding, history, variety, engineering, but what I love the must is that omega almost always goes for the extra mile.
Well done IDGuy 🥃
I think SMPs are definitely nice - but there's just TOO many renditions. I don't see them as options anymore but just annoyances..and yet, I still want one.
Ugh.
The seamaster professional whether it be the goldeneye quartz right up to this 60th anniversary edition is an avant-garde. It went in a different direction from its range before it and that lineage is a testament to this new release .
Well said - over 25 yr partnership celebrated with a gorgeous piece. Agree with your quibble about the graphic on the back - could do without it. I’d add: just a dash of red somewhere on the front. But where? Maybe the Greek ‘Omega’ letter?
Couldn't pass on without saying another fantastic view.
Nailed it...
I like the case back but not the thickness....but to be expected with exhibition case back I guess.
On that NATO is exactly how I'd wear it. Great video as always!
That Grey and Navy two stripe combo... unreal. I'm a sucker for them too Jim 😉
On first view I was all in on this (just the £7100 to find). However, you can get the regular blue dial/bezel model on a rubber strap and the same mesh bracelet as the 007 for £4500ish, if you go via Chrono24, etc. (bracelet is £680 direct from Omega). The £2500 difference is not loose change (to me at least) and you’d also have two straps. The ‘package’ with what is a plain box and no extra straps or trinkets is severely lacking for the RRP. Nice caseback though.
Awesome watch for sure, but why they are not able to create a new bracelet for the seamaster in general? 🤷🏻♂️ (I know they are using the Milanese from the „no time to die“ model in that case but I speak in general)
For example something similar to the 321 bracelet or the 557 limited edition models?
They current bracelet is way to bulky and heavy…
I agree (always been more of a fan of the flatlink) - I so wish they'd adopt the simpler style with their mainstream models. Must say though, the Plant Ocean bracelet option is also fantastic 🥃
It looks nice and clear and uncluttered, especially in the subtle, all-blue colour scheme and on the mesh bracelet. Other agents that I know say that they like a watch to have a date window and a GMT hand. They also prefer a clear view of the movement through the caseback.
The caseback is a bit ridiculous…I wonder does anyone ever comment negatively on all the 00 insignias on the watch? The dial of the watch looks good though. The green jeweled Jamaica omega SM300 is a beautiful watch.
I had no idea (until it was pointed out to me) that those images on the caseback actually work with the movement. It's not a distortion thing like those 90's 3D cards that we'd see. It's actually a spinning gun barrel spiral. Blew my mind 😆 BUT that said, a clear back would've been nicer... we love our movements 😉🥃
@@S-A-M. The gaudiness is a bit much (luckily its on the caseback) - but this might be a starting point where they take the future collection. It's hard to guess with Omega 🥃
To omega..the king of taking the beauty of a clear caseback, then etching a bunch of nonsense to ruin the visual..gives me a headache just thinking about it
Meh, at the end of the day the face is sterile, and the caseback for your eyes only...
There was a SMP, I want to say from the late '90s, which was _very_ aggressively Bond-branded, with a 007 seconds hand counterweight. Made me gag a little back then, and it hasn't aged any better either.
This watch is absolutely fantastic
Indeed (though I disagree over the bezel insert!)! Best SMP ever, by a long way - true to the original but better and not as try-hard as the overworked prop-watch that is the NTTD. I only wish it was a regular edition, because I couldn't bring myself to wear a Bond watch! Imagine finding yourself on a train with Eva and explaining that you were wearing a James Bond Special Edition...Then showing her the caseback. Oh dear! But let's hope Omega stay on a role with their 60th anniversary divers in 2023, eh!
I love that interchange between Bond and Eva but always felt she'd probably know the difference between a Rolex and an Omega
What is not a good blend... the price. Its insanely high.
An extra £2k is mad (I didn't know it at the time of recording) BUT I'm sure these will be collectable like the Spectre model
I understood the use of the circle at the end of the second hand was to emulate the opening sequence of Bond films .. as per the from of the presentation box 🤷🏼♂️
Brilliant watch, with the exception of the lollipop second hand... we'll done mate
Thank you Craig! Such a tasteful piece with some great callbacks 🥃
I love the watch dial up, and the fact that the "Bond " theme is not in your face but on the caseback. Only a aficionado would get the design cues from seeing the watch on wrist. My only gripe is that Omega milks the customer on pricing of themed Speedys and Seamasters.
yeah they just rip us off time after time
@@IDKline Nobody likes a smarta**e.😉
I'll hold out for Omega's inevitable "61st-year-plus-three-months Anniversary" model.
I'm still a Sean Connery & Rolex fan , I remember riding my bike to the drive-in theater & watching Thunderball .
Hope your well 🙏
Thunderball is still one of my favorites (second to Casino Royale) Love it Junior and thank you! Lots happening this side (I'll be moving house next week - so it's all going on 😉)
@@ID-Guy ✊
Thank you for the video. Very nice dial design, fits well in the lineage of the modern bond partnership. To me, the endless limited editions with quirky back displays, fancy large boxes, and high price tags, remove it further away from the great tool watch it originally was.
Great video, Bondi fan or not you hit the nail on the head
It’s an art piece compared with my other pp or Rolex
Amazing daily watch and collectible watch
Love it and it will be in my collection forever
Excellent video.
Sadly didn’t have the money for a nice watch in the years of Goldeneye. The watch is still on my wishlist.
Did get the two from Skyfall. I loved that they aren’t gadgets in the movie added something to Craig. Also remember the movie very well, luckily enough to be at the first day of release in Sydney.
skyfall is by far the best bond watch IMO
@@michaelbishop9157 for me it is between Skyfall and Goldfinger.
Dear Mr IDGuy, I couldn’t have said it any better.
Much love from this side of the world Dave! 🥃
I've never been into "themed" watches but besides that bond casesback I do think it really looks good, much prefer this implementation of the old school waves to the thick laser engraved dials, I'd love to one day get that SS mesh to put on my PO 2201.50.
Funny story Davi, I've sold off a lot of my collection recently and with a bit spare every month I've just purchased the mesh yesterday (will definitely report on it soon) Made by Staib, can't really go wrong 😉 It's going to dress down our watches so well 🥃 100% get one for your PO. From the shots I've seen... the PO was made for mesh!
@@ID-Guy it is funny you mentioned that, seems we're on the same page IDGuy, Staib mesh are some of the best you can buy and I also feel they match up extremely well with the style of the PO, seeing this new Omega SS mesh now has me torn on which one to go with knowing full well the Staib quality is on par with the triple+ priced Omega mesh 🤷 but I'll figure it out hahaa, I look forward to seeing your watches on the Staib, great content as always my friend.
Ill-timed ads are ruining the rhythm of all these good videos. Something has to replace this platform soon.
i love the seamster the way it looks and might buy one sometime in future. One omega watch that I own is speedmaster. I was looking into buying one of the new bond seamaster but honestly, it didn't impress me much. This one looks like a regular seamaster which you can get a brand new for less than $6k or preowned way less. I am a big james bond fan, I wish they would have done something better with face of the watch that gives some symbol of 007 besides just changing the bracelet (Mesh or copying rolex old 007 sub strap). The logos and tranparent case back doesn't make sense for me as nobody can see it unless it reversable. I understand in movie, 007 is classified but in real life I want ppol to know its a james bond watch or make me feel better or I want to make it feel like its worth the money other wise you just paying extra for nothing. Even my fav James Bond Daniel Craig last watch could have been so much better. it could have a better box and instead of having same watch available in 2 bracelet with different price, they should have it available in both strap with one good price. And again nothing in face or side of the face has any logos except in the strap I believe. I saw how omega bumped up the price like $2k in their website for brand new but the preowned ones are now going for way down the retail price and its sad not much ppol are excited to buy one. I think Omega lacked to make a proper use of 007 and thats why I feel 007 should just go off with some other brands like Rolex, Breitling, Cartier, etc. Again its just my opinion but I do genuinely like omega watches and thats why I bought one speedmaster.
I think this release is far superior to the prior Bond watch. It’s color tone, size, bezel and wave dial are incredible. While I don’t really like the 60 at the 12 position, and thing the caseback animation is a silly gimmick, I’d love to get this someday.
The perfect Seamaster 300M would be 40 mm, the same dial as the 60th anniversary but in green with ceramic bezel and tapered bracelet, the mesh is very nice but the buckle needs to be better and less chunky, they can keep the Helium scape valve if they want. This is just my opinion and is what I would like to have.
It’s beautifully designed timepiece. I especially appreciate the Bond branding on the back and left the watch face and bezel uninterrupted!
The 60 on the bezel is actually a Bond reference (60th anniversary), but I know what you mean!
You ever gonna do wrist watch week videos again? Those were always fun.
I like it very much. But I'm still drawn to 2254.50 era Omegas. Thin and elegant. I am loving this deep blue and white contrast though.... to be seen in person...
BUT SO PRICEY!
I had no idea they bumped the prices of this model so much... a pity that the Bond brand pushes the cost so high. But man, what a stunning colour combo and dial... Having experienced a 2254 I know we're you're coming from brother. Those early models were spot-on 🥃
I own a 2254.50. It does all the things right, I don't like on most other SMPs. I like how thin it is. I like that it does not have skeletonized hands. it has the more subtle waves on the dial. I also prefer stick markers over dots. It has a less blingy bracelet. It uses an easy to service but still chronometer level ETA movement. What is not to like here...
I don't think they are too expensive. I bought mine earlier this year for $2500 and spent another $400 for a full service. Still pricey but a far cry from $7k.
@@heiner71 I'll be checking out those early 2000s seamasters for sure. If only they made them in the same case size these days... and I prefer a solid case back
@@Valera_Scotland Good point about the solid case back. I prefer those too. I take a watch that is half a millimeter thinner over the ability to see the movement.
Bond could never get another Rolex from his AD, besides his old Submariner, so he switched to Omega. Good call.
The subtleness and elegance reminds me of the Breitling Heritage ii, but I much prefer the Omega. This is one Omega that could have ditched the helium escape valve and really benefited from it, but then again how else would one activate the laser in that time of need?
Thanks for the review! I may end up with this watch...
This reminds me of the omega seamaster 120 reference 166.0073 with the blue dial
Although this is a very very attractive version on the SMP for me it still can’t beat the NTTD SMP 😉
All the bad guys in tomorrow never dies had moonwatches.
Love it. And many (who weren't Bond) would have SMP's on leather or something more subtle. Such great product placement 😉
Very cool ❤
Thank you Greg! 🥃
I hated the helium escape until I got my hands on one I love it
A beautiful offering.
The effort they spent, then becomes effortlessly on the wrist.
Well said George 😉 Such a simple package but done just right!
My seamaster was my gateway drug into watches, but it wasn't the bond watch, I went with the 2254.50 with the black dial, and sword hands. Coming up on 15 years with it soon. This watch with those hands anda regular bracelet would have had my 💲💲💲
I hope this will be out in the Philippines
The brown dial titanium model is more beautiful .
Blue is so heavily used today, it's hard to argue with that 😉
effortlessly brilliant review - just hope the "normals" can buy one
Honestly, I think it’s a really cool watch, and having the gun barrel on the back is really cool. However, I can’t justify spending seven grand on this one the basic model is only five and there’s no waiting list
Can they put all these features into a re issue of the 165.024.? That is the watch, I am truly hoping, it becomes a reality.
This is a strong step in the right direction! Man... it's looking better by the day! 🥃
Add a ceramic bezel and a date and I'm in.
Nah,,, not keen on this version,, much prefer the one on my wrist at the moment,,
(2 year old black dial...)
Absolutely great video tho',, 👍
I can understand why. It's hard to beat the OG (bracelet et al) 😉
That Milanese mesh bracelet is a horrible fit on a slim wrist like mine. But I think the watch will look AMAZING on a black rubber strap.
where do you think the golden watch is located in the gray market?❤
I want one in black no date with the normal bracelet, basically the Nacken with ceramic bezel and clear case back. So, I guess I’ll wait for the MOD and cry buckets if they put a date on it!
The only thing that really bothers me with all modern 300M is the font on the bezel. It always reminds me of some weird Clipart invitation I’d get for birthday parties when I was little - something they could have solved with going back to the Goldeneye design (my first Bond I watched in a cinema btw).
Being a man of few words all I can say is, "well done".
The screws on the back; there are 7 of them.......
Makes the pierce brosnan 2531 watch on used market a good deal
Sure does 😉 A perfect time to look these up (I wouldn't say no to a birth year Brosnan model 🥃)
Back in the 90s the people in the forums always referred to the 2541.80 and 2531.80 as the blue Seamaster Professional 300, SMP, SMP300 or just the blue 300M. Not to confuse it with the 2254. Eventually it became the Bond watch. After its discontinuation, every new generation of the watch people refer to it as a Bond watch while Omega calls it a Diver 300. As famous and well known a watch no one knows what to call it. Watching IDGuy refer to it as the Seamaster Professional reminded me of the 90s chatter. I still call mine a 300m/SMP or Bond watch but I think the watch community needs to pick a name for 2531.80.
'93 is my birth year SO I'll be calling it "my birth year SMP" 😉 - actually want to find one in fresh condition... those T dials are looking so good today! Would be great to create a nickname for the OG 🥃
I love the front. The back is a complete mess. I wish they had been sensible with it. Instead, it looks like they put a bunch of 007 and 60th graphics + the watch type and depth rating in a cannon and fired it at the back of the watch.
The Bond franchise is just a marketing juggernaut. Every Bond film is nothing more than a glorified Omega commercial. It's no longer a prop in the films, it's an actor with a script written around it. The franchise has evolved into everything I despise about bad cinema e.g mass product placement, corny script, unbelievable gadgets, bad CGI, terrible storyline. When a prop becomes so essential in the script and endorsement of the film that the DNA of the character is diluted from the original concept. Fleming would be turning in his grave to see what they have done to his original character from the novels. Compare the early Connery films to every Bond film made since Brosnan and you can tell the difference between the watch being used as a prop versus a commercial product of consumption. In the Connery films the Rolex didn't have any spectacular features. It was just a part of Bond's kit as much as his Walther PPK. The cool factor was that it was a dive watch used for it's intended purpose. It also used to time explosions. Nothing remarkable but it made enough impact of cult status. What Omega have done to Rolex is not dissimilar to a Cuckoo bird laying it's egg into another bird's nest. It's gotten to the point now that Bond doesn't just wear an Omega. It's the watch that wears him. As proof, Daniel Craig has become so entrenched in the character of Bond's Omega profiling that he is synonymous with the brand, just as Brosnan had been, although he doesn't get paid to continue his endorsement after his Bond contract was terminated, the legacy of the watch has consumed his name.
Well said. I can't disagree.
@@ryantannehill2830 For the record, the only real spy watch known to be 'officially' issued was the Bulova Accutron Astronaut. This watch was issued by the CIA to the pilots of the reconnaissance planes used to fly missions over the former Soviet Union during the cold war. No spy working as a field operative has ever been silly enough to wear a MoD issued watch for fear of being captured and exposed as an espionage agent working for a western government. Especially with your unit or service number engraved on the caseback and the tell tale broad arrow markings of the British MoD.
Even US special forces military units in Vietnam discarded their issued Hamilton hack watches and purchased Seiko divers instead. They also often exchanged their M16 rifles for AK47s to help disguise their spent bullet cartridges as 'American' when in deep behind enemy lines.
Grand Seiko might be jealous of the "see through" case back on this one. Oy vey.
For my money, the mesh bracelet is a great choice. But I can own a Breitling Superocean II for half the price.
Good point here Blaine (SO heritage is extremely good for the money 🥃)
Yes, but is the lume any good?
Great watch design synthesising the watch designs from two Bond eras. But I would agree that the lollipop seconds, aluminium bezel, and gimmicky pictogram hiding the movement are shortcomings. I would add that the price doesn't seem justified at £2,000 more than the current base model and without a ceramic bezel. For that money I think I'd expect titanium or multiple straps (mesh, 90s, Nato). I wonder whether we are going to get a new standard model along these lines in 2023 as a 30 year update on the SMP 300M 🤔 ... I hope so ... we could lose the gimmicky pictogram, have a sensible second hand, a ceramic bezel and a more reasonable price.
@@IDKline I don't.