In close collaboration with the most famous spy in cinematic history, currently portrayed by Daniel Craig, Omega has created a rather unique Seamaster Diver 300M watch. The new 007 Edition series, which, by the way, is not limited, looks and feels entirely different from the regular Seamaster Professional series. And that's a good thing because someone of such stature deserves something special, right? So, without further ado, let's look at all the details of the Omega Seamaster Diver 300M 007 Edition.
I vividly remember growing up with the James Bond film franchise. Being an '80s kid, many of the films came out before I was born, many after, but I watched them all multiple times. Besides the obvious slogans, I was most attracted to the gadgets (and of course, the cars). In almost every film, the Q Branch of MI6 plays an important role in James Bond's missions by supplying him with modern equipment often disguised as everyday items. One such item is usually a watch, and that's where we come in.
Omega has an extensive history of collaboration with the James Bond franchise, although it is not the only watch company that has participated. The connection between Omega and the cinema began in 1995 with the appearance of the Omega Seamaster 300M Quartz Professional model, which was strapped to the wrist of actor Pierce Brosnan in the film "GoldenEye." In the following three films, similar Omega Seamaster 300M models were featured, only this time with mechanical movements.
When Daniel Craig took on the huge task of portraying James Bond, Omega remained a partner of the franchise. In "Casino Royale," Bond was equipped with the Seamaster Diver 300M Co-Axial and the Seamaster Planet Ocean 600M. The Planet Ocean 600M model continued in "Quantum of Solace," although in a smaller size. In the film Skyfall, the Planet Ocean 600m model was joined by the Seamaster Aqua Terra 150m. Significant changes occurred in 2015 when Omega decided to create a special model for Mr. Bond to be used in the film "Spectre" - the Seamaster 300 Master Chronometer Spectre Edition.
A full review of the 20-year collaboration between the franchise and Omega, including the Spectre film, can be found here. There is also a retrospective dedicated to the Omega Seamasters used in the James Bond films. The final film of this long saga will be "No Time to Die," whose premiere has been postponed several times due to Covid-19, but the theatrical release is scheduled for September 30.
We have already talked about these watches before, but since the 25th James Bond film is close to release, we decided to revisit them and present another detailed review. Upon closer inspection, the Omega Seamaster Diver 300M 007 Edition draws attention to several points. Firstly, it's the choice of materials. Omega decided to use unpolished, untreated Grade 2 titanium to create a utilitarian, military look.
While this is certainly not the first Seamaster 300M to use the lightweight anti-corrosive material, its natural state is impressive. Of course, the Seamaster is known for its lyre-shaped lugs, helium escape valve, and screw-down crown located between crown guards. Compared to other Seamaster Diver 300M models, it is much less shiny. To a certain extent, this also applies to the bezel and dial.
Speaking of which, the dial and bezel have a deep brown base that appears almost black. Lacking the decorative waves engraved on the dial, the 007 Edition adheres entirely to the utilitarian theme. The hour markers, as well as the markers on the aluminum bezel insert and the hands, are done in a "tropical" style.
This means the typical hands are finished in matte with creamy/beige luminous material. In dark conditions, the lume glows in various colors. This will undoubtedly be quite useful when diving, but considering that most of these watches will only endure desk diving, it seems somewhat cluttered and unnecessary.
In the same "tropical" style are the divisions on the bezel, and then the hour markers. For contrast, the lollipop-style seconds hand has a red tip. A nice touch is that Omega kept the dial free of obtrusive 007 logos, for which the Omega Seamaster Diver 300M - The James Bond L.E. Set, presented in 2019, received quite a few reviews. Instead, the famous double eight and the Walther PPK logo subtly adorn only the closed case back.
Mr. Bond himself, or anyone who wishes to become the owner of these watches, can rely on the Omega Calibre 8806 movement. Naturally, it is Master Chronometer certified by METAS. Although this automatic movement is hidden from view, its finish is very beautiful, similar to what we find, for example, in the recent black Seamaster 300m model. The movement is regulated with a co-axial escapement and a freely suspended balance wheel with a silicon balance spring. The movement uses a single barrel capable of maintaining energy for up to 55 hours. The case back is secured with the NAIAD lock system and is decorated with a navigation arrow and a reference number.
The Omega Seamaster Diver 300M 007 Edition comes either on a titanium mesh bracelet or on a Bond-style NATO strap with titanium hardware. The latter features alternating black, beige, and grey stripes. But there is one feature of the bracelet that we would like to highlight, and that is that, as much as it looks, it feels a bit like an aftermarket alternative. It feels as if it was not originally intended for this watch, despite being very comfortable on the wrist.
Regardless of this small factor, the 007 Edition is a very impressive watch. Everything about it seems very sturdy and reliable, as we expect from a brand like Omega. The watch looks quite stealthy and tool-like, it is more than suitable for diving and is finally not a limited edition that will sell out in minutes.
The price of the Omega Seamaster Diver 300M 007 Edition is 8,100 euros on a NATO strap or 9,100 euros on a titanium bracelet.
For more information, visit OmegaWatches.com
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS - OMEGA SEAMASTER PROFESSIONAL 300M 007 EDITION
Case: diameter 42 mm - titanium case - unidirectional titanium bezel - brown and beige "Tropical" aluminum bezel insert - closed titanium case back - domed sapphire crystal - screw-down crown - helium escape valve - water resistance 300 meters
Dial: matte dark brown "Tropical" dial - matte Seamaster-style hands with beige luminous material - seconds hand with red tip - beige text on the dial with red "Seamaster" inscription and beige navigation arrow
Movement: Omega Calibre 8806, in-house design - METAS certified master chronometer - automatic - 35 jewels - 29 mm - co-axial escapement - 25,200 vph - power reserve 55 h - hours, minutes, seconds
Strap: black/beige/grey Bond-style NATO strap with titanium hardware - titanium mesh bracelet
Reference: NATO Strap: 210.92.42.20.01.001
Mesh Bracelet: 210.90.42.20.01.001
Price: 8,100 euros on Bond-style NATO strap - 9,100 euros on titanium mesh bracelet