Timothy Dalton’s second James Bond film, License To Kill, proved to be his last.
While talks between Bond series producer Albert R. “Cubby” Broccoli and Irish actor Pierce Brosnan began in 1987 during the filming of For Your Eyes Only, it wasn’t until the latter fulfilled his Remington Steele series obligations — and the cancellation of a planned third Dalton film — that he was able to become 007. Six years passed between 1989’s License To Kill and 1995’s Goldeneye, the longest between Bond films until the same interval passed between SPECTRE (2015) and No Time To Die (2021).
During the production of Goldeneye, costume designer Lindy Hemming sought to reinvent Bond along more modern lines. Thinking of his background as a Royal Navy man — and that Rolex had become “rather flash” — she reached out to Omega, which provided her with dive watches free of charge, including a quartz-powered Seamaster 300M reference 2541.80.00. (This was before the days of multi-million dollar watch brand product endorsement deals.) Fast-forward to 2025, and the James Bond-Omega association — certainly the most famous such association between a watch brand and a fictional character — is suddenly 30 years old.
Daniel Craig in No Time To Die withe the Omega Seamaster 300M planted firmly on his wrist - (Image by Omega)
Spanning two James Bond actors and nine films, the relationship (long since made official) between 007 and Omega has been a boon for the watch brand, drawing in legions of fans who wish to don the British spy’s watch of choice. From the original 41mm quartz-powered Seamaster 300M featured on Brosnan’s wrist to the 42mm titanium Seamaster Diver 300M worn by Daniel Craig in No Time To Die, these timepieces have inspired countless people around the world to get their SCUBA certs, purchase a tuxedo, and perhaps even join the service. (Certainly at the very least, they’ve inspired plenty of watch collecting.) In addition to the timepieces worn in the actual Bond films themselves, countless other Omega X 007 limited editions have likewise added to the story.
Here, we’ll examine the Omega Seamaster references from the James Bond films produced between 1995 and 2021. So cue up that John Barry, pour yourself a vodka martini, and turn over your Aston Martin — it’s time for a government-sanctioned horological adventure on behalf of Her Majesty!
Goldeneye (1995): Omega Seamaster Ref. 2541.80.00
The Omega Seamaster Ref. 2541.80.00 and the theatrical poster for Goldeneye (1995) - (Image by Omega)
Issued to Royal Navy servicemen in the mid-20th century, the Seamaster is a legendary watch — one perfectly fit for duty on the wrist of an MI6 agent with an R.N. background. Upon contacting Omega during the production of Goldeneye, costume designer Lindy Hemming was sent this reference, the 2541.80.00, a 41mm stainless steel diver on a matching bracelet. While 007’s version featured a built-in laser for escaping from armored train cars, the real-life version features a handy quartz movement, tritium lume, and the brand’ famous “wave” dial.
Tomorrow Never Dies (1997): Omega Seamaster Ref. 2531.80.00
Omega Seamaster Ref. 2531.80.00 - (Image by Omega)
For his second outing as 007, Pierce Brosnan was outfitted with the Seamaster 300M Ref. 2531.80.00. Like its predecessor, it features a 41mm stainless steel case with a screw-down crown, a helium escape valve (H.E.V.), 300m of water resistance, a blue ‘wave’ dial, a blue aluminum bezel insert, and tritium lume. However, the Ref. 2531.80.00 is significant for its use of the automatic Calibre 1120 movement (ETA base), a move back to mechanical watchmaking that has stuck with the 007 franchise ever since.
The World Is Not Enough (1999): Omega Seamaster Ref. 2531.80.00
Omega Seamaster Ref. 2531.80.00 - (Image by Omega)
Does this watch look familiar? That might be because it’s the same one donned by Bond in Tomorrow Never Dies. However, rather than using it to detonate small explosives, 007 uses it in The World Is Not Enough to provide a bright built-in light as well as to deploy a grappling hook. A luminous, skeletonized handset and a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal enhance its rugged timekeeping abilities as Bond battles a KGB agent-turned-terrorist.
Die Another Day (2002): Omega Seamaster Ref. 2531.80.00
Omega Seamaster - (Image by Omega)
We know what you’re thinking — that we must be getting senile. Mais non: The 1990s/early 2000s were a different time, and Omega and the Bond franchise had a good thing going with the Seamaster Ref. 2531.80.00. In Die Another Day, 007 uses his watch's H.E.V. as a small detonator, which is set via its bezel.
Casino Royale (2006): Omega Seamaster Diver 300M Co-Axial Ref. 2220.80.00
Seamaster Diver 300M James Bond - (Image by Omega)
For his debut as 007, Daniel Craig actually wore two different Omega Seamaster watches in 2006’s Casino Royale. The first, the Seamaster Diver 300M Co-Axial Ref. 2220.80.00, looks not too dissimilar from the model used in the past three films, though it’s powered by the Omega Calibre 2500, the Co-Axial version of the ETA 2892-A2 automatic movement. Worn by Bond during his dressier moments in the film, it proves the versatility of the Seamaster platform.
Casino Royale (2006): Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean 600M Co-Axial Ref. 2900.50.91
Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean - (Image by Omega)
Worn by Craig as he emerges, Honey Ryder-style, from the ocean, the Seamaster Planet Ocean 600M Co-Axial Ref. 2900.50.91 — with its twisted-lug case, thin bezel, and trapezoidal indices — references vintage Seamaster 300 models from the mid-20th century. This capable tool watch, however, is simultaneously thoroughly modern: Powered by the Omega Calibre 2500 Co-Axial automatic movement, it’s water resistant to 600 meters and comes paired to a black rubber dive strap.
Quantum Of Solace (2008): Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean 600M Co-Axial Ref. 2201.50.00
Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean 600M Co-Axial - (Image by Omega)
Slightly downsized from the gargantuan 45.5mm Ref. 2900.50.91, the 42mm Seamaster Planet Ocean 600M Co-Axial Ref. 2201.50.00 was worn by Craig in Quantum Of Solace. Paired to a matching stainless steel bracelet, its business-first look is completed with a black dial, ‘Broad Arrow’ handset, helium escape valve, and the Omega Calibre 2500 Co-Axial automatic movement. Like its predecessor, the film watch didn’t feature any special gadgets.
Skyfall (2012): Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 150M Ref. 231.10.39.21.03.001
Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 150M Skyfall - (Image by Omega)
As was the case in 2006’s Casino Royale, Bond emerged from the Omega boutique with two boxes in time for 2012’s Skyfall. The first watch, a Seamaster Aqua Terra, is a dressier take on the Seamaster platform that harkens back to earlier references from the ‘40s, ‘50s, and ‘60s. Housed in a 38.5mm stainless steel twisted-lug case with a handsome, dark-blue dial in a vertically ridged pattern, it’s powered by the Omega Calibre 8500 Co-Axial automatic movement. It’s worn by Bond during his casino and Scotland scenes.
Skyfall (2012): Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean 600M Ref. 232.30.42.21.01.001
Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean 600M - (Image by Omega)
Used during some of Skyfall’s iconic action sequences, the Seamaster Planet Ocean 600M Ref. 232.30.42.21.01.001 is a heavy-duty 42mm diver like those used previously in Quantum Of Solace and Casino Royale. Interestingly, it would seem that while the commercially available watch is rendered in steel, the one used during filming — and that was subsequently auctioned by Christie’s — was a pièce unique made of titanium. Both are powered, like the above Aqua Terra 150M, by the Omega Calibre 8500 Co-Axial automatic movement.
SPECTRE (2015): Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra Master Chronometer Ref. 231.10.42.21.03.003
Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra Master Chronometer - (Image by Omega)
An updated take on the Seamaster Aqua Terra 150M worn by Daniel Craig in Skyfall, the Seamaster Aqua Terra Master Chronometer Ref. 231.10.42.21.03.003 seen in SPECTRE’s opening sequence in Mexico and closing sequence on the Thames features the Master Chronometer designation, attesting to its movement’s unparalleled accuracy. (Another subtle update is the polished center links, which were brushed in the previous iteration of the watch.) Unlike the Skyfall watch, however, this one wears larger at 41.5mm.
SPECTRE (2015): Omega Seamaster 300 Ref. 233.32.41.21.01.001
Omega Seamaster 300 - (Image by Omega)
Unsurprisingly, Craig once again dons a second timepiece for his fourth outing as Bond in SPECTRE. The Seamaster 300 Ref. 233.32.41.21.01.001 is particularly fitting for an MI6 agent with an SBS background: Based upon vintage military-issued models from the 1960s, it features modern updates in the form of a rotating 12-hour bezel, which can be used to track a second time zone…or to blow up in Blowfeld’s face. It also comes on a cool, Bond-approved NATO-type strap.
No Time To Die (2021): Omega Seamaster Diver 300M 007 Edition Ref. 210.90.42.20.01.001
Omega Seamaster Diver 300M 007 Edition - (Image by Omega)
The watch worn by Daniel Craig in his final outing as 007 is perhaps the most famous and beloved of Omega’s James Bond timepieces. Crafted from titanium, this 42mm Seamaster is inspired all over by vintage mil-spec models: It’s there in the yellowed lume of the indices and bezel as well as in the Broad Arrow symbol indicating British crown property. Boasting an HEV and 300m of water resistance, it comes paired to a special titanium mesh bracelet and features faux issue numbers on the caseback. The film version emits an electromagnetic pulse.
