Every James Bond Watch That Was Worn

James Bond is arguably the most iconic fictional secret agent in the film industry. He has visited virtually every corner of the world and loves keeping a fine collection of watches under his sleeve. However, the timepieces he owns are not usually “normal” watches. Rather, each and every James Bond watch truly befits the status of the secret agent, as they all boast excellent craftsmanship and are made by renowned brands. 

Here’s a glimpse at the timeline of every James Bond watch, from the Rolex Submariner in the 1962 Dr. No to the Omega Seamaster in the 2015 Spectre. 

Every James Bond Watch Ever Worn in Film

1. Dr. No (1962) – Rolex Submariner Ref. 6538

While this dive watch was not originally a part of 007’s debut, Fleming thought it would be a great addition to the character’s ensemble. This is because diving was an incredibly popular sport back in the 1960s, and it would be a striking point for Bond to have such a bold and adventurous lifestyle.

The actor Sean Connery, who portrayed James Bond, wore the Rolex Submariner Ref. 6538, which eventually became known as the James Bond Submariner. Watch collectors and film geeks often talk about this model because of its unique features. 

First, it is believed that the watch was originally from Connery’s personal collection. This same watch allegedly also made an appearance in the third James Bond film Goldfinger (1964) but featuring a different strap. Lastly, this James Bond watch also stands out as especially unique, because it comes with an undersized lug and strap. Unlike all other Submariner pieces with lug widths of 20mm, this James Bond watch comes with a 16mm lug width instead.

Was this difference because this Rolex Submariner was made in the eleventh hour? Or was it Connery’s personal preference? We might never find out. Nevertheless, this was the start of a longstanding tradition of iconic and prestigious James Bond watches.

2. From Russia with Love (1963) – Rolex Submariner Ref. 6538

Sean Connery’s premium Rolex Submariner returns in the sequel From Russia with Love (1963). It is apparent that this model was undoubtedly Connery’s favorite model at that time. This Rolex watch was seen with a NATO strap, adding a rugged and sporty look to the character. 

Although From Russia with Love (1963) has a brand-new plot and adventures, Connery’s Bond returned with his trusty Rolex Submariner Ref. 6538 again. This time, the watch was used as an essential element in Agent 007’s character, since Agent Q was able to convert the watch into a unique weapon. 

3. Goldfinger (1964) – Rolex Submariner Ref. 6538

The Rolex Submariner Ref. 6538 made its third consecutive, and arguably most iconic, appearance for Connery’s Bond character in the film Goldfinger (1964). This watch’s best scene happens when Bond coolly checks his timepiece as a heroin factory blows up in the background. With its third appearance, this watch also gained its name as the “James Bond NATO.” 

4. Thunderball (1965) – Breitling Top Time Chronograph Ref. 2002

Although Bond wore the Submariner Ref. 6538 for the last time in this film, Thunderball (1965) also debuted a historic new James Bond watch into the series. This watch is the Breitling Top Time Chronograph Ref. 2002,  which appears with a modified case for this movie. Unfortunately, this was also the last time that this Breitling watch was worn. It is also noteworthy for being the first watch that MI6 Quartermaster Q gave to Bond as a gadget.

5. You Only Live Twice (1967) – Gruen Precision 510

The film, You Only Live Twice (1967) was the first Bond film where the fans were left scratching their heads regarding Bond’s signature timepiece in the film. Honestly, it is not even clear if he had one, to begin with. Some say that he wore this same underrated Gruen Precision in Dr. No (1962), but if so, there were no standout moments where it could be clearly seen.

Part of the confusion is due to the fact that this Gruen watch was also only briefly seen in You Only Live Twice (1967). It can be spotted during Bond and the Japanese ninjas’ match against SPECTRE and supervillain, Ernst Stavro Blofeld. 

6. On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (1969) – Rolex Chronograph Ref. 6238

Connery took a backseat for this one as Australia’s George Lazenby portrays the legendary MI6 agent in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (1969). It was Lazenby’s first and only appearance. Regardless, his Bond wore three different Rolex Submariners in this film. The first was a Ref. 5513 on a bracelet of Rolex’s signature Oystersteel. This was followed by a Submariner Ref. 6358 and then a Submariner Chronograph Ref. 6238.

The Rolex Chronograph Ref. 6238 is a luxurious diver’s watch with a touch of modernity. Unlike the previous James Bond watches, this one comes with a customized, vibrant red seconds hand and round pump pushers.

7. Diamonds Are Forever (1971) – Gruen Precision 510

The status of the Gruen Precision 510 piece as a James Bond watch has been debated by many since it only appears once in this movie. Nevertheless, those who think of this as a James Bond watch argue that it says a lot that he wore the exact same piece in You Only Live Twice (1967).

8. Live and Let Die (1973) – Rolex Submariner Ref. 5513 and Hamilton Pulsar LED Digital Watch

Not only do we get two James Bond watches in this film, but we also witness the debut of Roger Moore as the iconic secret agent. First, we see Bond checking the time on a Hamilton‘s Pulsar P2 Digital LED Watch. We later spot him getting his Rolex Submariner Ref. 5513 from Q Branch. Thanks to Q’s ingenious mechanical engineering, this Rolex piece comes with a circular saw and a magnet – both of which come in handy when getting Bond out of a rut or two.

In addition, the Hamilton Pulsar P2 Digital LED Watch represented the breakthrough of the quartz watches during that era. This Hamilton LCD watch’s appearance in this film marked the start of the brand’s mass-production of quartz-powered pieces. It informed people of the watch’s ability to light up using its LED screen and show off a digital layout. This was all thanks to Roger Moore, who played James Bond in 1973.

9. The Man with the Golden Gun (1974) – Rolex Submariner Reference 5513

At this point, no one would criticize you for dubbing the Submariner Ref. 5513 as the “James Bond Rolex.” Although this iconic Rolex watch shows up again on this list, this time, it does not come with any sweet tricks or gadgets. Nevertheless, as a top-notch, prestigious Rolex timepiece, it is still a memorable watch in the film and a great collector’s piece. 

That said, this dive watch was the last classic Rolex Submariners ever made. It stands out for being a non-date,non-chronometer-certified Submariner. In addition, this Rolex Submariner Ref. 5513 with modified a power magnet and buzz saw in the bezel, used for cutting binds in the movie.

10. The Spy Who Loved Me (1977) – Seiko 0674 LC

In Roger Moore’s third appearance as Bond, he wore the Seiko Ref. 0674 LC throughout the entirety of The Spy Who Loved Me (1977). It is also the only time Moore would wear a Seiko watch. Interestingly, however, the movie’s promotional images actually depict Bond wearing a Rolex GMT-Master II instead.

Agent 007 used this particular rectangular Seiko watch in the film to relay printouts of taped messages from a fellow superspy. This is also the first-ever Seiko watch to appear in a James Bond movie. This fun and innovative James Bond watch could additionally be modified into a pager by pulling out the message on the top of the case.

11. Moonraker (1979) – Seiko M354 Memory Bank Calendar

It is no surprise James Bond would sport a tricked-out Seiko M354 Memory Bank Calendar in this space-themed installment of the legendary franchise. The finale of Moonraker (1979) showed the significance of this Seiko watch with a literal big bang. This watch was modified by putting fake explosive ammunition at the back of the timepiece. This was a crucial component that allowed Bond to carry out his mission in the film.  

12. For Your Eyes Only (1981) – Seiko Ref. H357 Duo-Display and Seiko 7549-7009 Professional Dive Watch

For the 13th Bond film, Roger Moore’s Bond boasted the Seiko H357 Duo-Display, which features an analog time display and a digital display. This Seiko watch proved helpful to Bond, as it could transmit messages with an inbuilt microphone. In the movie, Q modified this James Bond watch with a microphone and speaker to relay messages. 

Some movie fans have also insisted that there is a second James Bond watch in For Your Eyes Only (1981). It is said to be the Seiko 7549-7009 Professional Dive Watch. This is a quartz-powered watch that Bond can be seen wearing during the diving scene. This Seiko dive piece is notable for being the world’s first saturation diving watch, with a deep water-resistance capacity of 200 meters. 

13. Octopussy (1983) – Seiko G757 Sports 100

Octopussy (1983) introduced us to another Seiko watch, the Seiko G757 Sports 100. It is a digital sports chronograph with an extra feature added by Q Branch. This feature allowed Bond to keep tabs on someone with a planted tracking device. The tracking device takes the shape of an additional digital red dot on the screen of this watch. 

14. A View to a Kill (1985) – Seiko Ref. 7A28-7020, Seiko SPW001 H558-5000 Duo Display Dive Watch, Seiko SPD094 Ref. 6923-8080, and Rolex Datejust

In his last appearance Bond, Roger Moore sported a series of Seiko watches on his wrist. First up was a wide dial quartz chronograph known as the Seiko SPR007-7A28–7020. This is the world’s first analog chronograph, which was introduced in 1982 by Seiko. The second was the Seiko SPW001 H558-5000 Duo Display Dive Watch. It made a brief appearance in A View to Kill (1985), boasting a sleek analog display. The third watch was the Seiko SPD094 Ref. 6923-8080, with its exquisite gold and silver coating. This piece was also known as the Château de Chantilly Seiko watch. 

Lastly, Roger’s Bond also went back to the basics with a luxurious Rolex Datejust. This James Bond watch appears in the scene wherein Bond discovered the murder of his driver. 

15. The Living Daylights (1987) –  TAG Heuer Ref. 980.031

After Moore came Timothy Dalton as the legendary 007 agent. In The Living Daylights (1987) film, Bond wears a TAG Heuer Ref. 980.031, making Dalton the first Bond to wear a TAG Heuer timepiece. It is a professional night dive watch with a gorgeous luminous dial that glows in the dark. Dalton wore this James Bond watch with an active, sporty look, matching his character as a serious, hard-edged secret agent. 

16. License to Kill (1989) – Rolex Submariner Ref. 1610

For Dalton’s final Bond movie, he went back to the basics with a classy and luxurious Rolex Submariner Ref. 1610. This was also the last Bond movie to feature a Rolex Submariner. 

17. GoldenEye (1995) – Omega Seamaster Professional 300M Ref. 2541.80

The 17th Bond movie featured Pierce Brosnan making his debut as the suave British agent 007. It was also the first film to introduce a new line of James Bond watches with Omega. The model worn by Brosnan’s Bond was the Seamaster Professional 300M Ref. 2541.80. This Seamaster piece featured a precise quartz movement and was modified with a built-in detonator to help Bond get out of a life-threatening situation. 

18. Tomorrow Never Dies (1997) – Omega Seamaster Professional 300M Reference 2531.80

In Pierce Brosnan’s second outing as James Bond, he wore an automatic version of the quartz watch from GoldenEye (1995). This automatic Omega Seamaster Professional 300M Ref. 2531.80 is clearly visible when Bond picks it up in a Chinese safe house. It is an automatic chronometer modified with an additional detonator for a hand grenade. 

19. The World is Not Enough (1999) – Omega Seamaster Professional 300M Reference 2531.80

The Omega Seamaster Professional 300M Ref. 2531.80 makes a reappearance in the Bond film The World Is Not Enough (1999). This time, this Omega Seamaster piece was modified with a light source and a rescue cable that has a quick-action grappling hook, making this James Bond watch truly fit for 007. 

20. Casino Royale (2006) – Omega Seamaster Professional Diver 300M Ref. 2220.80.00 and Seamaster Planet Ocean Ref. 2900.54.91

In Daniel Craig’s debut as Bond, he wears two classy Omega Seamaster watches. The first is the Omega Seamaster Diver 300 Ref. 2220.80 and the Seamaster Planet Ocean Ref. 2900.54.91.

The former James Bond watch has a water resistance rating of 300 meters and is equipped with a high-caliber Co-Axial 2500 movement. It boasts an ocean-inspired wavy blue pattern on its dial and a slimmer case size of 41mm. The Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean, on the other hand, is a rugged model to match James Bond’s strong and masculine image. This James Bond piece is fitted with a 45.5mm stainless steel case, a stark black dial, and a black rubber strap. 

21. Quantum of Solace (2008) – Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean 600M Ref. 2201.50

In his second outing as Bond, Craig wore the Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean 600m Ref. 2201.50. This James Bond watch comes in a sturdy stainless steel case and matching bracelet. Unfortunately, this Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean piece does not get that much screen time. It was mainly shown when Bond jumped into the deep sea.

22. Skyfall (2012) – Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Ref. 232.30.42.21.01.001 and Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra

There are two different Omega Seamaster pieces showcased in Skyfall (2012). The first is a Planet Ocean 600M, which comes in a unique titanium case with a handsome and lightweight profile. The other was an Aqua Terra timepiece in a stainless steel case and bracelet with a stunning blue dial.

The Seamaster Planet Ocean 600M is a chronometer with a very impressive water-resistance capacity of 600 meters. The specific piece worn by Craig’s Bond in this movie was auctioned at Christie’s “50 Years of Bond”. It sold at a whopping 200,000 Euros, or around $236,000 USD. 

On the other hand, the Seamaster Aqua Terra has a more elegant appearance. It shows off a lacquered, sunray-brushed dial but has a lower water-resistance rating of 150 meters. This James Bond watch is still available for purchase today. Indeed, it continues to be one of the watches most sought-after by James Bond supporters.

23. Spectre (2015) – Omega Seamaster 300 Ref. 233.32.31.41.21.01.001 and Seamaster Aqua Terra Ref. 231.10.39.21.03.001

As per the movie’s title, the James Bond watch featured in Spectre (2015) was the Omega Seamaster 300 Spectre. This is a limited edition watch designed specifically for this movie. The Q Branch handed this Omega Seamaster piece to Bond with modified explosive ammunition and a “007” engraved on its NATO strap. 

The film also featured another watch, which is the Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 150M Ref. 231.10.39.21.03.001. This is the first Aqua Terra ever released by the brand with a case size as small as 38.5mm. It is a handsome and reliable chronometer equipped with a powerful 8500 caliber with a power reserve of 60 hours. 

24. No Time To Die (2021) – Omega Seamaster Diver 300M 007 Edition

In the most recent 007 film, No Time To Die (2021), Omega released a special edition James Bond watch in collaboration with Daniel Craig. This piece was marketed as the Omega Seamaster Diver 300M 007 Edition. This Seamaster timepiece appeared in the scene where Bond met his old CIA agent friend, Felix Leiter. 

The Omega Seamaster Diver 300M 007 watch comes with a Co-Axial Master Chronometer 8806, which is an in-house movement with an anti-magnetic feature. In addition, the entirety of this James Bond watch is made of lightweight titanium and boasts a matching titanium mesh strap. 

Wrap Up

Every James Bond watch listed above is an iconic timepiece, especially for watch collectors and movie buffs. Each watch uniquely reflects the character’s story and image in a different way. Moreover, all of them are high-quality, sought-after pieces in their own right. Hence, they can be hard to find in the market. That said, you will certainly not regret getting your hands on any one of these legendary James Bond watches. 

Photo credit: 007 film and the brand’s official websites unless stated.

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