Here it is, the watch that celebrates 60 years since Bond’s first on-screen appearance in Dr. No (1962). As RJ mentioned, Sean Connery was wearing a Rolex Submariner ref. 6538 “Big Crown” in the first Ian Fleming adaption. But as stated in the intro, perfect super clone Omega has been part of the franchise for long enough to warrant commemorating the longstanding series. It suits me, as Pierce Brosnan’s portrayal was my first experience of 007 on the silver screen. On his wrist was the luxury replica Omega Seamaster Diver 300M with a wavy blue dial and Q-laden gadgets. Before my enthusiasm for watches was in full stride, I knew this watch was unique. In my article, I featured a trading card that has been with me for 20 years. On the card is the 1:1 super clone Omega Seamaster from GoldenEye (1995). The card depicts the scene where the laser-emitting lume pip cuts through a steel plate to aid Bond’s escape.
It is this very watch that inspired the initial design cues of the 60th Anniversary model. Upon seeing the new Seamaster, thanks to Daan’s wrist shots, the immediate alteration was the frequency of the waves. When cheap super clone Omega revived the wavy pattern in 2018, the waves were broad and laser-cut into the ceramic dial (pictured above). It was nice to have the texture back, but it wasn’t quite the same style as the ’90s models had. For the new 1:1 replica Omega Seamaster, the high-frequency waves return. Not only that, but the curvy lines are also denser to provide that illusion of choppy blue seas. That said, unlike the early references, the lines do not reach the dial’s edge, similar to the ceramic versions.
The dial is anodized aluminum to achieve this wavy effect, as is the bezel. At first, it seems like a backstep from the scratch-resistant Zirconium Dioxide (ceramic) material. But having experienced the matte aluminum materials with my AAA quality replica Omega Seamaster 300, I know that the anodization offers sufficient protection.
No Time To Spectre
The next tribute comes in the form of the lollipop seconds hand. In Spectre (2015), Daniel Craig wears the first Swiss movement replica Omega watch created for the screen. The logo is outsized on the Seamaster 300’s dial for the audience to notice. Along with the 12-hour bezel instead of a 60-minute scale, the watch features a seconds hand with a circular lumed tip. Modern-day Omega Seamasters fake for sale typically feature a fine point at the end of the seconds hand. But the Spectre model nods to vintage Seamaster 300 variations (especially from 1959) with this style. It is from this edition that the new 60th Anniversary derives its white lollipop seconds hand. The final reference to past Omega Bond watches is the bracelet. Daniel Craig wore the familiar Omega Seamaster fake for men on a titanium mesh bracelet with straight ends in his last outing as Bond. The look was a smash hit and offered an alternative to the nine-link bracelet’s technical but slightly dated design.
The steel version of the mesh bracelet has been out for a while now. The bracelet is even available to buy online in four different widths. But this is the first time the bracelet comes as standard with a watch. Given the more polished style of the 60th Anniversary case compared to the satin-brushed NTTD model, the steel mesh still complements the overall look. Aside from the various Omega nods, the Swiss movement replica Omega Seamaster subtly pays tribute to the special anniversary. The aluminum bezel uses “60” instead of the traditional inverted triangle and lume pip. It might be jarring to replace the omnipresent lume pip. Yet, I appreciate that the scale is still accurate and represents the six decades of the movie franchise. The “60” even glows green to correspond with the skeletonized sword-shaped minute hand. But it is at the back where things get interesting.
Automaton moiré
Mounted on the case back is an aluminum spiral disc connected to the central seconds pinion. The pattern evokes the rifled barrel that intros every Bond flick. Within the center is a silhouette of Bond that animates his walk to aiming his gun in four frames. To achieve the animation, the 60th Anniversary uses the moiré technique. By printing each of Bond’s positions in scan lines, the overlapping spiral completes the shapes and repeats his movement. To better understand how this works, it is worth checking out this music video by John Mayer. The effect is mesmerizing, and I could see myself watching the sequence play out constantly. Combining all these dedications could’ve resulted in a visual mess. Yet, unlike the defeated henchmen, the results are anything but messy. The James Bond 60th Anniversary Seamaster 300M is a well-considered appreciation of Swiss movement super clone Omega’s history and the Bond franchise.
On the wrist, you wouldn’t even know this is a Bond tribute. There are no 007 logos on the dial, Bond family crests, or secret stylized “7s”. And that’s what I prefer over the overt details on the No Time To Die model. While the NTTD dial is not as egregious as past non-movie Bond watches, I’ve said before that the broad arrow is a less-than-inconspicuous symbol that could give away Bond’s identity. But mostly, the new model’s wavy blue dial and its stainless steel case bring us full circle from GoldenEye to the modern day. The 60th Anniversary nails the brief on the surface then surprises with the sensational animation on the back. Like the 50th Anniversary Silver Snoopy’s rocket automaton, it’s a subtle detail just for the wearer. However, the added complexity contributes over 0.7mm to the case thickness, as RJ stated.
