Cover Daniel Craig at a special event hosted by Omega to celebrate 60 years of James Bond in London, 2022 (Photo: Mike Marsland/Getty Images for Omega)
Daniel Craig at a special event hosted by Omega to celebrate 60 years of James Bond in London, 2022 (Photo: Mike Marsland/Getty Images for Omega)
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The watch that James Bond first wore in 1995 is one of Omega’s most iconic and celebrated. Here, we dissect why the world just can’t seem to get enough of this excellent twosome
On Sunday in Hollywood, the Oscars 2025 paid a special tribute to the world’s favourite British spy (and two producers of the franchise, Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli) in glamorous fanfare. Introduced by actress and former Bond girl Halle Berry, the medley opened with The Substance star Margaret Qualley in a sultry red number, dancing alongside a sharply dressed troupe, before three of today’s most sought-after artists offered their renditions of the classic Bond themes. Lisa descended on the stage in cables to perform Live and Let Die, Doja Cat dazzled onstage with an outfit befitting Diamonds are Forever, and Raye struck the final blow with her masterful take on Skyfall.
See also: Oscars 2025: All the best-dressed celebs, from Lisa to Timothée Chalamet
Above Margaret Qualley performs onstage during the 97th Annual Oscars, moments before Lisa’s cover of ‘Live and Let Die’ (Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
Margaret Qualley performs onstage during the 97th Annual Oscars, moments before Lisa’s cover of ‘Live and Let Die’ (Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
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Such a spectacle begs the question: what is it about 007 that persistently captivates us, decade after decade? Is it still the escapism—the elusive world of danger and luxury that we could only live through vicariously? Or could it be the ideal of the ultimate gentleman, a kind of aspirational masculinity and confidence that remains attractive even as society evolves? All these have elevated James Bond from mere character to perennial brand, meticulously crafted over the years and encompassing everything from the gadgets and cars to the suits and charming one-liners.
A crucial piece of the puzzle to this carefully curated aesthetic is the Omega Seamaster Diver 300M, which has adorned the secret agent’s wrist since GoldenEye in 1995. The decision to give Pierce Brosnan a quartz diver in the film was a purely organic one by costume designer Lindy Hemming, who deemed it the perfect tool watch for a naval commander. Little did she know that this would spark a decades-long link between the franchise and Omega—an association as enduringly and effortlessly cool as Bond’s martini order.
Above Pierce Brosnan plays James Bond in the 1995 film, ‘GoldenEye’ (Photo: Keith Hamshere/Getty Images)
Pierce Brosnan plays James Bond in the 1995 film, ‘GoldenEye’ (Photo: Keith Hamshere/Getty Images)
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Like the ageless spy himself, the Seamaster’s evolution through the years has been subtle and reflective of the times. The core elements remain: refined elegance, robust functionality, and an almost universally recognised desirability. This is evidently true of the 2025 editions in Bronze Gold, Omega’s one-of-a-kind alloy enriched with 37.5 per cent gold, as well as palladium and silver.
Read more: A look back into Omega’s history of exquisite watches for the James Bond franchise
Above Omega Seamaster Diver 300M in Bronze Gold and Burgundy (Photo: Courtesy of Omega)
Omega Seamaster Diver 300M in Bronze Gold and Burgundy (Photo: Courtesy of Omega)
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As with all recent models in the collection, this new series takes significant inspiration from the Seamaster Diver 300M 007 Edition in titanium, which launched in 2020 for No Time to Die. It draws from this final Seamaster of the Daniel Craig era the ever-comfortable mesh bracelet, the oxalic anodised aluminium bezel ring and dial (because Bond is man of fine taste and details!), and the domed sapphire crystal.
The exclusive Bronze Gold also develops a beautiful, natural patina over time thanks to its incomparable resistance to corrosion without verdigris-oxidation. The two versions of the timepiece come with a 42mm case in this material, with a decadent burgundy shade that provides rich contrast and reveals a diving scale in vintage Super-LumiNova.
Above A closer look at the latest Seamaster's oxalic anodised aluminium bezel ring and dial (Photo: Courtesy of Omega)
Above The new Seamaster in Bronze Gold and Burgundy on a rubber strap (Photo: Courtesy of Omega)
A closer look at the latest Seamaster's oxalic anodised aluminium bezel ring and dial (Photo: Courtesy of Omega)
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Chatter and speculation regarding who the next 007 might be have been swirling for years. To add to that, we say: what Seamaster might accompany him (or her?) on future adventures? Suffice to say, the world remains enamoured with the Bond universe, unable to tear away from its iconic blend of sophistication, adventure, and savoir faire. It seems likely that as long as those qualities resonate with us, Bond’s presence, whether in pop culture or Hollywood, will be felt for years to come.
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Trained as a student journalist, Mac’s knack for writing was a serendipitous discovery. Years later and she can’t imagine doing anything else. When she isn’t typing away on a story, she revels in being lost in a new city, revisiting a cosy film or sitcom, and idling away with her dogs.
