The new James Bond watch is here! International film star Daniel Craig, who reprises the popular fictional spy in the new installment "Spectre", on Friday inaugurated the Omega factory in Villeret, and also saw the new watch he sports in the movie being manufactured.
Craig made a special visit to the heart of the Swiss watchmaking industry for the inauguration of the factory. He was given a guided tour, as well as exclusive access to the factory’s assembly line, together with Nick Hayek, Swatch Group CEO, and Stephen Urquhart, president of OMEGA.
As an avid watch collector himself, Craig was fascinated by the engineering and expertise on show.
“I think what was so impressive was the fact that these watches are made from the ground up. You start with nothing, and then there’s suddenly a working watch. That’s the beauty. To see the engineering that goes into it and the legacy that goes into it, that’s what fascinated me,” he said in a statement.
The Seamaster has been James Bond's watch since "GoldenEye" (1995). With its naval history and classic style, the watch perfectly reflects Bond’s character.
Now, in celebration of the new movie, fans and watch collectors will be able to buy the OMEGA Seamaster 300 model worn by 007 in "Spectre", as it will go on sale as a limited edition in September.
The release marks a first for the partnership as until now, only commemorative editions have been used to celebrate Omega's link with the franchise.
Omega president Stephen Urquhart said that the Omega Seamaster was chosen for James Bond by Lindy Hemming, the costume designer who worked on "GoldenEye" in 1995.
"She told me that her choice of the Omega Seamaster in that film was influenced by the fact that Bond was a naval commander, a diver and a discreet gentleman of the world. Another factor was the colour blue, which was rare in watches at the time.
"This is also linked to Bond’s education and seafaring background. I think Bond’s adventurous spirit is a great reflection of our own pioneering commitment. With each new film, we are able to reinforce that reputation, and of course be associated with a true symbol of sophistication," he added.
The latest watch features a bi-directional, rotating diving bezel, made from black, polished ceramic, combined with a LiquidMetal® 12 hour scale, so that time can be kept with any country in the world.
Other unique features include the 'lollipop' central seconds hands, as well as the five-stripe black and grey NATO strap. On the bracelet's strap holder, the 007 gun logo has been engraved.
Each watch has its own unique serial number engraved on the back along with the "Spectre" film logo, celebrating the latest onscreen adventure.
This special timepiece will be limited to just 7,007 pieces. It will be available in select boutiques.