Daniel Craig’s Omega Seamaster from No Time to Die to be auctioned for charity
Zach BlassWhen you ask many collectors what got them into watches, you’ll often hear them attribute the spark to James Bond. The charismatic secret agent is intricately tied to timepieces, wearing various watches from Rolex, Seiko, Heuer, Pulsar, and, more recently, Omega across the six decades and 25 films of the James Bond franchise. As a bona fide movie icon and poster-boy for aspirational masculinity, it’s no surprise the character has inspired many to strap a timepiece to their wrist. Which is why today’s new is exciting. Daniel Craig finished his tenure as Bond in the latest 007 film No Time to Die (2021), and the watch he personally wore in his last outing will now be hitting the auction block for charity in September.
This morning Chrisitie’s unveiled their “Sixty Years of Bond” charity auction, which they are presenting in partnership with EON Productions. Christie’s explains: “This autumn, Christie’s and EON Productions are delighted to present Sixty Years of James Bond, an official two-part charity sale celebrating the 60th Anniversary of James Bond on the silver screen. Featuring 60 iconic lots spanning the 25 Bond films, the proceeds from the live and online auctions will be donated to benefit 45 charities.”
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Many incredible lots can be found in the catalogue, such as the classic silver birch Aston Martin ‘DB5’ — the only DB5 stunt car to be released for sale. For watch lovers, however, the most notable lot will be the No Time To Die Seamaster 300M worn by Daniel Craig during his last outing as James Bond. It is one thing to own a Bond watch. It’s a whole other level to be able to own Bond’s watch though.
Bond film-worn watches have a history of performing well at auction. Pierce Brosnan’s Seamaster, worn in the film The World Is Not Enough, sold for £50,250 in 2011 at Bonham’s. Roger Moore’s film-worn Rolex Submariner fetched 219,000 Swiss francs in 2011. Daniel Craig’s movie watches have also done well, his prototype Omega Seamaster ‘Spectre’, worn in the Spectre film, realising £92,500 in 2016. His Omega Seamaster Planet Oceans, however, have so far fared the best of his watches. The Planet Ocean he wore in his first Bond outing Casino Royale, hammered in at 250,250 Swiss francs back in 2007, and the unique titanium Planet Ocean he wore in Skyfall pulled in £157,250 during Christie’s ’50 Years of Bond’ charity auction in 2012. This is why the Christie’s estimate of £15,000 – £20,000 is an absolute joke, and, if someone were foolish enough to take me up on that bet I would put every penny I have on the line.
The No Time To Die Seamaster is considered by many to be the best James Bond Seamaster ever made, striking a chord with watch and Bond lovers due to its aesthetic tie-ins to the character – such as its Royal Air Force inspired engraved caseback – and its vintage-inspired elements such as the faux-aged SuperLuminova® in the midst of the patina craze. Technically it is equally appealing, with a lightweight robust titanium case, METAS certified co-axial calibre, and an entirely new mesh titanium bracelet. The commercial edition has found great success, so considering the provenance, and the fact it was Craig’s last film as Bond, I imagine this watch will hammer off for some serious cash.
Also up for sale is the blue dial Aqua Terra Seamaster seen in the film. To view all of the lots of the two part auction you can head here.