EDITOR’S PICK: As speculation rises about Idris Elba as Bond, we speculate about 007’s next watch

Felix Scholz

Editor’s note: Speculation that Big Idris Elba might be the next man to don the Tom Ford tux and strap on the Walther and take over from Daniel Craig as the next Bond has once again reared its head, and honestly this is something we can all get behind (side note, Esquire’s suggestion of Thandie Newton also has serious merit). So we thought we’d revisit this piece on possible Bond watches. Q would be proud. Given his extraordinarily good taste in watches in real life we would love to be a fly on the wall at Omega the day Elba arrives to discuss 007’s next wristwatch of choice…

The Globemaster

Bond attends a large number of black tie events, casinos, gala openings, secret cabalistic meetings – you know, the usual. These occasions can degenerate into brawls and/or gun fights without a moment’s notice, which necessitates a watch that works just as well with a bow tie as it does a submachine gun. Tricky. Our suggestion would be the Globemaster. While dressy, it’s not fussily so, particularly in the steel model with tungsten carbide bezel, which would defend itself well against dings or scratches caused by hapless henchmen.

The Ploprof 1200M

The odds are good that Bond will have future run-ins with sharks (possibly equipped with lasers). During the inevitable underwater struggle, 007 could do a lot worse than Omega’s deep diving Ploprof. This new titanium version won’t weigh him down. Meanwhile, Q branch would have a field day with this thing. Just look at that giant button, which seems to be screaming, ‘blow something up’.

Speedmaster Skywalker X-33

Bond’s adventures have always followed geo-political trends – from Cold War Connery to Craig’s realist post-9/11 spy. Given this precedent, along with our current real-world renewed interest in space, it’s not implausible that Bond will again venture into the final frontier – perhaps a Martian mission is being hijacked, or a super-villain is plundering the resources of the moon for nefarious purposes. Whatever the scenario, there’s no doubt the watch on his wrist should be Omega’s next generation moon watch, the feature-packed digital Speedmaster X-33.

Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon Black Black

He might be a secret agent, but he’s always preferred the direct approach, and he’s far more likely to confidently walk straight into the jaws of danger than ninja his way into a lair. But if he ever needed to swap the tailored dinner jacket for more tactical gear, this blacked-out ceramic Speedmaster would provide maximum stealthiness.

Vintage Seamaster

Even though he’s continually kitted out with the latest and greatest, Bond is a traditionalist at heart, so it would be entirely appropriate for him to step out in a vintage piece. Given his naval background, what better option than this 1957 Omega Seamaster? (Does that lollipop hand look familiar?) Plus it’d go brilliantly with his Aston Martin DB5.