Everything you need to know about the new Omega Seamaster 300M 60 Years of James Bond Edition
Zach BlassIf you ask any watch enthusiast what the most influential watch partnership ever is, without hesitation they will answer Omega and James Bond. Jean-Claude Biver, the watch industry G.O.A.T. that he is, had the foresight to reject the original $50k proposal and instead negotiated up to a $2M deal that stretched far beyond simply a mere flashing wrist-cameo. This bigger deal was a 360-degree agreement that included using Bond for advertisements, promotions, and other additional elements such as limited edition watches. And, that is what bring us to this moment – taking a closer look at the stainless steel Seamaster 60 years of Bond Edition.
Considering just how familiar most of us are with the Seamaster 300M, I do not want to waste your time with a standard review of the piece. Instead, I would rather do you the service of pointing out what you really need to know – what is actually new and important about this release.
The watch blends the GoldenEye and the NTTD
Poetically, the design of the new Omega Seamaster 300M 60 Years of James Bond Edition blends the first Omega Seamaster design for James Bond that debuted in GoldenEye with the latest design seen in No Time to Die which closed out Daniel Craig’s tenure as Bond. The usage of an aluminium bezel, instead of a ceramic bezel, is a nod to both the No Time to Die and GoldenEye Seamaster watches. The timing scale font is what we have seen on the latest references, including the NTTD, but its blue shade mimics the blue aluminium bezel found on the GoldenEye model from 1995.
Omega has paired their modern indices and handset with a dial that shares the same color and material as the bezel – blue oxalic anodized aluminium – a nod to the original GoldenEye Seamaster. The wave pattern is laser engraved in a manner that gives it a look, depth, and texture more in line with the GoldenEye model as well. The mesh bracelet, however, is a total nod to the NTTD and is the first time it has been produced in steel. Some buyers may harp on the clasp’s bulk, but it is known for being a very secure clasp and the mesh bracelet style is very comfortable on the wrist. Hopefully, like the titanium one found on the NTTD, Omega will make a small size of the bracelet as well to ensure all can find their optimal fit. One quick final note for dial purists, there is no date complication, like the NTTD, so the Omega Seamaster 300M 60 Years of James Bond Edition definitely has a super clean dial visual.
The bezel features a ’60’ numeral as an anniversary nod
One gripe with past Bond editions was the overt 007 branding. In line with the NTTD model, looking at the front of the watch there are no major tells this is a Bond Edition. Only those familiar with the familiar with the Seamaster lineage, specifically models that appeared in 007 films, would catch the dial nod to the original GoldenEye. But, there is one sublte tell this is a Bond anniversary model. The bezel’s timing scale, which usually includes a triangle and pip, instead features the numeral 60 at the top. This is a nod to the 60th anniversary Bond and Omega are celebrating.
The case is a tad thicker
The dimensions of the Omega Seamaster 300M 60 Years of James Bond Edition are largely in line with previous Seamaster 300M models. It has a 42mm case, just shy of 50mm lug-to-lug across the wrist. But, the watch is a tad thicker than previous models – making the slight jump from the 13.2mm thickness of the NTTD Seamaster, or 13.8mm thickness of the standard Seamaster 300M models, to 14.3mm in thickness. But, when you take into consideration the new special exhibition caseback the Omega Seamaster 300M 60 Years of James Bond Edition the mere addition of a millimetre or less is totally worth it.
The moiré caseback took years to develop
If Star Wars’ signature opening is the large yellow text crawl, for the Bond films it is the opening sequence with Bond in silhouette and a spinning gun barrel design. Omega has captured this iconic opener with a new patent pending moiré animation caseback. Omega explains: “This dynamic scene plays out beneath the sapphire, decorated with micro-structured metallisation. The patent pending ‘moiré’ effect animation is linked to the running of the lollipop central seconds hand, so the action never stops.” And, for those wondering, this animation does not effect the power reserve of the 8806 calibre within. By adjusting the weight of the central seconds hand, the power reserve remains at 55 hours like other models using the calibre.
It’s kind of a bargain
While the design, visual, and specs, are the first factors to spark intrigue of purchase intent, pricing is the ultimate factor at the end of the day. With a retail price of CHF 7,000, CHF 2,000 more than a standard model and CHF 1,500 CHF less than the NTTD, I feel that Omega, in their pricing, has done a great job of acknowledging the special nature of the piece while being extremely fair as well. And, whether or not the rumors are true that this watch may, in fact, appear in the next Bond film, I suspect many will be lining up to purchase this cool commemorative Seamaster.
Omega Seamaster 300M 60 Years of James Bond Edition pricing and availability
The Omega Seamaster 300M 60 Years of James Bond Edition is available now exclusively at Omega boutiques, but will eventually be sold by authorized partners as well. It is not a limited edition, but, like the Omega Speedmaster “Silver Snoopy Award” 50th Anniversary and NTTD Seamaster, it will be limited in production each year. Price: A$12,450, US$7,600, CHF 7,000
| Brand | Omega |
| Model | Seamaster 300M Diver 60 Years of James Bond Edition |
| Case Diameter | 42mm (D) x 14.3mm (T) x 50mm (L2L) |
| Case Material | Stainless Steel, blue oxalic anodized aluminium bezel |
| Water Resistance | 300m (screw-down crown) with helium escape valve |
| Dial | Blue oxalic anodized aluminium laser-engraved wave dial |
| Crystal | Sapphire crystal and caseback |
| Strap | Stainless steel mesh bracelet with folding clasp |
| Lug Width | 20mn |
| Movement | In-house automatic co-axial METAS Master Chronometer calibre 8806 |
| Power Reserve | 55 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds, moiré animation caseback |
| Availability | Now |
| Price | A$12,450, US$7,600, CHF 7,000 |