Which watch is the new James Bond wearing on Parade?

[watchdrummer]

Look at the cover of today's Parade Magazine. There is a pic of the new Bond, Daniel Craig. What watch is he wearing?

[RogerF]

I dont know that mag, but AFAIK Bond now sports a Omega Deville

[C.J.]

I've been checking alot of the Bond sites and the self proclaimed experts are saying this one



The Omega De Ville Co-Axial Power Reserve. I think it looks pretty good. It lists at $4150 US

[Goodwatch]

Originally Posted by C.J.

I've been checking alot of the Bond sites and the self proclaimed experts are saying this one



I think it looks pretty good. It lists at $4150 US

Now seriously guys, is this a Bond watch? NO! I guess Omega wants to fork out big time whereas Rolex does not.... Nothing new

[C.J.]

Originally Posted by Goodwatch

Now seriously guys, is this a Bond watch? NO! I guess Omega wants to fork out big time whereas Rolex does not.... Nothing new

No, you're spot on, Fransie I think it looks nice, but It doesn't look like a Bond watch, at all IMHO If it's not a 14060M or even a 16610, it's just not Bond too me

[mailman]

Originally Posted by Goodwatch

If it's not a plain Sub, it's the WRONG watch Bond = Rolex IMHO

I agree Frans

Originally Posted by Goodwatch

Now seriously guys, is this a Bond watch? NO! I guess Omega wants to fork out big time whereas Rolex does not.... Nothing new

Very true. It all comes down to payola.

Originally Posted by C.J.

No, you're spot on, Fransie I think it looks nice, but It doesn't look like a Bond watch, at all IMHO If it's not a 14060M or even a 16610, it's just not Bond too me

Rolex should pony up and just give him a damn 14060M

[mailman]

Originally Posted by RogerF

I dont know that mag, but AFAIK Bond now sports a Omega Deville

You could be right Roger but I've read that it was a PO.

[madformac]

Originally Posted by mailman

You could be right Roger but I've read that it was a PO.

I've been told numerous times its a PO but I have the new trailer in Hi Definition and its clearly a DeVille he wears in the film. (check out the quicktime version for the best clarity). I actually think it suits the film and change in direction.

Thing is there is Omega promotion and Bond publicity using the Seamaster 300m chronometer with Daniel Craig. My guess is its Omega stalling for time until the new promo is ready. They had better hurry up though, the film is out next month. Has Daniel been named as an Omega Ambassador yet? I don't think so. ** He wears both watches. I've now checked the trailer fully and both the Seamaster and DeVille are worn by Bond.. Good for Promotion. Selling a "Bond" watch to two markets. Sports and Classic.

I should also add I don't think it suits the modern Rolex brand image to have Bond as an ambassador. I think Rolex are trying to project real life and unsung heroes as ambassadors. I don't think they want to go down the route of shooting star celebrities, racing drivers and action heroes like Omega and Tag Heuer.

[Goodwatch]

Originally Posted by watchdrummer

Look at the cover of today's Parade Magazine. There is a pic of the new Bond, Daniel Craig. What watch is he wearing?

If it's not a plain Sub, it's the WRONG watch Bond = Rolex IMHO

[RogerF]

I think the PO would have made a better choice, especially the chrono.

[astcell]

I always associated Bond with Rolex, maybe Rolex and the producers had issues? I mean, Omega didn't just walk in and hand out watches, did they? I wonder. That's probably a good trivia bit right there.

[astcell]

Originally Posted by astcell

I always associated Bond with Rolex, maybe Rolex and the producers had issues? I mean, Omega didn't just walk in and hand out watches, did they? I wonder. That's probably a good trivia bit right there.

I found my answer:

http://www.chronocentric.com/omega/bond.shtml

So why the change to an OMEGA?

The change from Bond wearing a Rolex appears to have been for two reasons--one stylistic, the other financial.

Foremost, for introducing Pierce Brosnan as the "new" James Bond in the 1995 film GoldenEye, the producers wanted to update the image of Bond to a more distinctly sophisticated "Euro" look. Lindy Hemming, the costume designer for the first three of the Pierce Brosnan appearances as Bond was quoted in The European Magazine ["The Names Bond, Euro Bond", July 7-13 1995] as explaining: "Sean Connery wore a Rolex, but we thought they'd become a bit ordinary now. OMEGA are more minimal--even though this one does shoot off a bomb."

She is not alone in thinking this. Rolex as a brand has changed a lot since the late 1950's when Fleming chose one for Bond to wear. At that time, Rolex was known as a uniquely well made, durable and "waterproof" watch that cost somewhat more than other watches. Now, decades later, many inexpensive watches meet the functional needs of durability, accuracy, and water-resistance that people used to turn to Rolex for. In this time, Rolex has shifted from being a technically superior, but only modestly well known watch make to being the publicly perceived "leader of the pack" in the luxury watch market.

Because of this, many Bond afficionados believe that the OMEGA Seamaster is closer in spirit to what Fleming would choose for Bond today. The literary Bond would not have chosen a watch based on luxury and flashy name recognition, but on performance. To him, any watch, car, or other implement's primary function is as a tool. Any tool is expendable. The Seamaster offers the comparable performance, style, and weight Bond would have wanted, but without attracting extra attention or making the statement a Rolex does today. With OMEGA's much heavier bracelet on the Seamaster, it would probably make an even better "knuckle duster" as the literary Bond once used his Rolex in a fight.

The other reason is that with all the product marketing deals that surrounded such modern high-profile films, the filmmakers wanted to work with a company that was interested in high-profile co-promotions--something that Rolex conservatively avoids. Reports are that the film producers chose OMEGA as their leading candidate as a replacement for the classic Bond watch, then contacted OMEGA to ask their participation in providing products and being involved in co-marketing arrangements.

[Otis]

I'm going to be controversial here, and say that for me, the contemporary Bond is and should be, an omega man. They are the Bond movies I grew up with and the Bond watches I grew up with. While I know it's not accurate to Fleming's books, to me omega just seems right.

BUT, having said that..... I don't like the deville that much. I agree with Roger, the black PO chrono, or the new co-axial GMT would be a much better choice.

[Hank G]

I just hope they get to fit inthe lazer beam inthis new Omega

[Goodwatch]

Originally Posted by Otis

I'm going to be controversial here, and say that for me, the contemporary Bond is and should be, an omega man. They are the Bond movies I grew up with and the Bond watches I grew up with. While I know it's not accurate to Fleming's books, to me omega just seems right.

BUT, having said that..... I don't like the deville that much. I agree with Roger, the black PO chrono, or the new co-axial GMT would be a much better choice.

That calls for a biffo, wanna step outside? "The Omega just seems right", the bloody nerve

[Otis]

Originally Posted by Goodwatch

That calls for a biffo, wanna step outside? "The Omega just seems right", the bloody nerve

You think you can take me? I'll whip your orange a$$ boy, and stamp a big black

on it!

[mailman]

Originally Posted by Otis

You think you can take me? I'll whip your orange a$$ boy, and stamp a big black

on it!

I think Brosnan was a good Bond Otis. But he's a girlie man compared to Connery

[Otis]

Originally Posted by mailman

I think Brosnan was a good Bond Otis. But he's a girlie man compared to Connery

Hmmm.... I can admit that Connery was the best. But bear in mind I wasn't even born when he was doing the movies.

[amanda]

heheh can you guys start up this thread in the Omega forum on TZ? Just give me 5mins tho, I need to get myself a Coke and some Popcorn so I can watch the 'show' teeeeheeeeee

They are very passionate about their Omegas and Bond over there! I need to go and watch some of these films so I can see what all the fuss is about. I saw most of the ones with Remington Steele in them (damn cant remember the actors name) but thats about it!

[mailman]

Originally Posted by amanda

heheh can you guys start up this thread in the Omega forum on TZ? Just give me 5mins tho, I need to get myself a Coke and some Popcorn so I can watch the 'show' teeeeheeeeee

They are very passionate about their Omegas and Bond over there! I need to go and watch some of these films so I can see what all the fuss is about. I saw most of the ones with Remington Steele in them (damn cant remember the actors name) but thats about it!

Pierce Brosnan

[Gedanken]

Minimal? MINIMAL?! This Hemming broad obviously has no idea what she's on about - she wants minimal but she goes for a watch with a completely unnecessary, superfluous, tits-on-a-bull helium valve?!

You see? You see? THIS is what you get for engaging the services of dunces who haven't the foggiest what's going on.

Who gives a flying wad about the watch being *gag* Euro style? Bond is a Navy commander, and that's why it's a ND Sub. Any other spin on it would simply be like that Monty Python skit about the 36 disciples, 3 Christs and the kangaroo at the Last Supper.

The irony is that while this dimbo is carrying on like a new-age two-bob watch about the "essence" of Bond, she's completely overlooked how the Sub is THE essential link to Bond and his navy background. Who care's if it's "ordinary"? It's Navy-issue Bond!

What a load of bollocks. Swatch came up with a huge dollop of cash, and these flimsy excuses were obviously made up to try and justify it. Absolute travesty, I tell ya.

Sheesh. At this rate Superman's going to be wearing his bathers on the inside next.

[astcell]

I think the term is "sour grapes." They can't get what they wanted so they decide that Omega is better.

[Launch Mini]

I would guess it's all about the money.
Remember back in 1996, The Bond movie that year had him driving the new BMW Z3 ( a four banger no yet).
This was purley marketing from BMW throwing cash at the producers.

I read that Omega was really trying to catch Rolex in the market this year. Going with BOND is a huge captive audience for a 90 minute Omega commercial.

[Gedanken]

Yeah, well, it's a whole load of gobshite. Then again, you've now got a Bond who can't work a manual transmission, so we may as well just pack it in.

[JJ Irani]

Guys, guys....

I've just gone through this whole thread and can sum it up quite nicely:

Ian Fleming created James Bond.

Sean Connery breathed life into this fictional character.

Rolex graced the wrist of the BEST actor who could, would or should play the role of 007!!!

End of story!!

[Arturo]

Since Brosnan, Omega seems to have taken with Bond. And then Brosnan brought them to BMW. Thankfully they are back to the real Bond car, the Astin Martin....the Vanquish he drives in Casino Royale is breathtaking. That car could excite a dead man. But in the film, when he is bantering with the beautiful accountant lady, she mentions his expensive watch and specifically asks if it it a Rolex. He smugly states, "Omeega" pronouncing the e as a long vowell.

I personally really like this Bond. He is a vicious guy, literally killed a guy with his bare hands in a sink and then strangled another guy in a head hold. Lots of visceral strangling and that kind of thing.

That scene where he gets his boys beaten with a rope knot is not fun to watch.

But it is an Omega, officially. The new Bond is going to stick for awhile I think. He is my favorite since Connery. More brutal and less revealing. But nonetheless interesting even if he is an Omega man.

[Arturo]

I actually liked Roger Moore as well. I think Connery, Moore and Craig are the best. They had to go with a young guy to do this role as it was the first of the Bond stories representing the "baby" Bond who just got his licence to kill...his 007. So they had to use a very young Bond to do it. This guy is great. He has the perfect insouciance and disregard for the very traditions and conventions that he is sent out to protect.

Connery will always be the Bond of our youth, but there has to be room for more if we want to see more Bond stories. I think they found the exact right guy. They were looking at Jude Law, but he shows too much emotion like Roger Moore did. This Craig guy is enigmatic.

[Incurable]

I guess as long as we're bandying opinions about, I'll join the fray. Though Sean Connery was the quintessential Bond, the films and his depiction are steeped in the era and looking rather dated by today's standards and values. Jude Law? I cringe... Talk about 'pretty boy'. Frankly, I don't see the attraction at all. I liked him in Artificial Intelligence but... I'd take Pierce Brosnan any day. He had the wry wit of Sean Connery and definitely a ladies man but something was amiss, perhaps authority. Roger Moore was always too clay-like for me. Daniel Craig is definitely physical but (so far) lacking the elegance and sophistication of the former Bonds.

As for the watch... I did notice they even set up the dialog to vocalize the Omega (long e folks) brand. Cheese... Personally, I could care less what watch he wears. It never affected my decision to buy or wear a Rolex in the least. Given the choice, however, let's get Bond back in a Rolex ASAP. Maybe his Sub was in for service and he had to wear his 'beater' watch for Casino Royale. Sound's good to me...

[Arturo]

I am affected by marketing. I am a sap that way and have to restrain myself sometimes. On some level all guys want a little Bond in their lives. I wonder what affected my getting the LV....other than the fact that I liked it, when I also equally liked the DJ TOG with white gold face. On some subliminal level, maybe I was seeking the most masculine impermeable watch...who knows. But I actually do like the blue faced Bond Omega with the 007 second hand.

I agree, Craig is not as sophistocated...but remember, he is the baby in this movie, and they will have time to refine him. As an uptart and what they were trying to do with him, I thought he was great. I especially liked it when he broke into his boss's home and took her codes.