How James Bond used his Rolex

[NickTruswell]

I thought you guys might find this interesting.........

I was introduced to the Rolex brand, like many others, through the James Bond films of Sean Connery & Roger Moore. Looking back I think that this is where it all began.

For me though the films were the entry point to the original Ian Fleming novels which I have read and re-read many times now and offer a much better take on 007 and the Cold War, at least in my opinion.

I've been on holiday recently and as usual took a couple of Bond novels to read. I was half way through On Her Majesty's Secret Service and came upon the following passage which I thought would be interesting for anyone not very familiar with the books themselves.

In the story Bond is getting ready to escape from Blofeld's hideout at the top of the Alps and is looking at what equipment he has with him to help him escape. I'm not sure many of us would consider using our Rolex's as knuckle dusters but there's no doubt that Bond certainly see's his Rolex as a proper "tool" watch.

Just after this passage he uses the expensive knuckle duster to hit one of the guards during his escape and it smashes into a million pieces. When he gets back to London he manages to get a new one out of the service on expenses!!!

Anyway thought some may find it interesting as the topic of James Bond's Rolex is a perpetual debate in most Rolex circles.

Thanks
Nick

[AJMarcus]

Great post! Thanks for sharing. Ian Fleming and Bond knew the true value of an ultimate Tool Watch!

[kilyung]

Expanding metal bracelet? I can't wear those as it pulls at my wrist hair.

[DoxaDavid]

I'll have to remember that if someone attempts to mug me I can use my Rolex as a weapon!

Love the stories and movies!

[franklin]

What would the service centre have to say about that?

[azguy]

Interesting........does anyone here wear a watch with the expanding metal bracelet I have never seen one for sale.......

[Kingair]

When I was young we had MacGyver . . .
He could solve any problem with his Timex and a piece of chocolate and chewing gum ;-)

HANW

[kxux]

I recently read this article from Watch Time which is really good read about Ian Fleming, James Bond and his use of Rolex in the novels. Pretty cool read.

http://www.watchtime.at/archive/wt_2...009_01_084.pdf

[FX44]

Cool info, thanks for sharing

[Balded]

I'd be worried about an open razor in my pocket - but then Bond did have balls of steel so I guess he would be fine.

[AJMarcus]

I think by expanding metla bracelet ian was describing how the clasp opens fully out unlike most watches made in the day. Then again, sounds like he could have been describing the submariner bracelet??!!!

[MoBe]

So there is no mention of the exact watch such as the Submariner.

[NickTruswell]

That description is as much as Ian Fleming reveals in the novels about the actual watch Bond wears. Just a Rolex Oyster Perpetual, no mention of Explorers or Submariners or anything else for that matter.

You only really get any detail in OMHSS as above and Thunderball where the watch is referenced when Bond is checking the time whilst SCUBA diving under Largo's boat to find clues re the missing atomic bombs.

[Fredrik]

Originally Posted by AJMarcus

I think by expanding metla bracelet ian was describing how the clasp opens fully out unlike most watches made in the day. Then again, sounds like he could have been describing the submariner bracelet??!!!

Nah, he most likely meant one of those watch bracelets popular back then that has no clasp, like this:



It feels like and works approximately like one of these:

[Boothroyd]

Originally Posted by Fredrik

Nah, he most likely meant one of those watch bracelets popular back then that has no clasp, like this:



It feels like and works approximately like one of these:

I love it...well done!

[Boothroyd]

My favorite line from all the Fleming books, in regard to horology...was Casino Royale, where one the heavy's, beginning to spy on Vesper and Bond, described himself as a "traveler in watches", with a satchel full of Swiss product. Just conjures up images of the early '50's.

[Dr. Robert]

In the latest Bond book, Deaver's "007 Carte Blanche" Bond also uses his Rolex as a weapon.

[Stonedcl]

Too bad you cant do that with the New SUB-c because you would break the Ceramic bezel if you punched someone in the teeth with it.. I guess the old sub was a better "tool" watch then the new Sub-C...

[moris]

LOL. i wish they actually used this theme in one of the bond movies, would certainly make for great PR too :D

[Sparrky]

Here's a website with more details.

http://jamesbond.ajb007.co.uk/rolex-submariner/

Nice topic!

[rodrob59]

Fleming's Bond wore an expansion band because Fleming did. Lots of differences with the movie Bonds. Can anyone imagine Roger Moore in black sandals?

[novan3]

The original tactical wrist watch.

[capote]

An Oyster Perpetual also makes an appearance in the goofy Casino Royale (1967) when Peter Sellers, impersonates Bond, takes off his watch, the guy behind him says "A Rolex Oyster Perpetual". Then he is handed a GMT instead (which also is an Oyster Perpetual when I think about it).

[JimSnyder]

Rolex made a oyster rivet expansion band a Swiss made 6636 Rivet 20mm and also a spring link USA made expansion bands.

[bewithabob]

great thread.

[Gugnunc]

My Explorer has the Rolex 6635 19mm expanding metal bracelet; they are quite hard to come by now but were common in the 'sixties.