I always imagine him a bit dodgy and taking some spoils of war like Reacher does. in the books he spends money lavishly. -he checks into a health farm. to watch a suspect and brings jars of caviar and bottles of Champagne for example.
When Ian Fleming's daughter was interviewed some years ago, she stated that to know the character of Bond was not very complicated. She said her father gave Bond all of his own personal tastes. This included women, dress, art, music, cars, cuisine, pleasure pursuits and of course the vodka martini. She was clear on the watch Bond wore as well, the same watch Fleming wore in photos, typing the 007 novels and is depicted in a painted portrait of him. The watch? A Rolex Explorer. Now the Explorer is a class act, no matter what the era. He still uses a Walther PPK, another timeless class act. Class and mystique. Those are the enduring 007 qualities!
When the books were written, the "R" brand was much more affordable (relative to luxury watches), utilitarian and cutting-edge in functionality. It's the opposite of the current-day brand. As you bring up, that brand is the villain's watch.
in the book he talks frequently about Rolex but they weren't allowed to mention Rolex in the movie (as mentioned by the director in the dvd commentary). it was a Seiko 5, but we are meant to assume it is a Rolex which is more to the the point - only one of us watch geeks could spot it isn't.
Nah, the BB58 is the closest to the big crown. I own a 6538 and a 58. The 54 wears nothing like it nor does it wear anything like the small crown that it is based off of.
Bond chose to wear a Rolex because it was, at the time, a great tool watch. Also, it WASN'T a Submariner, which wasn't introduced until 3 years after the first Bond novel was published. Modern Bond would almost certainly wear a high quality quartz, though he was also a traditionalist and an ex Royal Navy man. In that regard, the Tudor FXD has some high marks going for it as his choice, but, in these modern times, he may need more than one watch.
@@varanid9 Already know this but something you are missing. Ian Fleming did say Bond would wear a sub and even changed to origins /background to include that of Scotland due to Sean Connery. Also, we are not talking modern Bond but Bond. I don’t think he would ever wear a quartz because of the folks he would be around. It would be an easy tell you don’t belong with a quartz. Even Seals wear Rolex and Omega. The Tudor Pelagos 39mm would work best if you think modern Bond. Enough to pass for a tool and under the cuff.
Another reason James Bond wouldn’t wear a Rolex today is because he couldn’t afford to buy all the other watches the AD would require him to before he could may be have the chance to buy the one he wanted after a few years.
Not everything from the books has translated into the screen, for example his personal car was a Bentley not an Aston Martin or Lotus, or (shudder) a BMW. And it was pure luck that the Submariner ended up on Sean Connery’s wrist as it was borrowed from the films director. From the books, Bond was not a rich man, he spent most of his time in an office filing reports and managing other 00 agents. He yearned for the missions because it gave him the opportunity to eat and drink expensive things that were paid for by HM Government. The most precious item he had was probably his Bentley. As to what watch James Bond should be wearing now, it’s going to be something that throws back to his military navy career, so a dive watch would be most likely, and it would have to be tough and lightweight, to I would say a CWC quartz or SBS model, or perhaps a Tudor Pelagos.
@@1968gadgetyo you can just see it can’t you ‘Bond walks into his local watch dealer, he knows what he wants, the Submariner Date! A watch that combines robustness with style and class, perfect for Englands top secret agent. As he expresses his interest with the smart looking sales assistant, he receives an unexpected shock “I’ll add you to the waitlist, now get out”’ The End! 🤣🤣🤣
My dad was in the USAF and later the CIA. He used to watch Bond & the old Mission Impossible TV show. In the late seventies he got a Rolex 1665 great white rail dial Seadweller that he wore for 45 years until his death last year. Now I wear it. True the Rolex of the old days isn't the Rolex of today. All that being said, Omega has a rich RN history with their Seamaster.
Fun video! I'm a old-school Bond snob, so I fit one of those persons that say Bond would wear a Rolex and the case is closed! Fleming never says which Rolex Bond wore, but we know it was stainless steel, had large lume was easily visible in the dark, and came with an expandable bracelet. This describes the Explorer of the 50's. Bond truly used it as a tool watch. He was diving in the ocean with it in Thunderball, and he used as a substitute for brass knuckles (and broke it!) in From Russia with Love. A modern Bond, with Bond's requirements, would use something similar: durable, accurate, understated, reliable, great lume, water resistant. The Explorer fits all of those things. So does an Omega Railmaster. If not an Explorer my pick would be one of the simpler Ball Engineer watches which checks all the boxes, has that terrific gas tube lume, and costs less than half of the Explorer. My two cents!
Bond in 2024 would wear a Citizen Eco-Drive ProMaster, likely the BN0150-10E. Simple, ISO certified 200 meters of water resistance, not too expensive, highly practical, no security issues regarding connectivity and very much a tool watch - much like the Rolex Submariner used to be in the 1960s and '70s.
I could see James Bond wearing a Sinn UX EZM 2B on bracelet. A dive Watch that is favoured by the German GSG 9 Special Forces. Powered by a high precision, temperature compensated, antimagnetic ETA 995.652 Quartz movement with a lithium ion battery that supplies power at temperatures down to -25 degrees C. The movement is also pressure resistant to 5000m diving depth. The German Submarine steel case is filled with a special oil for perfect readability without reflections or fogging. This is the kind of Watch that leave the Submariners and the G-Shock behind for a one and done Watch for Bond I believe. He’d be equipped with enough other gadgets that he only needs this Watch for action or dress.
Since, at the time, Rolex watches were more tool, and not luxury, watches they were bought by many servicemen in the military that nearly consumed a month's salary. Taking into account today's culture, I think he would opt for a Tudor Black Bay 58 since he did serve in the Navy and a dive watch would make sense since if he was involved in any kind of diving or sea expeditions, in my view, it is the best all-arounder for naval officers.
I am a Bond FANATIC. And I think he stills wears a Rolex...but the Rolex Fleming wore and gave to his alter ego: a 36mm Explorer. Still incredibe class, not showy or garish, ultra accurate and reliable, and goes as well with a custom suit as it does with casual active wear. I can't think of another watch that suits the character as well! Fleming was a genius.
Stainless steel Rolex's cost less than $10k US (unless you have to have a GMT master). Bond is mid career and has never had children to support or a mortgage payment, only rent for a single man's "flat". He can easily afford the Rolex. Most cops I know, particularly if unmarried, in their 30's own one or two Rolex's, if they are into watches. He should wear it, it's a badge of a man who invested in himself rather than a family, like a sports car is for some men. At his rank, his salary would be six figures US in today's economy, and that employment history is a sign of his reliability and dedication to a long term career, another trait of Bond. Keep the Rolex, he earns it through his self sacrifice (no family, life of civil service).
A 'real' James Bond would need a watch that: - does not look terrible with a suit (no G-Shock Frogman please) - does not have bluetooth, GPS, etc. because of security concerns. - is robust enough to survive fights, falls, crashes etc. - does not run out of battery power at inopportune moments. - is useful for travel (GMT?) - water resistant. - has a timing feature (dive bezel, chrono) to time those fuses. I'd suggest a Sinn U2 (EZM 5) TEGIMENT, a dive watch made out of hardened submarine steel with a caller GMT function. It's available on rubber and on a bracelet. Temperature range -45 to +80 C, 2000m WR. The crystal won't pop out in low pressure. Priced below $4000, so fairly easy on an agency's budget compared to a Rolex or Omega 😃
One thing about Bond is that, as much as he appreciates quality, he isn't ostentatious, something the films fail to get across. He's also sentimental and a traditionalist, so, probably an antique, refurbished Omega dress watch and, ever the practical one, a Seiko quartz diver with the 7C46 movement worn during missions (these days he might need 2 watches). I think he'd find Caso G-Shocks hideous. Considering his naval background as well as being a traditionalist, the Tudor Pelagos FXD might fit the bill.
High end Citizen or Grand Seiko or Casio Oceanus is the best guess, he would not wear anything mechanical. As much as I love mechanical, for a spy who absolutely loves Hi-Tech gadgets it's not the right choice.
As a multi-billion dollar franchise, the character of James Bond wears what the highest bidder pays for James Bond to wear. If Bond was a refreshed character in 2024 that was not beholden to advertisers, then the new Bond should have a custom supergadget smartwatch from Q that helps to save the day against the villain.
If we're talking tough, military watches, I suspect a modern James Bond would wear something like G-Shock, Lum Tec or an Elliot Brown. If it had to be a "luxury" model, then Tudor or Brietling, or the Omega. But since we're having fun, personally I'd like to see Bond wearing a Jacob & Co Astronomia Tourbillion.
That was too exciting for a Friday morning. I'm going to make a spreadsheet to calm down... But what would James Bond wear today? It would have to be robust and versatile but still fit under the cuff of a dress shirt. That means the Omega 300M is out but how about a Blancpain or JLC diver?
like your thinking but I'd definately be heading towards quartz - Sinn U50 Hydro perhaps - accurate, robust but also really slim and discrete, matches his choice of pistols.
Onlyifhe bought it himself. His service issue watch these days would probably be a Casio FW91. Bought by the thousands by the Govt at a big discount. Lol
One thing is for certain he couldn't wear an Omega or Breitling as he probably doesn't have a wrist big enough to wear a 45/46mm watch and he couldn't wear a Rolex as he hasn't purchased enough of them to get on the wait list.
Not a bad analysis. Mechanical watches would be struggling to cope with the impacts of CQB . G shocks are used in the military but lack the style of Bond.
Don’t forget, some Gshocks also have Bluetooth nowadays! Also, if we wanna rewind James Bond - like Rolex, the bond franchise was new at that time as well. So Bond’s cultural influence and societal ubiquity may not be directly comparable with what it is today. Alternatively, if Rolex was the avantgarde choice for Bond, then surely he should be wearing an independent watch - what is probably the modern equivalent - today?
He’d have a great mechanical watch. A Rolex, or an Omega, or a Tudor, or an IWC. Personally, I think a GMT would really be a great for him since he hops the Globe.
by now James Bond would be in a middle management (or senior mgmt.) position; hence- 2 tone Datejust with jubilee (Wimbledon dial,) or Day-Date with the champagne dial (in yellow gold.)
Excellent video Pete ! The original James Bond, the all action character, didn't have today's technology. Today's 007 would have a watch that could handle the most extreme conditions that no mechanical watch can. He'd be wearing a G-Shock MUDMASTER GWG-2000 with 200m water resistance, +/-15 seconds per month, twice as accurate as a Rolex, a barometer/altimeter to check air pressure on the mountains, solar power to not worry about winding or batteries, a temperature guage, and a GPS compass to know where he's going, and extreme shock resistance. That's the perfect watch. In reality, a Rolex or Omega may not survive the stunts James has to handle !😊He would of course have a dress watch in his watch roll in the evening while he drinks his Martini,,shaken, not stirred, and converses with the beautiful but deadly female adversary.
Tudor Pelago has been endorsed by real stunt man. It still has the Rolex Sub look. Real special force operators wear Garmin smart watches. Not sure will Garmin pair well with a tuxedo. BTY, Martini shaken, but not stired, means the ice water floats to the top, while the martini is at the bottom of the glass. So that he could drink and remains sober.
To me, James Bond always wears Rolex Oyster Perpetual (perhaps an Explorer), as first mentioned in the novel "Live and Let Die". Fleming did not receive any payment from Rolex, so it was his genuine intention to match the character of Bond as an individual and Rolex as a watch, not a commercial product placement. I can't afford a Rolex, but I believe Bond is more resourceful
I Agree - mostly! He would absolutely used a g-shock or something similar in the field but in the casino or at a function he would wear. a dress watch - Bond has style and knows how to dress. Him wearing a submariner on a nato strap in first movie was the exception (and only because he arrived by water. He wears a Gruen in an earlier casino scene as you mention. As to what he would wear to the casino I think he would go Calatrava or Reverso, something classic.
The Rolex the Fleming put on Bond's wrist in the books was a basic functional watch utility watch. The Explorer, I think. When the EON movies started to be made, they had a Rolex Submariner to hand and so put that on Connery's wrist. And in those days, EON Productions wasn't trying to do much product placement.
The Explorer didn’t exist when the books were written, so likely to be an OP or DJ. The fact Connery had the Submariner was pure accident as it was borrowed from the film’s director. It could quite easily have been something very different.
@PeteMcConvill It was? I assumed it was a sub as Bond was Royal Navy Commander. Bty, in the books (Thunderball?) Bond uses his Rolex as a knuckle duster, punch a guard's neck and broke the neck, and his watch.
@@PeteMcConvillWatches Not so. The first Explorer (ref 6150) came out in 1953 and was on Fleming's wrist in Jamaica when he wrote Casino Royale. He describes it even better in On Her Majesty's Secrete Service where he writes about the glowing numerals at 3, 6, and 9.
Why is no one mentioning IWC? A Portugieser yacht club is a good daily watch, can be dressed up and dressed down, it's well made, steel bracelet, comes with stop watch functionality, shock proofing, water proof, etc. A blue face can be worn with a blue, black, or lightly coloured suit as well as worn with more casual clothes. IWC also made watches for the British millitary post WW2 so he could have been issued one in the early days and stuck with it as Rolex became ubiquitous (and by extension something he'd avoid). I think a g-shock would be too chunky for him.
@@PeteMcConvillWatches Thanks for replying. I just discovered your channel. I've been a fan of the g-shock since I was a kid, I'm also an IWC fan (in case you couldn't tell!). These hypotheticals are exactly the sort of conversations my watch friends and I have. I look forward to watching more of your content.
G men are attracted to luxury sport watches for some reason. It’s just part of their personality. He would definitely have a Rolex in his collection, but would wear a g shock for any direct action activity. Also, wearing a watch, even a cheap one, can make you a target for criminals in third world countries.
I have to say there's three takes on this: 1. the purists of the novels, which will say Rolex for sure, 2. not a Rolex, but a luxury watch of some kind, like an Omega or IWC or SINN, 3. he should be wearing whatever MI6/military purchases in bulk to make modifications to, like maybe a Casio Frogman, or most probably a Nite MX 10.
Post war until the late 1960s Longines was considered head and shoulders above the likes of Johnny-come-lately Rolex. Or the very fictional Bond could just as easily have worn a Blancpain at the time. Today he wouldn’t wear an Omega either, yeah he’d be wearing a G-shock 😂. The Rolex brand image and reputation has changed beyond all recognition in the last 60-plus years.
Funny point on the American Psycho film watch (I've seen on a couple other UA-cam channels ( names?)) - the watch in the film is actually a Seiko 5 ( which is now coveted; also 'Watches of Espionage ' quite likes Seiko 5s) - I think Rolex said, 'no' - not good P.R.? I think they're wrong, but then I like 'Sussidio'.
yeah - the book was definately a rolex (the author - curiously like fleming - was very careful to namecheck brands) and rolex got 20 something discrete mentions. The film was forced to delete the trademark.
You may not understand the true reason why Bond would wear a high end Swiss watch. He may need it as a bargaining chip. That is he could trade the watch for a car that he would need to make an escape. Same reason pilots in WW II carried gold sovereigns.
I'm sure Q could make a Garmin with their own software and hardware. Most of the James Bond watches weren't actually real one with original mechanisms since they had to fit all the gadgets in them.
It has to be a luxury tool watch with more emphasis on luxury. He’s not gonna blend in a high stakes poker table with anything below rolex. I think VC overseas would be a better fit. Luxury and functional, but also not too flashy.
So speculating on the new Bond and if we go with Daniel Craig’s recommendation for the new Bond being Cillian Murphy, I think a vintage Patek 😊. Or it’s Idris Elba than I would go for a gold Omega.
He'd be wearing an illegible Rolex Daytona, and would utilise his latest model [insert brand] mobile phone to tell the time. So that's two brand sponsorships covered!!
Two reasons why he should: 1. Fleming specifically mentions Rolex in the books. 2. It's not an Omega. For me, seeing Omegas pop up in Bond movies will always conjure up images of the pretty dreadful Brosnan-era where Bond had turned into a complete sell-out. If you disagree with that, re-watch the infamous product placement showcase scene in Day Another Day. Yuck! I know Bond has always been more fantasy than serious spy-stuff, but if we let the real world seep into this: The problem is that the world (and certainly the watch-world and most certainly the world of Rolex) has moved on since Fleming wrote his first books in the 1950s. Although they were never cheap watches, a Rolex used to be a totally affordable, or should I say "attainable"? item. In 1957, a no-date Sub would set you back 150 bucks - or roughly 1600 in today's money. Plus: All this was before the quartz-crisis when a mechanical, chronometer certified wrist-watch was the logical (and only) choice for someone who needed an item on their wrist that could provide precise time-keeping. In the modern era, unless he was working undercover and needed a luxury watch as part of his "character", I couldn't think of a less suitable watch for someone like Bond than either a Rolex or an Omega. Too expensive, too flash and not nearly reliable or precise enough when compared to quartz alternatives. I mean.. most of today's real life special ops types will probably wear stuff like a G-Shock or maybe the Sinn UX GSG-9.
Hi Pete, It's an interesting and fun topic. With the lens you paint of 007 and from personal observation that type would be wearing as you said a G-shock. I feel that type of person especially Bond would be wearing his issed RCN divers. Or a Seiko quartz. They are ultra conservative people, watches are not a thing for them, in the past that is. Now with people being more affluent and brand and flash reflecting across yours eyes especially in the bigger cities Bond's today Bond might be more apt to wear Longines, Breitling and Rolex. Question to you Pete Rolex of yore that you describe would be which brand today, Sinn, Christopher Ward, Moser, Seiko? I am curious about your answer. Later, Starlight
Considering the situation on the ground in London and many other cities, a Rolex would attract too much of the wrong attention and he'd end up using his "OO" rating on street thugs. Bond would likely choose a low end Casio 10 year battery/100 meter WR, to blend in or a 200 m Duro diver when out and about "working". In a suit or tux, a titanium Oceanus or a mid range Seiko.
Tough one, Omega or BB58. I lean toward BB58, Bond and Fleming would be of course loyal to the Crown, as was Hans Wilsdorf. Rolex has gone to bling for the role imho.
I like this video 😆! Now my wandering mind is thinking what would Austin Powers wear? With all the Rolex shenanigans in the last few years (waitlists, bundling, selling out the back door over msrp, etc) Rolex definitely deserves to be an evil villain watch.😎
James Bond wouldn't really go for a G-Shock. Given his fancy suits, cool car, and smooth style, he'd probably wear something nicer and tougher. Think Rolex, Omega, or maybe JLC. G-Shock just doesn't match his look.
Citizen or Casio Oceanus is the best guess, she would not wear anything mechanical. As much as I love mechanical, for a spy who absolutely loves Hi-Tech gadgets it's not the right choice.
IMHO I believe James would go for either a Tudor or an Omega, hes a Royal Navy Commander, he loves Swimming and likes luxurious things. It Makes perfect sense for him to do so. Maybe Hamilton for other missions but definitely a Black Bay or a SeaMaster
He wouldn't be able to afford a Rolex on a government agent's salary today
I always imagine him a bit dodgy and taking some spoils of war like Reacher does. in the books he spends money lavishly. -he checks into a health farm. to watch a suspect and brings jars of caviar and bottles of Champagne for example.
😂😂😂😂@@ljr35
When Ian Fleming's daughter was interviewed some years ago, she stated that to know the character of Bond was not very complicated. She said her father gave Bond all of his own personal tastes. This included women, dress, art, music, cars, cuisine, pleasure pursuits and of course the vodka martini. She was clear on the watch Bond wore as well, the same watch Fleming wore in photos, typing the 007 novels and is depicted in a painted portrait of him. The watch? A Rolex Explorer. Now the Explorer is a class act, no matter what the era. He still uses a Walther PPK, another timeless class act. Class and mystique. Those are the enduring 007 qualities!
When the books were written, the "R" brand was much more affordable (relative to luxury watches), utilitarian and cutting-edge in functionality. It's the opposite of the current-day brand. As you bring up, that brand is the villain's watch.
In the movie American Psycho, Christian Bale’s Patrick Bateman actually wore a two-tone Seiko.
Look it up!
in the book he talks frequently about Rolex but they weren't allowed to mention Rolex in the movie (as mentioned by the director in the dvd commentary). it was a Seiko 5, but we are meant to assume it is a Rolex which is more to the the point - only one of us watch geeks could spot it isn't.
James Bond should wear a Tudor Black Bay 54. The closest production piece to the Rolex 6538/Tudor 7922.
Nah, the BB58 is the closest to the big crown. I own a 6538 and a 58. The 54 wears nothing like it nor does it wear anything like the small crown that it is based off of.
Bond chose to wear a Rolex because it was, at the time, a great tool watch. Also, it WASN'T a Submariner, which wasn't introduced until 3 years after the first Bond novel was published. Modern Bond would almost certainly wear a high quality quartz, though he was also a traditionalist and an ex Royal Navy man. In that regard, the Tudor FXD has some high marks going for it as his choice, but, in these modern times, he may need more than one watch.
@@varanid9
Already know this but something you are missing. Ian Fleming did say Bond would wear a sub and even changed to origins /background to include that of Scotland due to Sean Connery.
Also, we are not talking modern Bond but Bond. I don’t think he would ever wear a quartz because of the folks he would be around. It would be an easy tell you don’t belong with a quartz. Even Seals wear Rolex and Omega. The Tudor Pelagos 39mm would work best if you think modern Bond. Enough to pass for a tool and under the cuff.
I’m sticking with the Omega Seamaster, I think that is a wise choice, just enough flash, but humble. That’s my story, and I’m sticking to it!😃🧐👍
Agreed. I love my Omega Seamaster 300 Professional!
@@frozentundra7446 I do too! That watch is the bomb, and gets more wrist time out of all my time pieces. It’s just a phonemal time piece!❤️👍😃
Rumor has it that 'canon' James Bond as of 2024 currently wears (wore) a titanium 300M with no date 😆
Technical, and just flashy enough
@@melondoc very cool indeed!👍😃
No… he’d be pissed off with the stupid wait lists…. And would buy an omega.
Another reason James Bond wouldn’t wear a Rolex today is because he couldn’t afford to buy all the other watches the AD would require him to before he could may be have the chance to buy the one he wanted after a few years.
Not everything from the books has translated into the screen, for example his personal car was a Bentley not an Aston Martin or Lotus, or (shudder) a BMW. And it was pure luck that the Submariner ended up on Sean Connery’s wrist as it was borrowed from the films director. From the books, Bond was not a rich man, he spent most of his time in an office filing reports and managing other 00 agents. He yearned for the missions because it gave him the opportunity to eat and drink expensive things that were paid for by HM Government. The most precious item he had was probably his Bentley. As to what watch James Bond should be wearing now, it’s going to be something that throws back to his military navy career, so a dive watch would be most likely, and it would have to be tough and lightweight, to I would say a CWC quartz or SBS model, or perhaps a Tudor Pelagos.
So Bond has to wait for 6 months from a Rolex dealer to get his Sub?😅
@@1968gadgetyo you can just see it can’t you ‘Bond walks into his local watch dealer, he knows what he wants, the Submariner Date! A watch that combines robustness with style and class, perfect for Englands top secret agent. As he expresses his interest with the smart looking sales assistant, he receives an unexpected shock “I’ll add you to the waitlist, now get out”’ The End! 🤣🤣🤣
@@peakrider4886 Before kicking him out, he's first ask if he was interested in a ladies datejust for the missus.
My dad was in the USAF and later the CIA. He used to watch Bond & the old Mission Impossible TV show. In the late seventies he got a Rolex 1665 great white rail dial Seadweller that he wore for 45 years until his death last year. Now I wear it. True the Rolex of the old days isn't the Rolex of today.
All that being said, Omega has a rich RN history with their Seamaster.
Fun video! I'm a old-school Bond snob, so I fit one of those persons that say Bond would wear a Rolex and the case is closed! Fleming never says which Rolex Bond wore, but we know it was stainless steel, had large lume was easily visible in the dark, and came with an expandable bracelet. This describes the Explorer of the 50's. Bond truly used it as a tool watch. He was diving in the ocean with it in Thunderball, and he used as a substitute for brass knuckles (and broke it!) in From Russia with Love. A modern Bond, with Bond's requirements, would use something similar: durable, accurate, understated, reliable, great lume, water resistant. The Explorer fits all of those things. So does an Omega Railmaster. If not an Explorer my pick would be one of the simpler Ball Engineer watches which checks all the boxes, has that terrific gas tube lume, and costs less than half of the Explorer. My two cents!
Bond wears whichever watchmaker is the high bidding sponsor.
Bond in 2024 would wear a Citizen Eco-Drive ProMaster, likely the BN0150-10E. Simple, ISO certified 200 meters of water resistance, not too expensive, highly practical, no security issues regarding connectivity and very much a tool watch - much like the Rolex Submariner used to be in the 1960s and '70s.
I could see James Bond wearing a Sinn UX EZM 2B on bracelet. A dive Watch that is favoured by the German GSG 9 Special Forces. Powered by a high precision, temperature compensated, antimagnetic ETA 995.652 Quartz movement with a lithium ion battery that supplies power at temperatures down to -25 degrees C. The movement is also pressure resistant to 5000m diving depth. The German Submarine steel case is filled with a special oil for perfect readability without reflections or fogging. This is the kind of Watch that leave the Submariners and the G-Shock behind for a one and done Watch for Bond I believe. He’d be equipped with enough other gadgets that he only needs this Watch for action or dress.
Ain’t going to cut in a fancy restaurant and when seducing a seductive woman. Black Rolex Sub all day.
Id go the U50 Hydro - same functionality but a more 'dressable' package - he's an agent not a special forces door kicker.
💯 Thomas … the oil is 3M’s Fluorinert .
Since, at the time, Rolex watches were more tool, and not luxury, watches they were bought by many servicemen in the military that nearly consumed a month's salary. Taking into account today's culture, I think he would opt for a Tudor Black Bay 58 since he did serve in the Navy and a dive watch would make sense since if he was involved in any kind of diving or sea expeditions, in my view, it is the best all-arounder for naval officers.
I am a Bond FANATIC. And I think he stills wears a Rolex...but the Rolex Fleming wore and gave to his alter ego: a 36mm Explorer. Still incredibe class, not showy or garish, ultra accurate and reliable, and goes as well with a custom suit as it does with casual active wear. I can't think of another watch that suits the character as well! Fleming was a genius.
Stainless steel Rolex's cost less than $10k US (unless you have to have a GMT master). Bond is mid career and has never had children to support or a mortgage payment, only rent for a single man's "flat". He can easily afford the Rolex. Most cops I know, particularly if unmarried, in their 30's own one or two Rolex's, if they are into watches. He should wear it, it's a badge of a man who invested in himself rather than a family, like a sports car is for some men. At his rank, his salary would be six figures US in today's economy, and that employment history is a sign of his reliability and dedication to a long term career, another trait of Bond. Keep the Rolex, he earns it through his self sacrifice (no family, life of civil service).
A 'real' James Bond would need a watch that:
- does not look terrible with a suit (no G-Shock Frogman please)
- does not have bluetooth, GPS, etc. because of security concerns.
- is robust enough to survive fights, falls, crashes etc.
- does not run out of battery power at inopportune moments.
- is useful for travel (GMT?)
- water resistant.
- has a timing feature (dive bezel, chrono) to time those fuses.
I'd suggest a Sinn U2 (EZM 5) TEGIMENT, a dive watch made out of hardened submarine steel with a caller GMT function. It's available on rubber and on a bracelet. Temperature range -45 to +80 C, 2000m WR. The crystal won't pop out in low pressure.
Priced below $4000, so fairly easy on an agency's budget compared to a Rolex or Omega
😃
I can see that... but there's one problem. I'm not sure Bond would ever wear a German watch.
@@007Chancellor a Bond from the time of Fleming would not, a 2024 Bond might. And the question was about a contemporary Bond.
@@ge48421 Perhaps...but I just don't think so.
Citizen pro master
Bond preferred simplicity. With that in mind, I think if Bond wore a Sinn, it would most likely be a 556 A.
One thing about Bond is that, as much as he appreciates quality, he isn't ostentatious, something the films fail to get across. He's also sentimental and a traditionalist, so, probably an antique, refurbished Omega dress watch and, ever the practical one, a Seiko quartz diver with the 7C46 movement worn during missions (these days he might need 2 watches). I think he'd find Caso G-Shocks hideous. Considering his naval background as well as being a traditionalist, the Tudor Pelagos FXD might fit the bill.
He should wear a Tudor Black Bay 54.
High end Citizen or Grand Seiko or Casio Oceanus is the best guess, he would not wear anything mechanical. As much as I love mechanical, for a spy who absolutely loves Hi-Tech gadgets it's not the right choice.
As a multi-billion dollar franchise, the character of James Bond wears what the highest bidder pays for James Bond to wear. If Bond was a refreshed character in 2024 that was not beholden to advertisers, then the new Bond should have a custom supergadget smartwatch from Q that helps to save the day against the villain.
If we're talking tough, military watches, I suspect a modern James Bond would wear something like G-Shock, Lum Tec or an Elliot Brown.
If it had to be a "luxury" model, then Tudor or Brietling, or the Omega.
But since we're having fun, personally I'd like to see Bond wearing a Jacob & Co Astronomia Tourbillion.
He should wear the Rolex Explorer like Ian Fleming.
That was too exciting for a Friday morning. I'm going to make a spreadsheet to calm down...
But what would James Bond wear today? It would have to be robust and versatile but still fit under the cuff of a dress shirt. That means the Omega 300M is out but how about a Blancpain or JLC diver?
like your thinking but I'd definately be heading towards quartz - Sinn U50 Hydro perhaps - accurate, robust but also really slim and discrete, matches his choice of pistols.
@@PeteMcConvillWatches Or think Japanese as he is an expert in the Orient. How about a Grand Seiko spring drive GMT?
Onlyifhe bought it himself. His service issue watch these days would probably be a Casio FW91. Bought by the thousands by the Govt at a big discount. Lol
One thing is for certain he couldn't wear an Omega or Breitling as he probably doesn't have a wrist big enough to wear a 45/46mm watch and he couldn't wear a Rolex as he hasn't purchased enough of them to get on the wait list.
brave post
Not a bad analysis. Mechanical watches would be struggling to cope with the impacts of CQB . G shocks are used in the military but lack the style of Bond.
Don’t forget, some Gshocks also have Bluetooth nowadays!
Also, if we wanna rewind James Bond - like Rolex, the bond franchise was new at that time as well. So Bond’s cultural influence and societal ubiquity may not be directly comparable with what it is today.
Alternatively, if Rolex was the avantgarde choice for Bond, then surely he should be wearing an independent watch - what is probably the modern equivalent - today?
journe elegante?
I could dig it… Or one of those waterproof MB&Fs ?
He’d have a great mechanical watch.
A Rolex, or an Omega, or a Tudor, or an IWC.
Personally, I think a GMT would really be a great for him since he hops the Globe.
by now James Bond would be in a middle management (or senior mgmt.) position; hence- 2 tone Datejust with jubilee (Wimbledon dial,) or Day-Date with the champagne dial (in yellow gold.)
Excellent video Pete ! The original James Bond, the all action character, didn't have today's technology. Today's 007 would have a watch that could handle the most extreme conditions that no mechanical watch can. He'd be wearing a G-Shock MUDMASTER GWG-2000 with 200m water resistance, +/-15 seconds per month, twice as accurate as a Rolex, a barometer/altimeter to check air pressure on the mountains, solar power to not worry about winding or batteries, a temperature guage, and a GPS compass to know where he's going, and extreme shock resistance. That's the perfect watch. In reality, a Rolex or Omega may not survive the stunts James has to handle !😊He would of course have a dress watch in his watch roll in the evening while he drinks his Martini,,shaken, not stirred, and converses with the beautiful but deadly female adversary.
Tudor Pelago has been endorsed by real stunt man. It still has the Rolex Sub look. Real special force operators wear Garmin smart watches. Not sure will Garmin pair well with a tuxedo. BTY, Martini shaken, but not stired, means the ice water floats to the top, while the martini is at the bottom of the glass. So that he could drink and remains sober.
CWC quartz diver maybe?
The guys are on Elliot Brown Holton Pro’s now mate … ;)
Nope. Ain’t going to cut it in those ritzy settings.
To me, James Bond always wears Rolex Oyster Perpetual (perhaps an Explorer), as first mentioned in the novel "Live and Let Die". Fleming did not receive any payment from Rolex, so it was his genuine intention to match the character of Bond as an individual and Rolex as a watch, not a commercial product placement. I can't afford a Rolex, but I believe Bond is more resourceful
I Agree - mostly! He would absolutely used a g-shock or something similar in the field but in the casino or at a function he would wear. a dress watch - Bond has style and knows how to dress. Him wearing a submariner on a nato strap in first movie was the exception (and only because he arrived by water. He wears a Gruen in an earlier casino scene as you mention. As to what he would wear to the casino I think he would go Calatrava or Reverso, something classic.
The Rolex the Fleming put on Bond's wrist in the books was a basic functional watch utility watch. The Explorer, I think. When the EON movies started to be made, they had a Rolex Submariner to hand and so put that on Connery's wrist. And in those days, EON Productions wasn't trying to do much product placement.
the first watch was almost certainly an OP (as the books were likely drafted before the explorer was released).
@@PeteMcConvillWatches Yes, most likely
The Explorer didn’t exist when the books were written, so likely to be an OP or DJ. The fact Connery had the Submariner was pure accident as it was borrowed from the film’s director. It could quite easily have been something very different.
@PeteMcConvill It was? I assumed it was a sub as Bond was Royal Navy Commander. Bty, in the books (Thunderball?) Bond uses his Rolex as a knuckle duster, punch a guard's neck and broke the neck, and his watch.
@@PeteMcConvillWatches Not so. The first Explorer (ref 6150) came out in 1953 and was on Fleming's wrist in Jamaica when he wrote Casino Royale. He describes it even better in On Her Majesty's Secrete Service where he writes about the glowing numerals at 3, 6, and 9.
Great content, I am working the overnight shift so I enjoy these types of videos.
in 2024, he'd probably wear a Gshock, CWC, Marathon, Seiko Turtle, or a Sinn... but an Omega Seamaster is still plausible.
Today, Bond should wear the standard issue CWC SBS diver.. Bond was an SBS operator while he was in the Royal Navy.
Of all the talk about about 1960s Cold War era spies and bad guys why isn’t Vostok ever brought up?
JB would be wearing a Patek or some obscure brand like Parmagani Fluier
Tudor Pelagos. Definite tool vibe but nice enough to wear with a tux.
He’d wear a Tudor FXD. 21st century Submariner tool watch (with a Bond nato, of course!) 😊
I think omega fits him pretty well to be honest.
007 would not wear a G-Shock. Andy McNabb yes, but 007 no.
Why is no one mentioning IWC? A Portugieser yacht club is a good daily watch, can be dressed up and dressed down, it's well made, steel bracelet, comes with stop watch functionality, shock proofing, water proof, etc. A blue face can be worn with a blue, black, or lightly coloured suit as well as worn with more casual clothes.
IWC also made watches for the British millitary post WW2 so he could have been issued one in the early days and stuck with it as Rolex became ubiquitous (and by extension something he'd avoid).
I think a g-shock would be too chunky for him.
1. good point - an iwc works.
2. a metal gshock square is considerably smaller and more discrete than 90% of the mech watches people are recommending.
@@PeteMcConvillWatches Thanks for replying. I just discovered your channel. I've been a fan of the g-shock since I was a kid, I'm also an IWC fan (in case you couldn't tell!).
These hypotheticals are exactly the sort of conversations my watch friends and I have. I look forward to watching more of your content.
G men are attracted to luxury sport watches for some reason. It’s just part of their personality. He would definitely have a Rolex in his collection, but would wear a g shock for any direct action activity. Also, wearing a watch, even a cheap one, can make you a target for criminals in third world countries.
Everybody wants a Rolex , James Bond included.
man, I so want to give an honest reply to this....................
I have to say there's three takes on this: 1. the purists of the novels, which will say Rolex for sure, 2. not a Rolex, but a luxury watch of some kind, like an Omega or IWC or SINN, 3. he should be wearing whatever MI6/military purchases in bulk to make modifications to, like maybe a Casio Frogman, or most probably a Nite MX 10.
Post war until the late 1960s Longines was considered head and shoulders above the likes of Johnny-come-lately Rolex. Or the very fictional Bond could just as easily have worn a Blancpain at the time. Today he wouldn’t wear an Omega either, yeah he’d be wearing a G-shock 😂. The Rolex brand image and reputation has changed beyond all recognition in the last 60-plus years.
Funny point on the American Psycho film watch (I've seen on a couple other UA-cam channels ( names?)) - the watch in the film is actually a Seiko 5 ( which is now coveted; also 'Watches of Espionage ' quite likes Seiko 5s) - I think Rolex said, 'no' - not good P.R.? I think they're wrong, but then I like 'Sussidio'.
yeah - the book was definately a rolex (the author - curiously like fleming - was very careful to namecheck brands) and rolex got 20 something discrete mentions. The film was forced to delete the trademark.
Let's see Paul Allen's watch...
Bond has been wearing an Omega for a long time now. Timothy Dalton wore a Rolex 35 years ago.
The new Bond villain should wear...a Hublot.
why?
James Bond would have worn a solid Omega Seamaster.
Many former special forces guys actually wear Rolex or Tudor.
Operative word there being "former". The current ones tend to wear G-Shocks. At least when working :)
This is a great and well thought out video.
You may not understand the true reason why Bond would wear a high end Swiss watch. He may need it as a bargaining chip. That is he could trade the watch for a car that he would need to make an escape. Same reason pilots in WW II carried gold sovereigns.
*Bond would wear a Grand Seiko today.* *_Bond; James Bond._*
I'm sure Q could make a Garmin with their own software and hardware. Most of the James Bond watches weren't actually real one with original mechanisms since they had to fit all the gadgets in them.
I agree with the G-Shock, or perhaps a Seiko diver.
How about a Garmin Tactix. They go for 30 days on a single charge and come with a stealth mode that disables all communications.
It has to be a luxury tool watch with more emphasis on luxury. He’s not gonna blend in a high stakes poker table with anything below rolex. I think VC overseas would be a better fit. Luxury and functional, but also not too flashy.
maybe, but its 2024 and its kind of baller to wear g-shocks with formal wear - maybe a MrG?
I was thinking G-SHOCK but it doesn’t really go with a tux….
James Bond would wear whatever kind of watch Q gave him.
Wenger Swiss military classic field watch is a perfect choice for 007.
So speculating on the new Bond and if we go with Daniel Craig’s recommendation for the new Bond being Cillian Murphy, I think a vintage Patek 😊. Or it’s Idris Elba than I would go for a gold Omega.
He'd be wearing an illegible Rolex Daytona, and would utilise his latest model [insert brand] mobile phone to tell the time. So that's two brand sponsorships covered!!
Well the character of Bond is written as a sociopath so he probably would wear a Rolex.
true - the fleming bond is a little rapey in retrospect.
Who knows Omega might come out with a watch before the movie before 007
Not unless he's bought several 'lesser models' and been on the waiting list with his AD for at least 5 years....
Two reasons why he should:
1. Fleming specifically mentions Rolex in the books.
2. It's not an Omega. For me, seeing Omegas pop up in Bond movies will always conjure up images of the pretty dreadful Brosnan-era where Bond had turned into a complete sell-out. If you disagree with that, re-watch the infamous product placement showcase scene in Day Another Day. Yuck!
I know Bond has always been more fantasy than serious spy-stuff, but if we let the real world seep into this: The problem is that the world (and certainly the watch-world and most certainly the world of Rolex) has moved on since Fleming wrote his first books in the 1950s. Although they were never cheap watches, a Rolex used to be a totally affordable, or should I say "attainable"? item. In 1957, a no-date Sub would set you back 150 bucks - or roughly 1600 in today's money. Plus: All this was before the quartz-crisis when a mechanical, chronometer certified wrist-watch was the logical (and only) choice for someone who needed an item on their wrist that could provide precise time-keeping.
In the modern era, unless he was working undercover and needed a luxury watch as part of his "character", I couldn't think of a less suitable watch for someone like Bond than either a Rolex or an Omega. Too expensive, too flash and not nearly reliable or precise enough when compared to quartz alternatives. I mean.. most of today's real life special ops types will probably wear stuff like a G-Shock or maybe the Sinn UX GSG-9.
He wouldn't wear a Rolex coming out of Vauxhall station heading for MI6, his arm would be chopped off before his PPK left his shoulder holster.
Considering recent news about the President of Peru, Rolex can be seen as a symbol of corrupt politicians too. :D
Hi Pete, It's an interesting and fun topic. With the lens you paint of 007 and from personal observation that type would be wearing as you said a G-shock. I feel that type of person especially Bond would be wearing his issed RCN divers. Or a Seiko quartz. They are ultra conservative people, watches are not a thing for them, in the past that is. Now with people being more affluent and brand and flash reflecting across yours eyes especially in the bigger cities Bond's today Bond might be more apt to wear Longines, Breitling and Rolex.
Question to you Pete Rolex of yore that you describe would be which brand today, Sinn, Christopher Ward, Moser, Seiko?
I am curious about your answer.
Later,
Starlight
James Bond “is” a “killer”, he wouldn’t wear “bling” (tradecraft logic).
No, he wouldn’t. He’s not waiting. CWC. You are right, times change. Fleming was dead by 1967.
Marathon or Sinn perhaps?
How about a British watch with the resurgence of the British watch industry. Maybe a Fears??
It would be supplied by "Q" with extras.
Should Bond wear a Rolex? No. He's a British agent. He should wear a Bremont Arrow or Argonaut.
Considering the situation on the ground in London and many other cities, a Rolex would attract too much of the wrong attention and he'd end up using his "OO" rating on street thugs.
Bond would likely choose a low end Casio 10 year battery/100 meter WR, to blend in or a 200 m Duro diver when out and about "working". In a suit or tux, a titanium Oceanus or a mid range Seiko.
Tough one, Omega or BB58. I lean toward BB58, Bond and Fleming would be of course loyal to the Crown, as was Hans Wilsdorf. Rolex has gone to bling for the role imho.
Omega or Sinn maybe, Rolex has gone from being a tool watch to a watch worn by ......
With the cutbacks in the UK he'd be lucky to have a job! If he did he'd wear a G-Shock
Modern Rolexes draw too much attention to the wearer, and that’s not what a spy would want no matter how suave he is.
Bond won't pay for his own watch, will be funded by HM Government so can actually be expensive.
Bond would wear a Glashütte's Original SeaQ
If he wore a Rolex today, ..., that would depend if he would be on the " fake" waiting list !
Bond doesn't do waiting lists so no, he wouldn't.
Richard Mille? Christopher Ward?
I like this video 😆! Now my wandering mind is thinking what would Austin Powers wear?
With all the Rolex shenanigans in the last few years (waitlists, bundling, selling out the back door over msrp, etc) Rolex definitely deserves to be an evil villain watch.😎
A Shagmilton
Bond would wear an Apple watch or G Shock during the day. Then a Cartier or Patek Philippe (if the MI6 budget allows) at night in the casino.
did you watch the video? he would most likely be forbidden to wear an apple watch.
No, I was just responding to the title. I'm sure Q would be able to nerf the Apple watch to make it secure
@@goldencalf5144 never understand people that do that.
@@PeteMcConvillWatches Nevermind, my comment will help your algorithm. You're welcome
He would have Casio Lineage Solar. Ana - digi titanium.
Bond maybe wear a Tudor black bay or tag huer aqua racer
I think a Sinn would be more appropriate.
Si llevara un Casio de 100€ sería un punto
He would have to go on the waiting list first, I know no one saw this one coming😉
He is more likely wearing a sub or a seadweller.
rollex on a nato/raf strap is as british as you get. lol
James Bond wouldn't really go for a G-Shock. Given his fancy suits, cool car, and smooth style, he'd probably wear something nicer and tougher. Think Rolex, Omega, or maybe JLC. G-Shock just doesn't match his look.
There's nothing tougher than a G Shock.
Citizen or Casio Oceanus is the best guess, she would not wear anything mechanical. As much as I love mechanical, for a spy who absolutely loves Hi-Tech gadgets it's not the right choice.
I do think a metal G Shock can pair well with a tuxedo.
@@vik574Roger Moore's Bond wore lots of Sekio digital watch. There was a watch that could print orders,a watch that could fire darts.
IMHO I believe James would go for either a Tudor or an Omega, hes a Royal Navy Commander, he loves Swimming and likes luxurious things. It Makes perfect sense for him to do so. Maybe Hamilton for other missions but definitely a Black Bay or a SeaMaster