The Bond Rolex WAS described in the novels. Specifically in Thunderball when Felix Leiter asks Bond (who always wore a Rolex in the novels) if “he is still wearing that old wrist watch...…with the big phosphorous numerals?” This unequivocally makes it an Explorer Reference 1016 as the Rolex 1016 was the ONLY Rolex up until the publication of the novel having luminous numerals--all others having baton markers. Further, we know with certainty Fleming wore the Explorer Reference 1016 so there is simply no question. Also, in "On Her Majesty's Secret Service,"---“Another Rolex? Probably. They were on the heavy side, but they worked. And at least you could see the time in the dark with those big phosphorous numerals”. James Bond, as written by Ian Fleming wore a Rolex Explorer Reference 1016--there facts are right there in Thunderball and On Her Majesty's Secret Service.
Not necessarily. The phosphorus numerals better describe in Thunderball, and on her Majesty, Secret Service also appeared on the Rolex air kings at the time. They even appeared on early Rolex submariner’s for a while. So it’s not entirely now on which watchband actually wears. Fleming himself did wear a Rolex explorer 1016, but that model was not released until 1959, five years after the first mention of bonds watch in live and let die. And even then Fleming’s books are actually taking place one year before the new republished. For instance, Casino Royale takes place in 1951, but was published in 1953. It’s possible Bond was wearing an earlier model of the explorer, though, as they came out in 1953.
Yes, Flemming wore a 1016 but on On Her Majesty's Secret Service this was the only time the watch was mentioned in detail. “a heavy Rolex Oyster Perpetual on an expanding metal bracelet.”
Discovered the Flemming/Explorer link ages ago on Urban Gentry channel where he affectionately calls it the 'Flemmy'. Most watch geeks know this already. Glad you've been suitably enlightened.😎😎
Hey, was watching you with Fed a moment ago. I love when you guys get together. I am glad you both are still friends. And you both have the best watch channels of anybody because you both are down to earth nice guys. Never change.
Ian's was a 1016. They made the classic vintage Rolex mistake and let the RSC get their hands on it it 2008 and they swapped the dial and crown as well as other parts likely (possibly the bracelet as well as clasp was cracked at the pin blades, RSC tried to replace the original bracelet on my 1675 because it has some stretching, telling me it was "worn out"). They were concerned that the radium dial would be harmful to museum visitors lol. The stem was also broken and the movement rusted due to water damage.Other than the case, case back and some movement parts (they probably swapped hands when they swapped the dial) the Ian Flemming 1016 would be a very different watch than it was in the 60's or even 20 years ago.
BTW I believe all the bond watches are stored in a bond museum in Germany if I'm not mistaken so They'll never show up in auction I'm afraid. And the story of the first watch in the bond franchise is kind of funny it actually is the rolex of one of the guys of the crew.
I have a problem with this. Yes it is definitely true that Ian Fleming wore the 1016. And yes, it is described in letter books like the 1016. BUT! Bond is described wearing a Rolex oyster perpetual in casino Royale. Most people assume that this is the 1016. But the book was released in 1953, several months before the release of the Rolex explorer. So it’s safe to say that while bond may have worn the Rolex explorer at one point. He most definitely did not wear one in the first book. I can only assume that Ian Fleming decided to explicitly call out the 1016 features when he got one
Ford (Volvo when they owned it) Aston Martin , BMW, omega sieko lotus etc all have been “official” gear. Unfortunately just a matter of marketing and Omega has been there for a long time and most people feel the 2531.80 is the only Bond watch
Love your videos. What many people do t realize is Rolex made many utilitarian watches. A working mans watch...military. Rolex was called upon to make these watches for extreme conditions. Especially divers. Deep sea divers men who walked on the ocean floor...not a casual swim. I remember rumors / stories of a Rolex having a clear Mika lens for extreme heat. Not sure how true but I’ve never researched it.
It’s not about the number, it’s about what is the true bond watch. Bond can wear all the Omega on screen, which the brand pay 007 franchise for, it will not change the fact that Bond actually wears a Rolex.
" Bond surveyed his weapons. They were only his hands and feet, his Gillette razor and his wristwatch, a heavy Rolex Oyster Perpetual on an expanding metal bracelet. Used properly, these could be turned into most effective knuckle-dusters." Until reading this I never considered using my explorer as a weapon..but in a pinch, why not! lol
OMG, it's not an Explorer and it's even on a cheesy twist-0-flex bracelet with undoubtedly ugly, chaffing "squeeze-ends". Shocking, positively shocking!
Its amazing how Timex and omega watchers have not change match at all to day we can buy a second hand omega in any condition that going realy cheep for say a few hindered dollars that can be going or not send it to omega for a service and they will not only service it, but for a mare $500.00 return it to new condition. And then send you it back to you running perfect with the many parts they had to replaced. Then you got a new Omega, or Timex watch, for a fraction what it would cost for a new one.
I share your view that the Explorer, like Flemming's own, is likely the Bond watch of his novels. Given the the description and demeanor of the novel Bond, he is more Pierce Brosnan or Roger Moore than Daniel Craig or Sean Connery, and wouldn't need a true ocean watch; preferring instead to have something more low key and versatile. However, given the SBS background and harder nature of the modern Bond, the Seamaster is probably the better choice, or the Rolex Sub.
Honestly, I’m into Rolex because that was my father’s watch. The Bond association may have had subtle reinforcement. I can’t say that I’ve wanted a Bond watch, though. I will admit that seeing Bond wear anything other than a Rolex makes me skeptical. I know the logic that real life SBS usually wore Seamasters, but for me Bond has a Rolex. Maybe this is more of a coup for Rolex.
...but Bond was made legendary by the movies, not the books. Reading about a watch could never give it the iconic status that the movies have. You describe the iconic scene with the white dinner jacket and the lighter. THAT’S Bonds watch. The sub. Same thing with American Psycho. It’s the scene in the movie that makes it relevant, so maybe technically it was different in the book... but so what?
Super Dude lol. My posts are related to the subject, Sport. Sometimes we joke around in good fun, but not you; you give off a different vibe. You don’t post anything funny, you just harass people. Just laying in the background like that old creepy guy. You know which one. I truly believe that you suffer from psychological issues and debilitating social anxiety. If this is what helps you cope- hey man, glad I could help. See you soon Slugger.
Contrary to popular belief, Ian Fleming did not base James Bond off of himself. He actually based it off a Nother am I six agent during World War II who is codenamed the white rabbit. Fleming on muse aspects of his real life to fill in some of the gaps
Intetesting tale. Explorerl did not get much atention in the 70s. Daytona and Submariner were better qualified and biger sized. Nowadays an Explorer l in 39mm is a very nice watch option, classic and reliable. Real 100m water resistant.☺
Newbies regard the Explorer as the watch that climbed mount Everest but us WIS know better. The Smiths Deluxe is the true Everest watch and the Rolex Explorer is the true Bond. No matter how much money Omega and the Swatch Group throw at it!
Wearing a Submariner with a tuxedo was - and still is - a fashion faux pas, in the cinematic language it showed that Bond was, as you said, up to something. After all a diver's watch is a work tool for a specific job, and should not be worn when not at work: it would be like, say, a butcher wearing his apron, or a builder walking around carrying his circular saw, outside his work environment. I keep hearing people saying that a diver, or some sports watch, is acceptable for formal occasions, because Bond wore it with a tux, that was one of the silliest things I have heard.
Still I would not assume that the explorer is the bond watch... Don't forget Bond was a naval commander in the first place so in my honest opinion THE bond watch has to be a submariner or a seadweller only those two watches make sense in the line of the character. Though it is a wonderful thought that he would wear an explorer.
The Bond Rolex WAS described in the novels. Specifically in Thunderball when Felix Leiter asks Bond (who always wore a Rolex in the novels) if “he is still wearing that old wrist watch...…with the big phosphorous numerals?” This unequivocally makes it an Explorer Reference 1016 as the Rolex 1016 was the ONLY Rolex up until the publication of the novel having luminous numerals--all others having baton markers. Further, we know with certainty Fleming wore the Explorer Reference 1016 so there is simply no question. Also, in "On Her Majesty's Secret Service,"---“Another Rolex? Probably. They were on the heavy side, but they worked. And at least you could see the time in the dark with those big phosphorous numerals”. James Bond, as written by Ian Fleming wore a Rolex Explorer Reference 1016--there facts are right there in Thunderball and On Her Majesty's Secret Service.
Not necessarily. The phosphorus numerals better describe in Thunderball, and on her Majesty, Secret Service also appeared on the Rolex air kings at the time. They even appeared on early Rolex submariner’s for a while. So it’s not entirely now on which watchband actually wears. Fleming himself did wear a Rolex explorer 1016, but that model was not released until 1959, five years after the first mention of bonds watch in live and let die. And even then Fleming’s books are actually taking place one year before the new republished. For instance, Casino Royale takes place in 1951, but was published in 1953. It’s possible Bond was wearing an earlier model of the explorer, though, as they came out in 1953.
I’m 17 and seeing James Bond wear the submariner and the fact my father wore one is the reason I love the watch so much
Sitting here watching your video, with my Explorer on, nodding a lot.
I grew up with pierce brosnan and i will forever want an omega seamaster professional
Yes, Flemming wore a 1016 but on On Her Majesty's Secret Service this was the only time the watch was mentioned in detail. “a heavy Rolex Oyster Perpetual on an expanding metal bracelet.”
Please see my reply above.
Discovered the Flemming/Explorer link ages ago on Urban Gentry channel where he affectionately calls it the 'Flemmy'. Most watch geeks know this already. Glad you've been suitably enlightened.😎😎
“Casino Royale” originally aired in 1954 on tv, the watch Bond wore was the Gruen small hands manual wind which I own.
Hey, was watching you with Fed a moment ago. I love when you guys get together. I am glad you both are still friends. And you both have the best watch channels of anybody because you both are down to earth nice guys. Never change.
Ian's was a 1016. They made the classic vintage Rolex mistake and let the RSC get their hands on it it 2008 and they swapped the dial and crown as well as other parts likely (possibly the bracelet as well as clasp was cracked at the pin blades, RSC tried to replace the original bracelet on my 1675 because it has some stretching, telling me it was "worn out"). They were concerned that the radium dial would be harmful to museum visitors lol. The stem was also broken and the movement rusted due to water damage.Other than the case, case back and some movement parts (they probably swapped hands when they swapped the dial) the Ian Flemming 1016 would be a very different watch than it was in the 60's or even 20 years ago.
BTW I believe all the bond watches are stored in a bond museum in Germany if I'm not mistaken so They'll never show up in auction I'm afraid. And the story of the first watch in the bond franchise is kind of funny it actually is the rolex of one of the guys of the crew.
I love that you're able to do a video with your Dad. Very cool... keep it up, you two are a great team😉
I have a problem with this. Yes it is definitely true that Ian Fleming wore the 1016. And yes, it is described in letter books like the 1016. BUT! Bond is described wearing a Rolex oyster perpetual in casino Royale. Most people assume that this is the 1016. But the book was released in 1953, several months before the release of the Rolex explorer. So it’s safe to say that while bond may have worn the Rolex explorer at one point. He most definitely did not wear one in the first book. I can only assume that Ian Fleming decided to explicitly call out the 1016 features when he got one
The Rolex model was never described in the books.
See above.
Relax it's a Rolex... A gentleman's choice of timepiece says as much about him as does his Saville Row suit.
Ian Fleming (1908-1964)
Bond was actually inspired by Dusko Popov, a double agent Fleming encountered in Portugal.
Agreed it was an Explorer. That was Fleming's Rolex, and makes sense the one he was thinking of when he wrote the novel(s).
Excellent post! Is that Celtic's Football Club jersey up on the shelf??
Ford (Volvo when they owned it) Aston Martin , BMW, omega sieko lotus etc all have been “official” gear. Unfortunately just a matter of marketing and Omega has been there for a long time and most people feel the 2531.80 is the only Bond watch
That vintage explorer is ace
Love your videos. What many people do t realize is Rolex made many utilitarian watches. A working mans watch...military. Rolex was called upon to make these watches for extreme conditions. Especially divers. Deep sea divers men who walked on the ocean floor...not a casual swim. I remember rumors / stories of a Rolex having a clear Mika lens for extreme heat. Not sure how true but I’ve never researched it.
Connery's Submariner and Buzz Aldrin's Speedmaster would be very expensive if found.
Ian Flemming was over 6' tall, and that 34mm Explorer looked downright sexy on him.
the 1016 is 36mm
Disagree. Omega now has the most Bond outings. As it stands:
Omega: 9
Rolex: 8
Seiko: 5
Gruen: 2
Breitling: 1
Tag Heuer: 1
Product placement by Luxembourgish businessman Jean-Claude Biver
It’s not about the number, it’s about what is the true bond watch. Bond can wear all the Omega on screen, which the brand pay 007 franchise for, it will not change the fact that Bond actually wears a Rolex.
good video and you're so right!
Would it be an explorer, or an OP with an explorer dial?
Shocking! Positively shocking!
" Bond surveyed his weapons. They were only his hands and feet, his Gillette razor and his wristwatch, a heavy Rolex Oyster Perpetual on an expanding metal bracelet. Used properly, these could be turned into most effective knuckle-dusters." Until reading this I never considered using my explorer as a weapon..but in a pinch, why not! lol
OMG, it's not an Explorer and it's even on a cheesy twist-0-flex bracelet with undoubtedly ugly, chaffing "squeeze-ends". Shocking, positively shocking!
Its amazing how Timex and omega watchers have not change match at all to day we can buy a second hand omega in any condition that going realy cheep for say a few hindered dollars that can be going or not send it to omega for a service and they will not only service it, but for a mare $500.00 return it to new condition. And then send you it back to you running perfect with the many parts they had to replaced. Then you got a new Omega, or Timex watch, for a fraction what it would cost for a new one.
Wow! Very interesting facts about Bond real watch. Thanks guys for the info.
Don’t forget the Walther PPK!
Christian! Are you still searching out a 1016 for me?
I share your view that the Explorer, like Flemming's own, is likely the Bond watch of his novels. Given the the description and demeanor of the novel Bond, he is more Pierce Brosnan or Roger Moore than Daniel Craig or Sean Connery, and wouldn't need a true ocean watch; preferring instead to have something more low key and versatile. However, given the SBS background and harder nature of the modern Bond, the Seamaster is probably the better choice, or the Rolex Sub.
john doe what SAS background?
I'm sorry, SBS. I have edited and made the correction.
Status symbol still. Explorers are going anywhere between $4000 to $8000 depending on age and condition.
For some of us... Bond = Toyota 2000GT and (later) a Seiko 7549-7009. :)
The most horrible Bond Watch - a Tag. I don't mind the Seikos as they are so good but Tag is junk.
6:16 Bond's Real Watch
Honestly, I’m into Rolex because that was my father’s watch. The Bond association may have had subtle reinforcement. I can’t say that I’ve wanted a Bond watch, though. I will admit that seeing Bond wear anything other than a Rolex makes me skeptical. I know the logic that real life SBS usually wore Seamasters, but for me Bond has a Rolex. Maybe this is more of a coup for Rolex.
...but Bond was made legendary by the movies, not the books. Reading about a watch could never give it the iconic status that the movies have. You describe the iconic scene with the white dinner jacket and the lighter. THAT’S Bonds watch. The sub.
Same thing with American Psycho. It’s the scene in the movie that makes it relevant, so maybe technically it was different in the book... but so what?
Tree Corleone Yeah man, you got it. Old sub on skinny NATO. Nothing else registers.
Super Dude thanks, Champ. How’s trolling treating ya? I might change it back in the future, idk.
Super Dude lol. My posts are related to the subject, Sport. Sometimes we joke around in good fun, but not you; you give off a different vibe. You don’t post anything funny, you just harass people. Just laying in the background like that old creepy guy. You know which one. I truly believe that you suffer from psychological issues and debilitating social anxiety. If this is what helps you cope- hey man, glad I could help. See you soon Slugger.
What no Martini shaken not stirred?
I heard it first from AC3
Your dad doesn't seem very enthusiastic about the topic of the vid LOL he's a great guy though....
Contrary to popular belief, Ian Fleming did not base James Bond off of himself. He actually based it off a Nother am I six agent during World War II who is codenamed the white rabbit. Fleming on muse aspects of his real life to fill in some of the gaps
james bond has a style!
Why let the truth get in the way of a good advertising campaign?
Christian ur babbling.
Intetesting tale. Explorerl did not get much atention in the 70s. Daytona and Submariner were better qualified and biger sized. Nowadays an Explorer l in 39mm is a very nice watch option, classic and reliable. Real 100m water resistant.☺
bond drove a 1931 Bentley in the first book didn't he?
We will start the bidding at all the money. Do I hear a bid for all the money?
Dalton submariner made it to auction
Newbies regard the Explorer as the watch that climbed mount Everest but us WIS know better. The Smiths Deluxe is the true Everest watch and the Rolex Explorer is the true Bond. No matter how much money Omega and the Swatch Group throw at it!
Bond’s cars were Bentleys.
Has Ian Flemming's watch ever been sold to anyone?
Hi Christian, looking for a mint SD4000. Can we call it “vintage” now it’s discontinued? Anyway, see my email to you if you can help. Thanks. Blake.
I knew Fleming wore an Explorer, but didn't know that the model of Rolex wasn't specified in the books (not in any of them?) ...
14 minutes I won’t get back, 🤓🤓
Hello fam
Wearing a Submariner with a tuxedo was - and still is - a fashion faux pas, in the cinematic language it showed that Bond was, as you said, up to something. After all a diver's watch is a work tool for a specific job, and should not be worn when not at work: it would be like, say, a butcher wearing his apron, or a builder walking around carrying his circular saw, outside his work environment. I keep hearing people saying that a diver, or some sports watch, is acceptable for formal occasions, because Bond wore it with a tux, that was one of the silliest things I have heard.
Yeah wearing a $20k watch with a tux is a faux pas, lol. Thanks for one of the silliest things I have ever heard.
@@JKnox63 If you read what I wrote, it's not about the price, but the form.
Bond Girls you Muppet.
If it wasn’t for your love of cutty I’d have shut this off.
Hahahahah!!!!!
Rolly seeming a bit disinterested... not your normal high energy self sir!!
James Bond doesn’t exist...
But Ian Fleming did....
I grew up with Craig but Sean Connery IS James Bond!
Still I would not assume that the explorer is the bond watch... Don't forget Bond was a naval commander in the first place so in my honest opinion THE bond watch has to be a submariner or a seadweller only those two watches make sense in the line of the character. Though it is a wonderful thought that he would wear an explorer.
But Bond predates the Submariner. Casino Royale appeared in 1952. I believe the Sub debuted in 1953.
I always thought the first production was in '63?
Sorry, was talking about the books.
Ow yes, well this might be true but still it would have made more sense to wear the dive watch just out of the character's perspective
Bond being fictional wears whatever the sponsors give the movie studio...
I call bullshit. 11 year old kids don't fetishize Bond's watches.
MALIBUMAN666 killing, suits, fancy watches and boobs - that’s James Bond.
Bond’s ( I mean Flemming’s ) Rolex is much more important than Paul Newman’s
If it isn’t it should be !