Never Say Never Again Watch

Dmitri Mishkin · December 2009

I was browsing through Never Say Never again taking screen shots and came across this black ip wristwatch Sean Connery uses to break his chains with a laser. I'm thinking it's some kind of Seiko. It has a really interesting 5 link bracelet configuration. Anyone have any information on this one?

Donald Grant · December 2009

To my knowledge, the watch itself has never been positively identified. Likewise, it would be interesting to know what watch Algernon discards before giving Bond his new watch since it was Bond's real watch. Since you never see either watch that well, I don't think that the filmakers intended for us to know what they were. Nevertheless, that's a good call on the bracelet. It is certainly distinctive and could possibly lead to identification. The problem, as I see it, is that I think at that time black coated watches became en vogue. So you'll have to do a lot of looking. Not sure if Seiko went the black route, but it's as good a place as any to start looking. Maybe one of our eagle eyed watch aficianados here has seen the bracelet before.

DG

Asp9mm · December 2009

Actually here is the watch. Our long absent friend identified it some time ago. The bracelet was an as yet unidentified aftermarket replacement

To absent friends

minigeff · December 2009

Asp9mm wrote:

To absent friends

aye, a particular crap time of year for alot of us.

Donald Grant · December 2009

You know, the case does look correct. The upper logo on the dial looks different on the screen capture though. It looks more like writing than a logo. Perhaps it was manufactured under a different brand name using the same case which may account for why the bracelet is different. It's more common in watch world than you'd think.

DG

Asp9mm · December 2009

There have been a few configurations on the dial print. Early versions had Porsche or Porsche Design printed at the top of the dial with the logo at the bottom. The bracelet was definately a painted aftermarket job, as it was better for the laser gag. The original bracelet did not have a bulky enough clasp for the laser.

The same watch was used by Doyle in The Proffessionals.

Donald Grant · December 2009

Well, as you know Orfina made the watches for Porsche Design. But what I found out is that once Orfina lost the contract to IWC to make the Porsche Design watches, Orfina continued to make the same watches using the same cases et al but under a different brand name. That brand name was Prestige Watch International. I suspect that may be what Connery is wearing in NSNA. That is of course if the watch was not copied and re-produced by a third party. Not outside the range of possibility either. Look at the Tom Ford QOS sunglasses, a direct rip-off of the Oliver Peoples Airmen.

DG

Donald Grant · December 2009

Asp9mm wrote:

Actually here is the watch. Our long absent friend identified it some time ago. The bracelet was an as yet unidentified aftermarket replacement

To absent friends

You must be talking about Bondtoys. I must be getting old to have forgotten that he identified the NSNA watch case. It's why I value his membership here. I hope he's only on vacation and will return soon.

DG

Sir Miles · December 2009

Donald Grant wrote:

You must be talking about Bondtoys. I must be getting old to have forgotten that he identified the NSNA watch case. It's why I value his membership here. I hope he's only on vacation and will return soon.

DG

Alas, no. I fear he has gone for good.

texas007 · December 2009

Sir Miles wrote:

Donald Grant wrote:

You must be talking about Bondtoys. I must be getting old to have forgotten that he identified the NSNA watch case. It's why I value his membership here. I hope he's only on vacation and will return soon.

DG

Alas, no. I fear he has gone for good.

That is too bad.

The Bond Experience · December 2009

Wait wait...what happened to Bondtoys?????

Donald Grant · December 2009

The Mantis wrote:

Wait wait...what happened to Bondtoys?????

I'm afraid I can't answer your question because I must have missed what transpired.

DG

Sir Miles · December 2009

Donald Grant wrote:

The Mantis wrote:

Wait wait...what happened to Bondtoys?????

I'm afraid I can't answer your question because I must have missed what transpired.

DG

It is a real shame - but it is a self enforced exile. I hope he changes his mind and returns.

Donald Grant · December 2009

Sir Miles wrote:

Donald Grant wrote:

The Mantis wrote:

Wait wait...what happened to Bondtoys?????

I'm afraid I can't answer your question because I must have missed what transpired.

DG

It is a real shame - but it is a self enforced exile. I hope he changes his mind and returns.

I hope he changes his mind as well. I thought he was a genuine Bondphile, not a poseur at all. I thought his knowledge helped to enhance the board. Where I work, it's not uncommon for people to be at odds and the old way to settle arguements was to put on boxing gloves and duke it out. Perhaps it's a bit brutish, but it worked. Too bad that's not possible in cyberworld.

I'm not concerned with the politics of what caused it nor do I care to be, just hoping a valued member returns.

DG

Sir Miles · December 2009

Donald Grant wrote:

I hope he changes his mind as well. I thought he was a genuine Bondphile, not a poseur at all. I thought his knowledge helped to enhance the board. Where I work, it's not uncommon for people to be at odds and the old way to settle arguements was to put on boxing gloves and duke it out. Perhaps it's a bit brutish, but it worked. Too bad that's not possible in cyberworld.

I'm not concerned with the politics of what caused it nor do I care to be, just hoping a valued member returns.

DG

I hope he reads this as it would be nice to have his expert input back at AJB.

I guess it's down to him now.

Higgins · January 2010

Thanks guys for asking.

To give you a little idea, what has happened, have a look at this:

http://www.ajb007.co.uk/post/449222/#p449222

texas007 · January 2010

good to see you back for a short moment - tragic what had happened.

Donald Grant · January 2010

Yes, sometimes people need a break. Just don't take too long. We need your expert watch knowledge.

DG

qbvi · January 2010

Bondtoys wrote:

Thanks guys for asking.

To give you a little idea, what has happened, have a look at this:

http://www.ajb007.co.uk/post/449222/#p449222

Hi Marcus

I missed what has happened but you have my support also. All correspondance I have read from you, your manner, expertise and sense of humour has been top notch. Certainly, your contributions have helped this forum to be one THE BEST I have come across. Hope things sort themselves out soon, "mein Freund" (ps did I get this right???)

037scaramanga · January 2010

Good to have you back Bondtoys.de,

thespyboys11 · January 2010

Marcus,
You have my support and well wishes as well.
I anxiously await your return.
Ed
TheSpyBoys.com

danjaq_0ff · January 2010

Yeah, you have broken you silence, so you might as well

I'm thinking the scene in Monty Mythons Life of Brian, with the old man in the hole

)

shaken66 · January 2010

Bondtoys wrote:

Thanks guys for asking.

To give you a little idea, what has happened, have a look at this:

http://www.ajb007.co.uk/post/449222/#p449222

In the words of a famous American (and fellow Angelino) "can't we all just get along?"

Sir Miles · January 2010

shaken66 wrote:

Bondtoys wrote:

Thanks guys for asking.

To give you a little idea, what has happened, have a look at this:

http://www.ajb007.co.uk/post/449222/#p449222

In the words of a famous American (and fellow Angelino) "can't we all just get along?"

I'd like to think we can.

dekard77 · January 2010

Asp9mm wrote:

Actually here is the watch. Our long absent friend identified it some time ago. The bracelet was an as yet unidentified aftermarket replacement

To absent friends

Hi can you please post image of this watch again? I have been looking for it for over 20 years. I bought a Swill Military Watch "SMW" which I felt was the closest. I would really appreciate any help given to identify this watch or recommend a similar watch which is currently available in the market. Thanks

http://www.milwatches.com/product_info.php/info/p1141_SMW-Millicurie-PVD-Stainless-Steel-Bracelet.html

texas007 · January 2010

Very nice watch - thanks for sharing.

dekard77 wrote:

Asp9mm wrote:

Actually here is the watch. Our long absent friend identified it some time ago. The bracelet was an as yet unidentified aftermarket replacement

To absent friends

Hi can you please post image of this watch again? I have been looking for it for over 20 years. I bought a Swill Military Watch "SMW" which I felt was the closest. I would really appreciate any help given to identify this watch or recommend a similar watch which is currently available in the market. Thanks

http://www.milwatches.com/product_info.php/info/p1141_SMW-Millicurie-PVD-Stainless-Steel-Bracelet.html

Donald Grant · January 2010

dekard77 wrote:

Asp9mm wrote:

Actually here is the watch. Our long absent friend identified it some time ago. The bracelet was an as yet unidentified aftermarket replacement

To absent friends

Hi can you please post image of this watch again? I have been looking for it for over 20 years. I bought a Swill Military Watch "SMW" which I felt was the closest. I would really appreciate any help given to identify this watch or recommend a similar watch which is currently available in the market. Thanks

http://www.milwatches.com/product_info.php/info/p1141_SMW-Millicurie-PVD-Stainless-Steel-Bracelet.html

Well that watch gives the overall impression of the NSNA watch, however it's the wrong case style. Perhaps ASP9mm will post the picture again. But if not do a google search for Orfina Porsche Design or Orfina Prestige Watch International and you'll like likely come by several watches that show the correct case style. Sinn presently uses this case style on a couple of offerings. The Sinn 144 GMT chronograph comes to mind. Although it's not PVD coated, and Connery's watch was not a chronograph.

The problem with identifying watches based on case alone is that it is not uncommon for several companies to use the same watch case. I do think Bondtoys put us on the right track though. Excellent work on his behalf, he has a good eye for detail!

DG

danjaq_0ff · January 2010

Donald Grant wrote:

dekard77 wrote:

Asp9mm wrote:

Actually here is the watch. Our long absent friend identified it some time ago. The bracelet was an as yet unidentified aftermarket replacement

To absent friends

Hi can you please post image of this watch again? I have been looking for it for over 20 years. I bought a Swill Military Watch "SMW" which I felt was the closest. I would really appreciate any help given to identify this watch or recommend a similar watch which is currently available in the market. Thanks

http://www.milwatches.com/product_info.php/info/p1141_SMW-Millicurie-PVD-Stainless-Steel-Bracelet.html

Well that watch gives the overall impression of the NSNA watch, however it's the wrong case style. Perhaps ASP9mm will post the picture again. But if not do a google search for Orfina Porsche Design or Orfina Prestige Watch International and you'll like likely come by several watches that show the correct case style. Sinn presently uses this case style on a couple of offerings. The Sinn 144 GMT chronograph comes to mind. Although it's not PVD coated, and Connery's watch was not a chronograph.

The problem with identifying watches based on case alone is that it is not uncommon for several companies to use the same watch case. I do think Bondtoys put us on the right track though. Excellent work on his behalf, he has a good eye for detail!

DG

Good eye for detail

) that will be from playing with his small sausage all them years :v

dekard77 · January 2010

Donald Grant wrote:

dekard77 wrote:

Asp9mm wrote:

Actually here is the watch. Our long absent friend identified it some time ago. The bracelet was an as yet unidentified aftermarket replacement

To absent friends

Hi can you please post image of this watch again? I have been looking for it for over 20 years. I bought a Swill Military Watch "SMW" which I felt was the closest. I would really appreciate any help given to identify this watch or recommend a similar watch which is currently available in the market. Thanks

http://www.milwatches.com/product_info.php/info/p1141_SMW-Millicurie-PVD-Stainless-Steel-Bracelet.html

Well that watch gives the overall impression of the NSNA watch, however it's the wrong case style. Perhaps ASP9mm will post the picture again. But if not do a google search for Orfina Porsche Design or Orfina Prestige Watch International and you'll like likely come by several watches that show the correct case style. Sinn presently uses this case style on a couple of offerings. The Sinn 144 GMT chronograph comes to mind. Although it's not PVD coated, and Connery's watch was not a chronograph.

The problem with identifying watches based on case alone is that it is not uncommon for several companies to use the same watch case. I do think Bondtoys put us on the right track though. Excellent work on his behalf, he has a good eye for detail!

DG

Thanks . But I can't find that watch on Bondtoys. Did an Orfina search and had some favorable results. The 007 wears is not a chrono. What makes it very unique is that it doesn't have a rotating bezel.

dekard77 · May 2010

Ok so watching NSNA on Blu I did manage snap a few shots of the elusive PVD watch. I believe it could be an Oris. Although my pictures don't do much justice on screen it seemed pretty close.
The surprise here was the small seconds hand located near 6 o'clock. This is not Porsche Design chrono.

Donald Grant · May 2010

dekard77 wrote:

Ok so watching NSNA on Blu I did manage snap a few shots of the elusive PVD watch. I believe it could be an Oris. Although my pictures don't do much justice on screen it seemed pretty close.
The surprise here was the small seconds hand located near 6 o'clock. This is not Porsche Design chrono.

Woa, those pictures appear to show a sub-seconds hand at six O'clock. Never noticed that before.

DG

Never Say Never Again Watch

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