Bond Watch

i heard there is a limited edition omega bond watch being introduced this summer before the movie. do you know when it's hitting stores?
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Comments

  • 00-Agent00-Agent CaliforniaPosts: 453MI6 Agent
    I just saw the new 007 Omega Seamaster Watch with the spiral face in the window of the local Ben Bridge jewlerly store. It was for sale for $3470. I got to say that I liked the spiral face in the pictures but in real life it didn't look as good. The watch had the 007 logo on the back in place of the seamonster and also had the 007 logo on the clasp.
    "A blunt instrument wielded by a Government department. Hard, ruthless, sardonic, fatalistic. He likes gambling, golf, fast motor cars. All his movements are relaxed and economical". Ian Fleming
  • HigginsHiggins GermanyPosts: 16,618MI6 Agent
    The watch has hit stores here in Germany and I have heard, that it is also available in the United Kingdom now.

    Greetings

    Markus
    President of the 'Misty Eyes Club'.

    Dalton - the weak and weepy Bond!
  • Sir MilesSir Miles The Wrong Side Of The WardrobePosts: 26,420Chief of Staff
    Bondtoys wrote:
    The watch has hit stores here in Germany and I have heard, that it is also available in the United Kingdom now.

    Greetings

    Markus

    Yes, the watch is in stores over here. It retails at the £1800 mark, and looks very cheap !
    YNWA 97
  • Dell DeatonDell Deaton Posts: 159MI6 Agent
    edited January 2007
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  • Asp9mmAsp9mm Over the Hills and Far Away.Posts: 7,483MI6 Agent
    I've seen it alot, and IMHO it's vile. There is so much that Omega could have done to make a great watch, and they went the other way.

    My gf works for Omega in marketing, and some of the other ideas were subtle and superb, this finalized decision has missed the boat somewhat. And sales are really slooooooow too. I have it on good authority that they will be releasing a Ltd Planet Ocean Bond soon, but with the new resin stitched strap (this version wasn't available at the time of filming, just the flush fitting resin). Hopefully this will be better.
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  • Dell DeatonDell Deaton Posts: 159MI6 Agent
    edited January 2007
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  • Donald GrantDonald Grant U.S.A.Posts: 2,241Quartermasters
    edited September 2006
    Asp9mm wrote:
    I've seen it alot, and IMHO it's vile. There is so much that Omega could have done to make a great watch, and they went the other way.

    Rolex would have never done that. If they ever stooped that low to make a collectors edition, it would be extremely subtle like engraving on the case back. I doubt they ever would though.

    DG
    So, what sharp little eyes you've got...wait till you get to my teeth.
    image_zps6a725e59.jpg
    "People sleep peacefully in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." Richard Grenier after George Orwell, Washington Times 1993.
  • Asp9mmAsp9mm Over the Hills and Far Away.Posts: 7,483MI6 Agent
    edited September 2006
    Not a chance of Rolex doing it. They have a very strict policy of not doing limited editions, they feel it cheapens the brand. Although my info on Rolex isn't as concrete at that of Omega, the whole watch industry is very incestuous and SWMBO has close friends at Breitling and Rolex too. It seems Rolex may be upgrading the Submariner with thicker shoulders, ceramic bezel with sturdier ball bearing rotation system, larger maxi-dial markings and wider hands (a la green bez sub and yachtmaster), and new improved fliplock bracelet. The plan is to release them next year or maybe the year after (this is why waiting lists have been reduced recently to get rid of the backlog).

    If you want to see how they will look, check out the new bi-metal GMT that should be hitting stores about now. They are using this to test the market. I have mixed feelings on it, I like the updates, but I love the lines and subtelty of the old models. The new ones will be very distinctive and bold.
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  • Dell DeatonDell Deaton Posts: 159MI6 Agent
    edited January 2007
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  • Asp9mmAsp9mm Over the Hills and Far Away.Posts: 7,483MI6 Agent
    Rolex are never a company to stand on their laurels, it seems the direct competition that Omega have created with their higher price pointed Planet Oceans and newer Bond series has set things alight at the Rolex R&D dept. The bezels on the current models have not really changed or improved since the 70's, and the inserts scratch and show wear after time. The newer ceramic bezels won't scratch or fade, ever.

    The new fliplock just released on the GMT is fantastic, and updates the one thing that most people complain about when comparing to other brands.

    Whether they will update the non-date is something we will find out in the future, but one thing looks certain - these changes will be introduced to the sports range in steel in the next couple of years.

    Personally I love the look of the current sub, but I will be buying the newer version when it is eventually released.

    To me the Rolex Sub will always be the quintessential Bond watch, and if Omega were not paying so much for the franchise to use their watches, it would still be present today.

    In terms of purchasing one or the other, that's a personal thing, and I like both watches, have both watches aplenty, but I always seem to wear my sub, and the Omegas don't get much wrist time unless I'm scruffing about - shame on me ;%
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  • Dell DeatonDell Deaton Posts: 159MI6 Agent
    edited January 2007
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  • Asp9mmAsp9mm Over the Hills and Far Away.Posts: 7,483MI6 Agent
    They obviously don't worry about Omega that much, Rolex are a law unto themselves, but the innovations and quality of the products they are making has certainly prompted Rolex to make changes and be a pioneer again, rather than enjoying what they achieved in the past. The popularity of prestige watches is gaining momentum, with more people becoming aware of quality and function. Rolex have suffered criticism from the horological world about concentrating too much on movement advances, while cosmetic changes have not been forthcoming.

    The whole Oyster range has received an upgrade in case design and robust and solid bracelet changes in the last few years. It would seem logical that these changes should also apply to the sports range too.

    Do I think that Rolex are worried that Omega will win future Sub customers away with the PO, probably not, but they must be aware that Omega are pushing the boundaries a bit.
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  • Dell DeatonDell Deaton Posts: 159MI6 Agent
    edited January 2007
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  • HigginsHiggins GermanyPosts: 16,618MI6 Agent
    [quote=Dell Deaton)

    All of which, in my opinion, EON certainly should have leveraged w/ Daniel Craig's attempt to become James Bond, "re-boot" or otherwise. In other words, if not classic Rolex, then pseudo classic Planet Ocean, front and center; and PO LE to drive that image, consistently.[/quote]

    Well Dell,

    I am afraid, the world is not so simple:

    I am sure, that the EON people, or Mike Wilson and his team have been hardly trying to get back to the roots and I am sure, that they'd considered Rolex. But you as a producer, who needs to be responsible for a film budget of 40, 50 or 100 million $:
    Would you choose the "original" novel watch, or the watch from your official partner, who contributes with some million bucks to your budget?

    Greetings

    Markus
    President of the 'Misty Eyes Club'.

    Dalton - the weak and weepy Bond!
  • Dell DeatonDell Deaton Posts: 159MI6 Agent
    edited January 2007
    ~.
  • HigginsHiggins GermanyPosts: 16,618MI6 Agent
    edited September 2006
    Hello Dell,

    just some things, which are on my mind:
    First of all, my personal opinion is, that the Rolex is the watch of James Bond's choice. Not only, that it is mentioned in the books, I think, that he would have chosen them after WW2 because of their sturdiness and waterresistance and style.

    Yes, I am selling Omegas, but am not related anyhow with the company. I am proud of my independance and I am far away from promoting solely Omega on this forum.

    And I am sure, that different to your statement, the producers had a choice: Rolex or Omega, or a different brand.

    I have no proof, but am pretty sure, that the contract with Omega had been on ice after the pause after DAD and Pierce's resign. You are quoting the opposite, do you have any fundamental proof, that the contract has been active after DAD?
    As stated before from others, Rolex's tradition and stategy would not allow a financial and PR involvement like in the Omega case, so, the producers stayed with Omega because of the important financial contribution and good experiences with the brand.

    And, as you stress out: From my marketing understanding with watches: If I am trying to build an image about a watch being THE James Bond Watch, it will make sense to use the same model in 5 movies than using 5 watches in 5 movies, if the model itself is in production for so long.

    So, I think, it makes sense to choose the slightly updated Seamaster watch as the official one than skipping to a different model. Again; I am not defending Omega, I am trying to understand their reasons.

    One example: If you are asking 007 fans about THE James Bond car, you will often hear the reply: AM DB5, which has been seen in various 007 movies. The Volante (DAD) and DBS (OHMSS) are longly forgotten.

    I personally don't like the Seamaster design too much and am strongly disappointed with the construction of the bracelet, which breaks in pieces after using it for some years. I personally prefer the PO and much more the Rolex Submariner on my wrist, but it makes sense to me, that Omega chose the Seamaster again.

    Hope, this has not been too long and, that noone fell asleep. ;)

    Greetings

    Markus
    President of the 'Misty Eyes Club'.

    Dalton - the weak and weepy Bond!
  • Dell DeatonDell Deaton Posts: 159MI6 Agent
    edited January 2007
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  • Dell DeatonDell Deaton Posts: 159MI6 Agent
    edited January 2007
    ~.
  • Donald GrantDonald Grant U.S.A.Posts: 2,241Quartermasters
    edited September 2006
    I also believe we are dealing in a very different time, brand image-wise, today. When James Bond hit the silver screen, there was less noise, and fewer communication channels. Dell

    Maybe, but Rolex still ranks as the all time champion and the one brand that is sought after the world over regardless of race, creed or country of origin. It did not get that way by pandering. It got that way based on solid performance.

    For instance, although Omega touts it's Speedmaster as "The Moon Watch", the fact of the matter is that Rolex has had probably more forays into space than Omega. The original "Mercury 7" were known to wear, as thier personal choice, Rolex GMT Masters. The original man with the "Right Stuff", Chuck Yeager also wore a Rolex GMT Master, so did Jack Swigert of Apollo 13. Pan Am Pilots and Ground crews of the 60's wore Rolex GMT Masters.

    Although not touted, during World War II, the original Panerai Watches made for Italian combat divers were powered by Rolex pocket watch movements. German combat divers who trained with the Italians saw the watches and were able to get a version called the kampfschwimmer, again powered by Rolex.

    The list is endless. Rolex as a brand has been an instrument chosen by professionals, for professionals. They did not get that way by buying movie time.

    Rolex and Bond go together like bread and butter, because they are both tough, professional and dare I say it, somewhat aloof.

    DG
    So, what sharp little eyes you've got...wait till you get to my teeth.
    image_zps6a725e59.jpg
    "People sleep peacefully in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." Richard Grenier after George Orwell, Washington Times 1993.
  • HigginsHiggins GermanyPosts: 16,618MI6 Agent
    Hello Dell,

    thanks for your points. The fact, that there has been a deal with Pierce Brosnan as an personal ambassador for Omega until end 2005 does not say, that the EON/Omega contract has been also that long.

    And, contracts can be long these days, with a lot of ifs and whens, so, I would not be surprised, if there would have been a passus in the EON/Omega contracts, which allow the early end of it, if, for example, Pierce Brosnan is not playing 007 anymore, or, if the next 007 movie is not released 2 years after DAD.

    I assume, that the EON/Omega contract lasted as long as Pierce's contract: 4 movies and I doubt, that Omega has extended it without knowing, who will be the next main actor.

    But that's all speculation and I'd rather stay on the facts: A Planet Ocean can be seen at the beginning of Casino Royale, the Seamaster during the movie.
    Greetings

    Markus
    President of the 'Misty Eyes Club'.

    Dalton - the weak and weepy Bond!
  • Asp9mmAsp9mm Over the Hills and Far Away.Posts: 7,483MI6 Agent
    For instance, although Omega touts it's Speedmaster as "The Moon Watch", the fact of the matter is that Rolex has had probably more forays into space than Omega. The original "Mercury 7" were known to wear, as thier personal choice, Rolex GMT Masters. The original man with the "Right Stuff", Chuck Yeager also wore a Rolex GMT Master, so did Jack Swigert of Apollo 13. Pan Am Pilots and Ground crews of the 60's wore Rolex GMT Masters.

    Although not touted, during World War II, the original Panerai Watches made for Italian combat divers were powered by Rolex pocket watch movements. German combat divers who trained with the Italians saw the watches and were able to get a version cald the kampfschwimmer, again powered by Rolex.

    The list is endless. Rolex as a brand has been an instrument chosen by professionals, for professionals. They did not get that way by buying movie time. DG

    I'd just like to add to that list that Brit Special Forces SAS and SBS are still issued Rolex Submariners or Sea-Dwellers, not as standard, but issued nevertheless. I can't really see a combat ready SBS trooper kitted out with full tac gear sporting a nice blue Seamaster with it's funky bracelet.

    I'm digressing though.... again, back on topic :v
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  • Donald GrantDonald Grant U.S.A.Posts: 2,241Quartermasters
    Asp9mm wrote:
    I'd just like to add to that list that Brit Special Forces SAS and SBS are still issued Rolex Submariners or Sea-Dwellers, not as standard, but issued nevertheless. I can't really see a combat ready SBS trooper kitted out with full tac gear sporting a nice blue Seamaster with it's funky bracelet.

    Wow, Asp9mm, I did not know that. All the more reason for Bond to be wearing a Rolex.

    DG
    So, what sharp little eyes you've got...wait till you get to my teeth.
    image_zps6a725e59.jpg
    "People sleep peacefully in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." Richard Grenier after George Orwell, Washington Times 1993.
  • Dell DeatonDell Deaton Posts: 159MI6 Agent
    edited January 2007
    ~.
  • Dell DeatonDell Deaton Posts: 159MI6 Agent
    edited January 2007
    ~.
  • HigginsHiggins GermanyPosts: 16,618MI6 Agent
    edited September 2006
    I have mentioned this before, but I am deeply dissapointed with Omega because of the following:

    A friend of mine owns a Titanium Seamaster since 3 years and the watch immediately fell on the ground one day. The bracelet has been fallen into pieces and we brought it to the next Omega boutique.
    The watchmaker there told us, that this is a common problem with the actual bracelets. The bracelet pins are fixed with a metal hollow shaft inside of the bracelet link.
    And these shafts (maybe 5/100 mm thick) are wearing out (faster on Titanium slower with steel) and suddenly the pin falls off. I have discussed that with many Omega retailers, all of them know the problem, which exists on the Seamaster, Planet Ocean and others, and they told me, that Omega does nothing against it. Within the warranty period, Omega replaces the shafts free of charge (if you have been able to find the missing watch), after the warr. period, they are charging EUR 150,-- for a replacement of the shafts.

    I have been one of the guys, who has been very positive for the Seamaster being the first real competitor of the Submariner but this experience showed, that I have been wrong here.

    I have many Omega Seamsters in my 007 collection, but never wear them. Therefore, I never realized this trouble before.

    Even, Rolex is critisized for being slowly and old-fashioned, I am pretty sure, that this would never have happened with Rolex.

    I am aware, that Rolex bracelets (especially the Jubilee gold and steel-gold) can wear off one day, but this is because the soft gold links are wearing off after 8-20 years, but the Omega problem is that fiddly shaft.
    President of the 'Misty Eyes Club'.

    Dalton - the weak and weepy Bond!
  • Asp9mmAsp9mm Over the Hills and Far Away.Posts: 7,483MI6 Agent
    I'll pass this over to Samantha, who has been reading this....

    Hello guys,
    I think that the main problem with the bracelet barrels wearing is the way that many of our customers seem to wear the watch. It is fashionable today to wear the watch loose. Pierce Brosnan wore his this way onscreen so that the watch would drop below the cuff and gain more airtime. Unfortunately this is the quickest way to damage the bracelet, and wear will occur five time faster than if the watch is fitted snug to the wrist. There are no plans to change the method of securing the pins and barrels as watches fitted correctly do not have this problem.

    Thankyou.
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  • Asp9mmAsp9mm Over the Hills and Far Away.Posts: 7,483MI6 Agent
    Great, now you've made her mad 8-)

    I prefer the screws on my sub. They are twice as thick, and I've never had a problem with them working loose after 12+ years of wear.
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  • HigginsHiggins GermanyPosts: 16,618MI6 Agent
    I totally agree, Asp9mm.

    I am not sure, who Samantha is, but the explanation provided is pretty lame and shows not very much customer-orientation. In fact, it is the poor and easy way to blame the customer for his wearing habits.
    Wouldn't it be good for a quality watch, that it would last, if worn tight or loose. I think, these high-priced watches should be made, that even a customer, who enjoys the loose fit, can be certain, that Omega does everything that he's not loosing his expensive watch?

    And, once again: The studs are extremely thin and the key factor to, if the bracelet stays or splits. So, the answer does not really cover the problem and does not cover the question.

    That the bracelet can be made better, the Rolex-way of solid screws proofs it impressively.
    President of the 'Misty Eyes Club'.

    Dalton - the weak and weepy Bond!
  • HigginsHiggins GermanyPosts: 16,618MI6 Agent
    A P.S. to Samantha,

    maybe you talk with the staff in your own shops and to the staff in jewellery stores. Most of them complaint about the problem with barrells, noone is really happy with it. So, I would suggest, you go a bit to the basis, where the money comes from to hear the opinions there.

    I have made my choice, even, I am wearing my watches tight.
    President of the 'Misty Eyes Club'.

    Dalton - the weak and weepy Bond!
  • Asp9mmAsp9mm Over the Hills and Far Away.Posts: 7,483MI6 Agent
    I agree with you Markus. Sam is my gf, she works in marketing, so has no idea about end users as much as you.

    To be honest I'm not drawing her into this debate any more, she's fiercely loyal about her brand and gets really irate with people comparing the watches to Rolex. Even she admits that they are in a different league. I just though I'd let her answer that particular question. Now I'm going to have to make sure she's out of the room when I'm viewing this thread.
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