09/15/2021
 3 minutes

The 6 James Bond Actors and Their Watches

By Chrono24


It’s the moment we’ve all been waiting for: In a few days, our favorite secret agent will return to the silver screen in service of Her Majesty. Of course, we’re talking about Bond, James Bond. As if that weren’t enough of a reason to celebrate, No Time to Die is also the 25th installment of this generation-transcending series. It also marks Daniel Craig’s fifth and final appearance as the clever, licensed-to-kill secret agent. There are already many rumors circulating about who his successor will be. But for us watch enthusiasts, there’s another burning question on our minds: What the future Bond watches look like? Ever since the first Bond movie in 1962, 007 has impressed us not only with his spy skills but also his impeccable taste in timepieces. We’re revisiting all 25 Bond flicks, their leading actors, and the memorable watches on their wrists. 

1962–1967: Sean Connery

As the very first James Bond, Sean Connery was able to shape the image of the charming and tasteful MI6 agent. In total, Connery played the role in 6 films, and many still consider him the quintessential James Bond. On his hunt for Dr. No in 1962, he wore a Rolex Submariner ref. 6538 – later also seen in From Russia with Love and Goldfinger. In the novels, however, Bond’s watch – also a Rolex – is first mentioned in the second book (Live and Let Die). Author Ian Fleming himself owned a Rolex Explorer and apparently passed his passion for the brand on to the beloved character. 

1969: George Lazenby

To date, Australian George Lazenby is the only Bond actor to appear as 007 in just one film. The former model had no previous acting experience, but he ensured the producers that he had taken part in several renowned productions. In the film On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, in addition to a Rolex Submariner, he wore a Rolex chronograph with the reference number 6238 – a pre-Daytona model with a current market value of approximately $36,300 on Chrono24. 

1973–1985: Roger Moore

With Moore as the new leading man, there began not only a new Bond era but also a diversified arsenal of Bond watches. From Rolex to Hamilton and Seiko, several luxury watch brands made it onto his wrist. At the same time, the Bond watches of this era were no “mere” timekeepers – they were also outfitted with spy gadgets. They even saved Bond’s life a few times; for example, freeing him from handcuffs with an integrated saw. In 1983’s Octopussy, Moore wears a modified Seiko G757 5020 that Q has outfitted with a GPS tracker. Even without Q’s gadgets, the digital chronograph has a futuristic look that underscores Bond’s character: smart and sophisticated, yet full of humor. 

1987–1989: Timothy Dalton

In contrast, Timothy Dalton portrayed a much drier version of Bond – albeit only in two movies. Dalton’s interpretation of 007 irritated viewers because, in the previous 7 films, Roger Moore had imbued the role with his own unique style. The Dalton films were ultimately box office flops, which is actually a shame because the Rolex Submariner 16610 he wore in Licence to Kill deserved more attention in its own right. That 1989 model is currently available on Chrono24 for around $8,525, depending on its condition and the delivery contents. 

1995–2002: Pierce Brosnan

After waiting 6 whole years for the continuation of the film series, fans finally got to see Pierce Brosnan together with the Omega Seamaster Diver 300M in GoldenEye. It goes without saying that this dream team once again secured the success of the Bond franchise. Since Brosnan’s debut, Omega has been inseparable from the character’s wrist. The brand partnership continues to this day.

2006–present: Daniel Craig

We’ll finish our journey through 25 Bond films right where we began, with the current actor Daniel Craig. Since 2006, he has made the role his own and lent it a more serious, unpolished, and perhaps contemporary attitude: Craig’s Bond is a man of action with a hands-on approach paired and the usual dose of charm. And he has remained loyal to the brand Omega: He made his debut in Casino Royale with an Omega Seamaster Professional 300M (ref. 2220.80.00) and a Planet Ocean 600M Co-Axial Chronometer. After further adventures with various models of the Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean, he is returning one last time to the Seamaster Professional Diver 300M (ref. 210.90.42.20.01.001), which costs around $9,840. By the way, there’s more info on the current Bond watch model in our review.

2006–present: Daniel Craig

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About the Author

Chrono24

The team behind the Chrono24 Magazine consists of Chrono24 employees, freelance authors, and guest authors. They're all united by a passion for anything and everything…

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