Omega Seamaster Diver "Commander's Watch" Limited Edition

When Pierce Brosnan’s James Bond took possession of his Omega Seamaster 300m Automatic in the Goldeneye movie back in 1995, he began an association with the brand which over time would see his Omega watch become an intrinsic part of the character, and a constant co-star in all of his covert escapades ever since. For James Bond, the choice of watch would always need to be a considered one as it would have to fulfil several criteria, and of course always be suited to the occasion – be it measuring up his evil opponent across the roulette table in the opulent surroundings of the casino, or engaged in hand to hand combat, under water or suspended from a great height. With its robust stainless steel case, its purposeful, manly good looks and its sheer versatility, the Omega Seamaster Professional was perfect; whatever the demands of the mission. Over its twenty-plus year timeline, the James Bond Seamaster has become a cult icon, and a must have piece of memorabilia for aficionados, as well as among those who, in private, maybe see a little bit of the unflappable secret agent in themselves.

Summer Special Edition Release

For summer 2017, Omega have released a rather special edition of 7007 numbered pieces of the Seamaster Diver 300M Commander’s Watch, and it’s a real attention grabber with its red, white and blue colour scheme and prominent, functional features. Even more, this watch can be found in Dublin exclusively at Weir & Sons. Whereas all previous James Bond edition Seamasters had been released in conjunction with a current movie release, this 2017 special edition is dedicated to the man himself, and is themed around his official military ranking of Commander in the Royal Navy. Presented on a high quality woven Nato strap in the blue, red and silver-grey colours of Bond’s service ribbon, it is based on the original 1995 model which he would wear for five all-action adventures, and become the classic Omega James Bond watch. While remaining almost completely faithful to the profile of the original, with its distinctive rotating bezel, helium escape screw and the pronounced shoulders which protect the crown, a white dial and strong bright colours, among other revisions, gives it a fresh new appearance and a considerable presence on the wrist. Beneath the domed sapphire crystal, there’s a clinical sheen off the surface of the polished white zirconium dioxide ceramic dial (if you look closely, immediately beneath its centre, the discrete ZrO2 refers to the chemical elements). Its features are classic, with the familiar prominent applied quarter hour and plump round hour markers, and their generous application of luminous material. The skeletal sword hands with luminous tips are synonymous with the Seamaster Professional, and here they contrast against the white dial in dark blue. Also in dark blue are the Omega motif and peripheral dial markings, and the flashes of red such as the seconds hand, where the James Bond theme continues with the little 007 motif on its tail, create a striking and very cool combination. One other subtle little touch is found on the date disc, where the number seven is uniquely printed in red. [caption id="attachment_1188" align="aligncenter" width="273"] OMEGA SEAMASTER 007 LIMITED EDITION, Presentation box, strap and tool.[/caption]

Practical Diver’s Watch

As a true luxury sports watch it is superbly engineered, and as a practical diver’s instrument its credentials are impeccable, as its 41mm case in brushed and polished stainless steel has a water resistance rating of 300m. The rotating bezel with its finger friendly recesses features an inlay of dark blue ceramic, with clearly defined ten-minute segments in silvery Liquidmetal, and the first fifteen minutes scale highlighted further with a fine film of bright red rubber. The powerful Super LumiNova lume on the hands and the hour markers as well as the single ‘zero’ reference on the bezel provide excellent legibility, even in murky, low light conditions. When I mentioned that it was almost completely faithful, the original embossed stainless steel caseback has been replaced with a sapphire exhibition glass. Inside, the automatic Cal 2507 co-axial chronometer movement is finely finished with contrasting ribbing and perlage, but it’s the self winding rotor which gives this watch a really cool touch, representing the stripes of Bond’s Commander insignia, in brushed 18Kt gold, and just like the golden braid on the cuff of a naval officer’s coat. There’s more to this special edition too, because although it comes on the fabric NATO strap, there is a choice, and the trademark Seamaster stainless steel bracelet which is stored inside the presentation box is easily changed and transforms the Commander’s Watch for more general wear. [caption id="attachment_1186" align="aligncenter" width="527"] OMEGA SEAMASTER 007 LIMITED EDITION, €4765[/caption] However or wherever you choose to wear it, the Omega Seamaster 300m Diver Commander’s Watch is a very cool men’s luxury sports watch. It’s superbly engineered throughout and feels reassuringly solid, although in no way cumbersome on the wrist, so if it’s ordering a vodka Martini at the hotel bar, or wrestling a baddie in shark infested waters, this 007 Seamaster special edition is perfectly at home. [caption id="attachment_1190" align="aligncenter" width="416"] Commanders Watch Presentation Box[/caption] Omega is exclusive to Weir & Sons in Dublin. To see this fantastic watch in person, call in to our store on Grafton Street, Dublin where our watch team will be happy to assist.  - by Johnny McElherron