What We Know
Today marks the introduction of Omega’s next Bond Seamaster. Don’t worry, you haven’t missed an announcement of Daniel Craig’s successor—this new Seamaster Chronograph is an homage to… a video game. Yes, that’s right. The commercial success of Omega’s involvement in the James Bond franchise has been well documented, so it seems that a line of watches rooted in its connection to a history of fantasy and fiction through film would naturally extend to adjacent properties.
This is the Seamaster Diver 300M Chronograph 007 First Light, a remix of the brand’s large diving chronograph that appears in the upcoming 007 First Light video game. Interestingly, this is the first Omega Seamaster Diver 300M Chronograph in the James Bond universe—chronographs have made appearances on Bond in the movies, but this is the first from the Bond-tied line-up since the partnership kicked off in 1995 with GoldenEye.
Given that it’s largely identical to the current Seamaster 300M Chronographs out there, it should feel quite familiar, despite this version’s inspiration tracking back to 3D-rendered models. Coming in at a very large 44mm diameter, 17.2mm height, and 52.8mm lug-to-lug, the 300 meter diver comes in steel with plenty of contrasting black zirconium-oxide ceramic, thanks to the white enamel-filled bezel insert, the chronograph pushers, and the trademark glossy ceramic wave-engraved dial of the modern Seamaster 300M. One of Omega’s interesting quirks that I’ve always loved in these models, despite my wrist never being able to pull one of these off, is that the gasket system keeps the chronograph pushers water-resistant even when operated underwater. It’s certainly a standout feature for a hybrid dive watch and chronograph, and thankfully means there are no screw-down pushers in sight, even if this system is probably a major reason for the larger dimensions.
Dial-wise, adding a slight twist on the standard black dial with white printing and red-accented Seamaster logo are two details, PVD-coated in Omega’s 9 karat Bronze Gold alloy. The first is the chronograph subdial at 3 o’clock, which shows elapsed hours and minutes with two stacked hands, while the chronograph seconds hand is also PVD-coated in bronze gold. Yes, it’s just a little splash of Bronze Gold, but it feels surprisingly functional to me, as it quickly guides your eye to the elapsed timing portion of the otherwise quite busy design. This visual asymmetry may bother many, but I quite like it as I think it’s much more legible than the standard chronograph dials in the line.
The chronograph is powered by the Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 9900, an automatic chronograph caliber with 60 hours of power reserve, and of course, that METAS certification. It’s seen through the exhibition caseback, printed with “FIRST LIGHT” across the crystal. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to see it most of the time, as this Seamaster Diver 300M Chronograph is delivered on a NATO strap. Priced at $9,400, the new Seamaster Diver 300M Chronograph 007 First Light ref. 210.32.44.51.01.002 is not a limited edition and will come in a box inspired by a suitcase also seen in the game.
What We Think
When news of a new “Bond Watch” came across my inbox, I was certainly intrigued. Mostly because I thought I was so bad at keeping up with current news (probably for the best, anyway) that I assumed that there was already another Bond movie in the works, or at the very least, the next James Bond was picked for the silver screen. So it was very unexpected to learn that this next watch tied to the franchise would be with a video game (and we’re still without a new Bond).
From a product perspective, the new twist on the Seamaster Diver 300M Chronograph certainly feels a bit more lively compared to the current options in Omega’s catalog, thanks to the additions of the bronze gold accents that, as I mentioned earlier, do quite well at improving functional legibility of the timing element. Aside from the printing on the exhibition caseback, 007 branding on the watch is minimal, which I think is always a good move.
The gargantuan dimensions of the watch, however, I think will firmly relegate this watch to the largest-wristed among us, and no changes to the dial can convert someone like me with a 6.5″ wrist. Sure, a NATO strap might improve comfort, but it also means the watch will wear taller than its 17.2mm height. Omega’s straps are very high quality, but slim they are not. Pricing is essentially an even split between the standard prices of the steel Seamaster 300M Chrono ($9200 on rubber, and $9600 on bracelet). It’s up to you if that’s worth it for the colorway tweaks and Bond connection, but it’s less of a premium than we likely would have guessed for a Bond edition.
It’s not the first time we’ve seen a push towards video game tie-ins from the Swatch Group, as Hamilton has notably made a significant effort across a few franchises—Call of Duty, Death Stranding, and Resident Evil. So perhaps Omega’s dip into this market and customer base indicates the other brand’s success in the area.
After all, the video game industry is significantly larger than the film industry, even if films might be more recognizable in pop culture. Ultimately, the big curiosity for me surrounding this watch is how it manages to compete with any of the brand’s film-associated watches, and whether a property this high-profile might signal a turning point in where this kind of money is invested.
The Basics
Brand: Omega
Model: Seamaster Diver 300M Chronograph
Reference Number: 210.32.44.51.01.002
Diameter: 44mm
Thickness: 17.2mm
Case Material: Stainless steel
Dial Color: Black with bronze gold accents
Indexes: Applied
Lume: Yes, Super-LumiNova
Water Resistance: 300 meters
Strap/Bracelet: NATO strap with 007 First Light branding
The Movement
Caliber: Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 9900
Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds, date, chronograph with co-axial subdial for hour and minutes
Power Reserve: 60 hours
Winding: Automatic
Frequency: 28,800 VpH (4 Hz)
Jewels: 54
Chronometer Certified: Yes, METAS-certified Master Chronometer
Pricing & Availability
Price: $9,400
Availability: Now
Limited Edition: No
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