In the watch enthusiast community, we’ve been well-primed to expect a specialized take on the Seamaster to coincide with upcoming films within the James Bond franchise. What’s less expected is for Omega to pull out the stops to create a watch for a video game set in the 007 universe. In a surprising move, Omega has flipped the pre-established script on us, unleashing the Seamaster Diver 300M Chronograph 007 First Light days before the action-adventure video game is set to debut. Further, this watch not only brings the watch that Bond will be wearing in the game to life, but it also marks the first time that 007 has donned a Chronograph rendition of the Seamaster Diver 300M.
About The Game
Developed by the minds behind the highly successful Hitman series, IO Interactive, and in partnership with Amazon MGM studios, the 007 First Light game is set to launch into the world on May 27th. This also marks the first time a video game has gotten the green light to be set in the world of James Bond since 2012’s 007 Legends (which, apparently, did not do too hot commercially). Now taking on a fresh new vision, 007 First Light is set to follow a fledgling, 26-year-old James Bond as he sets out through various missions to earn his “00” status.
Of course, the game will be pulling from the proper source material. Inspiration throughout is detailed to draw not only from Ian Fleming’s series of short stories and novels, but also from the film franchise. That said, this will be a totally new reimagining of Bond’s origin story. Reportedly, the watch will also act as a significant tool throughout the game’s myriad of missions. 007 First Light is set to be released for PlayStation 5, Windows, and Xbox Series X/S first, with a Nintendo Switch version slated for release later in the year.
Making The Watch
Though the collective teams involved could have gone the easier route and equipped the hero with an existing watch, they have clearly chosen the more fun path and made something special. As I’ve mentioned before, this is the first time James Bond has rocked a Chronograph take on the Seamaster Diver 300M, and the chronograph functionality is essential in the gameplay. Working in close collaboration with the team, this watch features visually distinguished chronograph subdials – one outlined in PVD bronze gold, and the other outlined in black – to tie into its abilities in the game.
Key Details
The new Seamaster Diver 300M Chronograph 007 First Light keeps in step with other staple members of the model family, measuring 44mm in diameter, 52.8mm lug-to-lug, with a case profile of 17.2mm in steel. Additionally, like its other family members, we’ve got the ceramic unidirectional dive bezel, ceramic-topped pushers, and laser-engraved wave-form dial. As we should already be tipped off from the watch’s name, we’ve got real tool-watch chops here with its 300-meter depth rating.
For this special edition, the key details dial side are the aforementioned bi-color chronograph subdial rings – a detail that you won’t find anywhere else in the larger collection. The lollipop-tipped second hand has also been given the bronze gold PVD finish to match. Additionally, the Seamaster script has been done in a poppy red hue, which also differentiates itself from other Seamaster Diver 300M Chronograph models.
The NATO strap pairing is also unconventional to the larger established collection (the brand typically offers the line on either a 5-link bracelet or a rubber strap). The color palette should already be familiar to those who are privy to the much-beloved “No Time To Die” Seamaster 007 Edition, but it should be made clear that this is a new strap pattern. The beige, grey, and black color palette is still used, but the signature stripes have been simplified to a singular grey stripe down the middle, flanked by thin beige lines against the larger black backdrop. As another tie into the game, “007” has been engraved on the titanium buckle, while “First Light” has been engraved on the strap keepers. There are also six additional strap options (which must be purchased separately) reflecting different style choices for the 007 character.
Staying true to the larger collection, the Seamaster Diver 300M Chronograph 007 First Light is packed with the Omega Co-Axial Master Chronometer Caliber 9900. But, as a special part of this collaboration, the underside of the glass on the exhibition caseback has been adorned with the 007 First Light logo smack in the middle. Finally, this watch is presented in a special watch box modeled after a suitcase that is used to store and carry the watches within the game.
Final Thoughts
Omega has really mastered the knack of subtlety with its fleet of 007 special editions, which is one of the key reasons that the whole effort has become so continuously successful. Free of kitsch and going the if-you-know-you-know route, we have, here again, an example of a great-looking, thoughtfully designed piece that doesn’t scream “I’m a video game watch,” but that calls out to those of us who know game.
For more information, visit the brand’s website here.
