In 1998, this served as “the” list of James Bond watches. Something to keep in mind, and refer back to, when considering the so-many “definitive lists” that have cropped up on blogs and Internet forums in the decade-plus since then.
James M. Dowling is perhaps most known as co-author with Jeffrey P. Hess for The Best of Time: Rolex Wristwatches (A Schiffer Book for Collectors).
James Dowling is also a Moderator on some of the TimeZone Forums, having chosen the screen name “MrRolex” for his contributions there.
According to his website (see screen capture above), he was “asked about the different watches used in the Bond movie canon.
After some research I am pleased to offer what I believe is the complete list. Whilst it is obvious that the Sub used to be the watch of choice for both Connery and the early Moore films, I was quite surprised to see the number of times Seiko watches were used.
The James Dowling “complete list” is referenced and discussed here on James Bond Watches for a few reasons.
First (and admittedly almost a year overdue), it seemed appropriate to address feedback from James Dowling on what I have characterized as my own “Definitive list of James Bond film watches (EON Productions).” On January 1, 2009, I made reference to this on the TimeZone Vintage Rolex Forum. The next day, MrRolex responded with the following Post.
Hi DD;
Excellent work.
My only suggestion (based on my own research into other fields) is never to call anything ‘definitive’, or at least to qualify it with the words ‘The Current’; as, by definition, any work in progress can never also be definitive. And, as you know, work like yours is always work in progress.
In his defense, then, I suspect that Mr. Dowling would similarly adjust characterization of his own 1998 effort as a “complete list,” even insofar as it relates to all movies released through that date.
The second reason is to provide a much-needed move for accountability against some of many* of the so-called “wristwatches of James Bond” lists that have sprung up like weeds on James Bond fan and watch Forums. Having highlighted what James Dowling has done here — in what I am convinced is his own original research — ask yourself how that compares to other self-asserting “mystery solved!” tomes.
Finally, the James Dowling list of James Bond movie watches (however it may be labeled) goes to show just how large a task we’re talking about here. How much detail and nuance is necessary to provide anything truly meaningful to the interested researcher, collector, or reporter. Examples from Mr. Dowling’s list:
- Is it meant to imply that the “Rolex Submariner” in Dr. No is the same model, if not physical wristwatch, worn by the James Bond character in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service and Live and Let Die?
- What is the basis (eg, time-marker reference where it can be seen on film) for identifying a “Rolex Submariner” in You Only Live Twice and Diamonds Are Forever?
- Why is the Hamilton Pulsar from Live and Let Die not referenced in this “complete” list?
- Why is no reference made to the Seiko watch in Moonraker?
- Paralleling the first point here, is this list meant to imply that the James Bond Seiko model, if not physical watch, is the same for The Spy Who Loved Me, For Your Eyes Only, Octopussy, and A View to a Kill?
- The “Gibralter Watch” in The Living Daylights is clearly visible and obviously not a “Rolex Submariner.”
- In GoldenEye, Pierce Brosnan wore an “Omega Seamaster” reference 2541.80 quartz watch as James Bond; in Tomorrow Never Dies, he wore an “Omega Seamaster” reference 2531.80 chronometer in-character.
The reason for making the points above is not so much to criticize as it is to illustrate just how exacting — and thus, fulfilling — the study of James Bond watches can be! As co-author of The Best of Time: Rolex Wristwatches (regularly revised and updated), one suspects that MrRolex can empathize.
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*Sadly, since the very folks to whom these points need to take root will read this with emotion in lieu of critical attention, let it be clear that “many” does not mean “all.” For example, the Rolex Forum has a James Bond watches section that is certainly the exception acknowledged by the statement above.
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