Article on Ian Fleming and James Bond Rolex watch choices for Eon Productions films, by Dell Deaton, originally published in Revolution magazine, references Guido Mondani and Lele Ravagnani Submariner expertise
The fictional James Bond character has worn other Rolex Submariner watches in Eon Productions 007 films as well. Once again, Rolex Submariner Story has got them covered.
A section titled “Submariner No Date” lays out 5 variations, beginning with the 5512 reference introduced in 1959 and continuing through the 14060M, caliber 3130 with sapphire crystal.
Apart from Rolex Submariner Story, Christie’s auctions have confirmed case numbers on two of the Rolex Submariner 5513 watches worn by actor Roger Moore as James Bond in the 1973 movie, Live and Let Die: Serial 2683776 and 2912634, both dated to 1972. Beyond what’s listed for these sales, Rolex Submariner Story provides a comparative reference 5513, case number 2942901, also from 1972.
Photographs show provide macro-detail of markings inside the caseback and of its mechanical works. Box and print collateral images are here as well, in addition to bracelet option details.
As authors Franca E Guido Mondani and Lele Ravagnani point out, the reference 5513 Rolex Submariner was “in production for 28 years.” A lot of change and variations are associated with those almost 3 decades; thus, some 5513 Subs are almost as inappropriately considered “a James Bond watch” as their distinctly designated 14060M successors that were introduced in 2001.
The last time James Bond wore a Rolex, as I note in “The Agent’s Secret: Is it the ultimate conversation stopper to evoke Ian Fleming’s name when talking about what the ‘real’ James Bond watch is?” for the current Revolution magazine, actor Timothy Dalton was playing James Bond in the movie Licence to Kill.
Here again, the complete and extensive attention to detail found in Rolex Submariner Story makes all the difference to serious James Bond watch researchers. Licence to Kill began filming in July of 1988; Timothy Dalton is clearly wearing a Rolex Submariner Date in this movie. So those who erroneously believe that the reference 16610 was not introduced until 1989 dismiss it from consideration.
Mondani, et al., unambiguously continue reading…
