James Bond Watches Blog

"Ian Fleming's Own James Bond Watch" display runs through this summer at the National Watch & Clock Museum, Columbia, PA

On May 4, 2011, the personal Rolex Explorer wristwatch of James Bond author Ian Fleming got its own display on the main exhibit floor of the National Watch & Clock Museum in Columbia, Pennsylvania.

This followed its year-long placement as signature piece in the “Bond Watches, James Bond Watches” special exhibit there.

“Ian Fleming’s Own James Bond Watch,” along with two other 007-associated models, by Omega and Seiko, runs through this summer.

Then, starting in August 2012, Ian Fleming’s Rolex Explorer will join George Washington’s pocket watch and a variety of other historical timepieces as part of a new special exhibit at the National Watch & Clock Museum, titled, “Enlisting Time” (sponsored by Gallet).

Although “Ian Fleming’s Own James Bond Watch” was setup barely a year ago, it’s own history has evolved with ongoing updates to the James Bond legacy. For example, when continue reading…

Most current model from all confirmed James Bond watch brands: In a single shot

Confession: I actually completed work on this image around the same time as the James Bond watch group photo referenced here almost 2 months ago.

And it’s my favorite of the pair.

But I like to mix it up a bit. And strive for balance (information permitting) in discussing all known James Bond watch brands — each of which has its own passionate following.

At the same time, 10 days ago it was starting to look like this one would be out-of-date by the time I’d released it. That was when one Omega watch Authorized Dealers posted extensive details on what it said would be “the” Skyfall James Bond watch. That “scoop” was subsequently retracted.

Thus these remain, still, the most current models from among each of the known James Bond watch makers.

Starting with the back row, left:

• Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean, Quantum of Solace (2008)
• Seiko quartz Chronograph, A View to a Kill (1985)
• Hamilton Pulsar P2, Live and Let Die (1973)
• Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date, Carte Blanche (2011)
• Breitling for continue reading…

Timothy Dalton wore the last Rolex James Bond watch on-screen in "Licence to Kill," 1989: A 16610 Submariner Date

Licence to Kill, Eon Productions (1989): Timothy Dalton as James Bond.

Rolex Submariner remains the longest continuously produced James Bond watch to appear in 007 movies.

Sean Connery wore the first, of course, a reference 6538 in Dr No. And Timothy Dalton wore the last, a reference 16610 Date model in Licence to Kill.

The image here, then, was made in homage to the “classic” James Bond, reflecting the style and elegance of Ian Fleming’s original gentleman agent. Sort of a gentleman’s club, if you will. Lighting a bit harder, directional.

Distinctly James Bond (but of course), with martini glass and the bit of color introduced by way of lemon peel from his signature drink. Shaken, not stirred.

I made this photograph in 2010, not long before the Rolex 16610 Submariner Date depicted went on to continue reading…