James Bond Watches Blog

Amazingly, the first definitive identification of all James Bond watch models supplied to the movies by Seiko UK was not made until this last decade of 007 history

Although Seiko hasn’t been a James Bond watch product placement partner in the movies since the mid-1980s, the last ten years have seen 007 history made for this great brand as well.

We’re talking about first-ever definitive identification of all models provided to Eon Productions by Seiko UK.

In 2009, I was given unprecedented access to personnel and documentation as part of my own original research into the question. Mark Mills was my lead contact — and the man who’d worked directly with the filmmakers, from 1977 onward. It was one of his very first assignments as a Seiko employee.

As with so many things with the world of James Bond watches, there’s all that goes into developing “the list,” and then there are the multitude of questions that go into validating it.

For example, the James Bond Seiko watches give no indication of model numbers on backs, dials, or anywhere else.

And the 8-digit numbers by which these watches are commonly referenced on the Internet, case numbers, sometimes refer to multiple configurations. So, part of my work to truly empower James Bond watch collectors interested in Seiko was to first explain how the pieces they wanted were actually differentiated.

Just over a year ago, then, I worked with Jack Forster and his great colleagues at Revolution magazine to deliver the first-ever complete history of James Bond watches from Seiko UK. (Although I still prefer the print version, you can read it here online.)

Additionally, continue reading…

Studio setup, prepared to photograph Seiko LC Quartz James Bond watch with Lotus Esprit model

In response to a growing number of requests for studio photography setup images, I’ve started to use the James Bond Watches flickr account to take periodic looks “behind the scenes.”

Final, processed images, then, will continue only to appear on the James Bond Watch Photos site. When release dated are set, I’ll try to update the flickr image with that information.

Meantime, today the image is of a Seiko model DK001, case number 0674-5009 LC Quartz. Roger Moore wore a similar LCD digital as James Bond in the Eon Productions 007 movie, The Spy Who Loved Me (1977).

Several years ago, I made an image of my Omega 2531.80 Seamaster with a 1:18-scale model of the Aston Martin from Die Another Day. Although I’ve used a highly-stylized (severe contrast) snippet from that in various places as an icon, I didn’t actually release the full image until early last month. On my birthday.

Notwithstanding similarities in basic concept, translating that low-key approach experience to the Seiko Quartz LC 0674 James Bond watch and white 1:18-scale Lotus Esprit model was a very different proposition. Anticipating this, I’d scheduled half-a-day in the studio for this work today.

That said, the image continue reading…

Image: Seiko S60583, 7549-7009 James Bond watch, reflecting the environs of "For Your Eyes Only," 1981, starring Roger Moore as Agent 007

The second set of exclusive James Bond watch images for this month highlights the “Neptune Diver Seiko.”

Actor Roger Moore actually wore two different Seiko watch models in the 1981 Eon Productions movie, For Your Eyes Only.

Shown here is the Seiko model S60583, case number 7549-7009 quartz diver’s watch. It was worn mission-specific during his technical dive on the sunken St Georges, via Neptune submersible.

Collectors informally — no disrespect intended — refer to it as the “tuna,” given how it looks at first glance.

The composition of this image again reflects an increasing direction we’re looking to take with the James Bond Watch Photos site. That is, uniquely reflecting moods, situations, and props specifically tied to the James Bond movies in which these wristwatch brands and models were worn.

In this case, a wet, sandy sea floor.

A couple of additional continue reading…