Omega Seamaster Diver 300m Editions James Bond & Specter

Zach Blass

Movie fans seeing James Bond wearing an Omega Seamaster made an already attractive watch even more appealing. Strap one to your wrist and you’ll feel like a 00 – a secret agent and a hero. But today your loyalties will be tested because, for the first time, Omega has not only created a watch for the hero, but also for the villain, with the new Omega Seamaster Diver 300m “James Bond” and Seamaster Diver 300m “Spectre”.

The case

Looking at the two new watches, you will see that the design fundamentals have not been overhauled. This largely stays within the current Seamaster formula that we all know and largely love, save for the neat 007-themed twists made to the designs. Both cases are made from stainless steel, measuring 42mm in diameter, 14.23mm thick and 50mm lug to lug, and both variants feature bezel inserts with laser-cut surfaces that convey the timing scale of the diver’s bezel in positive relief. And, of course, both watches are water resistant to 300 meters with a screw-down crown and carry the helium escape valve crown at the 10 o’clock position.

The dials

Where these two editions differ is in the expression of their colors and textures, as well as their allegiance. Framed in the grade 5 titanium bezel insert, the Bond edition uses the signature blue wave dial of the Brosnan era Seamaster divers of the aluminum bezel insert generation. This explains why the blue dial itself is made of aluminum, a nod to these historic models. The set of hands and applied indexes remains the same as we have seen on the current generation of Seamaster watches. However, amusingly, a crest has been inlaid into the double sticks at the 12 o’clock position.

The Specter edition opts for a black ceramic bezel insert and forgoes the engraved wave pattern and instead features a very clean blackened and grained dial but with a grainy feel. There are no coat of arms in the 12 o’clock indexes here, nor any visual Easter eggs on the dial. But, like the Bond edition, you simply have three hands and no date. Dials for purists, of course.

The bracelet

Although the steel cases come in mixed finishes, Omega has paired the Bond and Specter editions with its fully brushed mesh bracelet. This combination of bracelets corresponds to the recurring model of Seamasters in mesh without date complication and with aluminum dials.

The movement

On display inside, we see not only the Co-Axial METAS Master Chronometer 8806 automatic caliber, but also the most Bond-themed element of each watch. Both Seamasters feature winding rotors that make the allegiance of each model really clear. For the Bond Edition, the signature pattern of the barrel of the 007 gun is incorporated into the winding weight, and for the Specter Edition, you have blackened Specter decoration which is part of the winding rotor.

Although both obstruct the view of the full movement underneath, I think they are each visually intriguing enough to make the trade-off worth it and offer something a little more elevated than a standard engraved commemorative solid caseback would. And a solid background would hide 100% of the movement.

The verdict

So, are these two editions revolutionary in their foundation and front-end aesthetic? No, not particularly. But I think many of you would say you appreciate the subtlety of the Bond elements, the case back reveals where the storytelling begins when you show this watch to your friends and family.

Ultimately, what you’ll encounter with either of the standard steel editions from this launch is the fact that the US$8,600 retail price means there’s a US$1,300 premium over comparable non-Bond variants that only you can decide are worth it for the Bond-themed distinctions incorporated into each design. I hate to be the bad guy here, but for me, I’m on Team Specter between this duo. The black vibes fit my typical wardrobe better, and I also find the Specter rotor more visually compelling. I don’t know what this says about me, but let me know your choice in the YouTube video comments section.

Price and availability of the Omega Seamaster Diver 300m James Bond & Specter Editions

The Omega Seamaster Diver 300m James Bond and Specter editions are both available for purchase now. Price: US$8,600