High-class wristwatches have always had an association with the big screen, with actors and actresses sporting some of the world's most famous watches as a symbol of prestige.
James Bond and Watches
One classic big-screen film name that stands out for its association with elite wristwatches has to be James Bond. Whilst the actors who have played James Bond have changed over the years, this spy hero has always had a lasting affiliation with a watch of distinction. From the initial appearance in Dr No right up to the most current releases, James Bond has been seen wearing the likes of Rolex, Hamilton, Breitling, Seiko and Omega watches. The influence that James Bond has had on the elite watch market is profound, with die-hard watch fans eager to get their hands on some of those worn in the earlier films.
Rolex Rules the Roost
The Rolex watch has a long history in James Bond movies, with many people even referring to it as the James Bond watch or James Bond wristwatch. Indeed, the writer of Casino Royale, Ian Fleming, argued that the super spy could not just wear any old watch — it had to be a Rolex.
Rolex was the watch of choice in most of the James Bond films right up until Pierce Brosnan took the role of Bond. In the first film, Dr No, the super spy was seen wearing a Rolex Submariner 6538. It made an appearance in several films after that. What the viewer could notice, however, was that subtle changes were made to the watch each time. One such change was the use of different straps - including one that was very reminiscent of a NATO strap - as worn regularly by Sean Connery. It is thought that current Bond, Daniel Craig, wears a replica of this watch as his personal favourite.
Rolex watches were used in From Russia With Love, Goldfinger, Thunderball, Casino Royale, On Her Majesty's Secret Service, Live and Let Die, Man With the Golden Gun and Licence to Kill.
A Shift Towards Omega
"Prior to Pierce Brosnan becoming the new Bond, Breitling and Seiko watches appeared in the films, with Seiko being used in The Spy Who Loved Me, Moonraker, For Your Eyes Only, Octopussy and A View to a Kill.
It was the Omega brand, however, that started to earn the biggest reputation for its affiliation with Pierce Brosnan. In particular, Goldeneye was the film in which we saw the Omega Seamaster Professional hitting the big screen. From then onwards, Bond and the Seamaster had a close affiliation. The subtle and classic design of the Omega brand appeared to fit in well with the image of the super spy.
Another change of James Bond marked the introduction of a new watch for the hero to wear. This time, Daniel Craig was associated with the Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean in Quantum of Solace. A Hamilton watch also made an appearance in this film.
Omega watches can also be spotted in Tomorrow Never Dies, The World Is Not Enough and Die Another Day. Longines and TAG Heuer are also associated with Bond films, although the love affair with Rolex is probably one of the most established in the history of the James Bond movies.