omega seamaster 300 spectre limited edition james bond 007

• Awards Season
• Big Stories
• Pop Culture
• Video Games
• Celebrities

What’s the Best of the James Bond Movies? All 27 007 Films, Ranked

The James Bond movies have been a staple in the world of film since 1962. Actors who play Bond in those movies might even have a clearer path to A-list Hollywood longevity than one-off Oscar winners. Like Batman or Superman , James Bond is beloved — and who should pick up the keys to the agent’s Aston Martin in the next couple of James Bond Movies always sparks quite the debate. 

The distinguished group of actors who have played Bond so far include Sir Sean Connery, David Niven, George Lazenby, Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnan and Daniel Craig. While No Time to Die (2021) seemingly marked the end of Craig’s 007 stint, the search for a new Bond is still very much underway.

Adapted from Ian Fleming’s book series, which debuted in 1953, the 27 James Bond movies available today really vary in terms of quality. So, we’re ranking all of the Bond films, from worst to best. And a gentle reminder: if your favorite doesn’t top our list, don’t be too shaken or stirred. 

26. The World is Not Enough (1999)

Although there are many reasons this Brosnan Bond film could be ranked the worst Bond film of all time, no one would be surprised if you placed 100% of the blame on Denise Richards, whose casting as nuclear physicist Christmas Jones comes off as an extremely poor man’s attempt at a Lara Croft character — Richards brought zero talent or training to the role. 

Other aspects of the movie seem just as hackneyed, including the great deal of tacked-on action sequences that feel more like filler in a film with such a thin plot. 

25. Die Another Day (2002)

If the casting of Richards jumped the shark in terms of having a believable Bond Girl, Die Another Day jumped the rest of the sharks in the tank. While Bond is known for having cool gadgets, the stuff on display here was over-the-top nonsense (ahem, the invisible car…). Not to mention, there are a ton of unnecessary action sequences that do little to advance the plot. 

Oh, and did we mention that Madonna plays a sword-fighting instructor? But Brosnan certainly shoulders a lot of the blame here, too. He seems to be playing a parody of James Bond, as if he lost interest in the role. The only positive? Halle Berry’s Bond Girl. Honestly, it’s no wonder this was Brosnan’s last Bond film. 

24. The Man with the Golden Gun (1974)

Another Bond movie with a flying car that critics hate, The Man with the Golden Gun suffers from the same lack of direction as this list’s previous two entries. Director Guy Hamilton seems content to cover an uninspired plot with his best impression of a 1970s Michael Bay film — which doesn’t work for moviegoers in either millennium.

23. License to Kill (1989)

Benicio del Toro is the only big-name actor who seems properly casted here, and that includes Dalton’s turn as Bond. The film saw Dalton as a much darker, plodding version of the character, which didn’t fit his natural talents whatsoever.

Director John Glen, who had directed four Bond movies previously, seemed tired, too. To no one’s surprise, it was the last Bond movie with Glen in the director’s chair.

22. Diamonds Are Forever (1971)

Even the seminal Bond actor Sir Sean Connery is not exempt from making a bad Bond movie. Blame lies with the plot, though, which had all of the right elements — Vegas, baby, Vegas — but just never seemed to live up to its potential.

21. Moonraker (1979)

There’s a limit to the campy tech Bond should employ in each movie, and Moonraker finds that upper limit — and passes it. The results? Not great. Spaceships, skydiving and seafood all deserve their own stage, and when you try to cram them all into the same act, you end up with a three-ring circus.

20. Spectre (2015)

Daniel Craig is one of the more brooding Bonds, but creating an entire movie with this kind of pace can weigh it down. We need something else to counterbalance all that angst. In addition to the slow pacing, bad casting — and some phoned-in performances on top of that — really killed this movie before it even got going. 

19. Skyfall (2012)

Javier Bardem and Dame Judi Dench give great performances here, but the rest of the movie just doesn’t measure up — and that includes the script. Clearly, Bardem’s creativity as a performer, and Dench’s gravitas, can only do so much. 

Sure, the visual effects and action sequences were impressive in that big-budget production way; it was one of the top-performing Bond films of the Craig era; and it gave us Adele’s Oscar-winning “Skyfall” — but it just doesn’t stand up to repeat viewings. 

18. For Your Eyes Only (1981)

Like Batman movies , Bond movies oscillate between camp and drama-filled grit. For Your Eyes Only tried to move Bond back into serious fare after a few movies that focused on lighter, popcorn entertainment. But the switch may’ve happened a little too fast. 

Caroline Bouquet performs admirably as the Bond Girl with her own agenda, but the movie gets stretched in multiple directions at once, making it a forgettable experience overall.

17. Goldeneye (1995)

Despite being the source movie for the Nintendo 64 classic that introduced gamers — and a new generation — to James Bond in a huge way, the movie itself doesn’t rank up there with the best of Bond . Not even a wonderful turn from the criminally underused Famke Janssen ( X-Men ) can push this one higher up the list. 

16. A View to a Kill (1985)

Roger Moore himself has done interviews saying this was his least favorite Bond movie to make. Honestly, his age was showing, and the movie reduced the amount of action scenes because of it. However, what helps save this one are the incredible performances from Grace Jones and Christopher Walken as the dynamic villainous duo May Day and Zorin. 

15. No Time to Die (2021)

As the latest of the James Bond movies, No Time to Die has the most installments to learn from. Unfortunately, it seems like the filmmakers tried to stuff all of their learnings and ideas into a single movie, instead of whittling it down. 

The upsides are, undoubtedly, Ana de Armas, Lashana Lynch and Rami Malik. If the plot had been able to fill its entire runtime with just the moments these characters created, it might’ve ranked higher.

14. Octopussy (1983)

The only Bond movie named for a female character, Octopussy is often touted as Moore’s best. The movie boasts some of the series’ most iconic villains, Kamal Khan and General Orlov. And while the hamminess doesn’t translate well to modern audiences, this movie continues to be one of the greatest camp features of all time.

13. Live and Let Die (1973)

Notable for its Blaxploitation turn — although that turn might’ve dated the movie quite a bit for future audiences — Live and Let Die certainly featured one of the better Bond plots. However, its most memorable asset might be the theme song, which was penned by Paul McCartney.

12. Quantum of Solace (2008)

This Bond outing is cold-blooded and vengeful — a complete 180 degree turn from the kitsch of Roger Moore’s Octopussy , for example. Even though the campy fun is gone, his Bond seemed like a right fit for the time it came out. Not to mention, Craig is probably the best James Bond choice for a film that’s more of a character study — and, as always, Dench shines as M. 

11. Thunderball (1965)

Not considered one of Connery’s best turns, Thunderball is still a solid entry, even if it puts action sequences before a meaningful plot. Plus, when you consider that the film was shot in the mid-60s, those underwater sequences and cool gadgets kind of look all the more impressive.

10. The Living Daylights (1987)

Timothy Dalton’s 007 was a complete change from Moore’s Bond. Dalton’s take on the character very much made him into a lean, mean fighting machine. So, if you’re looking for a beer-and-brawler take on the James Bond movies, The Living Daylights is a good pick.

9. The Spy Who Loved Me (1977)

Production, plot and casting all flowed together rather nicely in this Roger Moore outing. The Spy Who Loved Me saw Moore working with filmmaker Ken Adam and You Only Live Twice director Lewis Gilbert. The chemistry between these three behind the scenes is apparent throughout the movie, which balances all of the James Bond movies’ better signature traits. 

8. On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (1969)

George Lazenby does a decent job here, but this is perhaps the one Bond film that feels less about the greatness of the beloved character and more about everything else. Right as the plot falters, the action picks up. Plus, Diana Ring plays one of the most commanding Bond Girls ever. 

7. Goldfinger (1964)

Goldfinger boasts one of the most memorable theme songs, villains, Bond Girls and tech in the whole series of James Bond movies. Pussy Galore (Honor Blackman) is a fan-favorite, unforgettable Bond Girl — and, perhaps, could only be matched by a prime Sean Connery.

6. From Russia with Love (1963)

This was the grittiest Bond that Sir Sean Connery ever played, and audiences absolutely loved it. The casting on the whole is some of the best in the series. Moreover, the gripping plot is widely considered among the best in spy movie history, period — not just in Bond history.

5. Tomorrow Never Dies (1997)

A criminally underrated entry in the series of James Bond movies, Tomorrow Never Dies features some of the best chemistry between a Bond and Bond Girl. That is, Michelle Yeoh, known for her incredible martial arts abilities, and the charming Pierce Brosnan make this movie a must-watch installment — and, by far, the best of the Brosnan era. 

4. You Only Live Twice (1967)

For starters, Little Nellie — a heavily armed autogyro — is one of the best gadgets a James Bond has ever wielded. Legendary set and production designer Ken Adam really outdid himself here. And when Blofield (Donald Pleasence) — the cat-holding criminal mastermind and Bond’s archenemy — steps out of the darkness? Well, he cements so much of what we love about the Bond movies and villains. 

3. Casino Royale (2006)

Heralded as a return to form for the series after the mixed Brosnan era, Casino Royale is considered one of the best James Bond movies of all time. Not to mention, it was a perfect debut for the more brooding Daniel Craig Bond. In fact, the film finally gives us a 007 who can match Judi Dench’s gravitas. 

Inspired in a way that fans hadn’t experienced since the first few Connery films, Casino Royale served as a reboot, resetting the franchise’s continuity to the start of Bond’s career as a 00. Plus, Eva Green’s Vesper Lynd is the perfect match for Craig’s Bond here. 

2. Never Say Never Again (1983)

Only one of two Bond movies not created by Eon, Never Say Never Again brings back Sir Sean Connery 12 years after he said he would no longer play 007. If you’re a real James Bond fan, the world may not be enough, but Connery’s return sure is.

1. Dr. No (1962)

Why did the James Bond movies see such success? Well, in large part because the first one was a total knockout. In fact, many of the series’ signature tropes and traits stem from the Dr. No debut. Sometimes, nothing beats the original. 

And We Just Have to Mention… Casino Royale (1967), Too

It’s hard to rank the 1967 Casino Royale alongside the other James Bond movies. It’s not a serious spy thriller and it’s not a campy movie — it’s a straight up parody of Bond and spy movies at large. Although it takes its name from the original Ian Flemming novel of the same name — upon which all the films are based, really, since that book was James Bond’s debut — it was very much a strange road to the screen for Casino Royale (1967) . 

So, how’d this all happen? Well, producer Charles K. Feldman acquired the film rights in 1960, hoping to get Casino Royale made by Eon Productions. But Feldman just couldn’t come to terms with the Eon producers, and that inspired him to use those film rights for the purposes of satire. Mainly, he didn’t feel able to compete with Eon, so a spoof was an easy way to separate Casino Royale from the pack. 

Released just two months before Eon’s fifth Bond outing ( You Only Live Twice ), Casino Royale was, shockingly, a box office success, grossing over $41.7 million worldwide. Critics panned it, though, noting just how sloppy and disorganized the movie felt. And while several people, including David Niven, play Bond here, we feel it’s at least worth mentioning on any roundup of James Bond movies. 

MORE FROM ASK.COM

JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser.

Cookie policy

I agree that this Website uses cookies and similar technologies for providing me this Website and its functionalities, for obtaining insights about its use and for providing me relevant advertisements. You may change the settings to activate or deactivate each category of cookies. To find out more about cookies, please see our Cookie Notice .

Configure my cookies

Click on each button to activate or deactivate the use of each type of cookies. A colored button indicates if the cookies are active (red), or inactive (grey).

These are cookies that are required for the operation of the Website and for you to be able to complete services you ask for. They include, for example, cookies that enable you to log into secure areas of the Website.

These cookies record information about choices you make on the Website, such as your user name, language or the region you are in. In this way, we are able to personalize your visit to the Website.

These cookies allow us to collect information about how visitors use the Website, for example to count visitors and to see how visitors move around the Website. They record your visit to the Website, the pages you have visited and the links you have followed. These cookies do not collect information that identifies you. All information is anonymous. This helps us to improve the way the Website works.

These cookies allow you to share Website content with social media platforms (e.g, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram). We have no control over these cookies as they are set by the social media platforms themselves. Please have a look at section 3 of the Cookie Notice about pixels and social plug-ins to learn more about how social media cookies are used in association with social plug-ins.

These cookies allow us to deliver tailor-made advertisements to you on third party websites based on your interests in our products and services manifested during your visit on our Website. These cookies do not collect information that identifies you. All information is anonymous.

• Watch Comparator 0
• Favorites 0
• Language Back Close language menu

MyOmega menu

• Change language

Watch Comparator ( )

You have no watches to compare.

To start comparing, browse the collection of OMEGA watches .

Select between 2 to 4 watches to compare.

• Open search Search Search
• My Omega Dashboard
• My Personal Information
• My Order history
• My Favourites
• My Favourite Stores

I have an account

I don't have an account

Create a My OMEGA account to benefit from our exclusive services and keep up to date with our latest publications.

Collections menu

Seamaster Seamaster 300 Master Co‑Axial Chronometer 41 mm "SPECTRE" Limited Edition 233.32.41.21.01.001

Steel on NATO strap

233.32.41.21.01.001

Note: watch no longer available

Find another watch

Description

For the first time in Bond history, the actual watch worn by the world's favourite spy is released as a limited edition model.

Presented in a stainless steel case, this timepiece is unique in many ways, beginning with the black ceramic bi-directional bezel ring, built with a 12-hour scale in Liquidmetal™

The rhodium plated hands have a vintage (blue emission) coating of Super-Luminova, while other features include the "lollipop" central seconds hands, as well as the 5-stripe black and grey NATO strap - otherwise known as the James Bond NATO Strap. On the bracelet's strap holder, "007" has been engraved.

Of course, no Bond would be complete without the gadgetry. On the inside, this watch, limited to 7,007 models, is driven by the highly innovative OMEGA Master Co-Axial calibre 8400, a revolutionary movement that is resistant to magnetism up to 15,000 gauss.

• Product sheet (opens PDF-document)
• Basic functions (opens PDF-document)

Features Features

Anti‑magnetic

Anti-magnetic Anti-magnetic

The movement is unaffected by exposure to strong magnetic fields, even those greater than 1.5 tesla (15,000 gauss).

Bi‑directional rotating bezel

Bi-directional rotating bezel Bi-directional rotating bezel

A bezel which can be turned clockwise or anti-clockwise. Rotating bezels can be used to time events, measure elapsed times, or read second or third time zones.

Chronometer

Chronometer Chronometer

Label given to a watch which has undergone precision tests and received a certificate from an official body (COSC).

Limited edition (7,007)

Limited edition Limited edition (7,007)

A series of watches whose production run is determined in advance of production and limited to a set number.

Screw‑in crown

Screw-in crown Screw-in crown

Self-locking crown, screwed into the tube of the case, used for highly water resistant divers' watches.

Time zone function

Time zone function Time zone function

Allows the hour hand to be easily adjusted to different time zones without stopping the watch.

Transparent caseback

Transparent caseback Transparent caseback

A transparent caseback - frequently made of sapphire - makes it possible to see the movement inside the watch.

• Between lugs: 21 mm
• Lug‑to‑lug: 48.0 mm
• Thickness: 14.7 mm
• Case diameter: 41 mm
• Case: Steel
• Water resistance: 30 bar (300 metres / 1000 feet)
• Total product weight (approx.): 98 g

Learn more about measurements

This measures the space where a strap or bracelet would be placed.

This is the full length of the case, from the top lugs to the bottom lugs.

This is the full width of the watch’s case, excluding the crown and pushers.

When viewed from the side, this measures from the base of the watch to the surface of the glass.

Dial and Crystal Dial and Crystal

• Dial colour: Black
• Crystal: Domed, scratch‑resistant sapphire crystal with anti‑reflective treatment inside

Strap Strap

• Strap type: NATO strap
• Strap color: Multicolore
• Strap surface: Polyamide fabric
• Buckle type: Pin buckle
• Buckle material: Stainless steel

The advantages of this watch

Superior precision, anti-magnetic, water-resistance, 5-year warranty, less servicing, shock-resistance.

A key component of this timepiece is the Co-Axial escapement, which is able to maintain accuracy over a longer period of time. What’s more, all parts affecting accuracy are produced with non-ferromagnetic materials, ensuring the watch is protected from the strong magnetic fields produced by everyday items.

Our Master Co-Axial Chronometer movements benefit from the Co-Axial escapement, which is able to maintain accuracy over a longer period of time. All parts affecting accuracy are also produced with non-ferromagnetic materials, ensuring that that precision will not be affected by magnetism (up to 15'000 gauss). Each movement is Chronometer-certified according to international standard ISO3159, requiring a precision of -4/+6 second per day, following the tests at the Official Swiss Chronometer Control ( COSC ).

Proprietary anti-magnetic materials

Everyday items such as mobile phones, metal clasps on handbags, laptops, MRI, induction hobs or automatic doors; subject a watch to magnetic fields and can affect its performance. To prevent the risk of permanent deviations of up to several minutes a day we've conceived movements with antimagnetic materials, such as the silicon balance spring, capable of withstanding the highest fields.

To ensure the integrity of our timepieces at depth, not just some but all watches are fully immersed in water and pressure is applied up to the point of the guaranteed water resistance. By submerging each watch in water we have chosen – yet again - to exceed normal testing standards.

In our quest to raise industry standards and push the boundaries of quality, all OMEGA watches are offered with a full 5-year warranty. This customer promise shows the confidence we have in the excellence of our timepieces, and provides extra trust and assurance when choosing your watch.

Expect fewer visits to the service centre. The Co-Axial escapement is designed to reduce friction inside the movement. As a result, less lubrication is needed and hence less servicing. Compared to non-Co-Axial watches, the intervals between getting your watch serviced will be much longer.

During the homologation process, OMEGA watches are tested to the extreme. This phase includes shock examinations, to confirm reliability and to check that its precision is maintained after a severe impact. All OMEGA timepieces are designed to withstand shocks corresponding to a 1-metre drop on a hard wooden floor. For a standard 150g timepiece, this sudden and rapid acceleration is an equivalent force of up to 5,000 G on the watch head.

Key materials

Stainless Steel

Liquidmetal TM

Sapphire Crystal

Stainless steel is certainly the most conventional of watchmaking materials for outer craftsmanship, and offers beauty, strength and affordability. OMEGA uses 316L stainless steel . Known for its corrosion-resistance and high lustre after polishing, this material is often the ideal choice for watches in both daily-use and high-stress situations such as diving and adventure.

Since 2010, OMEGA has bonded its ceramics with an alloy called Liquidmetal TM , which offers new decoration possibilities in a metal grey colour with superior scratch-resistance and enduring stability. Composed of titanium, zirconium and copper, this amorphous alloy is three times as hard as stainless steel. When bonded with ceramic parts, Liquidmetal TM can be offered in contrasting finishes (brushed or polished), thanks to the difference in hardness between the two materials.

To really appreciate the finer details of a timepiece, OMEGA uses synthetic sapphire crystal with a highly scratch-resistant and anti-reflective treatment. Before the machining and finishing processes take place, the sapphire crystals are produced under the Verneuil process, also called flame fusion. It involves the melting of the raw substance using oxyhydrogen flame and the crystallisation of the melted droplets to form a cylinder. Graded 9 on the Mohs-hardness scale (graded 1-10), the resulting sapphire crystals are virtually scratch-proof and very hard, ensuring an unhindered vision at all times.

Movement CALIBRE OMEGA 8400

Self-winding movement with Co-Axial escapement. Resistant to magnetic fields greater than 15,000 gauss. Free sprung-balance with silicon balance spring, two barrels mounted in series, automatic winding in both directions. Bridges and the oscillating weight are decorated with exclusive Geneva waves in arabesque.

• 60 hours Power reserve
• Self winding
• Frequency 3,5 Hz Play audio Your browser does not support HTML audio. Here is a link to the audio file to download it.

Product view from different angles

Carousel controls

Variations of Seamaster 300 Master Co‑Axial Chronometer 41 mm

Steel ‑ yellow gold on Leather strap

Master Co‑Axial Chronometer 41 mm

Steel ‑ Sedna™ Gold on Leather strap

Titanium ‑ Sedna™ Gold on Leather strap

Steel ‑ yellow gold on Steel ‑ yellow gold

Yellow gold on Leather strap

Platinum on Leather strap

Steel ‑ Sedna™ Gold on Steel ‑ Sedna™ Gold

Titanium ‑ Sedna™ Gold on Titanium ‑ Sedna™ Gold

Platinum on Platinum

Contact a boutique

For more information about this piece

Mandatory fields*

Thank you for your interest

Your request has been submitted successfully. An OMEGA Boutique employee will contact you shortly.

Baselworld 2016: Ulysse Nardin Marine Chronograph Annual Calendar

You may also like.

Richard Mille RM 70-01 Tourbillon Alain Prost

More Stories

Pre-basel 2015: Ulysse Nardin Stranger Vivaldi

THE COLLECTIVE

European Watch Company – Est. 1993

Not Stirred: The Omega Seamaster 300 SPECTRE Limited Edition

Published by mike razak.

View all posts by Mike Razak

James Bond is known for many things. Cars, sex, martinis, gambling, gadgetry, one-liners, and, watches—at least in some circles. While the most iconic “Bond watch” is arguably the Rolex Submariner 6538 worn by Sean Connery in Dr. No , Omegas have long occupied 007’s wrist. Based on the original Seamaster 300M CK2913 released in 1957 (and revisited in 2014), the Omega Seamaster 300 SPECTRE Limited Edition reference 233.32.41.21.01.001 continues the brand’s connection with James Bond, all while revisiting one of the brand’s seminal releases. 

When costume designer Lindy Hemming arrived on the set of the upcoming Bond film, Goldeneye , she told Rolex and Seiko—who had dominated the series for over 30 years—to buzz off. What she recognized was that Omega had a history more closely tied to the British Royal Navy, and as such was more aligned with Bond, a former Royal Naval Reserve Commander. 

You see, the Seamaster line finds its roots in waterproof watches the Swiss brand produced for the British Navy during World War II. The original Seamasters, though, were not dedicated diving watches by design or in how they were marketed. To be sure, the advertising copy suggests they’re the perfect watch for “town, sea, and country.” It was in 1957, though, that Omega released the Seamaster 300, an unabashed diver that made its debut that year alongside the Speedmaster and the Railmaster. After what can fairly be called a 30-year Seamaster identity crisis, Omega released the almost entirely new Seamaster Professional 300M in 1993—if the 1957 Seamaster 300 is the foundation of the line’s modern iterations, the SMP is the ground floor, with its easily recognized bombé lugs, helium escape valve, and scalloped bezel. 

Since Pierce Brosnan strapped on a quartz Seamaster Professional for Goldeneye , the British spy has worn Omega Seamasters. 20 years later, the Omega Seamaster 300 SPECTRE Limited Edition—based on the 2014 reedition of the 1957 debut model—was the watch of choice for Daniel Craig in 2015’s Spectre . 

Design Details

As mentioned, the Omega Seamaster 300 SPECTRE Limited Edition is a Bond-oriented version of the concurrent Seamaster 300. The 41mm case is a daunting 15mm thick, which makes it stand out on the wrist, even more so when on the NATO. Just like the CK2193 released in 1957, the case features straight lugs with a subtle chamfer instead of the Omega’s modern bombé lugs. This is one of those watches that wears a tad larger than its diameter would suggest, mostly on account of the flatness and length of the aforementioned lugs.

Join 75,000+ Other Watch Enthusiasts

Get our new arrivals first.

One of the differences between the LE and the standard model is the bezel. While they feature the same ceramic bezel with in-filled LiquidMetal™ markings, the SPECTRE Seamaster is bidirectional and has 12-hour numbering in lieu of the standard’s unidirectional turning with dive indications. This allows for easy tracking of a second time zone, which makes sense: it’s been some time since the underwater fight in Thunderball , with today’s James Bond more of a global traveler than deep-sea adventurer. The bezel also features a steel ring along its interior edge, which breaks it apart from the matte black dial. 

The dial features a fine grain and the recessed hour markers are filled with vintage-toned Super-LumiNova™. Reaching back to the original Seamaster 300, the dial has long minute hashes, Arabic cardinal numerals, and a “broad arrow” handset, which is rhodium-plated and filled with vintage lume. The other change from the standard Seamaster 300 is the seconds hand. The standard model features a narrow arrow hand, which compliments the “broad arrow” handset. On the SPECTRE, the seconds has been replaced with a true lollipop, properly situated at the hand’s terminus, unlike others of the style which sit towards but not at the end. 

One unexpected treat is the time zone hour hand. When you unscrew the crown—which ensures 300m water resistance—you have the option to move the hour hand independently, without stopping the time. Along with the bidirectional 12-hour bezel, this makes the watch more of a travel tool than a diving tool. 

While the SPECTRE LE is typically seen on its striped NATO-style strap (Omega’s NATO straps are considered some of the best), it also comes with Omega’s retro flat-link bracelet, equipped with a 007-branded foldover clasp. 

Inner Workings

The in-house Omega Caliber 8400 (the dateless version of the 8500) can be seen through a sapphire caseback. The caseback ring holds the only Bond branding on the watch, and the movement itself is a sight to behold with its arabesque Geneva waves radiating from the center. The use of sapphire is a more impressive feat than one might think: the movement is antimagnetic to 15,000 gauss (the lower end of an MRI’s output), and because the resistance is reached by constructing the movement itself from special alloys (as opposed to the case or an added protective component), a sapphire caseback can be used without risk. 

The movement features a series-mounted pair of mainspring barrels for an impressive 60-hour power reserve. Moving to the other end of the gear train, Omega’s co-axial escapement, coupled with a free-sprung balance and a silicon balance spring, provides exemplary precision, durability, and stability in timekeeping. The 8400 beats at 25,200 vph and has 39 jewels. Like all modern Omega calibers, it has the “Master Co-Axial Chronometer” designation, meaning it is not only COSC-certified, but also goes through additional testing by the independent METAS lab. The end result is a watch certified to an accuracy of 0/+5 seconds per day. 

Versus the Competition

There are plenty of entry-level Swiss divers on the market from which to choose—it’s one of the more saturated market segments. That said, there are a few that might stand out. A close analog to the SPECTRE LE would be the Omega Seamaster 300 1957 Trilogy Edition , which is essentially a one-to-one remake of the original Seamaster 300. Looking away from Omega, Jaeger LeCoultre has also been revisiting its back catalog, and released the JLC Tribute to Deep Sea Memovox , an amazing diver with a mechanical alarm that has similar tones and dial texture to the SPECTRE LE (you can read our in-depth post here ). The SPECTRE LE may be a bit too restrained, and in that case, Breitling has you covered: the recent SuperOcean Heritage ’57 LE celebrates a watch from the same year as the SPECTRE’s inspiration, with an explosion of rainbow color against a rich blue dial and matching stadium bezel.

Personality

Buying a Bond watch is a very intentional act, typically one of affinity for the series and the character. The SPECTRE LE, though, presents a bit of a different option. The SPECTRE LE is less overt than more recent James Bond designs, while simultaneously presenting a spin one of the best reissues one the market. This watch is for the Bond Lover who wants a James Bond watch but also wants a watch that stands alone without the Bond branding. Call it restrained fandom. 

Final Thoughts

The Omega Seamaster 300 SPECTRE Limited Edition offers a classic vintage look with modern specs. Add to that the appeal of having a watch that’s connected to one of the greatest film franchises of all time, and the piece is a unique opportunity for the watch enthusiast who loves James Bond. 

See More of the Omega Seamaster 300 SPECTRE Limited Edition

Visit europeanwatch.com.