The Official Watch Thread.

[Cousin Jack]

And all done without flooding the market with Rolex, which would piss off those who have bought at inflated prices second-hand.

Mr Rolex did not get where he is by being stupid.

[Mr. Dazzle]

This seems the right place to ask summat that got me thinking.

In the olden days before fancy measuring stuff, how did they measure the tiny stuff in watches ?

I think the measuring device must have come before the complicated tiny mechanical pieces in a watch.
If you haven't got the skills to make a measuring device then you're not going to have the skills to make a small mechanical part.

Chicken and egg.

Much of the tiny measuring stuff etc. was invented for watches and clocks. 300 years ago an accurate clock was a major strategic asset.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Harrison?wprov=sfla1

[Mr. Dazzle]

How did they measure the stuff in the measuring device?

Trial and error, make the pieces to fit each other.
If you fancy losing a week or 3 I suggest watching this guys video's on old skool making small stuff;
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCworsK ... 6-BnIjS2MA

Another good one is the "Origin of Precision" series on YouTube.

Its a good question though...how do you make a ruler when you have no other rulers? Believe it or not, everything starts with being able to make a completely flat surface. To do that you use Whitworth's 3 plate method which allows you to create a flat surface from 'nothing'.

After that you incrementally work your way up to steadily finer levels of accuracy until you arrive at today.

I can imagine some of you lot would get a kick out of this book.

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source= ... 3cuDoybG6P

[v8-powered]

Went in and had a look at the Tudor BB 925 range today, I like the leather strapped one but not sure if I Iike enough to drop my cash for it. Think I'll drop the cash on a Speedmaster instead.

Need to take a trip to see the Rolex AD as seems to think can get me an Explorer II relatively quickly but see at happens when I get there....

[Yorick]

Just ordered his and hers versions of these

[Yorick]

In terms of watchmaking it's a mechanical marvel.
I don't think they're really meant to be worn much though, you might see someone at a posh horology event with one on, but I doubt you'll see anyone out shopping in one, imagine catching that on the door frame on the way out of Lidl.

I'll nip down and see if the Lucky Lucky men have any

[formula400]

In terms of watchmaking it's a mechanical marvel.
I don't think they're really meant to be worn much though, you might see someone at a posh horology event with one on, but I doubt you'll see anyone out shopping in one, imagine catching that on the door frame on the way out of Lidl.

but if you can drop that on a watch to wear everyday you can afford the repairs or replacement

[Horse]

In terms of watchmaking it's a mechanical marvel.
I don't think they're really meant to be worn much though, you might see someone at a posh horology event with one on, but I doubt you'll see anyone out shopping in one, imagine catching that on the door frame on the way out of Lidl.

but if you can drop that on a watch to wear everyday you can afford the repairs or replacement

Or throw it in the bin, get another out of the cupboard.

[formula400]

In terms of watchmaking it's a mechanical marvel.
I don't think they're really meant to be worn much though, you might see someone at a posh horology event with one on, but I doubt you'll see anyone out shopping in one, imagine catching that on the door frame on the way out of Lidl.

but if you can drop that on a watch to wear everyday you can afford the repairs or replacement

Or throw it in the bin, get another out of the cupboard.

that's how I roll, just don't tell the wife

[Yorick]

but if you can drop that on a watch to wear everyday you can afford the repairs or replacement

Not necessarily.
It's like saying if you have a Panigale then you can afford to smash it up and buy another, or if you have a big house you can afford to burn it down and buy another.

Admittedly it's a big sum of money but someone might have worked a lifetime to save it up, or even taken a loan for it. Some places do watches on finance and if you choose the right one it might be a wise investment. If you borrowed 450k to buy this watch and it's worth 2 million in a few years then you'd be quids in, but it doesn't mean you can afford to lose it.

That's why I've ordered 2

[Taipan]

This may or may not be of interest to someone? Illustrated version here https://manofmany.com/fashion/watches/a ... nd-watches
A Complete List of All James Bond 007 Watches
JACOB OSBORN, 1 MAR 2021
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Welcome to the complete list of James Bond Watches. From Sean Connery’s Rolex Submariner to Daniel Craig’s Omega Planet Ocean or Seamaster (aka the “Casino Royale” watches), the James Bond franchise enjoys a rich tradition of putting serious horology up on the big screen. Today, we give that tradition its due, by way of our complete list of all the 007 watches.

Expect to see a few choice names like Omega, Seiko, and Rolex pop-up time and again and that’s no accident. In fact, Omega has been an official franchise partner since 1995, occasionally releasing its own limited edition Bond watches for purchase. We actually covered one just a few weeks back.

Meanwhile, you might be wondering what kind of watch Daniel Craig will be wearing in the upcoming Bond film, better known as “No Time to Die“. We can’t tell you just yet, but odds are it will be an Omega Seamaster of some sort—call it a hunch.

What we can tell you with (near) certainty is the exact watch worn by James Bond in “Spectre” and “Dr. No” and every film in between. And while a number of these movies don’t necessarily hold up by today’s standards, each 007 watch still looks downright classic. Check out this complete list of the James Bond watches to see if you agree.

Rolex Submariner 6538
1. Dr. No – Rolex Submariner Ref. 6538
Film: Dr. No
Year of Release: 1962
Actor who played James Bond: Sean Connery
Other notable watches: Gruen Precision 510

The connection between James Bond and Rolex dates all the way back to Ian Fleming’s original novel, “Casino Royale,” in which the famous spy rocks the equally famous brand. Fleming took direct cues from his own personal passions, as he was often seen with a Rolex Explorer Reference 1016 around his wrist.

According to legend, actor Sean Connery—who was the first to portray Bond—was also a devoted Rolex enthusiast. It’s actually been reported that the Rolex Submariner worn by Connery in the inaugural Bond film came straight out of his own collection. Affixed to a leather strap, it marked the stylish debut of what would eventually become an iconic relationship.

In Dr. No’s opening scene, Bond is seen wearing the soon to be notorious Gruen Precision 510. The watch can barely be seen under the shirt cuff, and while it’s a more suitable addition to a tuxedo than a divers piece, this watch left many fans in the dark for years. It wasn’t until famous Bond watch researcher Dell Deaton identified the watch as a Gruen Precision 510, 40 years after it first appeared on screen, that we could confirm its reference.


2. From Russia with Love – Rolex Submariner Ref. 6538
Film: From Russia with Love
Year of Release: 1963
Actor who played James Bond: Sean Connery

A new Bond film meant new enemies and new adventures, but for Sean Connery, it also meant the return of his premium Rolex Submariner. Since Q had yet to convert James Bond’s watches into clever weapons, this one showed just the time on its signature dial face. Eventually, watches would become an integral part of 007 lore and not just for stylish purposes.


3. Goldfinger – Rolex Submariner Ref. 6538
Film: Goldfinger
Year of Release: 1964
Actor who played James Bond: Sean Connery

As the saying goes: if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. By the third 007 film, the swanky spy wasn’t broke and neither was his trusty Rolex Submariner. When Bond rolls up his tuxedo sleeve to present the watch in its full glory, a legendary partnership was cemented once and for all. In lieu of leather, the Submariner was now affixed to a slim fabric strap. Meanwhile, infamous Bond girl Pussy Galore (yes, that’s her actual name—Google it with caution) sports the Rolex GMT Master Reference 6542, a classic aviation watch if there ever was one.


4. Thunderball – Breitling Top Time
Film: Thunderball
Year of Release: 1965
Actor who played James Bond: Sean Connery
Other watches worn: Rolex Submariner Ref. 6538, Breitling Navitimer Ref. 806

James Bond is back and so is his trusty Submariner in this fourth franchise instalment. However, Q Branch also has a new toy for 007 to play with: a modified Breitling Top Time Chronograph that doubles as a Geiger counter. Can you guess as to whether Bond needs to use the extra function at some point in the film? We bet you can. Fun fact: the same Breitling watch made its way to an English flea market in 2013, where it was purchased for a mere £25. The owner then turned around and resold the watch for over £100,000 at auction. Cha-ching!


5. Casino Royale (1967) – Rolex GMT Master
Film: Casino Royale
Year of Release: 1967
Actor who played James Bond: David Niven

We’d be inclined to exclude this poorly-aged parody from the list, were it not for the fact that David Niven’s Bond can be seen wearing a Rolex GMT Master. Between that and Fleming’s original book, some might say that Rolex is the true “Casino Royale” watch, though Omega probably begs to differ.


6. You Only Live Twice – Gruen Precision 510
Film: You Only Live Twice
Year of Release: 1967
Actor who played James Bond: Sean Connery

The jury’s still out as to what Bond wears around his wrist in this 1967 instalment, which pits him and Japanese ninjas against SPECTRE and supervillain Ernst Stavro Blofeld. Most folks suspect it was probably a gold Gruen watch straight out of Connery’s personal collection. The Gruen Watch Company was a historic brand that disappeared in 1977 and then came back to life under new ownership in 2000.


7. On Her Majesty’s Secret Service – Rolex Chronograph Ref. 6238
Film: On Her Majesty’s Secret Service
Year of Release: 1969
Actor who played James Bond: George Lazenby
Other Watches Worn: Rolex Submariner Ref. 5513 & Rolex Submariner Ref. 6358

For his one and only stint as Agent 007, Australia’s own George Lazenby wore three different Rolex Submariners. First up was the Reference 5513 on a bracelet of iconic Oystersteel. Then during a break-in scene, Bond places a Reference 6358 with an unscrewed crown on top of a copy machine. Later in the film, he’s seen wearing a Reference 6238. Here’s hoping the actor got to keep at least one, if not all, of those seminal models.

Gruen Precision 510
8. Diamonds Are Forever – Gruen Precision 510
Film: Diamonds Are Forever
Year of Release: 1971
Actor who played James Bond: Sean Connery

Sean Connery was back as Bond for the franchise’s seventh instalment, which featured no shortage of spectacle and seduction. While a wristwatch does appear during one scene, it’s almost impossible to make out the exact model. Most folks agree it was likely the same gold Gruen watch Connery debuted in the original film Dr. No.


9. Live and Let Die – Rolex Submariner Ref. 5513 & Pulsar LED digital watch
Film: Live and Let Die
Year of Release: 1973
Actor who played James Bond: Roger Moore

Roger Moore’s debut as Agent 007 introduced a new era for the franchise itself. It also brought back the classic Rolex Submariner, but with a now-iconic twist. Thanks to some handiwork by Q and his team, the watch additionally functioned as both a circular-saw and a magnet, predictably helping Bond out of a jam or two.


During the film’s opening sequence, meanwhile, the superspy wears a Pulsar LED digital watch from Hamilton Watch Company. To say it was a good PR move for the nascent quartz watch industry would be putting it mildly.


10. The Man with the Golden Gun – Rolex Submariner Ref. 5513
Film: The Man with the Golden Gun
Year of Release: 1974
Actor who played James Bond: Roger Moore

If the words “James Bond Rolex” went by any other name, that name would be Rolex Submariner. The model appears once again in “The Man with the Golden Gun,” albeit minus any tricks or gadgets. It nevertheless makes for one stylish statement.


11. The Spy Who Loved Me – Seiko 0674 LC
Film: The Spy Who Loved Me
Year of Release: 1977
Actor who played James Bond: Roger Moore
Other Watches Worn: Rolex GMT Master

Digital watches were on the rise by the mid to late 1970s and the Bond franchise was duly keeping pace. Not only does Agent 007 wear a rectangular Seiko 0674 LC in this popular film, but the watch prints out tiny little messages from a fellow superspy. Keeping the analog spirit alive is a Rolex GMT Master, which Bond uses for timekeeping.


12. Moonraker – Seiko M354 Memory Bank Calendar
Film: Moonraker
Year of Release: 1979
Actor who played James Bond: Roger Moore

It’s no surprise that James Bond went all-digital for this outlandish, space-themed instalment. On the back of his fancy new Seiko M354 Memory Bank Calendar is an explosive charge, which plays a big role toward the finale. Kaboom!


13. For Your Eyes Only – Seiko 7549-7009 & Seiko H357 Duo Display
Film: For Your Eyes Only
Year of Release: 1981
Actor who played James Bond: Roger Moore

The thirteenth Bond film features not one, but two Seiko watches. One is a 7549-7009 while the other is an H357 with both analog and digital display. Like an early forerunner to the smartwatch, the H357 Duo Display delivers text-like messages and contains a built-in microphone.


14. Octopussy – Seiko G757 Sports 100
Film: Octopussy
Year of Release: 1983
Actor who played James Bond: Roger Moore
Other Watches Worn: Seiko TV Watch

Along with a scandalous film title came a new Seiko watch, complete with extra perks from Q Branch. Among those extra perks was the ability to follow a tracking device by way of a digital red dot on the screen. Even without the fantasy features, the Seiko G757 Sports 100 was an impressively functional digital chronograph in its own right.


15. Never Say Again – Unknown Watch
Film: Never Say Never Again
Year of Release: 1983
Actor who played James Bond: Sean Connery

Sean Connery reprised the role of Bond for one last time and then indeed said never again. As memorable (or unmemorable) Connery’s return may have been, there was no detectable watch to mark the occasion. Bummer.


16. A View to a Kill – Seiko 6923-8080 SPD09
Film: A View to a Kill
Year of Release: 1985
Actor who played James Bond: Roger Moore
Other Watches Worn: Seiko SPR007 7A28-7020; Seiko H558-500 SPW001; Rolex Datejust

For his final appearance as British superspy James Bond, actor Roger Moore rocks no less than four watches. That includes the Seiko SPR007 7A28-7020, a quartz chronograph with a white dial. Also making brief appearances are a Seiko H558-500 SPW001 dive watch and a two-tone Seiko 6923-8080 SPD09. Last but not least, Bond is wearing a Rolex Datejust when he discovers that his driver has been killed.


17. The Living Daylights – TAG Heuer Professional Night-Dive Reference 980.031
Film: The Living Daylights
Year of Release: 1987
Actor who played James Bond: Timothy Dalton

Timothy Dalton beat out Pierce Brosnan when landing the role of James Bond in 1987, bringing a harder and less humourous edge to the franchise. Kissing Seiko goodbye, Bond came strapped with a TAG Heuer Professional Night-Dive Reference 980.031 quartz dive watch. The piece’s luminous dial contrasted nicely with its black case and bracelet.


18. Licence to Kill – Rolex Submariner Ref. 16610
Film: Licence to Kill
Year of Release: 1989
Actor who played James Bond: Timothy Dalton

Dalton’s second and final performance as James Bond brought Swiss legend Rolex back into the fold for one last adventure. Honouring an iconic tradition, Agent 007 equips himself with a trusty Rolex Submariner (most likely a Reference 16610). After that, it was goodbye to Dalton and Rolex alike.


19. Goldeneye – Omega Seamaster Professional 300M Ref. 2541.80
Film: Goldeneye
Year of Release: 1995
Actor who played James Bond: Pierce Brosnan

The James Bond franchise came roaring back to life in the mid-90s, with Irish actor Pierce Brosnan tackling the lead role. Thanks to his sharp looks and sly demeanour, Brosnan made for a truly sound and reliable choice. Representing more than one debut, 1995’s “Goldeneye” also introduced Omega as the franchise’s official watch partner. Enter the “Goldeneye” watch, i.e. an Omega Seamaster Professional 300M Ref. 2541.80 quartz dive watch. True to form, it was tricked out by the Q Branch, touting a laser in the bezel and built-in detonator.


20. Tomorrow Never Dies – Omega Seamaster Professional 300M Ref. 2531.80
Film: Tomorrow Never Dies
Year of Release: 1997
Actor who played James Bond: Pierce Brosnan

Pierce Brosnan returned and so did Omega for this 1997 instalment, which pitted Bond against a power-hungry media mogul. The watch of choice was an automatic chronometer version of the beloved Seamaster, which could remotely detonate a hand grenade (thanks, Q!).


21. The World is Not Enough – Omega Seamaster Professional 300M Ref. 2531.80
Film: The World is Not Enough
Year of Release: 1999
Actor who played James Bond: Pierce Brosnan

They say repetition is key to marketing and who was Omega to reinvent the wheel? As such, Brosnan wore the same Omega Seamaster in this film as he did in the previous one. However, the watch did feature new gadgetry, doubling as both an ultra-powerful light source and a quick-action grappling hook.


22. Die Another Day – Omega Seamaster Professional 300M Ref. 2531.80
Film: Die Another Day
Year of Release: 2002
Actor who played James Bond: Pierce Brosnan

Presuming you can get a bikini-clad Halle Berry off the mind, you’ll notice that the Omega Seamaster Professional 300M Ref. 2531.80 is back for Brosnan’s final Bond film. Harkening upon its gadget-infused predecessor—aka the tricked-out “Goldeneye” watch—this one features both a built-in laser and detonator.


23. Casino Royale – Omega Seamaster Professional 300M Ref. 2220.80.00
Film: Casino Royale
Year of Release: 2006
Actor who played James Bond: Daniel Craig
Other Watches Worn: Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Ref. 2900.50.91

By 2006, there was a new Bond in town and a new actor to portray him. That actor was the uber-serious Daniel Craig, who kicked things off by taking us back to where the whole saga began. Marking the occasion was not one, but two “Casino Royale” watches. The first was a Seamaster Planet Ocean, which Bond wears during the opening sequence. For the remainder of the film, he’s rocking an automatic Seamaster with co-axial escapement.


24. Quantum of Solace – Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Ref. 2201.50.00
Film: Quantum of Solace
Year of Release: 2008
Actor who played James Bond: Daniel Craig

Widely considered a disappointment, 2008’s “Quantum of Solace” features brief glimpses of an Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean with a stainless steel bracelet. Between its water resistance to 600m and Bond’s plunges into the deep sea, you’d think the watch would get more screen time. On the other hand, that’s just one among a legion of things the movie could’ve done differently.


25. Skyfall – Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Ref. 232.30.42.21.01.001
Film: Skyfall
Year of Release: 2012
Actor who played James Bond: Daniel Craig
Other Watches Worn: Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra Ref. 231.10.39.21.03.003

Two different Omega Seamasters appear in “Skyfall,” one of the franchise’s highest-rated outings. During the opening scenes, Bond sports a Planet Ocean 600M with a unique case of titanium. Fun fact: that same watch later sold for just under 200,000 Euros at Christie’s “50 Years of Bond” auction. The other model was an Aqua Terra with a stunning blue dial and stainless steel bracelet.


26. Spectre – Omega Seamaster 300 Ref. 233.32.31.41.21.01.001
Film: Spectre
Year of Release: 2015
Actor who played James Bond: Daniel Craig
Other Watches Worn: Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra Ref. 231.10.42.221.03.001

Courtesy of Q Branch, Daniel Craig gets his first tricked-out Omega Seamaster 300 in 2015’s “Spectre.” Designed exclusively for the film, the watch features a NATO strap and comes equipped with explosive capabilities. Bond also wears an Aqua Terra model with a black dial earlier in the film, but it’s the Seamaster that remains synonymous with this particular instalment. To prove as much, Omega released a Limited Edition “Spectre” Seamaster 300 for purchase. Fortunately (or unfortunately, depending on who you ask), this one doesn’t double as an explosive device.

[v8-powered]

Would be nice to have one of each of those, make a nice little collection....

[v8-powered]

Would be nice to have one of each of those, make a nice little collection....

I bought some of the ones since Daniel Craig took over the role, including the Commanders watch, but the only one I ever felt any connection to was the first one, the Casino Royale Planet Ocean, it's upstairs in the safe, I sold the rest or traded them for other watches.

Did enquire about trading my Seamaster against a nice Panerai I like a few weeks back but wasn't the deal for me, rather buy outright for what they offered.

[v8-powered]

Did enquire about trading my Seamaster against a nice Panerai I like a few weeks back but wasn't the deal for me, rather buy outright for what they offered.

I was lucky and got what I'd paid for them on the trades, I didn't make anything on them but I can live with that.

Wasn't a bad offer to be fair, it's a 20 year old Seamaster auto and they offered £1200 for it but sure they could have done better. Didn't bother in the end and have sent it off to have a new bezel fitted instead.

[Hairybiker84]

I have a hankering for one of these - probably can't afford the 1000m stuff. It get the feeling that there are a few not so genuine offerings about, where to start looking and how to spot a snide?

[v8-powered]

I bought a Great White Seamaster in 2008 for £600 from a watch shop in Manchester, sold it back to them in a trade for £650 in 2010 for a (£2k) new Bell & Ross that I still have upstairs somewhere. I was hesitant at the time and it was a mistake, I wish I still had the Seamaster instead, it was a nicer watch and it would be worth a lot more than the B&R now.

The Seamaster is a nice watch, if you don't need to part-ex it then I'd keep it.

Think I paid £1750 for the Seamaster back in the day, was just keen to see what kind of deal I could get on trading it now.
Holds some sentimental value to me as it was the first 'decent' watch I purchased other than a Tag Heuer 3000 Pro when I was 17, no need to sell it so once back from the new bezel fitting I'll just put it back in the winder and wear occasionally. As you say, Seamaster is still a decent piece.

Have been getting tempted by another Planet Ocean, I purchased one back in the early 2000's but it was the one with the orange bezel and strap, quickly fell out of love with it and sold it. I keep looking at Panerai too, what's your view on them?

[Hairybiker84]

I have a hankering for one of these - probably can't afford the 1000m stuff. It get the feeling that there are a few not so genuine offerings about, where to start looking and how to spot a snide?

Which one?
Or are you asking for suggestions?

Give us an idea of price range and we can put some suggestions up.

The ones I like the look of are the Darth. Grandfather and Golden, pretty sure the spring drive and Emporer would be too expensive. Budget ideally £500 maybe £1k if it was something unlikely to lose any money. I've no idea what some of these go for.

Got no idea where to start really.

[wheelnut]

You wouldn't really buy a seiko as an investment that you would expect to make a return on. That said you shouldn't lose a lot ether.

[wheelnut]

I only know from hearing side conversations but I think some Seikos are getting very collectable and people are even making Frankenstein watches and passing them off as originals to make a profit. I don't know if any are going up at the same rate as a Nautilus or anything but I think some are appreciating.

They can be, but it’s relative. I’ve got a couple of Japanese domestic model SKXs and they’re worth 2 or 3 times what I paid for them but we’re still only talking hundreds. Most of the Prospexes stay relatively static.

Modding the SKXs is a ‘thing’ so you will see a lot for sale with modded bezels and dials. That’s different to a frankenwatch which are normally butchered POS.

[Mr. Dazzle]

Still need to buy that SXK009J myself actually...

I've got a middle aged milestone birthday in a couple of years and I'm gonna spend a bit on a watch for it. Part of me wants to buy a Seiko Spring Drive just cause I love the movement, the trouble is I don't actually like the watches that much!