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Thread: Does anyone else get put off by the 007 connection with omega seamaster

  1. #1

    Does anyone else get put off by the 007 connection with omega seamaster

    I like Omega I own the Speedmaster but at heart I’m a dive watch guy , I like some of the Seamaster offerings but I am totally put of by James Bond connections it just seems a bit dated and childish to me ,
    I’m guessing this is a unpopular idea as it must cost omega a lot of money in sponsorship so a big market appeal but does anyone feel the same?

  2. #2
    Grand Master Wallasey Runner's Avatar
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    I do find it a little odd on watches costing thousands bought by grown men. I could understand kiddies watches with a fictional character reference from H Samuel or Argos, but this does leave me a little cold I'm afraid.

    I should add that cartoon dogs are perfectly acceptable

  3. #3
    It doesn’t bother me either way. If it’s a nice looking watch, it’s a nice looking watch.
    It's just a matter of time...

  4. #4
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    No. I guess you could ask the same about the moon and Apollo theme

  5. #5
    Yes, it brings up memories of Pierce Brosnan trying to pretend he belongs in a Bond role.

  6. #6
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    Quote Originally Posted by Omegamanic View Post
    It doesn’t bother me either way. If it’s a nice looking watch, it’s a nice looking watch.
    Exactly this. I like my Bond SMP because of the watch it is. I would still like it if Bond had nothing to do with it. Conversely, I hate the new bond seamasters, not because of any Bond links, but because the watches look like cheap crap.

  7. #7
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    I don’t really associate the watch with Bond. I mean they’re clearly in the films but I can disassociate them. I can’t abide the tie-in watches though with the Bond branding. Absolute tosh.


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  8. #8
    Master TimeThoughts's Avatar
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    I dont think I'd ever wear a watch with 007 on it, I'd feel a bit silly.

    Or anything that had a regiment badge that I didnt belong to (like those Citizen Royal Marine Commendo watches).

    Something Walter Mitty about all that.

  9. #9
    Craftsman RS404's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Ashtons99 View Post
    No. I guess you could ask the same about the moon and Apollo theme
    Having a watch chosen by NASA to be worn by astronauts as they completed the greatest feat of human endeavour, is not quite the same as paying to have one worn by an actor in a cheesy movie franchise. Especially when the original creator of that character depicted him wearing a watch of an entirely different brand.

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  10. #10
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    Quote Originally Posted by RS404 View Post
    Having a watch chosen by NASA to be worn by astronauts as they completed the greatest feat of human endeavour, is not quite the same as paying to have one worn by an actor in a cheesy movie franchise. Especially when the original creator of that character depicted him wearing a watch of an entirely different brand.

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    Just another theme to sell however you dress the history up.

  11. #11
    Grand Master wileeeeeey's Avatar
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    Yep, wouldn't touch a 007 Omega. Puts me off completely and no matter how much I liked one I wouldn't buy if it was a 007 edition.

  12. #12
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    Correct me if I'm wrong, but Bond doesn't ever wear a 007 edition...

  13. #13
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    Quote Originally Posted by RS404 View Post
    Having a watch chosen by NASA to be worn by astronauts as they completed the greatest feat of human endeavour, is not quite the same as paying to have one worn by an actor in a cheesy movie franchise. Especially when the original creator of that character depicted him wearing a watch of an entirely different brand.

    Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk
    NASA didn't care much about the watch the astranauts wore, as it wasn't mission critical or safety related (thay have stated this). They tested only a handful of different watches, with one sample of each, and put this testing in the charge of a junior engineer who knew nothing about watches. At least two Speedmasters completely failed on lunar missions, in one case it was the only piece of hardware to do so which is amazing. But Omega has convinced millions that the watches were an important part of "the greatest feat of human endeavor" when it truly was less important than the boots they wore. Omega has never been able to sell the watches by themselves without loading them with marketing hype, and the whole "James Bond's watch" product placement endeavor is the ultimate example. Skelton hands and a "manual" He valve are perfect examples of why these never were good dive watches (I've been diivng for 40 years) but aimed as wardrobe enhancement devices. There's a reason why Omega is part of the Swatch group, too.

  14. #14
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    Not at all. I really like the original SMP, planet ocean and skyfall aqua terra. Not over keen on the 7 thousand odd limited editions they do with 007 written on them.

  15. #15
    It’s all a bit infra dig lately.


  16. #16
    Quote Originally Posted by Balance wheel View Post
    I am totally put of by James Bond connections it just seems a bit dated and childish to me.
    Definitely would never own 007 special edition, but love standard Planet Oceans, those early ones launched at the time of Casino Royale, and the latest Seamaster 300 is a fine thing. I'd happily own those.

  17. #17
    Quote Originally Posted by Boots View Post
    NASA didn't care much about the watch the astranauts wore, as it wasn't mission critical or safety related.
    That view will have changed after Apollo 11, and NASA were, and have been free to test and choose any watch they want for every mission.

  18. #18
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    Quote Originally Posted by chrisparker View Post
    That view will have changed after Apollo 11, and NASA were, and have been free to test and choose any watch they want for every mission.
    Wasn't Apollo 11 where Armstrong's speedmaster had the Hexalite (Plexiglass) pop off? I thought it was Apollo 13 where a speedmaster was needed to time the burners precisely and thereby it won the snoopy (MVP equivalent) award.

    **corrections**

    Armstrong's speedy was kept on board the lunar module after the mission timing clock was found to be faulty. Buzz Aldrin apparently wore his.

    Apollo 12 allegedly had the crystal pop off a speedy resulting in a one off custom built Bulova being worn on the moon by Dave Scott.
    Last edited by nod_; 28th February 2020 at 16:19. Reason: correction avoiding fake news

  19. #19
    Master ozzyb123's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Balance wheel View Post
    I like Omega I own the Speedmaster but at heart I’m a dive watch guy , I like some of the Seamaster offerings but I am totally put of by James Bond connections it just seems a bit dated and childish to me ,
    I’m guessing this is a unpopular idea as it must cost omega a lot of money in sponsorship so a big market appeal but does anyone feel the same?
    In short, yes. But the 007 watches are some of the best selling / most sought models Omega put out, so I’m in a minority...


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  20. #20
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    Quote Originally Posted by chrisparker View Post
    Definitely would never own 007 special edition.
    Me too. I agree with the OP.

  21. #21
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    Really like the new Seamasters, particularly the two tone one, but the 007 edition is just a bit silly.


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  22. #22
    Life would be real hard if such things bother one. To me it makes no difference. If I like the watch, I like the watch. Don’t care much about the marketing noise. It is neither a plus nor a negative for me.
    Last edited by RAJEN; 27th February 2020 at 05:20.

  23. #23
    Master ozzyb123's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by RAJEN View Post
    Life would be real hard if such things bother one. To me it makes no difference. If I like the watch, I like the watch. Don’t care much about the marketing noise. It is neither a plus nor a negative for me.
    We are all influenced by marketing on some level, surely, as much as we would like to think otherwise...


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  24. #24
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    I can’t see the attraction of having an 007-edition Omega. Sure - a watch connected to real-life events (if of significance), but not to a fictional character.

  25. #25
    No issue with the product placement of ‘standard’ Omega watches in the Bond films. It helps differentiate the true screen Bond (the Rolex-wearing Connery) from the recent pretenders.

    The 007 editions with different dials or hands are just embarrassing though. I feel the same about the Olympic editions and cartoon character editions.

  26. #26
    Quote Originally Posted by blackal View Post
    I can’t see the attraction of having an 007-edition Omega. Sure - a watch connected to real-life events (if of significance), but not to a fictional character.
    It is highly effective marketing, it is well proven to work extremely well.

    A vast number of smokers tried it first because they seen a fictional character smoking on screen.

  27. #27
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    The 007 thing definitely puts me off, seems childish. But then at the same time, I completely buy in to the Moonwatch stuff, which is probably just as ridiculous. Different strokes for different folks I suppose.

  28. #28
    A little bit but still not as bad as Blokes driving Aston Martins with 007 somewhere on a private plate, that's properly cringe making.

  29. #29
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    I’m a big fan of the SMP Pro and the AT but I would never buy a Bond themed version of either watch. It just seems very tacky to me.

    I dislike Limited/Special editions in any event, I would far rather have the standard version.
    Last edited by JeremyO; 27th February 2020 at 10:30.

  30. #30
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    Quote Originally Posted by Balance wheel View Post
    I like Omega I own the Speedmaster but at heart I’m a dive watch guy , I like some of the Seamaster offerings but I am totally put of by James Bond connections it just seems a bit dated and childish to me ,
    I’m guessing this is a unpopular idea as it must cost omega a lot of money in sponsorship so a big market appeal but does anyone feel the same?
    Maybe if I was 14 I'd like them, but not now

    - - - Updated - - -

    Quote Originally Posted by Vanguard View Post
    A little bit but still not as bad as Blokes driving Aston Martins with 007 somewhere on a private plate, that's properly cringe making.
    Now thats something I may do!!! :0)

  31. #31
    Master OldHooky's Avatar
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    Tie-ins go back centuries ;)


  32. #32
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    I'm a bond fan. I've read the books (and liked most of them even a few post Fleming ones.) seen the films (and liked half of them), went to see Bond in Motion last week ( and really enjoyed it.) Part of my interest in the Rolex Explorer is the Bond/Fleming connection. I'd happily wear a watch that was associated with the Bond franchise but wouldn't wear a Bond branded watch. My 10 year would love one, but he got a "Casio Royale" instead. :)

  33. #33
    Grand Master snowman's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Omegamanic View Post
    It doesn’t bother me either way. If it’s a nice looking watch, it’s a nice looking watch.
    This.

    Seems to me people get far too hung up on marketing gimmicks for watches...

    If you like a watch, buy it, if not, don't...

    M

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    Breitling Cosmonaute 809 - What's not to like?

  34. #34
    Master Alansmithee's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by nod_ View Post
    Correct me if I'm wrong, but Bond doesn't ever wear a 007 edition...

    That could be weirdly meta

    How did you know who I was?

    Well Mister. Bond, your Watch has a 007 hand...

    DAMN IT!

  35. #35
    Grand Master oldoakknives's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by nod_ View Post
    Correct me if I'm wrong, but Bond doesn't ever wear a 007 edition...
    James Bond edition. As worn by........James Bond.

    https://www.goldsmiths.co.uk/Omega-S...RoC2asQAvD_BwE

    Started out with nothing. Still have most of it left.

  36. #36
    Grand Master oldoakknives's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Omegamanic View Post
    It doesn’t bother me either way. If it’s a nice looking watch, it’s a nice looking watch.
    This ^^
    Started out with nothing. Still have most of it left.

  37. #37
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    What about Schumacher.........

  38. #38
    Grand Master oldoakknives's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Ashtons99 View Post
    What about Schumacher.........
    Don't think he ever appeared as Bond........

    Start the car...........
    Started out with nothing. Still have most of it left.

  39. #39
    Quote Originally Posted by nod_ View Post
    Wasn't Apollo 11 where Armstrong's speedmaster had the Hexalite (Plexiglass) pop off? I thought it was Apollo 13 where a speedmaster was needed to time the burners precisely and thereby it won the snoopy (MVP equivalent) award.
    1. Nope
    2. Yes


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  40. #40
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    Quote Originally Posted by oldoakknives View Post
    Don't think he ever appeared as Bond........

    Start the car...........
    Failed on the skiing auditions apparently

  41. #41
    Nope. But I don’t get turned on by it either.

  42. #42
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    Quote Originally Posted by Boots View Post
    NASA didn't care much about the watch the astranauts wore, as it wasn't mission critical or safety related (thay have stated this). They tested only a handful of different watches, with one sample of each, and put this testing in the charge of a junior engineer who knew nothing about watches. At least two Speedmasters completely failed on lunar missions, in one case it was the only piece of hardware to do so which is amazing. But Omega has convinced millions that the watches were an important part of "the greatest feat of human endeavor" when it truly was less important than the boots they wore. Omega has never been able to sell the watches by themselves without loading them with marketing hype, and the whole "James Bond's watch" product placement endeavor is the ultimate example. Skelton hands and a "manual" He valve are perfect examples of why these never were good dive watches (I've been diivng for 40 years) but aimed as wardrobe enhancement devices. There's a reason why Omega is part of the Swatch group, too.
    That's why the 2254 is the best of the Seamasters...

  43. #43
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    I like this but couldn’t wear a watch with 007 on the clasp.

    https://youtu.be/scRVWE9X2ag

  44. #44
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    I buy watches because I like them not for their connection or badging. Some people say it's childish for a connection or badge but go to a car forum and watch the adults bicker over not having that same badging.

  45. #45
    Quote Originally Posted by Montello View Post
    I like this but couldn’t wear a watch with 007 on the clasp.

    https://youtu.be/scRVWE9X2ag
    That is the one I was talking about, I like the look of this the best out of the seamasters the lollipop second hand is great , 007 and the special edition price not

  46. #46
    Master Bernard's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Boots View Post
    NASA didn't care much about the watch the astranauts wore, as it wasn't mission critical or safety related (thay have stated this). They tested only a handful of different watches, with one sample of each, and put this testing in the charge of a junior engineer who knew nothing about watches. At least two Speedmasters completely failed on lunar missions, in one case it was the only piece of hardware to do so which is amazing. But Omega has convinced millions that the watches were an important part of "the greatest feat of human endeavor" when it truly was less important than the boots they wore. Omega has never been able to sell the watches by themselves without loading them with marketing hype, and the whole "James Bond's watch" product placement endeavor is the ultimate example. Skelton hands and a "manual" He valve are perfect examples of why these never were good dive watches (I've been diivng for 40 years) but aimed as wardrobe enhancement devices. There's a reason why Omega is part of the Swatch group, too.
    Spot on.

    I dove with my SMP (from before the Bond connection) and liked the lume, water resistance and bracelet. The bezel is tough to grip and turn, especially with gloves on and in the wet. The he valve wasn't needed for my scuba diving, but is ridiculous: who remembers to use it when in a decompression tank?

    I bet 99% of these SMP's out there never get wet unless perhaps in the rain or when doing the dishes.

  47. #47
    Grand Master oldoakknives's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Curtis View Post
    The problem with the Moon watches is they have flogged it to death and produced so many special editions that if you put them end to end you would reach the moon and back!!

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    I doubt that. If it was true there would probably be a limited edition “Reach the moon and back” Speedie by now!!
    Started out with nothing. Still have most of it left.

  48. #48
    Craftsman Russ's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by vortgern View Post
    No issue with the product placement of ‘standard’ Omega watches in the Bond films. It helps differentiate the true screen Bond (the Rolex-wearing Connery) from the recent pretenders.

    The 007 editions with different dials or hands are just embarrassing though. I feel the same about the Olympic editions and cartoon character editions.
    Yes that's my take on it too. I would also prefer the speedmaster to have a standard back on it. Clearly some were on the moon a long time ago, the other millions have been nowhere near it.

  49. #49
    Grand Master learningtofly's Avatar
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    I'm immensely put off. I wouldn't even buy a Tiger chrono from Tudor, nice as they are.

  50. #50
    Craftsman rsteenekamp's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Russ View Post
    Yes that's my take on it too. I would also prefer the speedmaster to have a standard back on it. Clearly some were on the moon a long time ago, the other millions have been nowhere near it.
    Yip, agree with this as well. Less is more in my opinion.

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