The Best James Bond Watches of All Time
Bond, James Bond, wouldn’t be so damn cool without his array of luxury staples. From his trusty, shaken, not stirred martinis to his revolving garage of Aston Martins and BMWs, it’s safe to say 007 truly enjoys the finer things in life. However, we don’t believe Bond would be nearly as cool without his incredible watch collection.
Traveling from here to there to save the world is a time-consuming business, and as such, requires the finest horology has to offer. Whether merely eye candy for the audience, or at times, state-of-the-art spy gadgets, here are some of the best watches James Bond has worn across more than fifty years of cinema.
1. Omega Seamaster 300 Master Co-Axial 41mm (Spectre)
Credit: brandoo
Usually, a throw-away line for most, but when it comes to James Bond, women want to be with him, and men most certainly want to be him. So why not settle for one of his most prized possessions. Starting with our most recent addition to the James Bond timepiece gallery, the Omega Seamaster 300 Master Co-Axial 41mm is the very first Bond watch to be made available to the public.
Usually restricted to one-off designs made explicitly for the film they were intended for, the Omega Seamaster underlines just how influential the James Bond character has become.
Presented in a stainless steel case, the Omega Seamaster 300 Master Co-Axial 41mm boasts a black ceramic bi-directional bezel ring and 12-hour scale in Liquidmetal. Coupled with rhodium-plated hands and their vintage (blue emission) coating of Super-Luminova, this is one incredible looking timepiece. Complete with a 007 engraving on the bracelet’s strap holder and the James Bond NATO Strap, Omega Seamaster 300 Master Co-Axial 41mm is a true testament to the gadgetry wielded by James Bond.
Technical Data
Reference: 233.30.41.21.01.001
Caliber: Cal. 1030 automatic, 25 jewels
Bracelet: Steel on NATO strap
Case: Steel
Case diameter: 41 mm
Dial color: Black
Crystal: Domed, scratch‑resistant sapphire crystal with anti‑reflective treatment inside
Water resistance: 30 bar (300 metres / 1000 feet)
2. Rolex Submariner (Goldfinger, Dr. No, From Russia with Love, Thunderball)
Credit: Thomas Ljungdahl / Shutterstock.com
Dubbed the “James Bond Submariner,” the Rolex Submariner (ref. 6538) first graced the big screen on Sean Connery’s wrist in the 1962 film, Dr. No. His first outing as James Bond. Boasting a brand Caliber 1030 movement, a slightly thinner case, more beveled lugs, and a larger 8mm winding crown, it was initially named the “Big Crown” Submariner due to its oversized crown.
As a highly sought-after timepiece that made appearances in From Russia with Love, Goldfinger, and Thunderball, each one featured several different strap combinations and gadgetry to help Bond achieve his mission.
The “James Bond Submariner” from Rolex features a brown or black gloss dial with a luminous dot, baton, and dagger markers as well as luminous Mercedes hands and sweep center seconds. Complete with a revolving black bezel calibrated for 60 units, it’s a fully functional movie prop that has collectors spending upwards of $550K at auction.
Technical Data
Reference: 6538
Caliber: Cal. 1030 automatic, 25 jewels
Bracelet: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet and folding clasp
Case: Stainless steel, screw-down back
Case diameter: 37 mm, bracelet circumference approx. 180 mm
Dial color: Black
Water resistance: 200 metres / 660 feet
3. Seiko 7549-7009 “Golden Tuna” 600m Professional Quartz Diver (For Your Eyes Only)
Credit: fmc000 at Rolex Forums
Worn by Roger Moore for the 1981 Bond film, For Your Eyes Only, the Seiko 7549-7009 “Golden Tuna” 600m Professional Quartz Diver is one of Seko’s most famous watch designs. Maintaining a classic stature amongst several other timepieces, the Golden Tuna, though hardly seen during the movie thanks to lack of close-up shot, is a true classic amongst collectors.
Luckily, we were finally given a close up look of ‘Golden Tuna’ when the watch was worn again by Roger Moore during the 1980 movie North Sea Hijack.
Credit: Universal/CIC
As the first-ever diver’s watch with a Quartz movement and the first with a Titanium Case, the Golden Tuna is famous for more than just being a Bond watch. Nicknamed as such due to its resemblance to a can of tuna, the Seiko 7549-7009 Golden Tuna worn by Bond was released in 1978. Boasting a golden inner case, golden crown, screws, and caseback.
The titanium inner case was coated with Titanium nitride, which is an extremely hard ceramic material with a golden appearance.
Technical Data
Reference: 7549-7009
Caliber: 7549A Quartz
Bracelet: Black Rubber
Case: Black / Gold titanium
Case diameter: 49 mm
Dial color: Black
Water resistance: 600m
4. Omega Seamaster Professional ref. 2531.80 (Tomorrow Never Dies, The World Is Not Enough, Die Another Day)
Credit: Omega
Wearing the stainless steel full-size Seamaster Professional with its blue face, and blue bezel on a stainless steel bracelet in pretty much every single Bond movie he was in, the Omega Seamaster Professional is without a doubt the quintessential Pierce Brosnan James Bond timepiece. Packed full of useful gadgets and features, during Tomorrow Never Dies, Bond uses the watch to detonate a small charge and activate a hand grenade.
While in The World Is Not Enough, Bond activates the included grappling hook to lift himself up. In Die Another Day, it’s employed again as a detonation device.
Credit: MGM
Although, this time it’s for activating the bomb in a suitcase full of diamonds during the pre-title North Korea set-piece sequence. Gotta love that hovercraft chase scene.
Technical Data
Reference: 2531.80.00
Caliber: OMEGA 1120
Bracelet: Steel
Case: Steel
Case diameter: 41 mm
Dial color: Blue
Water resistance: 30 bar (300 metres / 1000 feet)
5. 1962 Breitling Top Time (Thunderball)
Credit: CHRISTIE’S IMAGES LTD 2013
Handing Bond a whole new toy to play with, Thunderball sees a modified Breitling Top Time Chronograph that doubles as a Geiger counter. Entering the fray as the world is suddenly gripped by nuclear terror and mutually assured destruction, Bond is tasked with locating two NATO atomic bombs that had been stolen by the criminal organization Spectre.
Credit: Allstar / United Artists
Given a modified version of the Breitling Top Time Ref. 2002 by Q to complete his mission, it is one of only two watches worn by Sean Connery during his time as James Bond, And surprisingly it’s the only one that comes with a Q modification.
Technical Data
Reference: 2002
Caliber: Valjoux 7733
Bracelet: N/A
Case: Stainless steel
Case diameter: N/A
Dial color: Black
Water resistance: N/A
6. Rolex Chronograph ref 6238 (On Her Majesty’s Secret Service)
Credit: Elizabeth Doerr
Though he only played the titular character once, Australia’s own George Lazenby wore three different Rolex Submariners during his time On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. While all technically the same chronograph, Lazenby mainly wore the Reference 5513 on a bracelet of iconic Oyster Steel.
Credit: Elizabeth Doerr
While during the break-in scene, Bond places a Reference 6358 with an unscrewed crown on top of a copy machine. Much later in the film, Bond is seen wearing a Reference 6238.
Technical Data
Reference: 6238
Caliber: Valjoux 722
Bracelet: Stainless steel
Case: Stainless steel
Case diameter: 37 mm
Dial color: Matte-Black
Water resistance: N/A
7. Hamilton Pulsar P2 2900 LED (Live And Let Die)
Credit: Charlie Burton
The only digital watch you’ll see on this list, and probably for good reason. As cool and revolutionary as a digital display watch may have seemed back in 1973, it just doesn’t have the same allure as its analog counterparts. That being said, the Pulsar LED digital watch from Live and Let Die is still cool enough to make our list.
Introduced as part of Roger Moore’s debut as Agent 007, the Hamilton Pulsar P2 2900 LED also introduced a whole new era of the franchise.
Credit: Roberta Naas
While there weren’t too many digital watches after the Hamilton Pulsar, Roger Moore did equip the Seiko M354 Memory Bank Calendar in 1979’s Moonraker as well as the Seiko H357 Duo Display in the 1981 Bond film For Your Eyes Only, and a Seiko G757 Sports 100 in Octopussy in 1983.
Technical Data
Reference: N/A
Caliber: Digital LED display
Bracelet: Stainless-steel
Case: Stainless-steel
Water resistance: 100 meters
8. Tag Heuer Professional Night Dive ref. 980.031 (The Living Daylights)
Credit: Dell Deaton
Worn by the one and only Timothy Dalton in 1987 for The Living Daylights, the Tag Heuer Professional Night Dive marked a darker and more serious tone to the franchise that would not return until Daniel Craig’s Casino Royale.
Pushing for a renewed emphasis on the gritty realism of Ian Fleming’s novels instead of fantasy plots and humor, Dalton kisses Seiko goodbye in favor of Tag Heuer and the Professional Night-Dive Reference 980.031 quartz dive watch.
Credit: Dell Deaton
Boasting a luminous dial that is contrasted nicely against its black case and bracelet, if you needed a visual cue, this is it.
Technical Data
Reference: 980.031
Caliber: Quartz
Bracelet: Stainless steel
Case: Stainless steel
Case diameter: 38 mm
Dial color: Black
Water resistance: 200 metres / 660 feet
The Best 14 Leather Jackets for Men in 2021
With the winter months (hopefully) dwindling down, it’s time to start planning ahead to a time where we can wear thinner jackets and fewer layers. While it may be tempting to quickly shed your parka and grab for whatever piece of outerwear is nearby, don’t reach for last year’s wardrobe item just yet. Isn’t it time you try something new, like, say, a leather jacket?
Though it may seem all leather jackets are similar, there are actually many different designs and styles that work for different body types and tastes. In this article, we will take a look at the hottest leather jacket trends that have hit the market this season.
Best Buy
1. Aaron Brown Leather Bomber
The Aaron Brown Leather Jacket from The Jacket Maker is an excellent choice for any guy looking for that traditional bomber look. This awesome jacket features a slim cut and ribbed cuffs and waist. It’s made with incredibly tough, yet soft, goatskin leather, making it a great choice for guys that aren’t used to wearing leather jackets.
One of the best things about the Aaron is that it shirks the classic pouch pockets on the lower half of the jacket, opting for two buttoned patch pockets on the chest instead. This design gives it a more streamlined look than most bombers, without taking away from any of the authenticity.
2. Saint Laurent Leather Biker Jacket
There is a reason why leather jackets and bikers are usually associated with one another. Historically, many motorcycle riders have seen a leather jacket as a stylish way to protect themselves, not only from the elements but also from the possibility of a crash. While this may seem hard to believe – it’s not like leather comes with a large amount of padding, after all – leather has actually been shown to offer more protection than your average vinyl jacket or equivalent.
Maybe you’re not hopping on a motorcycle anytime soon, but you can still treat yourself to this biker-inspired Saint Laurent leather jacket. With a price tag surpassing $5,000, it’s certainly our premium pick on this list, but if you’re looking for the leather jacket of a lifetime, you have it right here. This pick is sure to come with the “for life” quality Saint Laurent is particularly known for.
3. Reiss Keith Leather Cafe Racer Jacket
Reiss is a British fashion retailer that’s been around since the 1970s. For the first 30 years of its brand history, it focused solely on men’s fashion before eventually expanding to carry items for women as well. However, the fact high-quality items for men are at the heart of this brand is very apparent through their simple wardrobe staples such as the Keith leather cafe racer jacket.
This Reiss jacket comes at a considerably lower price point than its counterparts, which makes it a pick that packs a lot of value. It’s made from super-soft leather and features a full lining. It’s the perfect choice for anybody who prefers a slim-fit jacket.
4. Lavendard Brown Leather Bike Jacket
The Jacket Maker has something for everyone, including guys that are a bit intimidated by purchasing their first leather jacket. Not only is the Lavendard incredibly affordable, but it also has a really approachable look despite its biker moniker. With open hem cuffs and a tailored fit, it looks great with badass-inspired outfits as well as everyday wear.
The Lavendard is made of real cowhide, which means it will take on a great patina over time. But it might be a bit stiff when you first get it. The more you wear it, the faster it’ll form to your body, break-in, and soften up. The fact that it goes with so many outfits will help speed up that process.
5. Ksubi Capital Leather Jacket
The Capital Leather Jacket from Ksubi comes in 100% authentic leather and is designed to have a biker fit. It’s heavy-duty with a protective interior quilted lining. It also features retro details such as antique zippers.
Kusbi is an Australian fashion label that’s existed since the 1990s. While the brand was originally focused on high-end denim, they’ve expanded their offerings over time to include other textiles such as leather. Items from Ksubi’s collections have been shown at such high-profile events as New York Fashion Week and London Fashion Week, and the company operates a flagship store in New York’s SOHO neighborhood.
6. Acne Studios Off-Centred Zipper Biker Jacket
Swedish fashion powerhouse Acne Studios is well-known for their basic wardrobe pieces, so it makes sense that they would have the classic leather jacket look on lock. We love the way this off-centered jacket packs a punch of personality with its multiple buckles and zippers, but we love even more the way that it does not compromise softness or comfort at the expense of appearance.
This jacket comes with a high-end price tag, but it has the high-end materials to match. It is made of 100% genuine lambskin and comes with an interior lining of 100% viscose. Its unique off-center zip takes its inspiration from street style.
7. Airin G-1 Black and White Leather Jacket
There’s only one way to improve upon a traditional bomber: Add shearling fabric. The Jacket Maker’s Airin G-1 Bomber will have ready to strap into the cockpit, ready to fly over Europe on a midnight air-raid. It has a thick polyester-lined collar as well as ribbed cuffs and waist for a nice, snug fit that keeps the wind at bay.
The Airin is made with real sheepskin, so it’s soft but super durable, making it a great choice for almost any type of casual wear. The dual front pouch pockets are great for a phone and a pair of gloves, so if you’re wearing it on a motorcycle, you’ll have the storage you need.
8. Saturdays NYC Leather Harrington Jacket
If you’re unfamiliar with the brand Saturdays NYC, prepare to fall in love. As a laidback lifestyle brand, Saturdays NYC infuses its love for all things surfer culture in all of its fashion offerings. While primarily known for their loungewear, such as sweats and pullover sweaters, they also happen to make one of the best leather jackets on the market right now.
The leather Harrington jacket features a smooth design and has deep pockets for your convenience. It is made of 100% lambskin leather and features a lining made of polyester. Staying true to its brand’s carefree nature, this jacket features a more relaxed fit than many classic leather jackets.
9. Berluti Piped Venezia Leather Jacket
Unlike the other options we’ve included so far, Berluti is known less for being a fashion brand and more for being a leather maker. Since its inception in the late 19th century, the Paris-based manufacturer has been producing fine leather clothing items and accessories, from belts to bags to jackets.
Berluti’s piped Venezia leather jacket is the apex of luxury leather fashion. Made from a distinctive brown shade, this jacket line has been around since the 1980s – and it’s a style that certainly stands the test of time.
This jacket is made from 100% authentic patinated calfskin leather and features shoulder patches and a buttoned collar. For optimal breathability, the jacket even features ventilation eyelets.
10. Dean Black Leather Biker Jacket
Let’s be honest.. A traditional racing-style biker jacket is about as cool as it gets. With the high band-style collar and heavy-duty zippers on the front of The Jacket Maker’s Dean Leather Biker Jacket, you’re sure to get that badass look.
The Dean is made with 100% real cowhide leather, so it might be a little stiff at first, but it will break in and patina like none other. The Dean features three zippered pockets on the front as well as zippered cuffs, providing that authentic racing jacket-look without killing your bank account.
11. Kingsman Burnished Leather Jacket
Kingsman is a line of high-quality clothing pieces that exists as a collaboration between Mr. Matthew Vaughn, director of the film The King’s Man, and international online fashion retailer MR PORTER. The line features items that are inspired by classic military style and timeless sensibilities.
The burnished leather jacket from the Kingsman line is unique for its length as well as its appearance. It draws direct inspiration from an aviator jacket worn on-screen in The King’s Man, a period piece that takes place in the 1940s. The jacket is made out of sturdy cow leather and buttons made of buffalo horns. It also features two linings – one made of cotton, and one made of viscose.
12. AllSaints Milo Leather Biker Jacket
AllSaints is a British fashion brand from the United Kingdom. Since its founding in the 1990s, it has grown to an international presence that consists of more than 200 retail stores across Europe, North America, and Asia. The brand is mostly focused on fashion for women and men, though it also sells footwear and other accessories. It has primarily seen its popularity grow thanks to its popularity among a celebrity clientele.
AllSaints makes a number of leather jackets, but the Milo biker jacket is definitely one to write home about. This is a jacket that brings out the very best of two very different worlds – including a soft composition and sharp edges – since it is made of tender lamb leather and decorated to the nines with perfectly-placed zippers and buckles. It also has a distinctive slim fit.
13. Golden Bear Sherpa Jacket
San Francisco brand Golden Bear may have its roots in ship workers in the San Francisco Bay since the 1920s, but it’s evolved today to combine both utilitarianism and high-end style. Although not as recognized outside of its native northern California, to know the stylish jackets of Golden Bear is to love them.
The sherpa jacket, in particular, is exquisite. Like any Golden Bear clothing piece, it’s designed to be worn for life, and fortunately, it comes with a style that will be sure to stay in fashion for decades to come, with brown distressed leather and a notable shearling collar that can be detached.
14. Tom Ford Zip-up Leather Jacket
Tom Ford is well-known for their high-end scents and formal clothing, but they have a strong foot in the casual jacket sphere as well. Not that this zip-up leather jacket is something you would wear to a casual house party. Its sleek edges and formal design make it more than suitable for a fancy professional event or night out on the town.
True to its brand’s roots, no attention to detail was spared in the creation of this particular wardrobe piece. Its straightforward design features 100% authentic leather and a cotton and polyamide lining. It is truly meant to last for life. Made in Italy, this jacket has shallow pockets in the front and a zipper down the center.
Leather Jacket FAQs
While there are many different unique leather jacket configurations out there, there are four classic syles you should be most aware of. In no particular order, they are the leather bomber jacket (also called aviator jacket), the leather racer jacket (sometimes called moto), the trenchcoat, and the fencer. While bomber jackets and racer jackets tend to be more relaxed, the trenchcoat and the fencer are more dramatic.
If you care for your leather jacket correctly you should have a wardrobe piece that’ll last you a lifetime. Most leather jackets cannot be washed at home and must only be handled professionally. The first step to taking proper care of your jacket is to adhere to this rule.
You should also keep your leather jacket dry as often as possible and keep it away from extreme heat or cold air. If you are not going to be wearing your leather jacket for a period of time, such as during a warm season, then you’ll want to be sure that you are hanging it up correctly – this means out of direct sunlight and in a properly-ventilated area.
Determining how much to pay for a leather jacket is a very personal matter. For an authentic leather jacket, you will probably be paying, at a baseline, $500. However, this price can easily skyrocket from here, depending on the jacket’s materials and manufacturing process.
Some leather jackets can cost as much as $10,000! There is no right or wrong number – it’s instead about the brands you like and the style that you envision for yourself.
