You know his name, but do you know the game? Omega does, as they’ve unveiled a new Seamaster 300 watch alongside the release of the videogame 007 First Light!
With all the industries that the watch world has its claws in, you’d be surprised to learn that video games are one of them. On numerous occasions, watch brands have collaborated with video game IPs, companies, and brands to promote their timepieces. While it can sometimes come across as slightly gimmicky, it often results in fun and unexpected fusions of digital culture and traditional horology.
And while this latest Omega collaboration is certainly fun, rest assured they’ve still taken it seriously. The brand has debuted a new Omega Seamaster Diver 300M in collaboration with IO Interactive’s newest video game, 007 First Light. In it, you play as none other than James Bond, British spy supreme, as he joins the recently revived MI6 double-O program.
While the Bond-Omega pipeline is more than apparent, this isn’t the first time the Swiss watch brand has entered the gaming world. 1995’s GoldenEye saw a low-def Seamaster on the wrist of an equally polygonal Pierce Brosnan. Daniel Craig took the Seamaster into the digital space two more times, with his likeness donning the watch in 007: Blood Stone and 007 Legends. This time around, Patrick Gibson takes the reins as James Bond, navigating the intricacies of his new and perilous job as a young rookie.
But before we get started, I’m sure you’re asking one question right now. Sadly, the answer is no: this version of the Seamaster cannot shoot lasers or explode on command. Sorry!
License To Thrill
Sized at 44mm wide, 52.8mm across, and 17.2mm thick, the new Omega Seamaster Diver 300M 007 First Light is by no means a diminutive watch. Despite the clandestine nature of Bond’s work, it’s built to stand out as a bold, robust timepiece. However, the lyre-shaped lugs, curved crown guards, and divisive helium escape valve all make up the distinctive Seamaster silhouette.
By the name alone, it’s no surprise that the watch is a diver, nor is it shocking that it’s water resistant to 300m. Built with a focus on professional saturation diving, it also comes equipped with a black ceramic unidirectional bezel.
Though it’s a massive watch, the wearing experience is somewhat tamed by the use of a NATO fabric strap. This is the same angle Omega took with Daniel Craig’s last Bond watch, the Omega Seamaster No Time To Die; a great choice that demonstrates Bond’s signature mix of practicality and style.
If you’ve ever worn any of the Seamaster Diver watches, then you’ll know how substantial the bracelet can feel. It contributes to the strong shape of the watch, sure, but I hardly think that a 44mm-wide, 17mm-thick timepiece needs to look any stronger than it already does. In any case, the grey, black, and gold strap is a great fit for the watch. It allows the watch to wear tightly and close to the wrist, and holds firm even if a spring bar breaks.
For Your Eyes Only
From a design standpoint, the 007 First Light Seamaster is more or less identical to the standard chronograph rendition. However, it still bears unique design features that set it apart from the regular catalogue. One familiar element is the dial, made from black ceramic zirconium dioxide.
The chemical formula for zirconium dioxide, ZrO2, is printed atop the dial, itself laser-engraved with Omega’s iconic wave finish. Where the new watch differs is in the chronograph double-register at nine o’clock, which has been highlighted in PVD bronze gold. It’s a literal “golden eye” that pays subtle tribute to the Brosnan-era film and game of the same name.
Perhaps this is because 007 First Light actor Patrick Gibson is Irish, like Brosnan; this marks the second time an Irishman has played the MI6 agent. Smaller, more on-the-nose touches have also been added throughout the watch, with the 007 First Light logo engraved on the strap and printed atop the sapphire caseback.
From Biel/Bienne With Love
Speaking of the caseback, turning the watch around reveals the inner workings of the automatic Calibre 9900. Beating at 4Hz (28,800VpH), a rare feature for an Omega Seamaster, the movement also provides a sturdy 60 hours of power reserve. I love how Omega offers a complete chronograph movement without adding a third register; the layering of both the 60-minute and 12-hour counters atop one another is ingenious and elegant.
It’s not the only great thing about the Cal. 9900, though, as with most Omega movements it’s been METAS Master Chronometer-certified. Where COSC tests watch movements for an accuracy tolerance of -4/+6 seconds per day, METAS tests the whole watch instead. Furthermore, it tests to an even tighter tolerance of +5 seconds per day. This means that the watch will never lose time, and the worst thing that can happen is that you turn up to an event a few seconds early.
Initial Thoughts
While 1997’s GoldenEye video game was a little before my time, I still have fond memories of playing it on emulators on my school laptop. Because I was, or more accurately still am, a massive nerd, I was the only one in my class who knew the benefit of playing Oddjob, slappers only. Still, even without the video game influence, I inherited my love for James Bond from my father, along with an adjacent appreciation for all things Omega.
So, in a way, the new Omega Seamaster Diver 300M 007 First Light brings me back to the three major influences of my life: James Bond, watchmaking, and video games, all in one neat package. It’s a shame that I’m sized out of them, but perhaps you’ll wear one in my stead.
So, even if you don’t end up playing the game, this new timepiece from Omega not only expands the brand’s roster with a unique design, it also deepens its connection with the beloved Bond franchise and the all-important digital world. If you do get the watch, just remember: do try to return the equipment in one piece.
Reference & Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Reference | 210.32.44.51.01.002 |
| Dimensions | 44mm case diameter x 52.8mm lug-to-lug x 17.2mm thickness |
| Case | Stainless steel |
| Dial | Black ceramic with laser-engraved waves & gold accents |
| Crystal | Sapphire |
| Caseback | Open, sapphire |
| Movement | Automatic Cal. 9900 with METAS Master Chronometer certification, chronograph (60min, 12h register), small seconds, & date complications |
| Power Reserve | 60h |
| Beat Rate | 4Hz / 28,800VpH |
| Water Resistance | 300m / 30bar |
| Strap/Bracelet | Black/grey/gold NATO fabric strap with steel pin buckle |