Omega and James Bond have been closely linked since Pierce Brosnan wore a Seamaster in GoldenEye back in 1995.
Over the years, that partnership has produced some memorable watches, from the classic blue Seamaster to the titanium model worn by Daniel Craig in No Time to Die.
But the latest releases take a different approach.
Rather than focusing entirely on 007, Omega has introduced two new Seamaster Diver 300M models celebrating opposite sides of the Bond universe.
And I think one of them is particularly interesting.
The James Bond Seamaster: A familiar favourite
The new James Bond edition takes the classic Seamaster Diver 300M design and gives it a few subtle touches inspired by the films.
It features a blue aluminium dial with Omega’s signature wave pattern, a Grade 5 titanium bezel ring and a brushed stainless steel mesh bracelet.
Turn it over and you’ll find a gun-barrel design on the movement’s rotor, a detail Bond fans will immediately recognise.
It’s a handsome watch, although perhaps not the most surprising release Omega has ever produced.
The blue Seamaster has been associated with Bond for decades, and this new edition feels like a natural continuation of that relationship.
But that’s not necessarily a criticism.
Sometimes there’s nothing wrong with sticking to a winning formula.
The SPECTRE Seamaster: The more interesting choice?
This is where Omega has done something a little different.
Instead of celebrating the hero, the second watch takes inspiration from SPECTRE, the fictional criminal organisation that has appeared throughout the Bond films.
And visually, it’s my favourite of the two.
The SPECTRE edition features a blackened, grained dial, black ceramic bezel ring and the same brushed mesh bracelet.
On the reverse, the movement’s rotor is decorated with SPECTRE’s distinctive octopus emblem.
It’s a darker, more understated interpretation of the Seamaster, and I think that works particularly well.
There’s also some history here. Omega released a limited-edition Seamaster 300 for the 2015 film Spectre, complete with a distinctive lollipop seconds hand and rotating 12-hour bezel.
But this latest release takes a different approach, creating a watch that feels less like a film tie-in and more like a distinctive addition to the Seamaster collection.
And that’s exactly why I prefer it.
Two watches, one familiar formula
Despite their different appearances, the two watches share almost identical specifications.
Both feature:
A 42mm stainless steel case
Omega’s Co-Axial Master Chronometer calibre 8806
Approximately 55 hours of power reserve
300 metres of water resistance
A brushed stainless steel mesh bracelet
Both are also priced at £7,200, and neither is a limited edition.
So ultimately, the decision comes down to design.
Do you prefer the familiar blue Seamaster with its subtle 007 references, or the darker SPECTRE edition with its more unusual inspiration?
For me, it’s the latter.
And then there are the £75,300 collector’s sets
Omega has also introduced two limited-edition collector’s sets, one for Bond and one for SPECTRE.
Each is restricted to just 77 numbered sets and includes two watches: a stainless steel Seamaster and a much more elaborate platinum-gold version with an 18K white-gold dial.
The Bond version features a blue gradient dial with a gun-barrel design, while the SPECTRE model has a dark grey dial decorated with the organisation’s octopus emblem.
Both sets include additional accessories, including cufflinks, a NATO strap and a travel pouch.
At £75,300 per set, these are clearly aimed at serious collectors.
Personally, I’m much more interested in the regular stainless steel models.
Which one would I choose?
As much as I appreciate the classic blue Seamaster, I’d choose the SPECTRE edition.
The black dial, ceramic bezel and mesh bracelet give it a slightly more understated appearance, and I like that its inspiration isn’t immediately obvious.
You could wear it without anyone knowing the connection, which is exactly what I want from a watch like this.
And while the Bond edition will undoubtedly appeal to fans of the franchise, I think the SPECTRE model offers something a little less predictable.
Of course, £7,200 is a significant amount of money, particularly when there are so many excellent Seamaster models available on the pre-owned market.
But I do like that Omega has given collectors a genuine choice rather than simply introducing another variation of the familiar blue dial.
These aren’t revolutionary watches, but they don’t need to be.
They’re two attractive interpretations of one of Omega’s most recognisable designs, with just enough personality to make the decision interesting.
Have a look at them both here on Omega’s website and make the decision yourself.
At The Watch Experts, we’re always interested in watches with a story worth telling. Whether you’re drawn to a special-edition Seamaster or a classic pre-owned Omega, there’s plenty to explore beyond the latest releases.
Discover our collection of pre-owned Omega watches.