For a moment, you’re no longer just watching Bond—you are him. The eagerly awaited James Bond video game 007 First Light was recently launched, and with it a real world version of the watch that the world’s most famous spy wears: the Omega Seamaster Diver 300m Chronograph.
As the latest entry in the Bond franchise, and before the films find a new starring actor (recently-wed Callum Turner, or Mr Dua Lipa, is rumoured to be the front-runner at the moment), 007 First Light throws you right into the action. Every decision is yours to make, and on the wrist of this playable James Bond, with full voice, action and facial performances by Patrick Gibson, is a new Omega watch.
The Swiss watchmaker and the Bond franchise have a deep-rooted companionship. Since 1995, James Bond has sported an Omega Seamaster timepiece in every film released in the series. The super spy’s gadgets and weapons may change, but the watchmaker of choice has stayed the same. Omega, on its part, has played along gamely with this partnership, releasing special and limited editions to commemorate the films as well as anniversaries of Ian Fleming’s famous series.
When the trailer for 007 First Light debuted last year, many online observed an Omega on the wrist of the protagonist—but it’s only since the game launched that the brand confirmed its obtainable existence. Developer IO Interactive spent seven years working on 007 First Light, and decided to integrate the Omega heavily into the mechanics of the game.
The design of the Omega Seamaster Diver 300m Chronograph consists of a black ceramic dial, bezel and chronograph pushers, with white enamel on its driving scale. It’s the first Bond diver watch to include a chronograph, with subdials ringed in PVD bronze gold. The exhibition caseback of the watch features the 007 First Light logo in black metallisation on the sapphire crystal, and the watch is offered on an exclusive black, grey and beige Nato strap with a Seamaster buckle.
It’s not the first time we’ve seen a pop culture and watchmaker collaboration emerge into reality. The Swiss-made American-in-spirit brand Hamilton partnered with Call of Duty on a limited edition timepiece; and even haute horlogerie brands like Audemars Piguet have worked with superheroes from Marvel properties like Spider-Man and Black Panther. As far as video games go, though, this Omega Bond diver is certainly the most elevated thus far. Wristwatches may have once been status symbols, but these days their spilling into the world of pop culture broadens the horizons—allowing fans and enthusiasts of even video games to bridge the realms between digital and reality.
