Review: Omega Seamaster Diver 300M “Commander’s Watch” Limited Edition

2017 marks three noteworthy and interesting anniversary for the James Bond franchise: it is the Golden Jubilee of You Only Live Twice; the 40th Anniversary of The Spy Who Loved Me; and the 20th Anniversary of Tomorrow Never Dies.

What is particularly special about these three movies is the fact that James Bond can be seen wearing his official military uniform. The James Bond, as we all know, is a spy from the British Secret Intelligence Service – which is the MI6. However, less known to some, he was also a Commander in the Royal Naval Reserve as well. That was documented in the Ian Flemming’s books and the three films that we have mentioned above.

Hence, to commemorate the occasion, Omega decided to produce a limited-edition timepiece. Codenamed the “Commander’s Watch”, this Seamaster Diver 300M is definitely a piece that is worthy of the celebration. It features a recurring theme of red, blue, and white – which symbolises and salutes the ensign colours of the British Royal Navy.

Omega Seamaster Diver 300M “Commander’s Watch” Limited Edition

The case, hands, and dial

The “Commander’s Watch”.

For the Omega fans – one can quickly identify that the watch is based on the Seamaster 300M Professional collection. It features a 41mm stainless steel case, which we think is a pretty good size. We tried the watch, and we feel that it fits rather nicely and sized appropriately for the average wrist of an Asian (approximately 6.5 inches). It also fit our lady writer’s 5.5 inch wrist quite nicely indeed. See our Instagram @Deployant for pictures.

However, what probably sets the timepiece apart from the usual pieces in the collection is probably the dial and the bezel.

First, the watch features a polished white ceramic dial. We think that it is rather special, and the contrast with the blue appliqué markers and words (in addition to the red “Seamaster” logo) worked beautifully as well. That was also complemented with the blue skeleton hour and minute hands, and the red seconds hand with a special 007 “gun logo” counterweight.

The Omega Seamaster looks much better in the flesh than in photographs.

Next, the watch is fitted with a blue and red bezel. The bezel is produced using two materials: ceramic and rubber. The first fifteen minutes on the bezel is covered with red rubber, and the rest of it is produced in ceramic, with a LiquidMetal diving scale.

Finally, what is special about the watch is also in its small detailing. As mentioned, the watch features a special 007 counterweight on the central seconds hand. In addition, the “7” in the date disc is painted in red. While these are small minute details, but it will certainly excite collectors who are crazy fanboys/fangirls of James Bond.

The movement

The watch is powered by Omega’s Calibre 2507 – which is based on the Calibre 2500.

The “Commander’s Watch” is fitted with Omega’s Calibre 2507. The movement is based on Omega’s Calibre 2500, with some visual modifications. The most notable difference is in the winding rotor, in which it is finished with three stripes of the Commander’s naval insignia. In addition, it also features what Omega calls the iconic 007 “Bullet” logo as well – which adds a rather nice touch to the movement.

A close up look on the Calibre 2507’s balance wheel.

The self-winding movement also features Omega’s Co-Axial technology, in which the escapement transmit energy to the oscillator using lateral impulse. The contact surface, hence, is reduced significantly. Together with the pushing motion, it reduces wear-and-tear as well – which increases reliability. In addition, the impulse – which is transmitted directly to the pallet on the balance roller by the teeth of the escapement wheel – offers greater mechanical efficiency and precision as compared to the conventional method.

The watch boasts a power reserve of approximately 48 hours, and it features a date indicator too. The finishing is decent for a tool watch at this price point, with the Côtes de Genève on the bridges and perlage on the main plate. The main highlight, we reckon, is still the winding rotor – in which we feel that the golden stripes and the 007 “Bullet” emblem brings out the entire timepiece.

Concluding thoughts

A mandatory wristshot of the watch. As mentioned, the watch is sized nicely. Seen here on our Chief Editor’s 7 inch wrist.

Initially, when we first got wind of the “Commander’s Watch”, we were not sold. However, when we had the opportunity to spend some time with the timepiece, we feel that it is actually a rather nice and aesthetically interesting timepiece.

We pretty much like how the watch is designed with the British Royal Naval insignia in mind, and the nice touch by Omega to feature a NATO strap carrying the same motif. It is probably one of the nicest NATO strap designs that we have seen, and it definitely complements the overall aesthetics of the “Commander’s Watch” as well.

The 41mm case sits rather nicely on feminine wrists too. Seen here on our lady writer’s 5.5 inch wrist.

On that same note, we also feel that the watch is rather comfortable on the wrist. The size, at 41mm, is perfect. On the NATO strap it feels light and sporty compared to the stainless steel bracelet version, although there is still sufficient heft to let you know that you are still wearing a watch on your wrist.

The “Commander’s Watch” is presented with a special box.

Overall, we reckon that this is an interesting addition to any watch collection. It is an excellent choice for someone who wants to dress down for a casual day out over the weekends. We certainly think that it will work very well with a polo shirt and berms.

The watch is limited to 7,007 pieces, and it retails at S$6,950. It comes with a three-year warranty, and a special presentation box that has been inspired by a military medal case. The package also includes an additional stainless steel bracelet, a changing tool, as well as a “naval pin” that follows the design of the NATO strap.

Note: The watch is also available in 18K yellow gold, in which it will be very limited to a production of 7 pieces worldwide.

We also spotted the watch on the wrist of Daniel Craig on the Late Show with Stephen Colbert, wearing the new Omega 007 Commanders Watch, after announcing his return as James Bond on the show.

Daniel Craig on the Late Show with Stephen Colbert, wearing the new Omega 007 Commanders Watch, after announcing his return as James Bond on the show.

Omega Seamaster Diver 300M “Commander’s Watch” Limited Edition Technical Specifications

Crystal: Domed scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment on both sides

Case: Yellow gold

Dial colour: White

Water resistance: 30 bar (300 metres / 1000 feet)

Case Diameter: 41 mm

Between Lugs: 20 mm

Calibre: Omega Co-Axial 2507

Power reserve: 48 hours

Type: Self winding

Evoking the feel of its heritage with Commander Bond, the Seamaster deserves all the attention.