The name is Bond, James Bond. But, what’s the watch? The mysterious and debonair 007-agent has fascinated and intrigued pop culture for more than 50 years. First created by the author Ian Fleming, James Bond has morphed into one of the most recognizable gentlemen spies that men everywhere emulate, including his stylish fashion choices. So, what’s the watch brand that accompanies 007 on his missions around the world? In the books, Ian Fleming depicts Bond as a Rolex man, likely a result of Fleming’s personal luxury watch preference. Though he fails to specify any certain model, early movie producers felt it was only fitting to use a Rolex that would compliment the Bond persona. Rumor has it that during filming of the first James Bond movie in 1962, Dr. No, one of the producers gave his own Rolex to the actor Sean Connery to wear when the budget did not allow for buying one. That watch, a Rolex Submariner with a large winding crown, coin-edge bezel and black crocodile strap, was the first to be associated with the admired character and is considered the original James Bond watch. For the next decade, the Rolex Submariner reigned supreme as the premiere Bond watch until Seiko temporarily replaced it during the hype of the digital age. Tag Heuer, Hamilton and Breitling watches also made appearances in various movies, but those brands weren’t associated with the ever-popular Bond character in comparison to the Rolex. It wasn’t until Pierce Brosnan became the new James Bond actor in 1995 that the Omega Seamaster took over the franchise and permanently replaced Rolex as the official James Bond watch. The now infamous scene in the 2006 version of Casino Royal strategically reinforces the watch brand’s new status when it depicts a woman asking if James Bond, played by Daniel Craig, is wearing a Rolex. He coyly responds with the single word, “Omega.” Omega now manufactures limited edition Bond watches with signature 007 touches and logos. Debate continues as to whether Omega or Rolex is now the official James Bond watch brand, though both have stamped their legacy on the influential franchise. Our San Diego Leo Hamel showroom currently has a preowned, limited edition Omega Seamaster Chrono Diver James Bond watch as well as several preowned Rolex Submariners in mint condition that capture the sleek style of the renowned spy.