James Bond has a weakness for Aston Martins, and, apparently, an excellent eye for luxury watches. And yes, of course, he has a a license to kill too. Across the films, 007 has worn everything from understated gold dress watches to dive watches fitted with gadgets that would make any watch collector do a double take. While Omega eventually became his signature watchmaker, Bond's on-screen collection also includes memorable pieces. Here are 5 iconic watches from James Bond watch collection from Rolex, Breitling, TAG Heuer, and Gruen that were sported by actors like Shaun Connery, Tomothy Dalton and Daniel Craig while essaying the role of 007.
Few watches are as closely associated with James Bond as the Rolex Submariner Ref. 6538, famously worn by Sean Connery in Dr. No., From Russia with Love, and Goldfinger. Nicknamed the Big Crown for its oversized winding crown, the vintage diver became a defining part of Bond's early screen wardrobe. In Goldfinger, it even appeared on a black fabric strap, a rather unconventional styling choice that has since become iconic.
In Thunderball (1965), Bond's Breitling Top Time watch, worn by Sean Connery, was anything but an ordinary chronograph. Q had modified the watch to include a Geiger counter, allowing 007 to detect radioactive material while investigating the disappearance of two nuclear warheads. The modified timepiece became one of the franchise's most memorable gadgets. The screen-used watch later sold at Christie's auction in 2013 for £103,875, proving that a little cinematic history can make a watch considerably more collectible.
Timothy Dalton brought a darker, more serious edge to Bond in The Living Daylights (1987), and his watch followed suit. The TAG Heuer Professional Night Diver featured a black PVD-coated case and bracelet, with a luminous dial designed for visibility in low-light conditions. Its stealthy appearance suited Dalton's more rugged interpretation of 007. Interestingly, this remains the only TAG Heuer model worn by Bond in the official film series.
By the time Daniel Craig took on the role, Omega had become Bond's established watch partner. His final outing in No Time to Die (2021) featured the Seamaster Diver 300M 007 Edition, a titanium model with a brown tropical-style dial and matching titanium mesh bracelet. Craig was involved in its design, helping create a watch that balanced vintage military-inspired details with a contemporary, lightweight construction. The broad arrow marking on the dial is another subtle nod to Bond's military background.
Before the high-tech gadgets and oversized dive watches, Bond had a much quieter accessory. Sean Connery wore the gold Gruen Precision Ref. 510 in several early films, including Dr. No and Diamonds Are Forever. With its slim dress watch profile, starburst dial, and understated case, it was a natural fit beneath Bond's tailored suits. It is perhaps the least obvious name in this line-up, but that is precisely what makes it interesting.
From a Rolex, Omega to Gruen, 007's watch choices have evolved alongside the character. And while the Seamaster may now be his signature, the Rolex Submariner and Breitling Top Time prove that some of Bond's most memorable films happened way before the Omega-007 partnership started.