In 2002 Omega released their first of a series of commemorative James Bond watches. The Omega...
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Swatch 007 Villain Collection
Watch maker Swatch released a collection of watches in 2008, drawing inspiration from 22 James Bond villains. The watches are each designed to reflect the personality and style of one or more evil characters from some of the most well-known James Bond films. The separate watches are still available on eBay and in some stores, but the limited edition set (read more below) is very hard to find. Below the text you can see all the available watches including the name of the villain associated with the watch. The Swatch 007 Villain Collection includes watches for Christopher Walken's malicious Max Zorin, Gerd Froebe's Goldfinger, Lotte Lenya's Rosa Klebb and Mads Mikkelsen's Le Chiffre.
According to Nicolas Hayek, founder and head of the Swatch Group, nicknamed Dr. Swatch, 'Omega is James Bond's watch of choice, but real villains prefer Swatch'.
Special Swatch James Bond Villains Box Set
Swatch has produced a James Bond Villain limited edition collection box that pays tribute to the 22 James Bond films emphasizing its villains (see large image above). The collection is limited to 222 numbered units. The set contains not only all 22 James Bond villains watches but also an Illustrated James Bond Encyclopaedia and an autographed picture of Mr. N. G. Hayek and Villain actor(s). Limited to 222 Numbered Units Worldwide this set is already a collector's item.
Official press release
Dr. Swatch Plays Bad Guy to Bond, James Bond
Has Swatch gone over to the other side? In a surprising and provocative move, the mischievous maker of Swiss fashion watches has aligned itself with the enemies of the world’s most famous gentleman spy. “We’ve discovered the dark side of the myth,” said Nicolas G. Hayek, also nicknamed Dr. Swatch. “And we love it. It’s absolutely fascinating.” To avoid any possible misunderstandings, the notorious inspirator of the plastic Swiss watch hastened to explain his intentions: “James Bond would not exist in Ian Fleming's novels and all the Bond films if strong, powerful villains were not also there. The villains and their henchmen play a crucial role. And if Bond is alive and well today, it is thanks in no small part to the inspiration and enduring power of his enemies.
Indeed, the fascination with Bond’s adversaries has inspired an entirely new collection, due for release in early September. The Swatch 007 Villain Collection is a tribute to the entertaining villains who light up the dark side of twenty-two James Bond films, from Dr. No to the forthcoming Quantum Of Solace. The Swatch 007 Villain Collection evokes the most memorable of Bond’s adversaries. Who can forget these outlaw heroes, armed to the teeth and dressed to kill? From stylish Dr. No with his metal hands to Oddjob and his deadly bowler, they’re villains Bond fans love to hate.
Swatch is no stranger to special outlaws, in sports for example, and their borderline behavior. The brand is a prominent supporter of outstanding athletes and performers in the special “outlaw” free-style disciplines that test the limits of the sporting experience. From Geraldine Fasnacht to Mat Rebeaud, free-style skiers, X-boarders and free runners, Swatch embraces all special “outlaw” performers.
The Swatch 007 Villain Collection pays tribute to outstanding outlaw actors, too: Christopher Walken’s malevolent Max Zorin deserves his stylish Retrograde; Gerd Froebe’s Goldfinger gets a massive, golden Irony THE Chrono; Lotte Lenya’s Rosa Klebb wields a pair of knuckle-dusters welded to an Irony Lady. And in homage to Casino Royale, poker-faced master of malice Mads Mikkelsen (alias Le Chiffre) takes an Irony Big with an Ace of Spades. There’s more, of course, but the curtain won’t rise on the Villains for another few weeks...
Wrapping up his comments with a mischievous smile, Nicolas Hayek, founder and head of the Swatch Group, the world’s largest watchmaking group, put on his corporate hat: “Omega is James Bond’s watch of choice, but real, interesting villains prefer Swatch.”
Comments
Having been a Swatch stockist, and proud of it, I found the original set of 007 watches to be a good seller, however, the villains failed.
Now i work for a chain of 4 shops, we tried the watches in all outlets. The first one to go was to my 7 yr old son who is mad on Bond. It took another two months to sell another. I still think we have only sold about 6 out of the collection, clearly indicative that the line was not popular in our area.
I love the collection - got the 'Jaws' watch as a present last Christmas and worn it every day, looks great with a suit or with jeans/polo shirt. A little bit of Bond (the 007 engaving on the strap finishes it off a treat)for those fans who can't afford to go out and spend £2k+ on an Omega or Rolex.
I would love to know where to find these watches. Im a huge 007 fan and the watches look really cool. Hope to hear from you soon.
Thanks,
Larry
Superb. I want to have all as i have all bond movies collection.
If you head to Piz Gloria, you can actually buy some limited edition Bond Villain and Bond watches. Got one for a present and they LOVED it
I would be interested in how to obtain some of the other watches specifically the thunder ball or Jaws.
I have 2 of the Casino Royale the Le Chiffre models. So if someone is interested I would sell the extra it has never been opened or worn.
Thanks
I have the complete collection that I picked up for $4,000. Its pretty neat. It came with the whole set listed here as well as this fat book of all the villains and insider stories from the set, an autographed picture of the late-founder Nicholas Hayek of Swatch (who is shown throwing Odd Job's hat), and Jaws autograph (he is shown biting the links on the band of the signature watch). There were only 222 of these ever made so I snagged them when I saw em! My wife about killed me! Each watch was numbered on the back. It comes in a wooden crate and has a leather box that they come housed in. I would be willing to sell them if someone made me an offer of more than I paid. You can contact Chris at SChrisThompson@hotmail.com
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