James Bond Actor Sean Connery Dies at Age 90

Sir Thomas Sean Connery has died at the age of 90, according to his family. The Scottish actor was famed for his portrayal of James Bond, having originated the role of the British secret-agent 007 in ‘Dr. No’ in 1962. He went on to star in five subsequent James Bond films, ‘From Russia With Love’ (1963), ‘Goldfinger’ (1964), ‘Thunderball’ (1965), ‘You Only Live Twice’ (1967), and ‘Diamonds Are Forever’ (1971). Connery died at his home in the Bahamas.

We are devastated by the news of the passing of Sir Sean Connery. He was and shall always be remembered as the original James Bond whose indelible entrance into cinema history began when he announced those unforgettable words: “The name’s Bond… James Bond” — he revolutionised the world with his gritty and witty portrayal of the sexy and charismatic secret agent. He is undoubtedly largely responsible for the success of the film series and we shall be forever grateful to him.

Michael G. Wilson en Barbara Broccoli, producers

The actor was born to a working-class family in Edinburgh, Scotland in 1930. He became interested in acting in the 1950s after working backstage at a theater, and secured his first film role in 1957 in ‘No Road Back’. He was reluctant to star in the film adaptation of Ian Fleming’s James Bond series, but the movies proved to be one of the most iconic film franchises of all time.

When you think of Sean Connery, you automatically think of the most iconic movie car ever: the Aston Martin DB5 Touring. The DB5 was introduced in 1963 and made its star turn in Goldfinger the following year. Even though it ended its on-screen time with a crash, the DB5 forged a connection between Bond and Aston in the public consciousness. The car has appeared in six other 007 films since then.

After stepping away from the Bond series, Connery worked with directors such as Alfred Hitchcock and Steven Spielberg. At the peak of his career in 1988, Connery won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor in the movie ‘The Untouchables’ (1987). His repertoire also includes many other well-known films such as ‘Marnie’ (1964), ‘Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade’ (1989), ‘The Hunt for Red October’ (1990), ‘The Rock’ (1996) and ‘The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen’ (2003).

Later in his career he was offered the role of Gandalf in the famous trilogy ‘Lord Of The Rings’ (2001 – 2003), but he ignored this offer. He admitted in an interview that he did not understand the script. Nor would he return in the fourth ‘Indiana Jones’ movie of 2008.

He retired from acting in 2003, Connery enjoyed himself very much with recording the James Bond film in 2005 and said he would like to do it again, but it never happened again. There were also rumors about a role in ‘Skyfall’ (2012), but this role eventually went to Albert Finney. A longtime supporter of Scottish independence, Connery was knighted in 2000.

Omega Seamaster Diver 300M James Bond Platinum Gold

After originally being scheduled for April 2020, the theatrical debut of James Bond ‘No Time To Die’ is now set for November 20, 2020.

Daniel Craig will reprise his role as British secret agent 007 for the fifth and final time in ‘No Time To Die’, and he will, of course, be wearing an Omega on his wrist throughout the movie.

This year represents the 50th Anniversary since the original James Bond movie ‘On Her Majesty’s Secret Service’ (1969) was released. The movie also marks 25 years of Omega being the official watch of James Bond, which started with ‘GoldenEye’ (1995).

Sophisticated style and innovation have always been essential parts of the James Bond story. And to uphold that honor, Swiss watchmaker Omega is now coming out with a brand new Seamaster Diver 300M James Bond Numbered Edition: a watch that offers a lot of details for 007 fans.

Introducing the 2020 Seamaster Diver 300M James Bond Platinum Gold Numbered Edition. Presented in the same size 42 mm diameter Seamaster 300M case as the previously announced individual James Bond Limited Edition ($6,500) and the two-piece boxed set ($42,100) – except this one is in a solid ‘platinum-gold’ alloy that was formulated to be more durable and maintain its color better than typical 950 platinum.

Like the recently announced Seamaster 007 timepieces, this watch has a plate affixed to the side of the case and engraved with the edition number (lucky you: there is no limit in production!).

For an exceptional look, the 42 mm case is made of platinum gold, with a platinum gold plate on the side, engraved with a unique number. The same material is also used for the polished-brushed buckle of the black leather strap of the watch. More unique details characterize the watch, including a black ceramic bezel with an embossed platinum diving scale.

While the spiraling gun-barrel logo is anything but discreet, the ‘007’ gun logo printed in white enamel at 7 o’clock on the minute track is subtle. Even more subtle is the hidden number ’50’ in the luminous material of the 10 o’clock index – which is a reference to the 50^th Anniversary of On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.

A black enamel dial features the signature Bond spiraling gun-barrel design in 18K white gold and is accentuated with 18K white gold applied indices, hands. As part of the Omega James Bond collection launched last year, this watch also includes a hidden number 50 in Super-LumiNova of the 10 o’clock index. A reference to the 50th anniversary of the James Bond film ‘On Her Majesty’s Secret Servive’ (1969). Elsewhere on the dial you will find a 007 logo at the 7, as well as the James Bond family coat-of-of arms at 12 o’clock in white gold.

The Omega Seamaster Diver 300M James Bond Numbered Edition Platinum Gold comes in its own Globe-Trotter™ suitcase, bound by NATO-inspired straps, and inside is an additional black rubber strap which can be swapped out with a black alligator leather strap.

The release date has not yet been announced. However, there is a price tag on the watch of €47,175. The new Omega Seamaster James Bond editie is available at Omega boutiques and selected stores worldwide. Come into the beautiful world of Omega.

Aston Martin offers up a peek into the progress of its DB5 Goldfinger Continuation series

The Aston Martin DB5 is a British luxury Grand Tourer (GT) that was made by Aston Martin and designed by the Italian coachbuilder Carrozzeria Touring in Milan. Carrozzeria Touring became well known for both the beauty of its designs and patented Superleggera (tube-frame) construction methods.

Released in 1963, it was an evolution of the final series of DB4. Although the design and construction techniques were Italian, the DB4 was the first Aston to be built at the company’s Newport Pagnell works in Buckinghamshire, England. And so was the DB5.

By many people dubbed as ‘the most famous car in the world’ and renowned as being among the most desirable and sought-after classic Aston Martin models, the DB5 has become a byword for timeless style and sports car desirability.

Fewer than 900 saloon examples were built by the brand between 1963 and 1965, with by far the most famous of the original owners being the world’s best-known secret agent – James Bond – who first drove the car that is today inextricably linked with him in the 1964 film, ‘Goldfinger’.

Now, 55 years after the last DB5 rolled off the production line at Aston Martin’s then global manufacturing base in Newport Pagnell, work is once again under way there on a strictly limited number of just 25 new DB5 models. Created in association with the producers of the James Bond films, EON Productions, and featuring a broad suite of working gadgets first seen on screen in the 1964 film, the Aston Martin DB5 Goldfinger Continuation cars are history in the making.

The latest in Aston Martin’s phenomenally successful Continuation car programme, which began in 2017 with the DB4 GT Continuation, the new DB5 models represent among the most valuable new cars yet brought to market by the British luxury brand. Each DB5 Goldfinger continuation car is priced at £2.75 million plus taxes, and the meticulous construction process takes around 4,500 hours per car.

Each of the 25 new cars is being built to the highest possible quality using a blend of Sir David Brown-era old world craftsmanship, with the sympathetic application of modern engineering advancements and performance enhancements, alongside the integration of cutting-edge working gadgets developed with Chris Corbould OBE, the Oscar-winning special effects supervisor who has worked on more than a dozen Bond films.

The list of Bond-inspired gadgets includes features all too familiar to viewers of the classic 1964 big screen hit, such as revolving number plates at the front and rear (triple plates), simulated twin front machine guns, a simulated tyre slasher, a bullet resistant rear shield, a removable passenger seat roof panel, a telephone in the driver’s door, a gear knob actuator button and a remote control for gadget activation.

All the new cars are meticulously detailed authentic reproductions of the DB5 seen on screen, with some sympathetic modifications and enhancements to ensure the highest levels of build quality and reliability. All the DB5 Goldfinger Continuation cars are being built to one exterior colour specification – Silver Birch paint – just like the original.

The cars feature original DB5 styled aluminium exterior body panels wrapped elegantly around an authentic DB5 mild steel chassis structure (Supperleggera). Under the bonnet, there’s a 4.0-litre naturally aspirated inline six-cylinder engine with a six-plug head, three SU carburettors and oil cooler, that’s capable of generating in the order of 290 bhp. This is mated to a five-speed ZF manual transmission in the rear-wheel drive DB5, which also features a mechanical limited slip differential.

Paul Spires, President of Aston Martin Works where the original DB5 was built and the new cars are also being created, said: “We are making, perhaps, some of the most desirable ‘toys’ ever built for 25 very lucky buyers worldwide. Creating the DB5 Goldfinger Continuation cars and working with EON Productions and special effects supervisor, Chris Corbould, is something truly unique and a real career highlight for everyone involved here at Aston Martin Works.”

First deliveries of the Aston Martin DB5 Goldfinger Continuation to customers will commence in the second half of 2020. Come in the beautiful world of Aston Martin.

 

 

 

Triumph Celebrates James Bond With Limited Edition Scrambler 1200

Throughout the James Bond series of films and novels, Q Branch has given Bond a variety of vehicles with which to battle his enemies. Among the most noteworthy gadgets, Bond has been equipped with various vehicles that have numerous modifications to include elaborate weapons and anti-pursuit systems, alternative transportation modes, and various other functions.

As a super spy, James Bond is no stranger to high-speed chases, whether it’s on four wheels or two. Gearing up for his mission in the upcoming installment ‘No Time to Die’ – the 25th James Bond movie – Daniel Craig’s Bond will be fighting off bad guys in none other than British motorcycle maker Triumph‘s Scrambler 1200, and in celebration of this ‘iconic British partnership’ the motor company – and former car maker who had its origins in 1885 – has released a limited edition with special Bond detailing.

The bike itself is based on Triumph’s Scrambler XE, keeping the same specs by using a 1200 engine that pushes 89 horsepower and 81 pound-feet of torque. Power aside, the limited edition gets an exclusive Bond-themed makeover, with a branded lower side panel finisher reading ‘007’, a leather seat with ‘Bond Edition’ embroidered on the rear end, and a startup screen featuring the iconic graphics from the franchise.

Each bike comes with a numbered edition plaque and unique badging, as well as a special Bond handover pack which features a numbered letter hand-signed by Triumph’s CEO Nick Bloor, along with a custom rucksack. Other parts of the bike have been modified to better fit its covert aesthetics as well, including black powder-coated swingarms and sprocket covers, carbon-fiber end caps for the exhaust, as well as blacked-out forks and mudguards.

The Triumph Scrambler 1200 Bond Edition is not the first Triumph that appears in a Bond movie. In ‘Dr No’ (1962) with Sean Connery we see a Triumph Herald. In ‘Thunderball’ (1965), the fourth film in the James Bond series starring Sean Connery we see also a Triumph Herald. In 1971’s ‘Diamonds are Forever’, James Bond 007, also played by Sean Connery, travels to Amsterdam in the Netherlands at the wheel of a Triumph Stag.

There will be 250 examples of the 2020 Triumph Scrambler 1200 Bond Edition. Just 30 of those are destined for the United States. For those interested, the bike is now available for $18,500 USD. Head over to the company’s website to learn more. Come into the beautiful world of Triumph.

 

 

 

Aston Martin DBS Superleggera gets exclusive James Bond edition

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the James Bond film On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. A reason for celebration according to Aston Martin, because the brand now comes with a special OHMSS edition of the Aston Martin DBS Superleggera.

Aston Martin and James Bond are inextricably linked, because it is impossible to imagine Bond, James Bond in any other car. Fifty years ago, James drove an Aston Martin DBS in the movie On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. To celebrate that fact, Aston Martin gives the current DBS a special jacket.

The classic film also proved to be a good source of inspiration for the special edition of the ‘brute in a suit’, as Aston Martin affectionately calls this Olive Green painted DBS Superleggera. He only makes a jump in power, because the 5.2-liter twin-turbo V12 with 725 hp and 900 Nm of torque.

The car has been given new aerodynamic elements for the occasion. It has a new carbon fiber splitter and ‘aero blade’. In addition, it seems to be a battle for attention between the grille with six metal louvres and the gigantic 21-inch forged wheels. Both unique to this edition.

The interior of the special edition DBS Superleggera OHMSS is upholstered in black leather and accents in gray Alcantara, just like Bond’s 1969 DBS. The red accents in the cockpit are also inspired by the original. Unfortunately we find no ejection seats or secret cabinets for weapons.

Because Aston Martin celebrates the fiftieth anniversary of a film with the car, the manufacturer also thought it appropriate to make fifty. All OHMSS editions can optionally be supplied with a matching ‘drinks case’ that fits perfectly in the trunk. This black box offers space for two bottles of champagne and four crystal champagne glasses.

Even the price of Aston Martin DBS Superleggera OHMSS Edition is a reference to the British super spy. Aston Martin is asking £300,007 for the special DBS. Enter the wonderful world of Aston Martin.

When it’s good enough for James Bond

Launched in 1993 as a part of the hugely successful Seamaster range of diving watches, the Omega Seamaster Professional Diver 300M was an instant success globally. Recognized for its design and technical proficiency, the watch found its way onto the wrists of divers, athletes and researchers, relying on it in the most demanding of environments.

Friend of Omega, Daniel Craig is the face of the new Seamaster Diver 300M. Looking every inch the gentleman as he surfaces for air in Omega’s new campaign, he truly is the perfect choice. Who else could make a wet-suit look this stylish?

A year later, the Seamaster Diver 300M Chronograph was awarded ‘Watch of the Year’ by readers of German magazine Armbanduhren, signaling a promising future for Omega’s newest collection. It did not take long for this promise to come to fruition with the world’s most famous spy, 007 James Bond himself, strapping a Seamaster Diver 300M on his wrist for GoldenEye in 1995. Omega and Bond have become inseparable ever since, a mainstay in every James Bond movie that has followed.

Now Omega has unveiled a complete facelift of this famous watch, with 14 unique models, including 6 in stainless steel and 8 in a mix of stainless steel and 18ct gold.

Sized larger to 42mm, each new Seamaster Diver 300M has been given a Master Chronometer Calibre 8800 movement, instantly elevating the entire collection’s precision, performance and magnetic resistance. Magnetic forces in electronic devices used on land, on deck and even under the sea can throw a timepiece out of synch.

Of significant note, diving equipment often include magnetic devices and are operated in close proximity. To counter this, the movement is built with non-ferrous materials that can resist these effects that magnetism causes.

In addition, the movement and watch have passed the 8 stringent Master Chronometer tests set by METAS (Federal Institute of Metrology) that include examinations under strong magnetic fields of 15,000 gauss. These intensive tests by METAS go beyond the industry norm COSC certification, and mark a new standard of quality. The METAS tests range from the aforementioned magnetic exposure tests, to daily chronometric precision tests, to power reserve tests and tests of water resistance.

For divers, keeping track of time spent underwater is crucial, and the new Seamaster Diver 300M has given the all-important rotating bezel a fresh design twist. Not only is the iconic diving bezel now made from ceramic with the diving scale in Ceragold™ or white enamel, Omega has also included a luminescent dot at 12 o’clock. Completely stylish, utilitarian and vintage approved at the same time.

Professional divers face unique challenges in the course of their work, helium molecules expand during decompression and can pop the crystal face and case-back off regular wristwatches. One of the Seamaster Diver 300M’s most important details has always been its helium valve, implemented to allow helium to escape the watch case safely. For the new models, the valve has been given a conical shape and has been patented with an ingenious new feature. Should the Helium Escape Valve be accidentally opened underwater, the watch is guaranteed to still remain water-resistant up to 5 bar.

The dials of the new watches are also made from polished ceramic and are available in black, blue or a sun-brushed PVD chrome color. Omega has also responded to popular demand by reintroducing a wave pattern on the dial, now laser engraved on the new models. All indexes have been raised and filled with Super-LumiNova and, for symmetrical balance, the date window has been moved to 6 o’clock. Even the skeleton hands, in either rhodium-plated, 18ct gold, or blued, have been subtly reshaped.

On the back of the watch, a wave pattern on the edge mirrors the waves on the dial. A sapphire crystal is also included, through which one can admire the world class METAS-approved Master Chronometer Calibre 8800 movement. Lightly decorated, the movement is magnificent to behold and a masterstroke in precision manufacturing.

Each model is presented on a traditional iconic metal bracelet or an integrated black or blue rubber strap. The metal bracelets feature a new ergonomic design and have been closely integrated to the case for supreme comfort, as well as a sleek contoured look that enables the watch to be at home in suit, be it wet, or Saville-Row.

Omega ambassador Daniel Craig, set to play 007 for the fifth time, characterizes this best. Every inch the gentleman, Daniel Craig first wore an Omega on screen in Casio Royale in 2006, but he has been an avid watch fan long before he took on the iconic role. Though Bond is stoic, tough and even ruthless when required to be, Daniel Craig is anything but.

A grounded English gent with an approachable style and commitment to social causes, he is not just a friend to Omega, but also the face of the new Seamaster Diver 300M.

Truly the perfect choice, the latest advertising images feature his -beautiful – steely gaze and piercing blue eyes perfectly matched with the Omega Seamaster Professional Diver 300M on his wrist, all while submerged in a tuxedo.

For the fans: Head behind-the-scenes of the photoshoot for Omega’s latest campaign, which involved a dapper Daniel Craig plunging into a pool to demonstrate the versatility of the Swiss brand’s redesigned classic. A wet-suit has never looked more stylish.

Come into the beautiful world of Omega.