Recreate the James Bond watch from Goldfinger on a budget.

Most of us wish we were James Bond at some point in our lives and watch collecting can bring us a little glimpse of that James Bond world from time to time.  One of the most famous James Bond scenes is the opening scene from Goldfinger.  A SCUBA diving James Bond wears a Rolex Submariner 6538 with a nylon strap on a demolition mission. Would you like to recreate a classic James Bond look with your watch collection?

The first step in recreating this Bond look is to get a watch with suitable styling. In the best of all possible worlds, we'd simply saunter down to the nearest jeweler and pick of a Rolex Submariner.  Unfortunately, that's not something most of us can do.  Instead, you might look for an affordable watch that draws inspiration from the classic Rolex Submariner.

 Choosing a Cheap Bond-style Watch 

 

The Rolex Submariner look is the standard look for dive watches.  It is quite simply the epitome of a dive watch.  Lots of watch can recreate the style.  If you want a waterproof dive watch, I'd suggest starting with watch makers like Invicta.  However, if you just want to recreate the fashion, there are many timepieces that will fit the bill.

For less than $50, you can get this Fanmis diver-style watch. This watch features a rotatable bezel, sapphire glass crystal, and luminous hands. It has a 40 millimeter diameter stainless steel case and 20 mm band.

Fanmis Diver-style Watch

Choosing a James Bond-style Watch Strap

Of course, you'll need a suitable strap to go with your Bond watch.  The easiest choice would be to simply get a NATO strap.  But, 007 didn't actually wear a NATO strap in Goldfinger.  If you don't believe me, check out this explanation from the European watch strap retailer Esprit NATO.  This Barton Watch strap is the closest match I could find on Amazon.

Barton Watch Bands Ballistic Nylon Strap

You can get this James Bond-style strap here from Amazon at an amazingly affordable price.
 
Neither this watch nor this strap will transform you into James Bond. You'll have to become suave and debonair on your own. But, this watch and strap combination should successfully evoke the James Bond Goldfinger look for less than $50. Have fun and, for your own health, stay away from the unfiltered cigarettes.