The Ultimate James Bond Homage Watch (Made by the Fans)

I'm continuously on the look out for a James Bond watch that is not going to break the bank. And this UNIVEX UE5513 MASTER MARINER could very well be it. UNIVEX is a conjunction of Universal Exports, the company name that Bond operates under. It was founded by Rick Dos Santos, a lifelong James Bond fan and collector of Fleming and Bondiana with an interest in fast cars, spy fiction, military history, special operations and private detective novels.

He is also interested in watches, particularly tool watches, diving watches and military watches and has been collecting them for over thirty years. He has amassed a collection of well over 100 watches that include high end watches such as Rolex, Omega and Breitling but also more affordable watches like Seiko, Casio, Bulova as well as a whole host of micro-brands that offer great value for the money.

Rick had a singular mission on creating a frugal alternative to a James Bond watch. This is the UNIVEX UE6538 Master Mariner watch evokes one of the first iterations of what is arguably the most iconic dive watch of all time. The watch that Sean Connery wore in Goldfinger.

The hype

The UE6538 is a homage to the watch worn by the first actor to play the gentleman spy with the license to kill on the silver screen. The UE6538 (AKA The Connery) conforms to all the original specifications of the classic including its diminutive size of 38mm, plexi crystal, big crown, non-ratcheted bezel, gilt dial and Swiss movement. The perfect analog of the astronomically priced original for a comparably modest sum.

The details

What I like about this watch are the attention to details. The nato strap (it comes with a brown leather band also) is also a little small for the lugs, just like in the movie.

The presentation looks fantastic. It arrives in a navy Leather box, complete with a challenger coin and a playful agent card of certification. Presentation is key amongst Bond collectors. Most would have some watches on display and the box is also presented with the watch. It helps if the box does not detract from the visuals of the watch.

The word on the street

The crown doesn't have the crown guards. It is so Connery-esque, and this is what happens when a Bond fan makes a product, it comes from a place of truth and love, as opposed to a committee.

Even the sweep of the second looks beautiful. It's not a rolex knock off, it's one fan, coming up with a watch to offer for the Bond community. David Zaritsky of The Bond Experience.

Available through the website. Unfortunately this has sold out but there is a waiting list and models will get renewed every quarter.