The first ever specially modified watch issued by 'Q' branch
to James Bond, the timepiece
was equipped with a 'Geiger-counter' to detect radiation. Equipping Bond 'in the field' in Nassau
for his mission to find two NATO atomic bombs stolen by SPECTRE,
Q explains here we have a Geiger counter, useful and unobstructive,
the sweep hand takes the radioactive count, it's waterproof of
course, to which Bond sarcastically responds, but of course.
Besides the Rolex Submariner, the Breitling Top Time is the only
other model of watch that Sean Connery wears as James Bond.
Bond is seen wearing the watch during various
scenes in 'Thunderball', using it to search for the location
of the atomic bombs stolen by SPECTRE under the direction of
their
'No.
2'
Emilio
Largo. He first uses it during a nightime underwater dive beneath
Largo's boat, the Disco
Volante, to check if the bombs are hidden
on board. He later checks the watch for a radioactive count at
Palmyra, Largo's Nassau estate, and again when he sneaks on to
the Disco Volante disguised as one of Largo's henchmen.
The Bond art department commissioned Valley Tool Company to
create a bespoke underwater 'Geiger counter' case with glazed
bezel for the Breitling timepiece. There was only one of these
watches made for the film, making this particular Bond gadget
totally unique. Lost since filming, this watch has only recently
been rediscovered.
One of the exceedingly rare timepieces modified to be used in
a film, and the first ever modified by 'Q' branch in any Bond
film, the present lot must be considered a rare and unique trophy
for the Bond collector and the watch aficionado alike.
After it was bought for just £25 at a car boot sale in England a couple of years ago, the watch will be auctioned by Christies as
Lot 49 in the 'Pop Culture' event on June 26th 2013 in London.
It's estimated
sale price is £40,000 - £60,000.
