Welcome to the EYES ONLY newsletter!

Breitling just announced a new partnership with Aston Martin F1 and Aston Martin. Photos and messaging lean into the shared history with James Bond. In the near future, the collaboration will see some Aston Martin-branded Breitling watches, starting with a Navitimer, and the Breitling logo on F1 cars - but could this be a first step to putting a Breitling watch on 007’s wrist in Bond 26?

This week also saw a new 007-branded release from The Macallan whisky, the brand connected with James Bond since SkyFall.

The latest release celebrates “55 years of Diamonds Are Forever”, with a string of perhaps far-fetched connections to the film, for example:
- Why Diamonds Are Forever in particular?
- 55 is a pretty random anniversary number
- Whisky aged in ‘sherry’ oak and ’red wine’ caskets (two drinks mentioned in the film)
- The whisky's dark natural colour is “inspired by Nevada rock”
And can you see the gun is missing from the 007 logo? This was actually explained in a recent article on 007.com: “Elsewhere in the world of 007, as per ASA guidelines in the UK, it has long been the legal guidance not to explicitly link alcohol and firearms. As such, the 007 logo sees a slight alteration with these partnerships by dropping the pistol.“

The packaging of The Macallan release looks nice as always, and the dedicated webpage (click on Enter Experience) is impressive, but the price of this collectible whisky is steep at $750.

If you didn’t enter yet, this is your chance to enter an exclusive giveaway for your chance to WIN Silver or Black Bond Lifestyle Anniversary Cufflinks. All you have to do is fill in the form and select which pair you prefer to win!

Update on the 215-mile Ford Thunderbird Die Another Day 007 edition that was auctioned at Bring a Trailer last week: the final price was $37,500 (excl. auction fees).

I’ll end with a rumour from celebrity gossip journalist Rob Shuter: according to his sources, Jeff Bezos’ wife will pick the next James Bond.

Enjoy!

Remmert van Braam
founder BOND LIFESTYLE

COLLECTING

The day Ian Fleming visited the James Bond Dr. No set

The official Ian Fleming Shop is offering prints of photos capturing the day Ian Fleming visited Pinewood Studios for the filming of Dr. No.

The following prints are available at the IFP shop:

One signed, stamped and numbered Artist’s Proof contact sheet £5,000
One signed, stamped and numbered contact sheet (#10/10) £4,500
Open run contact sheet print £195
Series of 25 signed, stamped and numbered Ian Fleming & Sean Connery prints £650

WATCHES

Breitling partners with Aston Martin

Breitling has entered a multi-year global partnership with Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team and Aston Martin, becoming the team’s Official Watch Partner and releasing a first Breitling x Aston Martin F1 watch.

Both brands have a long history with James Bond. Aston Martin obviously being James Bond's car of choice in some novels and many films, while Breitling was featured in the movie Thunderball.

CARS

Progress on the Agora DB5 1:8 Scale build

I started working again on the Aston Martin DB5 1:8 Scale Goldfinger Edition. This week finished packs 6 - 8 and started pack 9.

The packs included the chassis, electronics and interior of the car, (ejector seat, dashboard, carpets etc).

I enjoy working on the car with all the dozens of screws and parts. It all seems to fit very nicely so far, and most of it isn’t hard, but it can take time.

The only problem I have is with the wheels. I haven’t been able to make the metal spoke wheels, it has been too difficult. Any advice is welcome! I will try again soon.

Now the engine and interior have also been placed on the chassis, and I’m starting work on the body, now having attached the windows and side-mirrors.

Follow more of the progress on Instagram Stories.

COLLECTING

FOR SALE

I’m selling parts of my collection, and every week I will highlight a few items here in the Newsletter.

James Bond SkyFall Scorpion Drinking Set 
$50 incl. shipping (USA only)
(compare to 007Store: $41.00 + Delivery $27.00 + Duties $15.91 = Total USD $83.91)

Other items for sale

Here’s your chance to get these items in the USA without duties and shipping:

London Sock Exchange The Goldfinger Collection: $80 incl. shipping (USA only)(compare to 007Store: $81.00 + Delivery $21.00 + Duties $27.38 = Total USD $129.38)

Dr No Casino Plaques by Factory Entertainment: $90 incl. shipping (USA only)
(compare to Factory Entertainment: Subtotal $99.99 + Shipping $13.89 = USD $113.88)

Protos dive watch $250 incl. shipping (USA only)

(Contact me or reply to this email if interested. First come first serve.)

DRINKS

The Macallan Diamonds Are Forever 55th Anniversary

The Macallan has released a James Bond collaboration in the form of a limited edition whisky, marking 55 years since the premiere of Diamonds Are Forever.

WATCHES

Best deal: Omega No Time To Die Seamaster

On JomaShop you can find the best deal on a new Omega - use coupon OME500 to get it now for $7,500. Note that this is the model with NATO strap.

Also check out the Omega Seamaster 300M James Bond 60th Anniversary, another great deal at $7,900.