Sunday November 9, 2008

Bond nemeses clocked

Stories by LIM AI LEE

Swatch comes up with a watch to suit the villain in all of us.

BELIEVING there is a villain in everyone of us has inspired a Swiss watchmaker to design a special collection in tribute of the world’s celebrated cinematic villains.

At a special world launch last month, Swatch presented its “007 Villains Collection”, comprising 22 watches inspired by the best of the worst baddies in James Bond movies – from the first movie Dr No in 1962 to the latest 007 flick, Quantum of Solace.

Swatch Group founder and chairman Nicholas G. Hayek, 80, had an explanation for the provocative move to the dark side.

Nicolas G. Hayek wearing the Swatch Plastic Chrono, specially designed for Dominic Greene, the villain in Quantum of Solace. – Photos courtesy of Swatch

“James Bond would not exist in Ian Fleming’s novels and all the 007 movies if strong, powerful villains and henchmen were not there.

“And if Bond is alive and well today, it is thanks in no small part to the inspiration and enduring power of his enemies. Like Bond himself, true villains live forever, remembered fondly by their fans,” the mischievous Hayek told a media conference in Bregenz, Austria, the same location where Quantum of Solace was shot early this year.

While Bond wears the Omega, his nefarious adversaries can now boast of having their own signature watches.

A starry timepiece for corrupt Soviet general Georgi Koskov (Living Daylights). The textile strap of this Swatch Jelly in Jelly is inspired by the Soviet military insignia.

There’s Dr No with his stylish suit and metal hands whose tribute comes in the form of the distinctive Skin Chrono – a textured white and pale beige fabric strap that evokes the villain’s high-collared suit.

Russia’s Rosa Klebb wielded a nasty weapon in From Russia With Love and the Lady’s satin-brushed stainless steel bracelet has subtly sinister end pieces shaped like her infamous kunckle duster.

Oddjob in Goldfinger, the bowler-wearing henchman, gets a timepiece held by heavy-coated stainless steel bracelet that evoke gold ingots.

Blofeld, played by Telly Savalas in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service is one of Bond’s most formidable antagonists and his signature watch comes with a matt black aluminium bracelet and matt gold coloured central links with gold 007 pistol logo.

Even Blofeld’s pet – the fluffy white cat – gets her own watch which comes with synthetic white leather strap evoking the cat and her master’s affiliation with the enemy organisation.

Jaws from The Spy Who Loved Me is presented with a watch held by a stainless steel bracelet, reminding one of his steel wired teeth.

And in homage to Casino Royale’s poker-faced master of malice Mads Mikkelsen (alias Le Chiffre) who attempted to bankrupt Bond, an Irony Big with an Ace of Spade is said to be the perfect accessory. The timepiece comes with shimmering black synthetic leather strap that recalls Le Chiffre’s black tuxedo at the gaming table.

Oddjob from Goldfinger and his perfect Swatch

Another watch in the collection is an elegant Swatch Plastic Chrono with black silicon strap bearing the words Green Planet linked to a matt black crown and ivory chrono pushers. It is specially designed for Dominic Greene, the latest villain to take up arms against Bond in Quantum of Solace.

So while Bond saves the world and gets his girls, his villains are not exactly twiddling their thumbs and feeling wretched.

With their Swatches, who knows what plots and schemes they may hatch up now with time on their hands!