This is the mid size, quartz with the solid 18k bezel, gen 1 version of the popular Pre Bond Seamaster. Model reference 396.1042.
HOW DO WE DATE THIS WATCH?
Of course these were never called Pre Bond at the time, but once the SMP300 was used by James Bond in 1993 this model became known as the Pre Bond. The range ran from 1988 to 1995 and this is the first generation – it has the six lobed crown, Mercedes handset and regular clasp that the first generation watches had. Te printed serial number has not survived on the inside of the case back to give a more accurate date, but we can estimate that this watch was made circa 1989.
CONDITION
The first thing to point out is that this Pre Bond watch has had a movement change. The original movement has been replaced with an updated ETA quartz movement that is working perfectly, but is not the original. If you can find an original movement, also made by ETA, then the work could be reversed, but you would not know the difference without opening the case anyway. The price is adjusted to account for the modern movement – otherwise these would now be over £1,000. This still has the screw down crown and the quick set date, and we will install a brand new battery before sending the watch out to the new owner. That aside, the watch is otherwise very good. The crown is losing some plating – only the bezel and clasp logo are solid gold. The 60 click bezel turns nicely in just the one direction, and still has the lume pip intact – these are fragile and vulnerable to damage. Th e dial is good and the hands do have some tarnishing, and a pinhole to the lume of the hour hand. The bracelet is the option without the gold capped centre links, which was an option when new – this model would have retailed at CHF 1,350 back in 1995 in this configuration. The bracelet is quite long and our sister website, SpareLinks.com, may have extra links if required.
This watch will be supplied with our branded presentation box and our Certificate of Authenticity.
Please see the HD video for more detail. All photos and videos are part of the description and are of the actual watch unless mentioned. We do not photoshop any pictures, and the images are copyright of birthyearwatches.com and should not be used without permission.
SIZE
Width with crown 39.2 mm
Width without crown 38.2 mm
Lug to lug length 40.3 mm
Case Thickness 8.6 mm
Bracelet will fit a maximum wrist size of 190 mm. The bracelet can be sized for you if you give us your wrist size when placing the order.
All sizes are approximate. The watch is photographed on a wrist of 190mm/7.5 inches.
Included with this watch is a 3 month guarantee and free delivery to UK addresses. If you live outside the UK we can still deliver to most countries. Please see our Worldwide Shipping information, or Contact Us. Payment can be made by most credit or debit cards, bank transfer or PayPal.
From 1st September 2021 we will be planting a tree for every watch we sell, working with the International Tree Foundation (Est 1922) to make this business positive on carbon. By buying anything pre owned you are effectively reusing what already exists, but this takes it further and makes us feel good.
