James Bond

Is the Omega Seamaster Diver 300M the next James Bond watch?

Omega Watches recently unveiled a new photo on their website featuring Daniel Craig in his Bond-esque tuxedo showcasing their new Seamaster Diver 300M. For those unaware, Omega has exclusively taken the spotlight on James Bond’s wrist since 1995’s GoldenEye, which then featured Pierce Brosnan as the British spy. Every wristwatch worn by Bond since then has been a model from Omega’s Seamaster line, replacing the classic Rolex Submariner worn by previous Bond actors.

The Seamaster Diver 300M debuted in 1993 so this year marks its 25^th anniversary and what better way to increase marketing appeal than to revamp an already iconic watch with some new bells and whistles to celebrate its anniversary. Interestingly, the upcoming Bond film slated for release next year is being colloquially referred to as Bond 25, referring to itself as the 25^thinstallment in the series by Eon Productions. This photoshoot and collection of events have led to some speculation that the new Seamaster 300M will be next watch for the next Bond film.

Though it remains to be seen, the new Seamaster 300M would be a worthy successor to Bond’s collection of luxury wristwatches. Along with some technical upgrades, the new model also features a new ceramic bezel and ceramic dial with a laser-engraved wave pattern that is sure to garner a lot of gazing eyes. Starting MSRP for the new Seamaster is currently $4,750.

All photos courtesy of Omega Watches

BluShark NATO straps: Step up your watch game

Before you expand your collection of wristwatches, you should widen your collection of watch straps. Often times, the experience of adorning a new watch strap equates to the experience of buying a new watch. There are plenty of different strap options available: leather, stainless steel, nylon, rubber, suede, cloth, etc. My particular favorite type of strap is the NATO.

The NATO strap was first used exclusively by the British military but has since found its way into every watch enthusiast’s collection. NATO straps are light, tough, comfortable, and available in a myriad of different styles for any occasion, from the field to a black tie affair.

Purchasing a NATO strap from a watch boutique can run you upwards of $160 but you can find the same quality watch straps from companies like BluShark for significantly less. I’ve had the opportunity to sample a variety of their different straps and have bought plenty of them myself. Listed below are all of BluShark’s NATO straps currently available and my review for each of them.

Original BluShark Strap

Soft, but durable nylon
Sealed rectangular holes
1.2 mm thick
MSRP: $18

As the name implies, the Original BluShark Strap was BluShark’s first design. Though it is their entry-level NATO strap, these nylon straps aren’t cheaply made by any means. Like all BluShark straps, the holes and edges of the strap are sealed to prevent any fraying and to minimize wear and tear. Its biggest appeal for new watch enthusiasts especially is its price point. If you’re looking for a casual looking strap for everyday wear, I recommend this one or the Orca Strap listed below.

The Original BluShark NATO Strap on my Seiko SKX007

Orca Waffle Weave Strap

Textured waffle-weave
Sealed rectangular holes
1.4 mm thick
MSRP: $19

The biggest noticeable difference between the Original BluShark and the Orca Strap is the style of weaving used. Both styles make for a tough and long-lasting strap, so it just comes down to personal preference. The Orca is also slightly thicker which makes it look more rugged and feel sturdier, perfect to put on a field watch. The only downside to the Orca that I’ve noticed is that it might make a large watch stick out more prominently because of its added thickness.

The author’s Seiko SKX007 on a BluShark Orca Strap

AlphaShark Luxury Strap

Smooth “seat belt” weave
Flat stainless steel keepers
Sealed rectangular holes
1.4 mm thick
MSRP: $32

The AlphaShark Luxury Strap is by far my favorite of the BluShark lineup. When I purchased my first Original BluShark Strap, I was impressed with its quality for the price and became curious as to how much better the AlphaShark could be. After trying out a sample, I was even more impressed and decided to stock up on different color variations. Most of my NATO straps are from the AlphaShark lineup. The smoother “seat belt” weave not only feels more comfortable on the wrist but is much more aesthetic, living up to its name. The AlphaShark has a slight shine to it but fits any occasion whether I’m dressed casual or professional. This is currently my everyday strap choice and garners the most compliments. If I were to recommend just one strap from this list, it would be the AlphaShark, hands down.

The AlphaShark has become my go-to strap of choice for my Sinn 104

AlphaShark Slim Strap

Smooth “seat belt weave
Slim buckle
Flat stainless steel keepers
1.2 mm thick
MSRP: $32

The unique feature you’ll notice with the AlphaShark Slim Strap is the use of circular holes in lieu of the rectangular ones. I actually prefer these circular holes not just for its aesthetic look but because they seem to show less signs of wear than the rectangular holes. I also find this to the one of the more comfortable straps offered by BluShark, second only to the AlphaPremier listed below.

Rocking the AlphaShark Slim on my Seiko SKX007

AlphaPremier Ultra Luxury Strap

Silky smooth material
Sliding keeper
1.2 mm thick
MSRP: $36

The AlphaPremier Ultra Luxury Strap is the latest release from BluShark. The strap lives up to its name as the silky texture gives the wristwatch a much more formal appearance. This is the softest of the BluShark lineup and the most comfortable on the wrist. While the AlphaPremier is definitely the highest quality strap from BluShark, it does limit itself to more formal occasions; for that reason, I prefer the AlphaShark lineup. I found that because the AlphaPremier uses a much softer material than its counterparts, it does fit into slightly smaller watch lugs (e.g. my 22 mm strap fits into a 21 mm lug without looking out of place).

All of these NATO straps from BluShark are made with quality craftsmanship and look just as new as the day I first got them even after excessive wear. No need to break the bank to step up your watch game, BluShark has offers some of the best NATO straps on the market for the right price.

*All photos courtesy of the author, Matt Jin

GORUCK Wire Dopp: A discreet way to transport your EDC

The GORUCK Wire Dopp is really a universal Dopp pouch, typically used for organizing electronics and the accompanying cords. Although I have used it in that capacity, I have found a different use for the Wire Dopp; Transporting my EDC items when traveling via ground transportation. Not only is this a practical way to transport your EDC, but it’s also just plain cool to do it this way.

Gear seen in the photo and video:

Glock 26 inside a BlackPoint Tactical FO3 holster
Spare Glock 19 magazine with a NeoMag spare mag carrier
Half Face Blades Omega Dagger
Resco Instruments Manus watch
Streamlight 1L-1AA flashlight
Violent Nomad Discreet Stabbing Tool
Hoback Knives MK Ultra folding knife
Chums Surfshorts Wallet

From the GORUCK website:

Rucksack organization for everyday carry, travel situations, or outings makes life simpler. Having quick and easy access to electronic gadget accessories in the TSA line or on your daily bus commute will make for swift passage, and with that comes stress-free travel. Stash your charging cable, earbuds, and adapter bits for your smartphone, tablet, laptop, or music device in the Wire Dopp and then stash the Wire Dopp into the outer slash pocket or the inner mesh pocket of your ruck for highly organized yet readily-accessible carry convenience.

Simple folding design
Single buckle closure for secure hold
Three zippered storage areas
Solid 1000D CORDURA® for rugged durability
Inner mesh for content visibility
YKK zippers with color-coded 550 cord pulls for quick, simple access

Quick look at the Crate Club everyday carry leather tray

A key point to highlight with our everyday carry leather tray and others is the preparedness mindset. This leather tray is a visual reminder every day to be prepared and vigilant. Just as the military stages their gear for operations, we as civilians need to have our daily gear staged so that we’re prepared and ready each and every day. Preparedness requires organization.

We all have an Every-Day-Carry (EDC). Question is: where do we put all the stuff when we get home? Look no further. Our Everyday Carry Leather Tray is the perfect size, shape, and quality to place all your belongings once you return home. This handmade item features a quarter inch thick leather, fastened with stainless steel bolts, and embossed Snake Eaters Union Logo.

The leather tray and other custom Crate Club products are available at the online store

Photo of the day: Traveling for the holidays? TSA approved EDC gear

Traveling this holiday season? If you’re anything like me, I feel more comfortable knowing I can still carry a few items for safety and personal protection when traversing the airports and commercial airlines. Over the years of being a gear guy and traveling for my job, I’ve learned what works and what doesn’t when it comes to TSA. The photo above is typically what I have on me when traveling domestic or international air travel. The TSA has never once pulled me aside to question me about any of it. I will say that when I first arrive at the airport, I empty my pockets into my carry-on bag so that I’m not emptying them at the security checkpoint. Doing that helps to alleviate any issues with TSA wondering what I’m pulling out of my pocket. I don’t necessarily want my Crate Club pen and Tactikey to be in plain view inside the bins that go through the scanners. Being inside the bag seems to be the better route to go. After I get through security, then the stuff that was in my pockets prior to security goes back in.

EDC items shown in the above photo:

Andar Baron leather wallet

Tactikey – Click here for our product review

Zero Tolerance 0450CF Knife: First Impression

Zero Tolerance 0450CF Knife: A solid choice for James Bond

While visiting Shot Show, I was fortunate enough to stop by the ZT booth and handle several of these new knives. The one that stood out to me was the sophisticated Zero Tolerance 0450CF, with its striking carbon fiber front handle. For its weight, carbon fiber is stronger than steel and is downright sexy. I’ve spent half of my life in some sort of wheeled racing machine and have grown an affinity for this dark matter. To keep weight at a minimum, the back half of the handle is made from Titanium, another lightweight space-age material. The published weight is 2.72oz however, I recorded 2.4oz on several different scales.

The blade is a compact version of a Dmitry Sinkevich design and cut from S35VN steel, a very tough, wear resistant material that’s easy to resharpen. Both the blade and the Titanium handle are further coated with a black Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) continuing it’s stealthy look.

Although the 0450CF doesn’t use the same SpeedSafe assisted opener that I’ve come to love on my daily carry Zero Tolerance 0350, it does employ a buttery smooth KVT ball-bearing opening system. Due to the lightweight nature of the Zero Tolerance 0450CF‘s blade, there is no need for a spring assisted opener. The blade locks securely into place with the slightest effort on the built-in flipper lever.

Tech Specs: (courtesy of ZT Knives)

- Made in the USA
- KVT ball-bearing opening system
- Flipper
- Reversible clip (left/right)
- Titanium frame lock, hardened steel lockbar insert
- Steel: S35VN, DLC coating
- Handle: Carbon fiber front, titanium back
- Blade length: 3.25 in. (8.3 cm)
- Closed length: 4.1 in. (10.4 cm)
- Overall length: 7.4 in. (18.8 cm)
- Weight: 2.7 oz. (76.5 g) I measured 2.4 oz on my sample
- MSRP: $225.00
- More info here

Another cool feature of the Zero Tolerance 0450CF are the two aluminum tube spacers anodized in a contrasting emerald green. I’ve always liked the ability to customize my Oakley’s when ordering a pair of shades. Maybe a full pallet of colors for the tube spacers is something ZT would consider offering for their customers at some point. One can dream…

This is a great knife tipping the scales at less than half the weight of my ZT 0350, yet retaining the same 3.25″ blade and a similar overall length. The slender shape of the Zero Tolerance 0450CF is a perfect choice for a gentleman, combining sophistication, stealth and technology. If James Bond were to carry a pocket knife, the ZT 0450CF would be a solid choice.