Luxury automaker Aston Martin and famed French Champagne house Bollinger have forged a prestigious global partnership, the two brands announced. The upscale union brings together two icons of the luxury market known for their enduring heritage, impeccable craftsmanship, and pursuit of excellence–as well as joining James Bond’s preferred automobile and the superspy’s favorite Champagne under one experiential umbrella.

Champagne Bollinger was named the Official Champagne Partner of Aston Martin, which in turn becomes Bollinger’s Official Automotive Partner. “This partnership is a natural alignment of two iconic brands,” said Charles-Armand de Belenet, Managing Director of Champagne Bollinger. “We are proud to see Champagne Bollinger become part of Aston Martin’s most exceptional moments around the world.”

Founded in 1913, Aston Martin is a symbol of British performance and handcrafted excellence. The marque’s century-long history of creating celebrated sports cars, which combine cutting-edge engineering with timeless design, mirrors the values held by the 196-year-old Champagne house. Since its founding in 1829, family-owned Bollinger has maintained a distinctive balance between heritage and forward-thinking excellence, even holding a continuous Royal Warrant from the British Royal Household since 1884.

Stefano Saporetti, Director of Brand Diversification at Aston Martin, said the partnership exemplifies the automaker’s spirit of creating “unforgettable experiences that blend performance, craftsmanship, and artistry.”

As part of the agreement, Champagne Bollinger will be present at key Aston Martin VIP events and customer gatherings globally, from exclusive launches to intimate unveilings. The strategic partnership aims to reinforce both brand’s commitment to elevating lifestyle experiences for discerning global audiences. Stay tuned to see what the collaboration has in store for fans of both brands.

Sydney Sweeney’s forthcoming business venture is reportedly backed by one of the richest men on Earth. The 27-year-old Emmy nominee is reportedly launching a lingerie line “very soon” with the financial support of Jeff Bezos and his new wife, Lauren Sanchez, whose marriage was attended by Sweeney, per Us Weekly. According to Forbes‘ real-time billionaire list, the Amazon founder currently boasts a net worth of just under $240 billion, putting him fourth behind Mark Zuckerberg ($248.2 billion), Larry Ellison ($277.5 billion) and Elon Musk ($409.9 billion).

Following her breakout role as Cassie on Euphoria, Sweeney has continues to expand her acting career, most recently in the films Anyone But You and Immaculate. Arguably her most significant casting yet is as pioneering female pro boxer Christy Martin, a part for which she reportedly gained 30 pounds. But Sweeney also boasts a supercharged business portfolio that includes ambassadorships with HeyDude footwear, Bai beverages, Laneige skincare and Kérastase haircare, as well as product collabs with Frankies Bikinis, Ford, Dr. Squatch (which offers Sweeney bathwater-infused soap) and Baskin Robbins.

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She previously provided insight into the source of her unrelenting drive in an interview with Glamour last year. “I knew that I could never actually fail because, I mean, on a very broad scale, my family did lose everything. They did get a divorce. Whether or not that was because of coming [to Los Angeles], it definitely was a catalyst for it. So I knew I had to succeed in some capacity so that it wasn’t for nothing.”

“It’s a weird feeling when people are like, ‘Oh, you’re successful,’ or say, ‘You’ve made it,’” she mused added. “It doesn’t feel like that because there’s so much more I want to accomplish and achieve. I feel like I’ve barely scratched the surface of what I’d like to do in my life.”

Aside from her Bezos-backed lingerie business, another would-be milestone moment for Sweeney is churning in the tabloid rumor mill: The Sun and Cosmopolitan have suggested that she may have been tapped by director Denis Villeneuve (Dune) to appear in Bond 26. Considering the height of Sweeney’s star, the fact that she attended Bezos and Sanchez’s wedding, and Amazon MGM Studios’ acquisition of the James Bond property’s creative control from longtime producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson, the pieces would seem to be in place for Sweeney to appear alongside 007’s yet-named successor.

Addressing a crowd at CinemaCon 2025, Amazon MGM’s head of film Courtenay Valenti recently confirmed that work on the latest Bond movie had already begun, saying, “We are committed to honoring the legacy of this iconic character, while bringing a fresh, exotic new chapter to audiences around the world alongside Amy and David,” per Yahoo. “They are both in London getting started and couldn’t be here tonight, but we wanted to thank them for what we know will be an incredible partnership.” News of the successor to Daniel Craig‘s Bond may still be forthcoming, but there’s no need to wait for a retrospective on the most impressive Bond Girls that the amorous agent has encountered, from racy rendezvous to ferocious firefights. Here are five all-time Bond girl favorites.

5. Vesper Lynd

Portrayed By Eva Green In Casino Royale

Possibly more intoxicating than the martini variation that 007 dubbed in her honor, Vesper Lynd walked into the superspy’s stark world of espionage and dealt him a hand far more complicated than any poker game. More than just a fleeting conquest, Vesper was a sharp mind, a formidable equal who saw through the tailored suits and steely gaze. She possessed a vulnerability that belied her sharp edges, as well as a secretive depth that ultimately led to her demise and left an indelible mark that permanently changed Bond’s emotional makeup for better or worse.

4. Pussy Galore

Portrayed By Honor Blackman In Goldfinger

Leading her all-female flying circus, Pussy Galore was no damsel in distress waiting for Bond’s rescue—a rare example of a strong female lead in 1960s cinema. She was sharp, independent, and ran her own show. She eventually succumbed to Bond’s “charm”—or what passed for charm in the day—but went on to engage the serial womanizer in a test of wills that crackled with undeniable chemistry. Much more than a conquest, she was a formidable adversary turned reluctant ally.

3. Paloma

Portrayed By Ana De Armas In No Time To Die

Bursting onto the scene in a flurry of high-octane energy and firepower—all while wearing a knockout dress—Paloma was a fully modern female associate in Bond’s typically measured world. This wasn’t a woman weighed down by secrets or shadowed by tragedy; Paloma was effervescent, a whirlwind of charm and lethal capability. She was the enthusiastic rookie who could more than handle herself in a firefight or disarm foes with a smile.

2. Honey Ryder

Portrayed By Ursula Andress In Dr. No

The OG Bond Girl etched herself into cinematic history as she emerged from the turquoise Jamaican shallows while sporting a white bikini in the 007 franchise’s very first installment. The sultry shell diver initially appeared vulnerable but proved to be extremely resourceful in assisting Bond on his mission. A beautiful blend of sensuality and self-reliance cemented her status as a foundational figure in the Bond universe, serving as a prototype for subsequent portrayals of women alongside the famed spy.

1. Jinx

Portrayed By Halle Berry In Die Another Day

Somehow, Jinx managed to outdo Ryder’s bikini-clad entrance 40 years later to create the most iconic Bond Girl scene in the history of the 25-film franchise. Introduced as an American NSA agent operating undercover, Jinx stole scenes with a striking presence and assertive nature, marking a departure from her predecessors’ demeanors. While sharing a romantic connection with Bond, Jinx maintained her own agency and played a pivotal role in thwarting the villain’s plot. Her confidence and proactive involvement solidified her as a contemporary and formidable ally for 007.

As Newt Scamander in Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, Eddie Redmayne specializes in exotic and sometimes deadly creatures. In The Day of the Jackal, his new series for Peacock, he is an exotic and sometimes deadly creature. Based on the 1971 novel by Frederick Forsyth, the show chronicles the cat-and-mouse pursuit by MI6 agent Bianca Pullman (Bond girl Lashana Lynch) of an elite, shape-shifting assassin known as “the Jackal.” Like the 1973 classic film starring Edward Fox based on the same book, Jackal, which was recently renewed for a second season after huge critical acclaim, provides all the taut action of a good thriller as well as eye candy for the sartorial set—and it recently scored two Golden Globe nominations to prove it.

It’s high time we saw Redmayne sink his teeth into a part like this. With an OBE (Order of the British Empire) to his name and an Oscar for his portrayal of physicist Stephen Hawking, the actor, who attended the same posh prep school as Prince William, has at times been dismissed as not quite tough enough to take on the role of James Bond. However, The Day of the Jackal not only proves that Redmayne knows how to handle a sniper rifle, but that he can pull off the style necessary to fill the famous secret agent’s bespoke shoes.

“I wanted the Jackal to be elegant, calm, and economic,” Redmayne notes. “He glides through space like a knife through butter. For example, the gun you see constructed is beautifully designed and fits amazingly into a suitcase. I had to practice putting it together over and over again. I’d play Mozart to try and calm myself into not rushing while I constructed the thing.” He also spent weeks working with a 24-year veteran of the British Special Forces. “For several weeks in London, I learned about surveillance techniques. He showed me all of his tricks, all the old-school things”—including how to handle deadly weapons. “When you’re a sniper you’re looking down the barrel and looking in someone’s face,” Redmayne says, “you can’t deny humanity at the moment and yet somehow you have to be able to in order to take that shot.”

As for the Jackal’s wardrobe, costume designer Natalie Humphries conjured a sophisticated yet understated look for Redmayne, evolving from suede blousons to sleek trench coats along with refined Loro Piana caps, Borsalino hats, and tailored jackets from the likes of Brunello Cucinelli, plus accessories from Drake’s and bespoke suiting. The wardrobe mirrors the extraordinary care the Jackal devotes to his craft. “Along with reflecting a British sense of historical tailoring, we were mindful that the Jackal operates largely in Europe,” Humphries says. “Eddie and I wanted his wardrobe to reflect an old-world quiet luxury and looked to European cinema for reference. We worked with legendary men’s outfitters Knize in Vienna to create the building blocks for the Jackal’s daily casual looks. The Jackal, much like [Jay] Gatsby [of The Great Gatsby], has meticulously observed the codes of dress of the moneyed classes amongst whom he often operates in plain view.”

It’s not just the impeccable outfits and one-in-a-million sniper shots that have caught fans’ attention, but the Jackal’s numerous Omega wristwatches as well. Redmayne is a longtime Omega brand ambassador, but Omega is of course also the official watch of James Bond. The Jackal’s Seamaster Railmaster, crafted in stainless steel with a two-tone black textile strap, is the sniper’s constant companion in the field. The Seamaster Aqua Terra Shades, stainless steel with a sandstone-colored dial, keeps time while the Jackal is out with his gorgeous wife. But the most stunning model is the Globemaster, an 18-karat Sedna gold timepiece made from a mixture of gold, copper, silver and palladium that’s more durable than regular 18-karat gold.

The watches echo the impeccable craftsmanship of the Jackal’s other essential piece of kit. One night during filming, Redmayne practiced building a complex sniper rifle in his hotel suite and left it there when he went out for dinner. Halfway through, he realized that turndown service might find it. So, he ran upstairs to intercept them. “I rushed through the door, and there’s this gigantic sniper rifle overlooking the Budapest square,” he laughed. “I’m like, no I don’t need extra water or a chocolate by the bed! It was quite a moment.”

So decreed Life magazine in 1947, adding that, “For more than half a century royalty has assembled on its Alpine slopes, at its outdoor cocktail bars and in its luxurious dining rooms.” Make that more than a century, and counting; the considerable attractions of St. Moritz, which served as a location for two James Bond films, The Spy Who Loved Me and A View to a Kill, have only increased since.

Still the ne plus ultra for billionaire skiers who park their private jets at the nearby Samedan/Engadin airport and arrive at Badrutt’s Palace Hotel in G-Wagens with blacked-out windows—Town & Country called it “Europe’s most secretive and storied ski town”—this year it will host the world championships for freestyle skiers and snowboarders, as well as the famed White Turf horse racing event and Snow Polo World Cup, the world’s only high-goal polo tournament on snow.

And perhaps most appealing of all is a newer event nestled amongst the 10,000-feet peaks: the International Concours of Elegance, aka I.C.E., a snowbound classic and exotic car showcase with a luxury lifestyle component that is rapidly drawing global attention. Debuting in 2022, the 2024 edition of I.C.E. was canceled due to inclement weather, so hopes are riding high for this year’s dates at the end of February. The program promises “a perfect combination of stunning cars, breathtaking scenery, refinement and hospitality of the highest level.”

I.C.E. is the brainchild of Marco Makaus, a car collector, historian, author and event organizer, who envisioned the “world’s chicest classic car show,” according to L’Officiel. As he told the magazine, “The I.C.E. can only happen in St. Moritz, because it is the only international and cosmopolitan Alpine city and sports resort with an unparalleled experience in hospitality and event organization. It has a unique blend of obsession for quality and a casual sporting atmosphere.”

Sponsored by Richard Mille, judges have included the likes of star British architect Lord Norman Foster, whose firm Foster + Partners designed one of St. Moritz’s most photographed modern landmarks, the Chesa Futura apartment building. St. Moritz also hosts the annual British Classic Car Meeting in July, so collectors and enthusiasts can get their kicks year round.

In its 2020 book on the iconic destination, St. Moritz Chic, French luxury publisher Assouline paid tribute to the late Gunter Sachs, the legendary German playboy who was married to Brigitte Bardot and who “may be more responsible than any of St. Moritz’s famed devotees for elevating the town’s glamour factor in the ’60s and ’70s,” as they put it.

“Shaped by men and women of character—a masterful blend of empathy, gallantry, humor and style, and a pinch of might—St. Moritz continues to attract new souls and players, creating generational friendship and a charming, enchanting atmosphere in the process,” his son, artist, designer and philanthropist Rolf Sachs, wrote in the book’s preface.

“For these reasons, St. Moritz has an undoubtedly distinct DNA—endowing it with a special and eccentric personality”—not to mention priceless real estate. In 2017, it made the record books when an ultra-luxe 43,000-square-foot chateau, complete with walls upholstered in Loro Piana cashmere and its own chairlift, hit the market for $185 million, making it Switzerland’s most expensive estate. Of course iconic photographer Slim Aarons captured some of his most compelling winter images here over the course of many visits to similar sybaritic locales.

Sachs adds that, “Thanks to its high altitude, one finds here the crispest of sunlight, breathtaking rock configurations, mountains that pierce the dark blue sky, and lakes [that] sit nestled between lush green pastures and forests. The snow-rich winters and crisp, dry air allow St. Moritz to be home to the only natural bobsled run in the world—which is coincidentally also the oldest—as well as the even older, famed Cresta Run.

And thanks to its southern Alpine position, the town also benefits from a wealth of ‘sun-drenched’ days, even in the coldest of months. But more important for this mountain village is its rich history of guests, families and personalities that it has attracted over the years,” who have amplified the destination’s magnetic pull.

Said personalities have included the likes of Tsar Nicholas II, who helped establish St. Moritz’s royal reputation in the early 1900s, Greta Garbo, Stavros Niarchos, Aristotle Onassis, Coco Chanel, Sophia Loren, Elizabeth Taylor, Audrey Hepburn, Andy Warhol, Claudia Schiffer, Kate Moss, Robert De Niro and George Clooney, to name a few. Alfred Hitchcock spent his honeymoon at Badrutt’s Palace, one of the finest hotels in the world, in 1926 and stayed on for the New Year’s celebrations, thereafter setting part of his first version of The Man Who Knew Too Much in the chic resort town.

The chateau-style hotel, built in 1896 and renowned for its 30,000-bottle wine cellar and underground nightclub, King’s Social House, has since turned his favorite room into the Hitchcock Suite, featuring the bed and desk used by the iconic director. Assouline recounts that he once declared, “I am a devotee of winter sports from a distance. I just like sitting in my hotel room and looking at the snow.”

As Vogue puts it, St. Moritz, which also has a thriving arts and culture scene, “remains rooted in aristocracy and discrete jet-setters nostalgic for the classic glamour that once defined the golden age of après-ski, and that somehow still manages to persist here,” even as other high-toned resorts have become gaudy and ostentatious.

In St. Moritz, however, “creatives and royals share skiwassers slopeside on the sheepskin benches of [famed mountain club] Paradiso, pause to sip champagne on long strolls around its frozen, crystalline lake and enjoy coffee and confections at the centuries-old Hanselmann café,” foregoing showy signs of wealth, no matter how big their bank balances, as Assouline notes. “St. Moritz has never lost its inimitable appeal, and will continue to reign as an elegant hideaway for all those who have come to call it a home away from home.” 

DINING IN ST. MORITZ

St. Moritz may be famous for its world-class skiing and shopping, but it’s also home to some seriously delicious restaurants. Here are four feast-worthy spots—Jon Small

HANSELMANN’S

Start your gourmand experience at this historic pastry shop, which has been in business since 1894 and is a favorite among locals. While Hanselmann’s offers a full menu with eggs and savory options, the real draw is the huge bakery case filled with freshly baked croissants and cakes. The signature pastry is the Engadiner Nusstorte—a sticky shortbread confection of walnuts and caramel. Paired with some Swiss coffee au lait, this is just what you need to warm your belly before hitting the slopes.

PARADISO

For a little après-ski action, head on over to Paradiso. At an elevation of 7,152 feet with stunning views of the Engadin mountains, this is where you’ll find beautiful Europeans in their Gucci snowsuits, sipping Aperol spritzs and dining on Côte de Boeuf and lobster rolls. The Paradiso boasts two decks—the more casual music deck has a live DJ spinning tunes. On the lower deck, you’ll find the Mountain Club, which is for members only or day-pass guests. The food is top-notch, offering Swiss, French and Italian cuisine.

CHESA VEGLIA

Perched high atop the famed Badrutt’s Palace Hotel, the Chesa Veglia is a 17th-century farmhouse transformed into three top-tier restaurants and two bars. The go-to spot is Pizzeria Heuboden, located in the former hayloft, which serves up scrumptious pies woodfired in stone ovens on cheery gingham-clad wooden tables. Their most famous creation is Dama Bianca, a white pie with truffles that will curl your toes.

LA BARACCA

Don’t let the humble origins fool you. This former construction shack has become one of St. Moritz’s most beloved dining spots, where whimsical vintage chandeliers hang above tables and red roses sit in ice buckets throughout the space. This is where you go for traditional Alpine home cooking, such as polenta and beef carpaccio with pesto and mashed potatoes. But the real magic happens after dinner when table dancing becomes not just permitted but expected.

This article originally appeared in the Jan/Feb 2025 issue of Maxim magazine.

The James Bond franchise is getting a major reboot. Amazon MGM Studios and longtime 007 producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli recently announced the formation of a new joint venture to control the iconic spy movie brand’s intellectual property rights.

Amazon MGM Studios will take creative control of the Bond franchise, while Wilson and Broccoli are set to remain as co-owners of the 60-year-old property. In 2022, Amazon bought MGM, including a sprawling catalog of more than 4,000 films and 17,000 TV shows. Since the MGM acquisition, Amazon has had rights to distribute all Bond films, and following completion of the joint venture, will control the creative direction of future productions, according to the Hollywood Reporter.

“We are grateful to the late Albert R. Broccoli and Harry Saltzman for bringing James Bond to movie theaters around the world, and to Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli for their unyielding dedication and their role in continuing the legacy of the franchise that is cherished by legions of fans worldwide. We are honored to continue this treasured heritage, and look forward to ushering in the next phase of the legendary 007 for audiences around the world,” Mike Hopkins, head of Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios, said in a statement last week.

Wilson added he was stepping back from producing Bond movies to focus on art and charitable projects. “Therefore, Barbara and I agree, it is time for our trusted partner, Amazon MGM Studios, to lead James Bond into the future,” Wilson said in his own statement.

News of the joint venture comes amid continuing speculation about the 26th Bond film and who will taker over as 007, after Daniel Craig exited the role following 2021’s No Time to Die. Barbara Broccoli, 64, whose family has been in charge of Bond since 1962’s Dr. No, also issued a statement saying it was time for her to allow Amazon MGM Studios to take over the creative reins.

“My life has been dedicated to maintaining and building upon the extraordinary legacy that was handed to Michael and me by our father, producer Cubby Broccoli. I have had the honor of working closely with four of the tremendously talented actors who have played 007 and thousands of wonderful artists within the industry. With the conclusion of No Time to Die and Michael retiring from the films, I feel it is time to focus on my other projects,” Broccoli said.

Craig issued a statement wishing the producers well in the wake of Amazon’s takeover. “My respect, admiration and love for Barbara and Michael remain constant and undiminished,” 56-year-old Craig, who played 007 in five films, told Variety. “I wish Michael a long, relaxing (and well-deserved) retirement, and whatever ventures Barbara goes on to do, I know they will be spectacular and I hope I can be part of them.”

But not everyone is excited about 007 getting the Amazon treatment. New York Post critic Johnny Oleksinki predicted that Amazon would bumble the Bond franchise the same way it diminished The Lord of the Rings with the streamer’s big-budget, poorly-received LOTR series.

Most telling of all is what Amazon has already done to “The Lord of the Rings.” In 2018, the company paid $250 million to snag the TV rights from the Tolkien Estate. That didn’t mean they could make shows off “The Hobbit” or the books that inspired Peter Jackson’s Oscar-winning film trilogy, but rather “The Appendices” — bone dry histories of Middle Earth.

Even so, the Sauron-like company committed a reported $1 billion to a five-season series (the most expensive TV show ever made) in hopes of giving Prime Video its own “Game of Thrones.” The difference between HBO’s fantasy epic and “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power”? People actually talked about “Game of Thrones.” Amazon’s show barely registers, wins no major awards and is a cheap-looking snooze with a declining viewership.

2021’s No Time To Die, Craig’s final outing as the MI6 agent with a license to kill, raked in $774 million at the global box office. No plans or casting have been announced for the 26th 007 film, but when Amazon boss Jeff Bezos asked “Who’d you pick as the next Bond?” to his 6.8 million followers on X, among the most popular replies were Henry Cavill, Tom Hardy, Idris Elba and Aaron Taylor-Johnson, according to the BBC.

Prices can fluctuate, and some examples might be available for less than others, so be sure to do your due diligence when shopping. And most important of all, only buy from retailers who offer an ironclad guaranty of authenticity. Here are some top picks in this price range from the likes of Rolex, Tudor, Breitling, Panerai, Omega and Cartier from Paul Altieri, renowned watch collector and founder of Bob’s Watches, a leading online vintage and pre-owned luxury watch retailer:

1. Tudor Pelagos

“The Tudor Pelagos watch collection exemplifies contemporary innovation in diving watches, boasting a lightweight titanium case and a remarkable 500m water resistance,” Altieri notes. “Its sophisticated helium escape valve and ceramic bezel highlight Tudor’s dedication to crafting professional diving tools, while the distinctive snowflake hands pay tribute to the brand’s esteemed diving legacy. And Tudor is, of course, owned by Rolex which gives it a big advantage over the competition.”

2. Cartier Tank Must

“The Cartier Tank Must embodies the pinnacle of dress watch aesthetics, continuing a heritage that extends over a hundred years,” Altieri says. “Its rectangular case and straightforward Roman numerals showcase an exquisite blend of artistry and practicality, while its elegant proportions render it the perfect accessory for formal wear. The Cartier Tank’s impact on watch design is monumental and it has been worn by many style icons over the years.”

3. Rolex Oyster Perpetual

“The Rolex Oyster Perpetual is regarded as the ideal all-purpose timepiece, encapsulating elegance and simplicity in its most authentic form,” Altieri notes—not to mention the significant prestige factor. “Its uncluttered dial and sturdy build make it an excellent match for any occasion.” At this price point the watch will likely be several years old, but nobody has to know you scored a Rolex for under five grand; and “its value will likely increase over time,” Altieri says.

4. Breitling Navitimer

“The Breitling Navitimer  is the ideal combination of tradition and modernity in aviation watches,” Altieri states. “The instantly-recognizable slide-rule bezel and detailed dial design celebrate decades of aviation history while ensuring contemporary functionality. Offered in several sizes, these chronographs transition effortlessly from professional environments to everyday use.”

5. Panerai Luminor

“Italian design flair meets Swiss precision engineering in the Panerai Luminor collection,” Altieri says. “The Luminor’s combination of important historical military heritage and modern manufacturing techniques results in a timepiece that perfectly balances bold aesthetics with reliable performance for the contemporary gentleman who wants to make a statement.”

6. Omega Seamaster

The official watch of James Bond, “This masterpiece combines legendary precision with contemporary aesthetics, featuring a ceramic bezel and dial that resist fading even in harsh marine environments,” Altieri says. “The Omega Seamaster’s heritage as a professional diving instrument is evident in every detail, from its highly legible display to its robust construction.”

7. Oris Divers Sixty-Five

“Vintage charm meets modern diving functionality in this Oris Divers Sixty-Five watch,” Altieri says of this underrated timepiece. “It captures the essence of classic dive watches while incorporating contemporary reliability and performance standards, making it an excellent choice for those seeking character in a watch, whether you’re actually going diving with it or not.”

On the list of the greatest James Bond cars of all time—and hence, the greatest movie cars, period—the Aston Martin V12 Vanquish easily ranks alongside the iconic Aston DB5 that debuted in 1964’s Goldfinger. Appearing in 2002’s Die Another Day, the 20th Bond film, the V12 Vanquish driven by Pierce Brosnan was an homage to the 007 DB5, equipped with adaptive camouflage, target-seeking shotguns, machine guns, missiles and a passenger ejector seat among other gadgets. The first Aston Martin to appear in the Bond series since the throwback DB5 in Tomorrow Never Dies (1997), it kicked off the official partnership between Eon Productions and the famed British marque which continues to this day. 

The glacial pace at which Eon is moving to name Daniel Craig‘s successor for the role of the superspy—it’s been three years and counting—is beginning to frustrate fans. Granted these are not easy Lobbs to fill. Whatever the outcome casting-wise, one thing is for certain however: the new 007’s chariot awaits. Because no matter who inherits the license to thrill, there can be no question that the brand-new version of the Vanquish “Super GT” is the perfect vehicle to convey Bond in the style to which he’s become accustomed. 

It would not have come as a huge surprise—though in purist camps, certainly a disappointment—had Aston abandoned the V12 engine in favor of something more “progressive.” After all, even Ferrari ditched 12 cylinders for its eye-popping new F80, which sports a twin-turbo V6 mated to auxiliary electric motors. Choosing to keep the Vanquish a V12 however has in no way held the marque back; it boasts the highest top speed of any Aston series production car to date. 

“It was inconceivable that a new Aston Martin flagship should be powered by anything other than a state-of-the-art V12,” declares Roberto Fedeli, Aston’s Chief Technical Officer. “One which delivers performance characteristics unmatched by any other car in its category.”

The 5.2-liter twin-turbo is good for 824 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque, with a 0 to 62 mph sprint of 3.2 seconds and a top speed of 214 mph. Thanks to those numbers and a base price of $429,000, it squares off favorably against the likes of the Ferrari 12Cilindri, Bentley Continental GT Speed, Rolls-Royce Spectre, and not much else.

This is exalted territory, to be sure, and in fact, as Aston points out, the “white space” between the ultra-luxury and performance cars on that list is right where Aston belongs. With the new Vanquish dead center, capable of being both a razor-sharp speed machine and an opulent super-GT comfortably clocking 1,000-mile road trips to Bond-worthy destinations, and then leaving the bad guys in the dust.

Designed by Marek Reichmann, Aston’s über-talented Chief Creative Officer who celebrates 20 years with the company in 2025, having created some of its most iconic cars along the way, the sensational new vehicle builds on the original inspiration for the first V12 Vanquish introduced in 2001: the iconic Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato, one of the most beautiful sports cars of all time, produced from 1960-63.

Reichmann extols the Vanquish’s perfect proportions that, like the DB4 GT Zagato, will ensure it still looks beautiful in 50 years’ time. “It’s a very, very dynamic body language,” he notes. “It’s a language of surfaces that are moving even when they’re static. This car has a feeling, it has a liveness, it has a sinuousness. [You] see the power and that’s what Vanquish should be visually…. A shark, an unstoppable rogue.”

While Aston has long been known for breathtaking automotive architecture, bringing interiors up to speed with a combination of gorgeous materials and state-of-the-art infotainment has been a recent priority, reaching its pinnacle with Vanquish. The new Vanquish is also a fitting debut for Aston’s new Chief Executive Officer, Adrian Hallmark, who came on board in October 2024.

The hiring of Hallmark, former Chairman and CEO of Bentley Motors (who replaces Amedeo Felisa) shows that Aston’s billionaire Executive Chairman Lawrence Stroll is doubling down on his commitment to and investment in the marque. “In Adrian we are attracting one of the highest calibre leaders not just in our segment, but in the entire global automotive industry,” Stroll emphasizes. “Complementing our world-class leadership, Adrian will bring to Aston Martin unrivaled experience in both the ultra-luxury and British manufacturing sectors to progress our strategy and continue recent momentum.”

Having already launched the new DB12 and Vantage within the last year-and-a-half, as well as put its fledgling Formula One reboot firmly within the top five, one might have thought a pause was in order. Clearly Stroll is not the type to rest on his laurels however. The brand also recently opened a huge new ultra-luxe “Q New York” Aston Martin flagship store in NYC, while simultaneously making a major investment in its Gaydon, UK headquarters which now combines “cutting-edge technology with hand-craftsmanship and traditional techniques, providing an infrastructure ideally suited to innovation, creativity and advanced engineering.”

The focus on the new initiatives has been to enhance Q by Aston Martin, the marque’s Bond-inspired bespoke enhancement division, which while stopping short of installing actual machine guns can pretty much fulfill clients’ wildest wishes. For over 110 years, since it was first founded, “design is something that Aston Martin has always been really well known for,” Tom Clayton, Aston’s Head of Product Marketing, said at the Vanquish’s global launch at the famed Cala di Volpe hotel in Sardinia, where The Spy Who Loved Me was filmed in 1977.

In addition to Cala di Volpe’s 007 cred, it has played host to the likes of Grace Kelly, Jacqueline Onassis, Princess Diana and Dodi al Fayed, Elton John, Bill Gates, and Beyoncé and Jay-Z. The legend of Cala di Volpe began in 1962 when a group of Sardinian landowners including the Aga Khan formed the Consorzio Costa Smeralda in order to develop it as a world-class destination for the aristocracy and jet set. Obviously Aston could not have picked a better place to launch the Vanquish.

“We’ve always made achingly beautiful cars, even more so under the reign of Marek Reichmann within the last 20 years. Our customers and even the global marketplace will always talk with heartwarming joy about an Aston Martin, how much they love it,” Clayton enthuses. “Now we’ve also  taken huge steps in the last few years”—since Stroll took over in 2020—”to really, really build up a luxury experience for our customers that transcends the product as well.” 

And last but not least there is performance, which in today’s world, Clayton says, is more than just raw power, “it’s in driving dynamics and the technology within the car, and performance really is in how the car makes makes the customer feel when they drive it. So combining these three elements, our key brand pillars, is certainly how we are trying to change our brand and move our brand up into that white space” between ultra-luxury and performance.

“And we believe we are the intersection of all of these things. We believe we do this better than anybody…. Recently we’ve have a laser-sharp focus on these three points and it breeds across our whole company and our whole brand.”

Second only to Stroll, who of course drives every new Aston ahead of anyone else, the marque’s very best customers got to preview the new Vanquish before it was announced to the world at large. The focus, Clayton reveals, was on those “who love our V12 product. Maybe they’ve had some of the previous generation of Aston cars, maybe they’re a Valkyrie [hypercar] owner. We do have an NDA, but we trusted them to show them the car first.”

This lucky clique not only got to place orders for the new Vanquish—which Clayton calls “an unprecedented combination of technology, craftsmanship, and material application”—before anyone else, but were able to customize them in advance via the Q division as well. “From our pretty healthy Vanquish order book, we know that over 65% of those orders are bespoke,” Clayton says, “which means Q have gone and done their work, their magic, and given that those customers their ultimate cars.

And, “when they start to deliver to the first customers, we’ll see some beautiful specifications, and some really quirky stuff as well out there on the cars,” he adds. “What better way to bring it to market? What better way to show it for the first time [with] customers driving really special cars on the street?”

It will be a rare sight, as it should be. “We know that we’re going to build less than a thousand cars a year,” Clayton proclaims. “It’s going to be really, really limited, very special. You won’t ever see a bunch of Vanquishes in the same place. They are totally unique and they will always be unique.” 

The covetable style of the world’s most famous secret agent isn’t often easy to replicate, but that hasn’t stopped watch enthusiasts from trying, particularly when it comes to James Bond’s watch in No Time To Die. That mission just got slightly more affordable, as 007’s preferred watchmaker launched a newly retooled version of the Omega Seamaster.

In fact, not one but two new takes on the Omega Seamaster Diver 300M just hit the market, one in a stainless steel-on-steel build ($6,500), and one with a stainless steel case and sporty rubber strap ($5,900), each with two dial variations apiece.

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The new duo should prove more agreeable to price-conscious James Bond fanatics who don’t want to shell out $10K for the Seamaster Diver 007 Edition, for instance, but a closer look under the hood reveals similar attention to detail.

It’s not the first time a new twist on the Omega Seamaster has been spotted in the wild: InsideHook reports that Daniel Craig himself wore a variation to this year’s Paris Olympics. A number of changes to the specs of the Seamaster resulted in a lighter, more affordable watch that still delivers loads of globetrotting, MI6-approved style.

Watch enthusiasts, ever quick on the draw, were also fast to spot the famed British actor wearing an as-yet-unreleased Speedmaster last fall (it’s since hit the market). But it’s the Speedmaster that’s been worn so famously in recent years on the big screen, and it’s proven a rather pricey purchase at times.

Each new build comes with your choice of a black bezel or grey bezel, and the sporty rubber strap version comes with a matching strap to team with your resulting dial color of choice. The difference is in the details, as a steel case itself is a more cost-effective, easier material to work with than titanium.

InsideHook also notes that changes to the bezel inserts (for example, either aluminum or laser-abated titanium) still offer plenty of durability, akin to that of the more expensive 007 Edition Seamaster.

There are also features that offer a more refined change of pace than certain renditions of the 007 Edition Seamaster, in this instance a sleek mesh bracelet for a touch of dressy appeal. Omega also notes that each variation of the Seamaster Diver 300M features its Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 8806, not unlike pricier editions sported by Bond, James Bond.

A sapphire crystal caseback showcases Omega’s in-house movement, and the watch also boasts an impressive 55-hour power reserve. It falls in line with a number of updates, special editions and subtle tweaks to the Diver 300M line over the years, as the Swiss watchmaker notes its “most advanced innovation and design” have kept the style fresh across three decades.

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Assuredly, that sentiment also very much includes this slew of covetable, more affordable editions of a modern classic. For 007 fans on a budget, a fine and fashionable wrist game upgrade might be closer at hand than ever before.