For some time now, I've been
increasing the pressure on Omega SA to remove all product
representations from its "Watch Selections James Bond" promotions for
pieces that have not actually been worn by the 007 character in the
movies. After a month of advertising its DeVille 4832.51.31 as a Bond
watch, Omega pulled this promotion with a web page revision on February
7.
Over a week ago (on February 9), I
received acknowledgement from an Omega / Swatch Group public relations
manager confirming company awareness that it was promoting a watch as
"Bond" which had never appeared in a Bond film.
"You are not mistaken - the Seamaster Professional with reference number
2531.80.00 is the watch worn by James Bond in the last three Bond
movies. The 2535.80.00 is the same
style, but with the GMT function."
Truth in advertising ain't
horseshoes, I might have written, in reminding those who should know
better that "close" isn't what promotional claims are all about.
Awareness notwithstanding, Omega SA
continued to claim a Bond pedigree for its Seamaster 2535.80 GMT. In
Forums, direct letters to senior Omega SA and Swatch USA executives, and
her on my own website, I demanded immediate correction.
Now, within the last 24 hours, two
key links on the Omega SA website have been redirected without
explanation. If you click on the "Watch Selections James Bond" link on
their Seamaster 2531.80 product page, their home page will come up. If
you try to reach their "Watch Selections James Bond" from a bookmark or
original link (posted on my site, for example), their Ambassadors page
will come up.
Unfortunately, the Seamaster 2535.80
GMT product page continues to inaccurately represent it as a James Bond
watch. Still over top of an image of former Omega Ambassador Pierce
Brosnan as 007 on the set of Die Another Day.
So it goes—.
"http://www.omegawatches.com/index.php?id=217" on Omega website
<LINK>Seamaster 2531.80.00 product page on Omega website
<LINK>
Seamaster 2535.80.00 GMT product page on Omega website
<LINK>
