M-10: Complete Modification. This is a watch often modified beyond its ability to function as a timekeeping device. In the case of Live and Let Die, the original Rolex Submariner 5513 as altered to apparently function as a circular saw via rotating bezel. So valuable is this piece that the production drawing used to make it sold at auction for $11,453 in 2001.

M-9: Functional Modification. This covers any and all modifications of a watch short of compromising its timekeeping functionality. It might include removal of the crystal to facilitate extreme close-ups, or application of external fixtures to imply or produce additional function.

More modestly, the Omega Seamaster 2541.80.00 featured in the "Archangel Chemical Weapons Facility" sequence in GoldenEye had been functionally modified when it was worn by 007 on a strap (not available on the original watch).

M-8: Worn Issue. These are among the one or more watches that were actually worn in the film.

M-7: Commemorative Edition. These are limited and special-run editions of film property watches. They typically carry with them some overt or subtle marking on the timepiece itself, along with corroborating documentation of authenticity. The DOXA SUB750T Professional "Dirk Pitt" edition, released in conjunction with the film Sahara, is an example.

M-6: Pre-Contemporaneous. This would be any consumer watch of the exact same specifications that "could" have been used in the film. This would also include consumer watches authentically altered to replicate M-9 criteria (eg, fitting a classic Rolex Submariner on a NATO strap, as worn by Sean Connery in his 1960s Bond films).

M-5: Contemporaneous. This is a watch of the exact same specifications as the watch worn in the film, but produced any time after the release of the film. For example, the Omega Seamaster 2541.80 quartz diver's watch, with 1538 caliber movement, produced more than a GoldenEye without change, to the same specifications.

M-4: Successor. This is a direct generation developmental replacement to the M-5 (and, more importantly, the M-8). Typically, this represents a technology- and/or broader marketplace-driven change, eg, from domed plastic on the Rolex Submariner 5513 (M-6 or M-5) to flat sapphire on the 14060M model (its M-4).

Alternations, regardless of justification, made due to maintenance, repair, upgrade, et cetera, that deviate from original specifications also move M-5 watches to this class (eg, a Live and Let Die vintage Rolex Submariner 5513 with gilt dial replacement).

M-3: Alternatives. Unlike Fakes (M-1), these are watches that carry their own brand names, honestly, regardless of how closely they dance to the line of copying the M-6. The O&W (Ollech and Wajs) model M4 Precision Diver and even the Timex 29781 could be considered M-3 alternatives to the classic Rolex Submariner M-6.

M-2: Generic labels. These are pieces where the brand has been confused, corrupted, or confiscated for use as short-hand identification of similarly styled pieces. It has become common to hear any Omega watch with blue dial, blue bezel, and skeleton hands referred to as a "Bond watch," even if it has no connection whatsoever (eg., Omega Seamaster 2599.80.00 Chrono Diver fits this description and was never worn by Pierce Brosnan as 007).

M-1: Fakes. The euphemism may be "replica," but I have too much respect for the professionalism and hard work that goes into branding to let these imposters off that easy. The pieces here steal logos and indicia in an effort to pass as truly authentic, invariably from disreputable sources who haven't even produced the equivalent quality of an entry level department store issue. Wearing such a piece as if it were the real McCoy speaks even more lowly of the person who bought it.

"Franken" watches (as collectors call them) fall into the same category. These are perhaps genuine, high quality watches, modified to replicate other issues, eg, a 2531.80 with dial, caseback, and deployant clasp replaced to pass for a 2537.80 Limited Edition.