Wait, was Aaron Taylor-Johnson just confirmed as the next 007?

Earlier today, Aaron Taylor-Johnson was revealed to be Omega’s latest ambassador — but could the appointment herald an even bigger announcement? It’s no secret that, for the last 30 years, the Swiss watchmaker has been James Bond’s brand of choice, with previous 007 actors Daniel Craig and Pierce Brosnan being linked to the Swiss brand both on and off-screen. So could this be a sign that the double-0 odds have swung in Taylor-Johnson’s favour?

In the actual odds, the British actor is currently third most-likely to take on the role (only Henry Cavill, who recently signed with Longines, and Theo James, who wore a Patek Philippe Nautilus in last year’s The Gentlemen, ahead of him in the superspy stakes). But Taylor-Johnson’s name has been swirling around the Bond-sphere for years, and everything from his age to his hair colour lines up with the coveted part’s historic casting practices.

This new Omega partnership was announced at the watchmaker’s headquarters in Switzerland, where Taylor-Johnson was treated to a tour and an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the cutting-edge facilities. “I have always had an appreciation for timepieces, but especially for Omega,” said the actor. “Now, after visiting the factory, I am in awe of the skill required to manufacture such a luxurious product”.

During his visit, Taylor-Johnson wore a Speedmaster ‘First Omega in Space’ on a brown leather strap — which isn’t the most ‘Bond’ choice. 007 has always shown a soft spot for a Seamaster, with Brosnan buckling up the same Seamaster 300M Chronometer in three of his four films, and Daniel Craig wearing an impressive eight different Omegas during his time in the tux (seven of which were Seamasters). For his later films, Craig even had a hand in creating limited edition Seamasters for the character, which were then made available to the public.

But perhaps Taylor-Johnson’s Speedmaster was a misdirect. While promoting one of his most recent films, Nosferatu, the actor wore several Speedmaster Professionals on the press tour. But, when it came to the Gothic horror’s global premiere in Berlin, he chose a blood-red Seamaster.

It’s possible, then, that Omega’s appointment of Taylor-Johnson is pre-emptive; the watchmaker backing who it sees as the most likely horse in the 007 race. And, with other young British actors — Jonathan Bailey, Barry Keoghan, Eddie Redmayne — already linked with the watchmaker, perhaps we’re reading too far into things.

And yet, in Omega president and CEO Raynald Aeschlimann’s official endorsement of Taylor-Johnson, he ticks off the three main genre points of any good Bond film. “Aaron is such a versatile actor,” says Aeschlimann, "with a range that covers action, thriller, romance and much more. At Omega, we’ve always been impressed by that all-around quality, and his pioneering approach to so many roles.”

Dig a little deeper into the actor’s wardrobe, and you’ll find more Bond clues. Although largely suited by Armani these days, Taylor-Johnson has worked extensively with recent Bond tailor, Tom Ford, in the past. He even appeared in Ford’s second film, Nocturnal Animals, so the designer definitely has his measurements.

As for other ambassadorships, there’s his cocktail cabinet — with Taylor-Johnson being appointed an ambassador for Jameson last November. And, while 007 has never ordered an Irish whiskey (he’s more a Macallan man), Jameson is just a ‘B’ and a ‘D’ away from the spy’s own iconic name. Coincidence? Probably. But only time will tell if we’re right — and that’s one thing Omega can certainly help with.

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