List of James Bond gadgets

A popular element of the James Bond franchise is the exotic equipment and vehicles he is assigned on his missions, which often prove to be critically useful.

The original books and early adaptations had only relatively minimal pieces like the modified attache case in From Russia with Love. However, the gadgets took on a more spectacular profile in the film version of Goldfinger, and its tremendous success encouraged the following films to have Bond supplied with still more equipment. For instance, it became an expected scene in each film where Q would present and demonstrate Bond's assigned tools for the mission, and it was a near guarantee that each and every piece would be invaluable to Bond in the field. In this sense, Bond gadgets became a prime example of the literary technique of Chekhov's gun.

Fans eventually complained that the use of gadgets became excessive in the Roger Moore films, particularly in Moonraker, and subsequent productions struggled to find a balance in which gadgets could have a place without giving the impression that the character unduly depended on them or using stories that arbitrarily included situations that exactly fit the use of the gadgets assigned.

This article concerns the gadgets James Bond typically carried on his person, along with additional gadgets used by others. For his gadget vehicles, see List of James Bond vehicles.

Dr. No

Walther PPK

M and Major Boothroyd (Q) force Bond to trade in his Beretta for the new standard issue, the Walther PPK with a suppressor. Bond continued using the PPK in most movies until Tomorrow Never Dies, where he begins using a Walther P99.

Geiger counter

Bond has to request one from Britain before using it to determine the radioactivity of Crab Key, suggesting they were an uncommon piece of equipment.

Self-destructor bag

M tells Bond that the case notes will be sent to him at the airport in one of these.

From Russia With Love

Briefcase

Given to Bond by Q-Branch, it contains a take down AR-7 .22 survival rifle erroneously described as a "Sniper's rifle" for story purposes, and additional scope; ammunition is stored in 2 hidden compartments in the case. Fifty gold sovereigns are concealed in the case hinge stays. A knife is contained in a hidden, spring-loaded compartment accessible on the outside of the case. In addition, there is a safety mechanism that detonates a gas bomb in the briefcase if opened improperly. This case is almost identical to the one described in Fleming's novel, except the book added a cyanide capsule which Bond was to use to commit suicide upon capture (Bond immediately flushes it down a toilet, a fact referenced in Die Another Day, when Bond says, "I threw it away years ago."). The briefcase made a cameo appearance in the movie "Die Another Day" but observant fans will note that in the original case, the throwing knife came out handle first. The knife in the case from "Die Another Day" came out blade first, a possible movie prop error.

Pager

Bond had one to notify him if he ever needed to contact MI6. It is worth noting that Bond also had a phone installed in his car as well.

Bug detector

A small device that is designed to detect the presence of a phone tap device in a regular telephone.

Tape recorder camera

A small reel-to-reel tape recorder hidden within a camera, used to interrogate Tatiana.

Dagger shoe

A shoe with a poisoned blade concealed within worn by SPECTRE agents, including Rosa Klebb. The blade would pop out of the front of the shoe, making kicks extremely dangerous. One pair was used by Morzeny to kill Kronsteen after his plan failed. The gadget also makes a cameo scene in Die Another Day in Q's lab.

Garrote watch

A wristwatch from which a wire garrote can be drawn. Used by Red Grant first to strangle a man dressed as Bond as part of a training exercise in the opening scene and later to attempt to strangle the actual Bond in the film's climax.

Goldfinger

Homing beacons

Bond is given two homing beacons from Q-branch. The first is larger and used when Bond tracks the villain, Auric Goldfinger, to his base. The second is smaller and allows MI6 to know where Bond is. Bond hides it in a secret compartment in the heel of his shoe. Later, Bond removes it from the shoe and attempts to send a message to headquarters by wrapping the note around the transmitter and slipping it into someone's pocket. The plan fails because the pocket's owner is killed and disposed of in a car crusher, which destroys the device.

Attaché case

Reference is made to Bond having an attaché case (see also previous film) that Bond is told was damaged or possibly destroyed when examined by Goldfinger's personnel. Most likely it was opened improperly and then exploded during the examination.

Bowler Hat

Oddjob, Goldfinger's henchman, uses a special bowler hat with a metal disc under the brim as a throwing weapon. The hat is capable of slicing through stone and metal when thrown hard enough.

Thunderball

Homing Pill

When Bond takes this pill, it emits a signal that can be detected only by a certain receiver.

Air supply

A small device that can be carried on the person without notice and when in use, is held in the mouth to provide 4 minutes of air in emergencies when the user has to go underwater.

Jet pack

Used to propel Bond into the air when escaping after killing Col. Bouvier.

Underwater Jet Pack

During the final undersea battle, Bond is equipped with a bulky scuba tank that not only propels him through the water faster than anyone can swim; it is equipped with two explosive-tipped spear guns. It also has a frontal headlight.

Breitling 'Top Time' Diver Chronometer watch

with built-in Geiger Counter.

Underwater camera

capable of taking eight shots in darkness using an infra-red film.

A Geiger counter camera

Given to Bond who then gives it to Domino to find the bombs on the yacht.

Miniature flare

a pocket-sized flare gun firing a red signalling beacon

Cassette recorder hidden in book

Bond uses this to learn that Quist is hiding in his hotel room.

Disco Volante Cocoon

Used by Largo as a decoy device during his escape attempt from the American Navy. The cocoon forms the rear part of the Disco Volante; the front part can transform into a hydrofoil boat. Equipped with smoke screen emitter, at least two Browning machine guns, and a gun-shielded automatic cannon.

You Only Live Twice

Mini-rocket Cigarette

Tiger gives Bond a cigarette capable of shooting a jet powered projectile accurately up to 30 yards. Used in Blofeld's volcano to kill a technician standing by the entrance controls to enable his allies to storm the base.

Safe cracker

A small device that can easily be carried in a jacket pocket and works by attaching it to a safe the operator wants to open.

Gyrojet rocket guns

Prototype guns using a small rocket-propelled projectile rather than conventional ammunition. A limited number were made in real life for trials by the US and British military forces, but the design never caught on, and the guns and ammunition are now very collectible (and therefore highly sought after and expensive).

On Her Majesty's Secret Service

Radioactive lint

In the beginning of the movie, Q is showing M a homing device made out of regular lint. "Placed in an opponent's pocket, the location fix and anti-personnel uses should be obvious." M is more concerned with locating Bond, who is nowhere to be found.

Safe cracker

A small (for its time) device that consists of a flexible cable ending in a grapple that is meant to be fitted on a typical safe combination lock. The machine would then examine the lock, figure out its combination and open the safe. In addition, the device sports an Olivetti wet-type photocopier that could allow for easy copying of secret documents to minimize the chance of the owner learning of the break in by missing documents. Wet-type photocopiers are actually unsuitable for field missions because they must not be tilted lest the highly-toxic transfer liquid spills out. Unlike the safe cracker used in You Only Live Twice, this device was quite slow, taking close to an hour to open the safe (in the film, Bond uses the device while the safe's owner is on a lunch break and barely completes the job before the man returns).

Minox B 8x11 Camera

Bond uses a small camera to take snap shots of a map that shows where the "Angels Of Death" are to release a biological agent.

After Bond resigns from MI6, we see him cleaning out his desk, and gadgets from past films are shown, including the air supply from Thunderball and Red Grant's garotte watch from From Russia with Love.

Diamonds Are Forever

Pocket snap trap

A small gadget hidden in a pocket to give a person performing an unwanted search on the wielder a painful surprise that would provide a critical distraction for the wielder to exploit for an attack.

Fake Fingerprint

Bond uses a fake fingerprint that clings to his thumb to trick Tiffany Case into believing he is Peter Franks.

Electro-Magnectic RPM Controller

Q created a ring that, when used, ensures a jackpot at the slot machines every time.

Grappling suspenders

When Bond rides on top of the elevator to the suite of Willard Whyte, he uses for the last leg of this trip the grappling cord built into the suspenders, similar to the belt in GoldenEye.

Voice changer

Blofield uses this to trick employees that he is Willard Whyte. You also see one of these in Q Branch and is demonstrated to Bond. Q remarks that he made one for "the kids last Christmas."

Water Sphere

Used by Bond to "walk" on water when he is parachuted near Blofield's platform.

Live and Let Die

Rolex Submariner

Given to Bond by Moneypenny, after "repairs" by Q Branch. Roger Moore, as Bond, wears this specially tricked Submariner with a powerful electromagnet that in theory, as Q claims, can even deflect a bullet. It also featured a spinning bezel which acted as a rotating saw that enabled him to cut his rope restraints and escape a pool full of man eating sharks and then go on and rescue Solitaire played by Jane Seymour.

Bug Sweeper

Bond uses a handheld device that can sweep a room for electronic microphones.

Clothing Brush Communicator

Hidden inside a clothing brush is a radio that also has a key allowing it to transmit messages in morse code.

Shark gun

Fires special pellets that expel highly-pressurized air to make the target explode. Designed for combating sharks, but Bond is able to activate a pellet manually before forcing Kananga to swallow it.

The 'Felix Lighter'

Radio transmitter/receiver disguised as a car cigarette lighter installed in a CIA vehicle, which Bond uses to contact his friend, Felix Leiter.

This movie is noteworthy in that the gadgets break their own stereotype several times.

The magnetic watch (see above)

When threatened by alligators, this is one of the rare occasions when a gadget actually fails to save Bond. He does escape the peril, but by using a non-gadget solution.

The Spy Who Loved Me

Micro-Film Reader

Assembled from two components:

• A cigarette case
• A cigarette lighter

Ski Pole/Gun

A special designed ski pole which is modified to fire .30 caliber rounds from a four shot magazine in the handle.

Seiko Quartz watch

Basically working like a pager, it had a built-in telex that allowed MI6 to send important messages to Bond, printing them out like a miniature teletype. The tape bore some resemblance to labelmaker tape.

Stun Gas Cigarette

The cigarette used by Soviet agent Triple X, could unleash a knockout blow of stun gas when blown through.

Sharp Tea Tray

Although never used, it is shown tested in Q's lab, cutting off a mannequin's head. (Note: it should be noted that it was the tray, in conjunction with the magnetic levitation delivery system that was lethal.)

Moonraker

Wrist dart gun

Can fire both cyanide-coated and armor-piercing darts. He uses these to save himself from a centrifuge and kill Sir Hugo Drax.

Safe-cracking device

X-ray safe cracking device that is concealed within a normal looking cigarette case.

Seiko Wristwatch

Contains a remote detonator and explosive charge and fuse contained inside the back compartment.

Camera

A mini-camera imprinted with 007.

Moonraker Laser

A laser gun that can be shot in space. The gun is also used in the video game GoldenEye 007. A version of this gun is shown being tested to somewhat gruesome effect on a wax dummy during Bond's visit to the MI6 monastery.

CIA Agent Holly Goodhead carries a number of gadgets of her own, including a perfume bottle that doubles as a flamethrower, a pen with a poison needle, a notebook that shoots a small dart, and a transmitter hidden in her purse.

Exploding bolas (seen tested in the MI6 monastery)

Designed to entrap an object, such as a human, and explode when the bola balls hit each other.

Mexican Machine gun (seen tested in MI6 monastery)

A cleverly disguised machine gun which is contained in a mannequin of a Mexican doing a siesta. The mannequin splits open, revealing the gun.

For Your Eyes Only

Seiko Wristwatch

Receives digital message read-outs and contains a 2-way radio/transmitter for voice communications.

ATAC

Automatic Targeting Attack Communicator, the ATAC was lost when the British spy ship St. Georges was sunk. Later recovered by Bond, who at the end destroys it to prevent it from falling into enemy hands.

Identigraph

An early computer-like device to assemble a phantom photo of a person by selecting characteristics from a variety of lists including hair color, hair style, nose form, style of eyeglasses etc. Located in MI6 headquarters and used by Bond and Q to put together an image of henchman Emile Leopold Locque. This device references the Identicast system referred to in the Ian Fleming novel Goldfinger.

Octopussy

Seiko Wristwatch

Contains a universal radio direction finder. This works in conjunction with listening device inside Bond's fountain pen.

Mont Blanc fountain pen

Contains a mixture of Nitric and Hydrochloric acids. Contains an earpiece listening device that works in conjunction with Bond's wristwatch.

Attaché case

Contains a false bottom which conceals a high explosive bomb.

TV Watch

Receives moving color images over the air [1].

Yo-yo saw

A rotating buzzsaw blade attached to a string so that it could be used in the same manner as a conventional yo-yo. Used by an assassin to kill MI6 agent Vijay, and later by the same assassin against Bond and Octopussy.

Indian rope trick

A high-tech version of the familiar magic trick, the rope could extend skyward when a button was pressed (does it use hydraulics?). At least, that was the theory; in practice--no good at all! Only tested in MI6's lab; not actually used in the field.

The Crocodile

a miniature motorboat disguised as a crocodile. Bond used this to get to Octopussy's island.

A View to a Kill

Polarizing Sunglasses

Allows the ability of seeing clearly through tinted glass.

Ring

Contains a miniature camera.

Checkbook/Billfold

Uses ultra-violet light to read previously written material by picking up the indentations of pen marks on paper.

Electric Shaver

Contains an electronic eavesdropping detector.

Credit Card

Has an electronic ability to open locks.

SNOOPER

One of Q Branch's surveillance inventions. A small, animal-like remote controlled camera unit that can transmit audio/video from the head of the unit to a receptacle for the signal. It was used as demonstration near the beginning of the movie and at the end to find Bond.

The Living Daylights

Philips Keychain

• Contains capsule of stun gas (effective up to 5 feet) which is activated by a whistle combination. (Bond's was the first bars of "Rule, Britannia!". It's unclear if this is a standard setting.) The gas disorientates any normal person for up to 30 seconds.
• Contains an explosive charge which is activated by a personalized whistle combination. (Bond's was a wolf whistle, something that Q commented was "most appropriate" for 007.)
• Contains a lockpick which was claimed by "Q" to be able to "open 90% of the world's locks".

Miniature Binoculars

Contained on normal looking eye-glass frames.

Ghetto Blaster

While never used by James Bond, we see this gadget tested in Q-Branch for the Americans. The ghetto blaster (a 1980s slang term) is an 1980s stereo boombox that can fire a rocket.

Revolving Sofa

Q is also testing a sofa that swallows whoever sits on it.

Licence to Kill

Dentonite Toothpaste

Plastic explosives disguised as ordinary toothpaste. The receiver that picks up the signal from Bond to blow the explosives is disguised as a packet of cigarettes.

Signature Camera Gun

A camera that when put together became a sniper rifle that can be programmed to fire for only one person due to a scanner built into the grip.

Laser Polaroid Camera

When the flash is used on this camera, it shoots a laser. The pictures it takes are X-rayed.

Exploding Alarm Clock

Q carries it with him to Isthmus, but it is not used. Guaranteed never to wake up anyone who uses it.

Radio Transceiver Broom

used by Q to communicate with Bond's companion while disguised as a groundsman.

GoldenEye

Belt

A size 34 leather belt. It conceals a piton hidden behind the buckle. It can fire out up to 75 feet of high tensile wire designed to support the weight of an average person.

Ballpoint Pen (Parker Jotter)

Contains a class four grenade. A 4-second fuse is armed after three clicks in succession. Another three clicks disarms it. Used by Bond to escape his captors after Boris nervously clicks it.

Wristwatch

An Omega Seamaster Pro (the first of James Bond's non-Seiko/Rolex gadget watches) with built-in laser cutter and a remote detonator.

Piton Gun

Fires grappling hook (piton) and has a laser cutting attachment.

Digital Binoculars

Auto focus/zoom, digital camera, satellite uplink to send visual data.

X-Ray Document Scanner

Q has a document scanner disguised as a tea-tray.

Phone Booth Trap

Q Branch is testing a BT telephone box with a large airbag inside which expands, crushing anyone inside against the wall of the box.

Wheelchair and Leg Cast missile

Tested by Q Branch, this gadget was made to look like someone had broken their leg, when in fact, the leg hid a missile, which could be fired from the seated position.

Door Decoder

Small Device that can be fitted onto keypad locked electronic doors that finds the combination and displays it on its screen. Used by 006 in the pre-credit sequence

Tomorrow Never Dies

Mobile Phone

The phone had a variety of features, including:

• a stun gun,
• a fingerprint scanner/analyzer/transmitter that can also be used for opening high-tech fingerprint-identification locks
• Antennae lock pick, which detaches from the phone and when inserted into a keyhole, hitting a key on the phone can then open the lock.
• "Flip-open" remote control for operating his BMW 750iL (Directional steering pad, LCD monitor for the front and rear view, controls to fire rocket launcher and operate the car's other defense mechanisms)
  • NOTE: This was a concept phone designed by Ericsson. Much of the look of this phone including the "flip-open" design was eventually (a few years) incorporated into Ericsson's R380 "smartphone" which combined a fully functional mobile phone, PDA-like tools and WAP services.

Omega Seamaster watch

Taken by Bond from the Chinese safehouse, the watch had a small, detachable charge that could be detonated by turning the watch's dial. It was later used to remotely destroy a glass jar that had a grenade lodged inside.

Walther P99

A gun Bond acquires from the Chinese safehouse in Saigon. It replaced Bond's Walther PPK, present for the first half of the film. Since Tomorrow Never Dies, Bond has used the P99.

Cigarette lighter

A disguised timed explosive/grenade.

Spike Fan

Weapon developed by Wai Lin's counterpart division to Q Branch. Appears to be a Chinese fan, but when opened, several metal spikes with strings attached are thrown. Due to its brief appearance with no additional explanation, it's unclear whether the strings are for entanglement or a similar purpose like a tazer, or to retract the spikes.

Rickshaw Defense Mechanism

This was used to knock out an enemy. A button is pressed, and an upper part of a bike-based rickshaw, which appears to be parked, ejects, knocking out the target.

Dragon Flamethrower

Bond commented on the fact that this device was "very novel." Although this appears to be a sculpture of a dragon, pulling back one of the ears emits a high yield flamethrower, which makes the sculpture look like a fire-breathing dragon.

Wristband Grappling Hook

A wristband that shoots a grappling hook that Wai Lin uses to escape a building in the beginning

Earring Lock pick

At least one of Wai Lin's earrings conceals a lock pick, which she uses to escape from a pair of handcuffs.

The World Is Not Enough

Omega Seamaster Wristwatch

Contains a Grappling hook with fifty feet of high-tensile micro-filament and a high intensity lighted bezel.

Multifunction Lock Pick

Concealed in a normal looking credit card with a removable strip that activates a spring-loaded multifunction lock pick.

Eye-glasses (#1)

Remotely detonates an explosive "flash-bang" charge. The explosive charge is actually housed in the pistol that is confiscated from Bond in the film's opening scene.

Eye-glasses (#2)

Enables X-ray vision for checking for concealed weapons.

Ski Jacket

Conceals an escape pod which inflates into a sealed sphere made of aluminum-coated plastic and Kevlar reinforcement. This feature appears to be based on the Zorb.

Bagpipe

Contains a flamethrower and a machine gun (was seen only in Q's testing lab).

This film marks the only one occasion in the Bond film series (as of 2008) where Bond has expressed concern as to what Q will think when equipment is destroyed ("Q's not gonna like this!"). This happens when Bond's BMW Z8 is sawn in half. In a twist of unforeseeable irony, this happens after Desmond Llewelyn makes his final screen appearance as Q. Llewelyn was killed in a car accident shortly after the film premiered.

Bond's BMW has sometimes been criticized for Bond hardly using it and the apparent lack of gadgets; the only special function it is shown to have is a built-in rocket launcher Bond uses once to take down a helicopter. Seconds after this, the car is sawn in half.

Die Another Day

Glass-Shattering Ring

A "standard issue" ring for the finger which, is actually an "ultra high-frequency single digit sonic agitator unit", that can shatter bullet-proof glass (or any " 'unbreakable' glass", as commented by Q in the movie).

Surfboard

Contains a sliding panel with a hidden compartment containing communications equipment, explosives, detonators and a Walther P99 pistol.

Wristwatch

Contains an explosive detonator and laser beam cutter. The new Q states that this watch is Bond's 20th, which is a reference to the fact that Die Another Day is the 20th James Bond film.

Mini Air Supply

Similar device as used in Thunderball, which provides a few minutes of oxygen.

Virtual Combat Training Simulator

This device allows the user to enter a virtual environment with the assistance of four computerized columns, a special pair of sunglasses, and a special weapon. This training simulator is tested by 007. One such program contains a scenario in which MI6 Headquarters is attacked and the user must eliminate all threats as they see fit. Miss Moneypenny makes some recreational use of another version of the program.

Because this film marks the 40th Anniversary of James Bond films in addition to the film being the 20th in the franchise, there are multiple references to each previous official film. Some examples include:

• Red Grant's killing watch. (From Russia with love)
• Bell-Textron Jet Pack (Thunderball)
• Snorkel with false bird on top (Goldfinger)
• Piton gun (Diamonds Are Forever)
• Attache Case (From Russia with Love)
• Bede Acrostar Jet (Octopussy)
• One-man submarine (disguised as Crocodile) (Octopussy)
• SNOOPER (A View to a Kill)
• Little Nellie (You Only Live Twice)
• Dagger-Toed Shoe (From Russia with Love).

Casino Royale

Although the character of Q and Q Branch are absent from the latest Bond film, Bond is still outfitted with a number of gadgets, including:

Aston Martin DBS V12

The car has a glove compartment filled with assorted tools and weaponry, including a first aid kit and portable defibrillator used to combat poisoning. (The vehicle itself, apart from a bulletproof windshield, appears to not have any added features.)

Sony Ericsson K800

Cell phone with sophisticated GPS.

Microchip implant

Bond is implanted with a microchip that helps MI6 keep track of Bond's whereabouts; it also monitors Bond's vital signs which are transmitted back to MI6 for analysis.

Tracking device

Similar to the implant in Bond's arm, this tracking device is placed in Le Chiffre's inhaler.

These gadgets however seem less futuristic and awe inspiring then before, all containing technology that is commercially available or close to being so. It is also notable that cellphones seem to have a very substantial presence in this film.

Never Say Never Again (non-canon)

Pen gun

A fountain pen emblazoned with the Union Flag of the UK that can fire an explosive charge; it was used to kill Fatimah Blush. A delay in the explosive made Bond quip the device still needed work.

Rolex Wristwatch

Equipped with a small laser beem cutting tool.

Motion-sensing bomb

Actually Bond's cigarette case, supposedly equipped with a gyroscope that would trigger the detonator when moved. Used to fool a henchman into letting 007 crash Largo's charity ball. This was the only time Bond improvised by inventing a fake gadget on the spot.

External links

• James Bond Gadget Watch History