This is a list of James Bond gadgets featured in the Bond films, organised by the film eras of its actor. The original books and early adaptations had only relatively minimal pieces like the modified attache case in From Russia, with Love. The James Bond films have featured an array of exotic equipment and vehicles, which often prove to be critically useful to Bond.
However, the gadgets took on a more spectacular profile starting with 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. Bond gadgets became an 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 gadgets and gimmicks used by allies and villains. It does not include the main doomsday device associated with the film. It does not include makeshift gadgets or weapons, animals, or general spy equipment and installations such as disguises / fake passports, surveillance equipment, secret passages / trap doors, remote-controlled detonations, unless particularly notable.
Sean Connery era (1962–1967; 1971)
Dr. No
Geiger counter Bond has to request one from Britain before using it to determine the radioactivity of Crab Key's rocks, suggesting they were uncommon pieces of equipment. The very first James Bond gadget. Cigarette with cyanide Used by the "chauffeur" to commit suicide rather than being interrogated by Bond. Dragon tank Tank vehicle equipped with flamethrowers but popularised as a dragon. Bionic Hands Dr. No's signature prosthetic hands, which he started using after losing his real hands to experiments on radiation. They possess great strength, but lack dexterity.
From Russia with Love
James Bond's briefcase A special briefcase issued to all double-0 personnel featuring: AR-7 .25 calibre (the AR-7 was chambered for .22 LR only, so this is either a one-off by Q branch, or an error), survival rifle with infrared telescope and detachable suppressor. Another error is that Bond tells Kerim that he only has one shot, but the AR-7 was semi-automatic, supplied with two magazines in the butt-stock/storage. Twenty rounds of ammunition for the rifle concealed within the case 50 gold sovereigns concealed within the case Tear gas cartridge disguised as talcum powder, set to discharge when the briefcase is opened incorrectly. Spring-loaded throwing knife accessible from the case's outside. Bug detector A small device that detects the presence of phone taps. Dagger shoe A shoe with a concealed poisoned blade tip. Worn by SPECTRE agents, including Rosa Klebb and Morzeny. Dagger shoes were used in other non-James Bond films and animation such as Trigun, The Pink Panther Strikes Again, The Punisher and The Dark Knight. Garrote watch A wristwatch from which a wire garrote can be drawn. Preferred weapon by SPECTRE assassin recruit Red Grant. Periscope A gift from the Royal Navy installed below the Russian embassy. Used to spy on the Russian conference room. Tape recorder camera A small reel-to-reel tape recorder hidden within a camera, used to interrogate Tatiana.
Goldfinger
Oddjob's hat Oddjob, Goldfinger's henchman, uses a special bowler hat with a metal ring inside the brim as a throwing weapon. The hat is capable of slicing through stone and metal or breaking a person's neck when thrown hard enough (although it would most likely be capable of severing the neck, and not just breaking it). Homing beacons Also known as “homers”, used to track people. A miniaturised one is placed in the heel of Bond's shoe; another, larger one, is placed on car and can be tracked up to 150 miles. Industrial laser Used by Goldfinger trying to kill Bond. Powerful enough to put a laser dot on the moon, but at very close range able to cut through steel. This laser was later used to cut open the vault of Fort Knox. This film showcases the very first of its kind, as this weapon takes on various forms throughout the James Bond series. Parking meter that releases tear gas One of Q's gadgets under test. Drysuit with bird on top A drysuit for snorkeling with a gull on top.
Thunderball
Homing pill When Bond takes this pill, it emits a signal that can be detected only by a certain receiver. Remote-controlled doors Although not a significant piece of technology today, at the time it was new. Used by main villain Emilio Largo to open a secret panel which leads to the SPECTRE briefing room in Paris, France. 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 four minutes of air in emergencies when the user has to go underwater. (Effectively a miniature Scuba set.) Jetpack A Bell Rocket Belt jetpack is used to propel Bond into the air during his escape in the opening gambit after killing Jaques Bouvar. Bond uses a Bell Textron jetpack in Die Another Day Underwater jetpack Bond is equipped with a jet-propelled scuba tank. Breitling 'Top Time' Diver Chronometer watch with built-in Geiger counter. Underwater camera capable of taking eight shots in succession in darkness using an infra-red film. Geiger counter camera A camera that conceals a Geiger counter. Bond gives this to Domino to look for the bombs on the yacht. Miniature Very pistol 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. Electrocution staff chair With the press of a button, Blofeld electrocutes the staff member on the seat which he sits on, then the seat drops down into the floor and comes back empty. Skyhook Comes as a grappling suspender attached to a weather balloon that Bond can attach to his utility harness. With the aid of a specialised aircraft (B-17) installed with specialised braces, Bond and Domino are hoisted up into the air and out of the area.
You Only Live Twice
Mini-rocket cigarette Tiger Tanaka gives Bond a cigarette capable of shooting a rocket-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. Waterproof body bag Used at Bond's own "funeral", this bag is waterproof and equipped with a breathing mask enabling Bond to breathe while being dumped overboard. The bag is even waterproof enough to allow him to wear a complete uniform before his briefing with M. Jet Propelled Bullets Developed by Tiger Tanaka's facility, these bullet feature extra jet propulsion for added firepower. However they were not used. 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). X-Ray Desk Used by Osato to identify any concealed firearms that his prospective 'clients' may have. Poison-delivering string Used by a Japanese SPECTRE assassin to deliver a dose of poison from an attic by having it running along its length to land directly in the victim's mouth. Referenced or used several times in subsequent popular culture as well, such as in the gamebook series The Way of the Tiger.The Way of the Tiger book 1: Avenger, entry 229. By Mark Smith and Jamie Thomson. Bo with retractable spear Used by a SPECTRE henchmen who infiltrated Tanaka's base in an attempt to assassinate Bond. Lipstick gas Helga Brant uses a lipstick case to discharge disorienting gas. Safe Cracking Machine A pocket-sized device used by Bond to decipher the combination lock code of Osato's office safe.
Diamonds Are Forever
Biometric fingerprint scanner A projector-like device used by Tiffany Case in her Amsterdam apartment to identify her guests. One such example of how this device is used is when she takes the glass which Bond was using, then dusting the surface for a print and running it through the device and comparing it with a known fingerprint sample of her expected guest, Peter Franks. Fake fingerprint Bond uses a fake fingerprint that clings to his thumb to trick the fingerprint scanner, leading Tiffany Case to believe he is Peter Franks. Piton pistol Fires a grappling piton, complete with line; range about 10–15 metres. Also used as an improvised weapon against one of Blofeld's doppelgangers. Pocket snap trap A small gadget hidden in a pocket to give a person performing an unwanted search on the wielder a painful surprise. Electromagnetic RPM Controller Ring Q created a ring that, when used, ensures a jackpot at any mechanical slot machine. Voice changer Blofield uses this to trick employees that he is Willard Whyte. Q puts together a makeshift one to fool Blofield, remarking that he made one for "the kids last Christmas." Water ball Used by Bond to "walk" on water when he is parachuted near Blofield's platform.
Never Say Never Again (non-Eon; 1983)
Pen gun A Montblanc 149 fountain pen emblazoned with the Union Flag of the UK that shoots a rocket propelled explosive dart disguised as the nib, albeit with delayed effects. Rolex wristwatch equipped with a small laser beam cutting tool.
David Niven era (1967)
Casino Royale (non-Eon; 1967)
Cigarette gun Similar to the one used in the later Eon movie You Only Live Twice. Used by "Little Jimmy" Bond to kill the firing squad that tried to execute him in one scene. Sleeping pills Although these are used in hospitals today, Miss Goodthighs tried to knock out Evelyn Tremble before he could play baccarat against Le Chiffre. Suit with various gadgets in the pockets Q tries to explain this to Evelyn Tremble, but he ignores him. Bagpipe machine gun Used by Vesper Lynd to kill Tremble. Minox B 8x11 Camera Used by Q.
George Lazenby era (1969)
On Her Majesty's Secret Service
Radioactive lint In the beginning of the movie, Q shows M a homing device made out of lint. Safe-cracker A device that consists of a flexible cable ending in a grapple that fits over a typical safe combination lock. It is coupled with a photocopier. Minox spy 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.
Roger Moore era (1973–1985)
Live and Let Die
Rolex Submariner This specially modified Submariner has a powerful electromagnet that, in theory, can even deflect a bullet. The watch bezel also spins to operate like a mini circular saw that can cut ropes. Side mirror dart gun The side mirror of Kananga's Cadillac Eldorado fires a poisoned dart. Prosthetic arm Tee Hee's mechanical arm which contains a very strong claw capable of crushing and cutting through objects. "Felix Lighter" Radio transmitter/receiver disguised as a car cigarette lighter. Bug sweeper a hand-held device that can sweep a room for electronic microphones. Clothing brush communicator A lint brush with a communicator. Flute communicator Baron Samedi uses this device as a regular flute and as a direct radio transmission communicator to Dr. Kananga Shark gun Fires special pellets that expel highly pressurised air to make the target explode.
The Man with the Golden Gun