When you think of James Bond, you think of style, danger, shaken martinis—and, of course, the gadgets. From the moment Sean Connery first adjusted his cufflinks as 007, audiences have been treated to a parade of cutting-edge toys that often walk the line between genius and absurd. But make no mistake: these aren’t just props. Bond’s gadgets are integral to his missions, giving him the upper hand in the world’s deadliest situations. Whether hidden in a wristwatch, disguised as a cigarette case, or embedded in a seemingly ordinary car, each gadget tells a story—not just of spy craft, but of the era in which it was born. Let’s count down the top 10 James Bond gadgets that wowed us with both innovation and impact, starting with a tool that turned the phrase “deadly briefcase” into a very literal thing.
#10: The Attaché Case – From Russia with Love (1963)
Long before exploding pens and invisible cars, there was the humble attaché case. But in From Russia with Love, Q Branch turned this everyday item into a masterclass in Cold War ingenuity. Issued to Sean Connery’s Bond, this black leather briefcase looks like something you’d see in any office, but its appearance is wildly deceptive. Inside, it’s packed with surprises that would make even a seasoned spy do a double take. Pulling off a mission in enemy territory? Bond now had backup in a box.
Let’s break down what’s inside. The case contains 50 gold sovereigns hidden in a secret compartment—a clever bribe or escape mechanism when charm fails. It also houses a compact AR-7 sniper rifle, complete with collapsible barrel and stock, perfect for long-range work in tight spaces. And then there’s the pièce de resistance: a tear gas cartridge rigged to detonate if the case is improperly opened. It’s a trap worthy of Q’s dry humor and Bond’s flair for drama. You can’t just pop this briefcase open—unless you want a face full of blinding gas.
What makes this gadget so iconic isn’t just its versatility, but how ahead of its time it was. In 1963, spy gear wasn’t the fantasy playground it would become in later films. The attaché case felt practical, grounded in reality, and brilliantly simple. It was the first true “Q Branch” moment that set the tone for decades of Bond tech to come. It wasn’t flashy, but it was functional—and deadly. In a franchise that would eventually feature invisible cars and shark guns, the attaché case remains refreshingly realistic, a reminder that sometimes the most dangerous thing in the room wears a suit and carries a briefcase.
The gadget’s usefulness shines during Bond’s encounter with Red Grant on the Orient Express. When Grant tries to force Bond to open the case, the trap is triggered, giving Bond the upper hand in a fight for his life. The gadget doesn’t just assist Bond—it actively saves him. That’s what earns it a spot on this list. It’s not just cool. It’s critical.
The attaché case marked the beginning of Bond’s long and thrilling relationship with Q Branch. It was a quiet statement that gadgets were no longer window dressing—they were lifelines. And for 007, who walks a thin line between life and death with every mission, lifelines matter. This was the gadget that kicked off a legacy—and it did so with style, secrecy, and a little puff of smoke.
#9: The Jetpack – Thunderball (1965)
When James Bond strapped a jetpack to his back in Thunderball and flew off the roof of a French château, cinema changed forever. Suddenly, spy gadgets weren’t just cool—they were fantastical. Officially named the Bell Rocket Belt, this real-life contraption was one of the most outrageous pieces of kit 007 had used up to that point. And the moment he soared into the sky to escape pursuing henchmen, it instantly burned itself into pop culture legend. Sure, it only flew for about 20 seconds, but who cared? Bond had left gravity behind.
The jetpack scene opens with Bond taking out an assassin before casually making his airborne escape. What’s especially remarkable is that the jetpack used in the film wasn’t just a prop—it was an actual functioning prototype borrowed from Bell Aerosystems. The stunt was performed by Bill Suitor, one of the few people trained to operate the real thing. For all its limitations, it worked well enough to lift Bond from danger and land him safely behind the wheel of his waiting Aston Martin. Talk about a stylish getaway.
What the jetpack lacks in subtlety, it makes up for in sheer spectacle. It was one of the earliest examples of a Bond gadget that was meant less for realism and more for cinematic impact. And it worked. Fans were dazzled. Kids everywhere dreamed of flying like 007. While it may have only appeared briefly, its cultural impact was massive. It showed audiences that in Bond’s world, no escape route was too ambitious, and no technology was off-limits.
The jetpack represents that unique Bond mixture of sleek design, absurd practicality, and complete commitment to cool. Later films would push gadgetry even further, but this was one of the first times Bond took to the skies—and it was unforgettable.
#8: The Lotus Esprit Submarine Car – The Spy Who Loved Me (1977)
No list of Bond gadgets is complete without the iconic Lotus Esprit that transforms into a submarine. When Roger Moore’s Bond drives off a pier with enemy fire at his heels and plunges into the water, audiences expected a crash. Instead, they got one of the coolest surprises in 007 history. The car doesn’t sink—it transforms, retracting its wheels and activating underwater propulsion systems. Bond calmly adjusts the controls, and just like that, the chase continues under the sea.
Nicknamed “Wet Nellie,” the Lotus was designed by Q Branch for amphibious travel and equipped with a full array of weapons: sea-to-air missiles, depth charges, and even smoke-screen dispensers that function underwater. It also had extendable fins, periscopes, and the ability to shock curious divers who got too close. Basically, it was a Bond car built for the ultimate escape—even if that meant diving into the ocean.
The real-life prop used in the movie was actually multiple vehicles and miniatures, some for dry land, some for stunts, and one specially designed submersible model. The combination of practical effects and miniatures brought the sequence to life without relying on CGI—an impressive feat in the 1970s.
What makes the Lotus Esprit so memorable isn’t just the transformation, but the sheer audacity of the moment. Bond doesn’t panic when he hits the water. He adjusts his tie. It’s that calm swagger in the face of the absurd that defines his character. The car exemplifies that same spirit: graceful, sophisticated, and hiding deadly surprises beneath the surface.
#7: The Exploding Pen – GoldenEye (1995)
Leave it to Q to turn a simple writing tool into a bomb. In GoldenEye, Pierce Brosnan’s Bond receives a Parker Jotter pen modified by Q Branch to explode after three clicks and arm/disarm on the fourth. Sounds simple, but the tension it creates during the film’s climax is anything but. The gadget comes into play while Bond is held prisoner by Boris Grishenko, the smarmy Russian hacker who just can’t stop clicking the pen as he types and taunts.
As Boris mindlessly plays with the pen, the audience watches with bated breath—one click, two, three… is it armed? Then another click—disarmed. It’s an ingenious bit of suspense, using a tiny gadget to create massive tension. Bond, tied up and watching helplessly, has to keep track of the clicks without alerting Boris. Eventually, Boris unknowingly triggers the explosion, allowing Bond just enough time to escape and turn the tables.
The exploding pen is a perfect encapsulation of what makes Bond gadgets fun: taking something mundane and turning it into a game-changing tool of survival. It’s not just a gimmick—it becomes the lynchpin in Bond’s plan. And the way the scene is shot—tight close-ups, overlapping sounds, and Brosnan’s increasingly anxious expressions—makes the pen feel like a ticking time bomb, even though it looks like a school supply.
The exploding pen became one of the most beloved Bond gadgets of the modern era. It wasn’t flashy or overly complex. It was smart, cheeky, and thrilling—just like Bond himself.
#6: The Wristwatch Laser – GoldenEye (1995)
Bond has worn many wristwatches, but few were as slick—or as useful—as the Omega Seamaster from GoldenEye. In addition to telling time and looking incredible on Pierce Brosnan’s wrist, this version came equipped with a built-in laser capable of slicing through steel. In the film’s tense finale, Bond finds himself trapped in an armored train with no visible exit. Surrounded by flames and thick metal walls, he whips off his watch and calmly begins cutting a circular hole through the train floor.
What makes this moment iconic isn’t just the gadget, but how understated it is. There’s no dramatic music. No panicked shouting. Just the cool hum of the laser and Bond’s steady hand doing what it has to do. It’s a testament to how resourceful he is under pressure—and how crucial these gadgets are in turning the tide.
The wristwatch laser also symbolized the return of high-tech gadgetry after the relatively grounded Dalton era. Brosnan’s Bond was a mix of suave charm and tech-savvy sleekness, and this gadget embodied that perfectly. Omega, which had just replaced Rolex as the official Bond watch sponsor, leaned into the marketing hard—and fans ate it up.
This wasn’t just product placement—it was legacy. Bond’s watches have always been more than timepieces. They’re lifelines. And this particular one lit the path—literally.
#5: The Aston Martin DB5 – Goldfinger (1964)
When it comes to iconic Bond gadgets, none hold a place in fans’ hearts quite like the Aston Martin DB5. Debuting in Goldfinger, this sleek silver car didn’t just redefine spy movie vehicles—it became synonymous with James Bond himself. Outfitted by Q with an arsenal of hidden tricks, the DB5 introduced a new standard for what audiences would come to expect from 007’s ride. It wasn’t just about going fast. It was about having a solution for every possible scenario, all tucked inside a beautifully polished British coupe.
Let’s talk features. The DB5 came equipped with bulletproof windows, revolving number plates, tire slashers, machine guns hidden behind the headlights, a rear smoke screen, an oil slick dispenser, and perhaps most famously, an ejector seat activated by a red button hidden in the gear shift. “Ejector seat? You’re joking!” Bond exclaims. “I never joke about my work, 007,” Q replies with dry satisfaction. That exchange alone is enough to cement the DB5 as the gold standard for spy gadgets.
The DB5’s moment to shine comes during a high-speed pursuit, where Bond activates various defenses to evade Goldfinger’s henchmen. When a captured adversary attempts to double-cross him inside the car, Bond flips open the gearshift, presses the red button, and launches him through the roof like a ragdoll into the air. The crowd erupted in cheers then—and they still do now. It was a perfect blend of utility, surprise, and humor.
Behind the scenes, the DB5 was a product of immense detail. The special effects team, led by John Stears, constructed two full-functioning models with all the gadgets in place, making it one of the most technically ambitious props in movie history at the time. It was so beloved that the car made return appearances in Thunderball, GoldenEye, Skyfall, Spectre, and No Time to Die, earning the DB5 a legacy that spans generations of Bond fans.
What makes the DB5 stand out isn’t just what it does—it’s what it represents. It’s Bond’s style, charm, and lethality all rolled into one gleaming package. It’s not just transportation—it’s tradition.
#4: The Crocodile Submarine – Octopussy (1983)
Yes, it sounds ridiculous. And yes, it was ridiculous. But the crocodile submarine from Octopussy is one of the most unforgettable gadgets in Bond lore precisely because of how audacious it is. Disguised as a crocodile in the murky waters outside Kamal Khan’s compound, this gadget served as a stealth infiltration tool for Roger Moore’s Bond. And the best part? It worked. Bond literally floated his way past guards, hidden inside a life-sized fake crocodile, and emerged on the enemy’s turf unnoticed.
The scene toes the line between absurd and brilliant, which was typical for the Moore era. But as silly as it may seem on paper, the crocodile submarine is a fascinating example of Q Branch’s commitment to tailoring tools for very specific missions. It’s not something Bond would use every day, but in the right moment, it was the perfect solution. And like so many Bond gadgets, it turned an impossible infiltration into a silent success.
From a design perspective, the croc sub was essentially a one-man pedal-powered vessel with a hard outer shell shaped like a crocodile. It had a hatch at the top for Bond to emerge, and rudimentary propulsion systems to navigate the water. It’s not the flashiest or most dangerous gadget in the Bond arsenal, but it showed that stealth sometimes comes with a smile.
The gadget’s real charm lies in its commitment to the bit. Roger Moore exits the crocodile suit straight-faced and gets right to work, never once acknowledging how ridiculous his mode of transport looked. That’s peak Bond: style and seriousness, no matter how bonkers the tool might be.
#3: The Acrostar Mini-Jet – Octopussy (1983)
Octopussy doubles down on its gadget game with the Acrostar Mini-Jet, a pint-sized personal aircraft that fits inside a fake horse trailer—and still manages to outrun missiles. Used in the film’s pre-title sequence, the jet allows Bond to escape a Latin American military base in spectacular fashion. The plane, piloted with suave confidence by Roger Moore, zips through hangars, dodges explosions, and eventually flies under a closing hangar door in a maneuver that had every viewer holding their breath.
The Acrostar is more than a gimmick—it’s a real piece of aviation engineering. Known in reality as the BD-5J, it was dubbed “the world’s smallest jet” and could reach speeds of over 300 mph. The stunt flying in Octopussy was performed by legendary pilot J.W. “Corkey” Fornof, who made the impossible look effortless. His sequences were done with such precision that many fans assumed the jet scenes had to be models or visual effects. They weren’t. That’s the magic of Bond—making the unbelievable feel real.
The scene is a perfect Bond cold open: explosive, clever, and totally unexpected. After the escape, Bond casually lands the jet on a rural road, refuels it at a gas station, and delivers the quip, “Fill her up, please.” That kind of wink-to-the-audience humor, paired with genuinely thrilling stunt work, is what makes the Acrostar sequence one of the franchise’s finest gadget moments.
#2: The Magnetic Rolex – Live and Let Die (1973)
Roger Moore’s first outing as 007 came with one of the most unique wrist gadgets in Bond history: a Rolex Submariner watch equipped with a high-powered electromagnet. It could deflect bullets, attract metal, and—most memorably—unzip a woman’s dress from across the room. Yes, this gadget served both practical and suggestive purposes, and both are played for laughs and style in equal measure.
The magnet’s key use comes during the film’s climax. Bond uses the magnet to retrieve a compressed air gun, which he uses to kill the film’s villain, Kananga, in one of the most bizarre deaths in franchise history. The idea that a magnet could be powerful enough to pull a firearm across a room was ludicrous—but Bond made it look natural.
The watch also doubled as a buzzsaw, with a hidden circular blade that Bond uses to escape from ropes during a shark tank scene. The versatility of this gadget made it stand out: stylish timepiece, personal defense system, and impromptu escape tool all in one. It epitomized Q Branch’s creativity during the Moore era.
The magnetic Rolex captured the wild spirit of 1970s Bond—outlandish, playful, and just grounded enough to be thrilling. It was a gadget that knew exactly what it was doing and leaned into it.
#1: The Invisible Aston Martin Vanquish – Die Another Day (2002)
Say what you will about Die Another Day, but when Bond’s Aston Martin Vanquish turned invisible, it marked a new pinnacle of gadget spectacle. Nicknamed “the Vanish” by Q himself, this sleek silver beast was equipped with adaptive camouflage technology that made it functionally invisible. The explanation? Cameras on one side project the image onto the other, making the car blend seamlessly into its surroundings. A stretch of science, sure—but the idea was undeniably cool.
Used during the epic ice palace sequence, the Vanquish wasn’t just about invisibility. It came fully loaded: missile launchers, spiked tires, machine guns, ejector seat, and even automatic target tracking. Bond uses it to sneak around enemy lines, evade henchmen, and engage in one of the franchise’s wildest car chases—on ice, no less. The invisible car glides across frozen terrain, dodging heat-seeking rockets and flipping over like a snow-dusted ballet.
The Vanquish was controversial among fans, some calling it a step too far into sci-fi territory. But it was also unforgettable. Love it or hate it, no one forgot it. And that’s what great Bond gadgets do—they leave an impression. Invisibility might have been a gimmick, but in Bond’s world, it’s just another day at the office.
The invisible Aston Martin represents the zenith of Bond gadget extravagance. It’s bold, unashamedly futuristic, and deeply committed to style. Whether it’s stealth or spectacle, it gets the job done—and looks flawless doing it. For that, it earns its place at the top of the list.
