Since 1962, James Bond has marvelled audiences with his debonair charm, world-saving feats, and of course, his amazing gadgets! While the list of gadgets is certainly extensive, one very devoted blogger examined all 24 films for any magnetic tech .007 has used on Her Majesty’s secret service.
From Russia With Love, 1963--Magnetic Attache Case
Back for his sophomore performance as agent .007, Sean Connery must intercept an encryption machine from the Soviets and return it to England. With some amazing scenes at the Hagia Sofia and a fight on top of a moving train, this movie helped cement the franchise’s reputation for cinematic adventure and intrigue.Of course, we at Apex are more fixated on the magnets! Among the gadgets Bond receives from Q is a specially designed briefcase with loads of techy features (at least they were for the 60’s). The case can hold 50 rounds of ammo, and conceals two flat throwing knives and a gun silencer disguised as a can of shaving cream. The final feature is a simple magnet that conceals 50 gold sovereign coins in the lid of the case. While this isn’t the flashiest use of magnetism in a Bond film, it definitely paves the way for some pretty cool gadgets to come.
Diamonds Are Forever, 1971--Electromagnetic RPM Controller Ring
After a one-film hiatus, Sean Connery returns to the role for his final performance. In this installment, Bond finds himself in Las Vegas to track a diamond smuggling operation which turns out to be a front for a nuclear missile satellite operation. It’s confusing.While this is generally considered one of the worst Connery-era Bond films, it’s not without its share of interesting tech. Among Q’s inventions is the electromagnetic RPM controller ring. The theory is that pressing a button on the ring controls the revolutions of a slot machine, allowing him to hit the jackpot every time. While the ring doesn’t feature prominently in the film, it still uses magnets and that makes it cool!
Roger Moore takes over as James Bond in this film and battles a voodoo-using drug ring in Harlem and Louisiana. While many people remember this movie for its iconic theme song, we’re obsessed with the coolest timepiece we’ve ever seen!This might be the most iconic piece of magnet tech in the whole franchise. The Rolex watch comes equipped with a super-powerful electromagnet strong enough to deflect bullets and tear the teaspoon right out of M’s hand! The watch winds up saving the day, magnetically pulling the stop lever as Bond is lowered into a pool of sharks.
The Spy Who Loved Me, 1977--Jaws
Regarded by many as the best of the Roger Moore-era Bond Films, The Spy Who Loved Me finds our favorite agent teamed up with a top KGB officer to investigate the disappearance of British and Soviet nuclear submarines. While this entry doesn’t deal with a gadget directly, it still deserves a mention for one very big reason: Jaws.Jaws is giant, silent henchman who terrorizes Bond throughout the film. Instead of teeth, Jaws possesses two solid-steel plates which he uses to bite through pretty much anything. As Bond finds himself on a sinking oil tanker, he is confronted by Jaws. How do you defeat a steel-toothed assassin? With a giant magnet! Bond hits a switch causing an electromagnet to immediately subdue Jaws. The scene is pretty far out there, but it’s one of our favorites!
Goldeneye, 1995--Magnetic Mines
After a six-year absence (the longest ever), James Bond, played by Pierce Brosnan, returns to track down a rogue MI6 agent. Credited with reinvigorating the Bond franchise, Goldeneye also reinvigorated our love of magnetic gadgets! Used in the opening rescue mission sequence, these mines are used to blow up a secret base where one of Bond’s fellow agents is being held hostage. Due to their magnetism, Bond is able to stick them to metal railings and panels, ensuring a pretty epic explosion to launch into the title sequence.As the James Bond series demonstrates, magnets and innovation go hand and hand. Make sure to check out our extensive product range and DIYs to build your own magnetic gadgets!
