by Richard Ng
James Bond, as a character on the silver screen, has been around for a long, long time. The legendary Sean Connery’s take on 007 first hit cinemas in 1962 with Dr. No. Since then, the James Bond franchise kicked off with 25 flicks to its name.
It’s only natural that there is a ton of memorabilia knocking about after a full 60 years. After all, almost every film comes with its own iconic gadgets, tripped-out cars or gorgeous costumes. That’s what makes this live auction one of your best chances to snag a key piece of cinema history.
Hosted by auction house Christie’s and EON Productions, in-person attendance at the live auction on September 28 is by invitation only in London. There are a total of 25 lots, most of which feature in the latest film No Time To Die (starring Daniel Craig’s final performance in the role). However, the final six lots are dedicated to each and every one of the Bond actors from Connery to Craig.
A plethora of covetable memorabilia up for auction
These include many exclusive experiences and collectibles. Experiences include a five-night stay at the Fleming villa used in GoldenEye. For memorabilia, two limited edition Omega Seamaster watches created in commemoration of Her Majesty’s Secret Service’s 50th birthday are up for auction. If action’s your thing, try your luck for a modified stunt bike used in No Time To Die’s pre-credit sequences.
Of course, you can’t talk about James Bond without talking about Bond cars. There’s hardly a Bond car as iconic as the Aston Martin DB5. Although a total of eight stunt replicas were built for the latest film, only one will be offered.
Other vehicles on offer include two more Aston Martins, a Jaguar XF, two Land Rover Defenders and a Range Rover, each either featuring in a specific scene or otherwise connected to the feted franchise.
Bond for good: some proceeds will go to charity
The plus side for all this? Some proceeds from the sale will go to 45 charities, including the likes of UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund) and UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner For Refugees) supporting relief operations for people displaced by the Russia-Ukraine war. Three previous James Bond auctions also benefited charitable causes to the tune of US$7,196,146 (around S$9 million).
International Bond fans can also tune in to an online auction, running from September 15 to October 25. The online auction would feature 35 lots of smaller memorabilia, headlined by an exclusive Champagne Bollinger experience touring the wine house’s estate and dining with its family members.
More information at Christie’s
Related: A James Bond-Inspired Subterranean Garage That’s Fit For a 007 Superfan