THE JOURNAL

The tools every international man of mystery should have in his arsenal.
Spies, whether fictional or real, prefer to own accessories that have a little something extra. In Kingsman, for example, Mr Colin Firth wields an umbrella that doubles as a stun gun. Ridiculous, perhaps, but it may well have been inspired by real events. In 1978, dissident author Mr Georgi Markov was dispatched on Waterloo Bridge by a member of the Bulgarian secret police. The weapon? A ricin-pellet-firing umbrella, of course.
And then there’s James Bond, who can always be relied upon to carry accessories that are both stylish and deadly. Sure, his briefcase looks good, but whatever you do, don’t open it before he shows you how to operate the clasps. Things could get a little… explosive.
Most of us are not required to defeat megalomaniacs – or silence political defectors – but we do need to complete missions of our own every day, and require appropriate tools in our inventory to do so. They may not have a hidden camera or a deadly dose of poison, but it’s important that they pack a punch. Add these to your arsenal to give your appearance a killer edge.
JUNGHANS
Max Bill Chronoscope Stainless Steel Watch

In Live And Let Die, 007’s Rolex Submariner watch has an electromagnet strong enough to repel bullets. The cad that he is, however, Bond uses it to unzip the dress of Italian agent Miss Caruso instead. Said watch sold at a Christie’s auction for $243,959 in 2011. This piece from German brand Junghans, established in 1861, is far more affordable. And, given that we lead slightly less frenetic lives than Bond, we’re content that a self-winding J800.2 mechanism is about as good as it gets in terms of gadgetry. At least we’ll always be on time for appointments, and will arrive with a classic design on our wrist.
L.G.R
Leather-Trimmed Sunglasses

With winter approaching, you will be mindful of the low-lying sun. The blue tint and black leather side shields on these shades by L.G.R are perfect for colder climes. If you were Mr Pierce Brosnan in The World Is Not Enough, you might assume they come with an X-ray function, or perhaps some Google Glass-like capability. Alas, not (muttering in the direction of your forehead is never a good look, anyway). They do, however, have the power to make you look pretty damn cool in a suit, and on the slopes. Do remember to take them off indoors, though – something Mr Brosnan never quite managed.
LEICA
X Typ 113 Compact Camera

In the 1970s, a model F-21 buttonhole camera was created for KGB agents to gather evidence in a clandestine fashion. Now, unless you wish to be placed on a register, you are unlikely to need such a device. But, on the other hand, no one likes a man who lumbers around with a camera that has a lens so big it could take a detailed shot of the moon’s surface. Whether you’re going to an exhibition or visiting a new city, keep it neat and compact with a camera by Leica. Specialising in robust, design classics that you can slip into your pocket, the specs of Leica’s cameras are up there with the best in the business.
DENTS
Shaftesbury Touchscreen Cashmere-Lined Leather Gloves

Remember the story that went viral five years ago about South Koreans using sausages instead of their fingers as smartphone styluses in winter? No? Well it happened. Strange, but true. We would never condone such behaviour, of course, and we doubt special agents would either, but it illustrates the point that we will go to great lengths to keep our hands warm. Enter: Dents. Made from soft leather and cashmere, it’s crafted a pair of gloves that you can keep on while you Instagram and email in comfort. Handy.
MONTBLANC
Meisterstück 90 Years LeGrand Red Gold-Plated Ballpoint Pen

There’s a certain reverence reserved for a man who can take out a handsome pen to make notes in a meeting. With our modern reliance on computers and tablets, however, we often find ourselves scrabbling for elusive Biros, or annoying others by borrowing and subsequently losing theirs. This Montblanc ballpoint doesn’t have a secret camera in the head and it doesn’t explode after clicking the lid three times, but, with red-gold plating, a rather fetching case and, of course, good old-fashioned ink, it does represent one of the best writing instruments money can buy. Just don’t lend it to anyone. We beg you.
SMYTHSON
Panama Cross-Grain Leather Notebook

In this Orwellian age of cyberterrorism and blanket digital surveillance, there’s something reassuring about the security of a good old-fashioned notebook. Store your most sensitive secrets on paper, rather than in your Gmail outbox, and the only way your enemies will be able to access them is by prising them from your cold, dead hands. That’s why, in the hidden inner pocket of our Savile Row suits, we keep a discreet leather jotter by Smythson – stationery supplier to the British royal family, no less.
GLOBE-TROTTER
**16” Attaché Case with Folio **

One of the first gadget-filled accessories Bond receives from Q is an extra-special briefcase in From Russia With Love. Given this one from Globe-Trotter was designed exclusively for MR PORTER, there is nothing ordinary about it, but it does not contain, for better or worse, a tear gas bomb or rounds of ammunition (although it would look rather nice on the back seat of an Aston Martin DB5). Slim and light, it’s perfect for any modern businessman on the move. And, like Bond himself, Globe-Trotter is a British icon.