London calling
We first see Bond in the Barton Perreira Joe sunglasses when he exits his Aston Martin V8 Vantage in London, returning to MI6, he’s wearing a black and grey Prince of Wales O’Conner suit, white tab collared shirt with Dr. No cuffs, a navy ottoman tie, and a white silk pocket square all from TOM FORD. He also has a Benson & Clegg James tie bar and Crockett & Jones Highbury shoes.
He later wears them again with his second and final TOM FORD Day suit, being a black and navy Prince of Wales, a TOM FORD blue point collar shirt with Dr. No cuffs, and a Prada spotted tie, with the same accessories as before.
The ‘Joe’ are the third of four pairs of sunglasses that Bond wears in this film, and are the only pair worn with his smarter suits.
They are rectangular framed (which I think resemble the sunglasses worn by Sean Connery in Thunderball) that have a classic 60s look which Daniel Craig’s Bond has almost always shown in his smart wardrobe (or London lockup). They are lightweight and feel secure when you put them on, they have a bit of flex to them, so you don’t feel like they’re fragile. Although I’m not saying to throw them around either. Just that you don’t have to be overly careful with them.
Film: No Time to Die
The Details
From JamesBondLifestyle.com:
“[The Joe is] handmade in Japan from zylonite acetate containing metal core wiring to provide a skeletal foundation with supreme comfort and a flexible fit. The signature lightweight feel of the sunglasses is due to the resin-based polymer plastic used. Zylonite is tumbled for several days before being hand polished twice to create a seamlessly smooth surface.”
Although there is a 007 version, which are the exact same model with the 007-gun logo on them temples, and 007 box case and cloth. I have the non 007 version. The case I got with mine does differ. It seems depending on where you buy them, or maybe what the supplier provided. You can get one of three different types of case and a variety of different cleaning cloths.
Model: Joe
I bought mine through Chaksu London, a Camden based opticians. I used their online store to get my non 007 pair of Joes. They have previously had all the Bond inspired pairs on their online store. So if you’re looking for Barton Perreira’s in the UK, Chaksu London could be one of the places to check out.
The case I have has semi-circular sides with a flap on the top, made of leather. It is a hard case with a light suede interior. The polishing cloth is an artistic one, (see photo) but not going to attempt describing it, other than, colourful!
Manufacturer: Barton Perreira
Feel and function!
The glasses themselves look very nice, clean, and simple. Because they are lightweight, they feel comfortable, unlike heavier sunglasses that can give you a headache if worn too long. These I could wear all day, and not really notice that they are there.
Because of the simplicity and elegance of these sunglasses, they go with nearly everything. I’d be comfortable wearing these with almost any outfit. Suit and tie (obviously), jeans and a t-shirt, even just a pair of OB Shorts, like the Sky Setters.
They are however a premium price, £340! Which are more expensive than the TOM FORD sunglasses Marko at £290 (from Skyfall) and Snowden (from SPECTRE) at £270 which are still available on their website.
Purchase Price: £340
The expense
Is it worth it? Well, they are a very desirable item, which are in my opinion a very stylish and classic look that will last anyone for many years. However, I think the same of the TOM FORD’s that I’ve mentioned above, which you could easily find cheaper than the current prices on alternative sites. Both of which I also rotate through and have now owned for 12 years and 7 years respectively and they’re still going well.
For your money the TOM FORD would be a safer bet, as they are still being made by TOM FORD. The Joe are not. In fact when checking, it is only the 007 version on their website, and they are not available at this time (August 2024).
Colour: Black / Vintage Grey Glass Lenses
While writing this report I’ve been wearing them a lot lately, and they are still such a comfortable pair of glasses to wear. An added benefit is that I don’t have to remove them to unlock my phone using the FACE ID, like I have to do with others (looking at you Vuarnet Edge). So I don’t have to remove my glasses in the sun to be dazzled just to open my phone and see who’s been messaging me. Of course, I could use the PIN, but instinctively you just remove the glasses don’t you.
Getting back on track, I’m glad I was able to get them at the time. I do really like these Barton Perreira sunglasses, and they will be part of my collection for many years to come.
Article by Daniel Gaster. (Field report 073).
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