From the Bond Archives: The Dr No Crockett & Jones Chelsea Boot

A boot of the era, the Chelsea, was the only choice. Crockett & Jones has been producing Chelsea boots for nearly a century, with one of the first illustrations appearing in 1925. Aptly named ‘Chelsea’, it wasn't until the early 1960s that 'Chelsea' appeared in its Stock Catalogue for wider wholesale purchase.

1962, the year that Dr.No was released, paved the way for one of the firms most successful style categories over the past 60 years. Featuring traditional, straight cut elastics, a plain front whole vamp, oak bark leather sole, flexible shoulder insoles and a jockey back strip in matching calf. Produced on the original 236 last, a last that was launched in the early 60’s and features a traditional round toe shape. HAMILTON is an exclusive style from Crockett & Jones.

Crockett & Jones has been manufacturing shoes in Northampton, England, since 1879 and is widely regarded as one of the premiere manufacturers of high-quality ,handmade Goodyear welted shoes. The firm’s highly skilled makers carry out more than 200 separate operations over an eight-week period to craft each pair, employing time-honoured techniques to provide each shoe with an exceptional degree of strength, durability and comfort.

The Goodyear welted process spans several production departments, each necessitating a multitude of different skills and experiences to ensure that the shoes are completed to exacting standards. Many of the operations, relying on excellent hand-eye co-ordination, take years to learn and a lifetime to master. Like EON Productions, the firm remains a family-run business and after 140 years the mantle has now passed to the fourth generation.

HAMILTON is available to purchase in store and online, £895, in Black Calf and Ivywood Antique Calf.