Ray-Ban

I'm partial to wayfarers myself...:)

ReservoirDogsRayBanWayfarersVintageSunglasses.jpg
 
Try one of the jewelry kiosks in a mall or a high end jewelry store to get the old ones fixed. I bought a pair of Ray-Ban Aviators about 25 years ago to replace my 1970 Navy issue OP sunglasses that the nose piece separated on. I kept the Navy glasses and just got them gold soldered a couple of weeks ago at a mall kiosk.

CW
 
I just ran across my old pair of Ray Ban Aviators in the drawer the other day. I set them aside when I started wearing multi-focal lenses, but I'm thinking about having a new set made with polycarbonate to reduce the weight. I think they're still the best looking shades out there.
 
Funny timing. My aviators broke today. The screw holding the lenses broke and the lens fell out. Took them to my Optometrist and they had to drill out the old screw and put in a small bolt with a couple of taps. Not too pretty if you look close, but they work again. I have prescription poly lenses and did not see any other frames around that would fit them. I ahve not sen anyone else around here wearing them. Must be as out of style as I am.
 
Wore Aviators from the late '60s through the early '80s. About '75 or so bought a pair with yellow shooting lenses. They had a specific name, but darned if I can remember what it was. I do remember that with tax they pretty much killed a $100 bill, which was a lot of money. Like most every one else, my eyes went South and that was the end of the Ray Bans.

Fast forward thirty years, and my eyes changed again. Can't read a line without glasses, but my distance vision is great. I thought I'd get a pair of Ray Bans for the truck. Looked at the new ones, but wasn't impressed with the quaility or the price. I went with American Optical. The quality seemed about the same or better and the price was much less. For a set to leave in the truck, they will do, but it's just not the same.
 
There seem to be a lot of nice selections of retro and newer designs on the Ray Ban website. The prices seem in line with inflation, since I bought my "Outdoorsman" shades I purchased in the early 70's.
 
I found these in a kitchen drawer when I went home to NY last summer...I think they are pretty old...can't even find a pic of them in google images....I wear them but I'm wondering if they are vintage collectables...:)

photo-1.jpg



Sent this pic to my friend who just happens to manage a vintage eyeglass store in Beverly Hills:

"Bring them to me. I'm not sure if they are gold filled. Look for a hall mark stamp on the back of the bridge that should read: 1/10 12k gf. Then they have gold in them. 1973 and later these frames were not made out of the gold filled anymore and are not worth a whole lot. Anything older then that they are gold."
 
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Thanks Sip,

Those are cool but when I see the RB script on the lens the flag goes up. The early ones only had the BL etched by the hinge on each lens. New ones have the BL also.

There seems to be some High End ones produced but I'm confused.

They are very popular around here.
 
You are welcome. The right lens has B&L in light lettering by the hinge...these aren't gold filled, so they are post 73....seem authentic to me...especially the ribbing in the frame.
 
I'm sure they're authentic. I wonder when they first put the RB script on the lens.

Side note, Watching Pawn Stars and Rick was wearing some scripted Wayfarers.
 
You might have something.

I had my arms tested and they were 14k. I checked my frames today and they were plated. Daaaaang.

I have a bunch of parts and was wishing I could get a good pair together.

Hopefully my Dad will give his old ones up. :)
 
I've had a couple of pairs of Ray Ban Aviators over the years--they've been my favorite sunglasses. I was thinking of getting a new pair, but given what they cost now and the quality issues some seem to be having, I think not.

The American Optical Aviators look nice for the price. My concern is the polycarbonate lenses--I'm hard on stuff and have always liked glass for the scratch resistance. How do the polycarbonate lenses hold up?

What is a good trustworthy site for purchasing AO glasses on line?

Thanks for any help.
 
Cooter Brown said:
I've had a couple of pairs of Ray Ban Aviators over the years--they've been my favorite sunglasses. I was thinking of getting a new pair, but given what they cost now and the quality issues some seem to be having, I think not.

The American Optical Aviators look nice for the price. My concern is the polycarbonate lenses--I'm hard on stuff and have always liked glass for the scratch resistance. How do the polycarbonate lenses hold up?

What is a good trustworthy site for purchasing AO glasses on line?

Thanks for any help.
Click to expand...

My most recent pair of Ray Bans have polycarbonate lenses; I've dropped them from time to time on the ground and pavement, and they have no discernible scratches yet. This was not true of the earlier glass lenses. I think it has a lot to do with the lighter weight of the plastic lenses. I bought this set of shades at Sam's club for $100.

John
 
Thanks, John.

I'm a bit of a dinosaur in some ways. Poly lenses have definite advantages re shatter and impact resistance.
 
I tried the Ray-Ban aviators.

High quality and a good look, but too heavy and the hooks felt harsh.

I wear Serengeti medium aviators now and they have a soothing
and world enhancing color to the lenses.

Also, very old guy cool..............:cool:
 
gaucho1 said:
I tried the Ray-Ban aviators.

High quality and a good look, but too heavy and the hooks felt harsh.
Click to expand...

I agree on the cable (hooked) earpieces - the ones I had in the old days dug into the backs of my ears enough to raise scabs. The paddle style is the answer, and my modern pair is equipped that way.

John
 
I have been wearing Aviators since 1990. I am still wearing my 3rd pair, I think. Bought my latest pair new on 05/10/97, still have the bill of sale and tan case. I have been wearing no line bifocals w/transition lenses for about a 18 months and I am tired of them, pulled out the Aviators, put them on, and my eyes are adjusting. Went to the range yesterday with the RB's on and shot better than I have in a while. All is well.:D
 
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