American Optical - Original Pilot Aviator Sunglasses with Bayonet Temple and Gold Frame, Color Correct Grey Polycarbon​ate Lens

4.3 out of 5 stars 183 ratings
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About this item

  • American Optical
  • TRUSTED FOR OVER 50 YEARS- The Original Pilot is American Optical's flagship classic aviator which has been issued to millions of pilots, U.S. soldiers, sailors, Marines, and Airmen since 1958
  • FRAME / TEMPLE -Thin Steel frame; a “navigator” style with a wide nose bridge setting the lenses far apart; Bayonet temples curve inward to easily fit underneath helmets headgear or headphones
  • POLYCARBONATE LENS- Polycarbonate resin creates the strongest bond and highest optical quality lens available today; PC lenses also offer lighter weight and greater impact resistance; 100% UVA/UVB
  • AMERICAN CLASSIC- Among the millions of military personnel, these traditional Aviator classics have been worn by iconic figures such as John F. Kennedy and Neil Armstrong
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Product details

  • Is Discontinued By Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ No
  • Product Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 7.75 x 3.25 x 2.5 inches; 4 ounces
  • Item model number ‏ : ‎ 31250OP55GBACC
  • Department ‏ : ‎ unisex-adult
  • Date First Available ‏ : ‎ September 23, 2006
  • Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ A.C. Kerman - Outdoor
  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B003AJOJB4
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.3 out of 5 stars 183 ratings

Product Description

The U.S. Armed Forces' best-kept secret now available in the consumer market. Performance-tested sunglasses with classic aviator styling. The General has been a favorite of U.S. military pilots for more than 50 years. Engineered to rigid military specifications and issued to millions of U.S. Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Airmen since 1958.The rugged and sturdy structure and high quality finishing of the steel alloy frame coupled with distortion free, toughened and polished True Color glass lens have made the AO Flight Gear Collection the standard bearer of all fine military sunglasses. To measure for frame sizing; First, stand in front of a mirror. Second, Hold a ruler so one end is lined up with your right temple and the ruler goes over the bridge of the nose. Third, measure distance between your temples to the nearest 1/4 inch. For better accuracy, measure to 1/8th inch. Keep ruller straight, avoid bending ruler. For Frames 52mm-up to 5 inches. For frames 55mm 5 inches to 5 1/2 inches. For 57 and 58mm-5/12 to 6 inces. Please note, temple lenght is determined by frame size. Warranty;For one year from date of purchase, AO Eyewear will repair or replace this eyewear (at their option) if defective in material or workmanship. No warranty is expressed or implied regarding damage resulting from consumer misuse or neglect or for any consequential damages arising out of the use of the glasses.

Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
183 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers praise these sunglasses for their supreme build quality, lasting up to 5 years with no problems, and appreciate their timeless design and clarity. Customers find them comfortable, with one noting they stay on with no discomfort, and consider them a great value for money. The fit receives mixed feedback - while some find them perfect for large heads, others say they're too large. Customers disagree on the weight, with some noting they're heavier than they appear.

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60 customers mention "Sunglasses quality"60 positive0 negative

Customers find these sunglasses to be of great quality, with one customer noting they are aviation grade.

"...I can't thank AO enough for making a relatively cheap pair of high quality shades. Buy!" Read more

"...IMO these are the best wire-frame sunglasses around. Very, very similar to Ray Bays for 1/3 of the price...." Read more

"The delivery was just as expected - The sunglasses look awesome, but are a little heavy...." Read more

"...They are very nice. They filter the sunlight well and they look very nice on me...." Read more

48 customers mention "Build quality"46 positive2 negative

Customers praise the sunglasses' build quality, noting their solid metal construction and durability, with one customer mentioning the lenses are resistant to wear.

"...A heavy, sturdy frame of all metal feels like it was made to last. Great quality. The optics are amazingly clear...." Read more

"...Basically, they're equally cool looking, equal in quality, but they're cheaper and the fact that the military uses them ups the cool factor slightly..." Read more

"...tag of the RB's may be better for you, but you absolutely get a more solid feel, heavier, and material-rich pair of sunglasses with the AO's." Read more

"These are heavy and feel durable. For the price, they look excellent...." Read more

43 customers mention "Look"43 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the appearance of these sunglasses, noting their timeless design and great look, with one customer specifically mentioning the gold-rimmed frames.

"...The only thing I can offer is these look great in gold. I think the charm of the glasses would be diminished if you got them in silver...." Read more

"...A classic design, especially for men, that will not go out of style." Read more

"...Basically, they're equally cool looking, equal in quality, but they're cheaper and the fact that the military uses them ups the cool factor slightly..." Read more

"...They are very nice. They filter the sunlight well and they look very nice on me...." Read more

32 customers mention "Value for money"28 positive4 negative

Customers find these sunglasses to be a superb value for money, offering quality without the price tag.

"...Basically, they're equally cool looking, equal in quality, but they're cheaper and the fact that the military uses them ups the cool factor slightly..." Read more

"...They are the answer to anyone wanting to improve their social credentials economically !..." Read more

"...as far as I can tell, these are the same quality as Ray Bans but much cheaper...." Read more

"...Great price!" Read more

12 customers mention "Comfort"12 positive0 negative

Customers find these sunglasses comfortable and snug, with one mentioning they stay in place without causing discomfort.

"...off my head to easy when I wear them on my head, but they're really comfy for the same reason. Great price!" Read more

"...The straight frames over the ear are more comfortable than the usual Ray Ban style." Read more

"...I like the frame and quality of the material. Feels and look better than some of the mainstream aviator brands. Tad bit tight on my temples though" Read more

"...History aside they are very comfortable sunglasses that have lasted 5 years with no problems." Read more

9 customers mention "Clarity"9 positive0 negative

Customers praise the clarity of these sunglasses, with one mentioning they provide full eye coverage and another noting they effectively cut glare.

"...Great quality. The optics are amazingly clear. They are real glass and have some weight. Did I mention the clarity?..." Read more

"...lenses are not the darkest, and they are not polarized, but they cut glare and can be worn without having to take them off/on again when going..." Read more

"...The quality, clarity and style just can't be beat. Great when flying my ultralight aircraft. To me, it was well worth the cost...." Read more

"Really like these sunglasses. Give full coverage to the eyes, fit really well (I've got a big head) snug and won't fall off bending over but not..." Read more

29 customers mention "Fit"20 positive9 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the sunglasses' fit, with some finding them perfect for male large heads while others report they are too large.

"...Did I mention the clarity? These fit great and have a great retro look that is timeless...." Read more

"...They fit very well (I have the 55mm ones). I think the largest size would be too big. IMO these are the best wire-frame sunglasses around...." Read more

"...would've gotten the polarized ones and the 52mm instead - Slightly a bit big for my face...." Read more

"Good size for my big head (I'm 6'1"). The metal is solid and shiny, but the hinges have zero clamping force...." Read more

16 customers mention "Weight"9 positive7 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the weight of these sunglasses, with some finding them not as heavy as expected, while others note they are heavier than they appear.

"...A heavy, sturdy frame of all metal feels like it was made to last. Great quality. The optics are amazingly clear...." Read more

"...was just as expected - The sunglasses look awesome, but are a little heavy...." Read more

"...I'm glad these have glass and not plastic lenses yet they are not heavy at all." Read more

"...The back of the lens was sticking past the frames. They appeared very light ( less weight) compared to previous AO glasses I bought...." Read more

From Mad Men...
5 out of 5 stars
From Mad Men...
I ordered these for a Mad Men costume and ended up with a really really nice pair of sunglasses! They are quality in design and look really sharp. The fit is perfect and the case included is sturdy. I believe the same pair or very similar was actually used on the show.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Alex
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great pair of sunglasses
    Reviewed in the United States on July 27, 2011
    Verified Purchase
    After watching the show Mad Men I had to know what sunglasses the main character Donald Draper was wearing. They were an expensive model from Randolph Engineering that were twice as much as these. American Optical made these and they are essentially the exact same pair for less! I can say that I am very pleased with this product from AO.

    A heavy, sturdy frame of all metal feels like it was made to last. Great quality.

    The optics are amazingly clear. They are real glass and have some weight. Did I mention the clarity?

    These fit great and have a great retro look that is timeless. You will definitely like how these look on you.

    The only thing I can offer is these look great in gold. I think the charm of the glasses would be diminished if you got them in silver. I'm not a huge fan of gold but these are fantastic.

    I can't thank AO enough for making a relatively cheap pair of high quality shades.

    Buy!
    18 people found this helpful
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  • CM Chute
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great quality sunglasses, great for wide heads
    Reviewed in the United States on February 1, 2011
    Verified Purchase
    I have been using these glasses for two weeks. After being challenged to find glasses that have longer temples for my wide head, so as not to pinch my ears, I came across these. They fit very well (I have the 55mm ones). I think the largest size would be too big. IMO these are the best wire-frame sunglasses around. Very, very similar to Ray Bays for 1/3 of the price. The gray lenses are not the darkest, and they are not polarized, but they cut glare and can be worn without having to take them off/on again when going briefly indoors. A classic design, especially for men, that will not go out of style.
    Helpful
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  • Shawn
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great Sunglasses
    Reviewed in the United States on April 28, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    The delivery was just as expected - The sunglasses look awesome, but are a little heavy. It's taken a bit to get used to them as for the feel - They kind of hurt my ears to begin with but I've never owned sunglasses that were this heavy. Not to say it's a bad thing, but after wearing them for several hours, you definitely can notice it. Other than that, everything was terrific - Thanks

    PS -- If I had to order them again, I would've gotten the polarized ones and the 52mm instead - Slightly a bit big for my face. Unfortunately I wasn't able to find any on Amazon at the time, only on AO's website.

    PSS -- Make sure that you don't get them wet in salt water, if you do wash them off with fresh water(obviously) - They're turning a the weird green color underneath the plastic on the arms.
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  • Patrick Kelly
    5.0 out of 5 stars Better than Ray-Bans
    Reviewed in the United States on June 18, 2010
    Verified Purchase
    I'm a long time aviator sunglasses wearer. I used to buy Ray-Bans, but I was constantly going through them and the prices kept rising.

    These are just as cool looking and half the price. Plus, they're the same sunglasses pilots in the military wear, which I think is cool.

    They're also of equal quality as Ray-Bans. I'm not really a fan of plastic sunglasses and these are metal and glass. They're fairly durable, I've dropped them a few times with no real damage, although I haven't really tested hor durable they are.

    Basically, they're equally cool looking, equal in quality, but they're cheaper and the fact that the military uses them ups the cool factor slightly in their favor as well.

    I'm never going back to Ray-Bans, I'll keep buying these sunglasses.

    5 stars.
    11 people found this helpful
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  • mec
    1.0 out of 5 stars Purchase Direct from AO or warranty is invalid!
    Reviewed in the United States on March 20, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    I've used these sunglasses for 40 years but you must buy them directly from American Optical or they will not warranty them. Mine came in with distorted lenses and I was told by an AO representative that since they were not purchased directly from them then they couldn't stand by their product not knowing how it had been shipped, stored, etc.
    12 people found this helpful
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  • Win A
    3.0 out of 5 stars Not as expected...not same quality as AO past glasses.
    Reviewed in the United States on April 1, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    I plan to try to contact the seller. I have bought several pair of these AO glasses in the past few years. I really like them...but...this pair was way below standards. The lens did not fit the frames well. The back of the lens was sticking past the frames. They appeared very light ( less weight) compared to previous AO glasses I bought. I weighed them on a lab scale and they were 30% lighter (less weight) than my old pair that is two years old. I am not satisfied with the quality. I sure hope all of the AO eyewear has not been cheapened un like this pair.
    8 people found this helpful
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  • Dr Michael Pece
    4.0 out of 5 stars Make sure you get the correct size for your head
    Reviewed in the United States on January 13, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    I like the sunglasses now, I did not at first. I did not realize, when I bought them, that the temple arms were pretty much straight. I assumed all glasses fit behind the ear to keep them from falling off. I guess that is what Bayonet temples mean. They kept falling from my face to the ground. Finally I got a needle nose plier and bent hinges in and they now fit. After a few tries they finally fit my face. I now wear them whenever I'm outside (my optometrist told me to after my cataract surgery). They are very nice. They filter the sunlight well and they look very nice on me. I'm glad these have glass and not plastic lenses yet they are not heavy at all.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Chris
    2.0 out of 5 stars I returned them
    Reviewed in the United States on October 29, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    They went straight up to my forehead (didn't stop at the bridge of my nose.) They looked good, but didn't fit me very well.
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