In 1969, the entire Apollo 11 crew wore the American Optical FG-59 sunglasses. These sunglasses are now known as the Original Pilot. Therein lies the charm of this classic variation of the aviator style of sunglasses: they look good everywhere. You can look good wearing them in any modern environment just as you could look good wearing them on the deck of a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier. They even look good on the moon.

The Original Pilot features straight bayonet temples and slightly convex lenses to deflect as much sunlight as possible. It was designed this way for a reason: to make it easier for fighter pilots to slip them on and off while wearing a helmet, and to minimise cockpit glare. It’s the rugged, utilitarian design and the connotations of astronauts, fighter pilots, and ‘Nam that give the Original Pilot such an enticing air of masculine danger. 100% made in the USA.

Before Ray-Ban and before Persol, there was American Optical. Since 1833, American Optical has designed and produced iconic eyewear worn by the elites and the everyman alike, from US presidents and NASA space crews to blue-collar workers and farmers. American Optical can credibly claim to be the ‘oldest and greatest optical company in American history.’