After trawling through their archives, the team at American Optical have perfected the definitive version of this much-copied style. With updated ergonomics and optics, the rounder shape of the frame means that the Times lends itself to a slightly more playful retro look. Combine it with a trilby cap and polo shirt, fire up your VW Beetle and make a beeline for Santa Barbara Beach.

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.’