Tom Cruise, globally recognized for his iconic roles and daring stunts, often sports classic Ray-Ban sunglasses. However, at the high-profile Mission:
Impossible — The Final Reckoning premiere in Cannes, the 62-year-old superstar made a notable style switch. He opted for a different, yet equally iconic, pair of aviator sunglasses. This choice signals a subtle nod to aviation history and American heritage eyewear, offering fans a fresh glimpse into his off-screen style.
Cruise’s Choice: American Optical Original Pilot Sunglasses
The specific eyewear chosen by Tom Cruise for the premiere boasts a rich history and a strong connection to American legends.
A Favorite of Elite Professionals
Tom Cruise was seen sporting American Optical’s Original Pilot sunglasses. This particular silhouette is not just a fashion statement. It is a design deeply favored by military pilots and even NASA astronauts. The brand proudly states that these were the first-ever aviators designed specifically for the U.S. military back in 1935. This historical detail underscores the robust and functional design of the glasses.
The Specifics: Silver Frames with True-Color Gray Lenses
Cruise’s specific pair featured elegant silver frames paired with True-Color gray lenses. These lenses are known for providing accurate color perception. Movie buffs might also recognize this exact combination. Robert De Niro famously wore them in his iconic role in the film Taxi Driver. This appearance adds another layer of cultural significance to the chosen eyewear.
Affordable Icon: Get Cruise’s Look on Sale
Despite their prestigious history and high-quality construction, American Optical’s iconic frames typically start at a reasonable $200. Fans looking to emulate “Ethan Hunt’s off-duty look” are in luck. The company is currently holding a summer sale. During this period, you can score these coveted sunglasses for up to 20 percent off their regular price. This makes it an opportune time for enthusiasts to acquire a piece of cinematic and aviation history.
Customization and Protection: Features of the Original Pilot
The American Optical Original Pilot aviator sunglasses offer a blend of classic design, customization, and advanced lens technology.
Frame and Size Options
These versatile aviator sunglasses are available in several frame finishes. Buyers can choose from classic gold, silver, matte silver, or sleek black frames. This variety allows for personal style preferences. The glasses also come in a range of sizes, from small to large. This ensures a comfortable and appropriate fit for different face shapes.
Advanced Lens Technology
Customization extends to the lenses themselves. Customers can select between two high-quality lens options. The first is lightweight AOLite Nylon. The second option is distortion-free SkyMaster Glass lenses. Both types are available with or without polarization. Polarization is a feature that reduces glare.
Both impact-resistant lens options prioritize wearer protection. They offer 100 percent UVA/UVB protection. This shields eyes from harmful ultraviolet rays. Additionally, they feature advanced coatings.
These include anti-reflective, scratch-resistant, and smudge-resistant coatings. For enhanced visual clarity, polarized lenses provide superior benefits. They offer enhanced contrast and completely glare-free vision. This makes them ideal for bright conditions. It is safe to say that even demanding characters like Ethan Hunt or Maverick would undoubtedly approve of these performance features.
The Enduring Legacy of American Optical
American Optical boasts a long and storied history, intertwining with significant moments in American innovation, aviation, and even space exploration.
Foundations in Innovation: From Watchmaker to Eyewear Pioneer
The company’s origins trace back to 1833 in Massachusetts. It was founded by William Beecher, a skilled watchmaker and jeweler. Beecher’s innovative mechanical skills were instrumental in his groundbreaking achievement: he created the first thin steel eyewear frame in the U.S. This early innovation set the stage for American Optical’s future contributions to optical science.
Beyond Eyewear: Contributions to Science and Military
According to information from the Optical Heritage Museum, American Optical’s manufacturing prowess extended far beyond just eyeglasses in the early 1900s. The company also produced essential items like aviator goggles, critical for early pilots. They contributed to public health by manufacturing hospital equipment.
Furthermore, their advanced capabilities led them to produce specialized military hardware, including submarine telescope sights. This diverse production portfolio highlights their engineering excellence and impact across various sectors.
Immortalized by Legends: A Cultural Icon
Now headquartered in Chicago, American Optical’s eyewear has been immortalized through its connections with iconic figures and cultural milestones.
- Norman Rockwell Paintings: The company notably commissioned the renowned American artist Norman Rockwell to create six original works. His distinctive style brought AO’s specs to life on canvas, embedding them in American art.
- Aviation Pioneer Jimmy Doolittle: Aviator legend Jimmy Doolittle famously wore AO goggles during his record-breaking transatlantic flight in 1930. This endorsement cemented the brand’s association with daring exploration and performance.
- Apollo 11 Astronauts and the Moon: Perhaps the most significant moment in AO’s history occurred during the Apollo 11 mission. The Original Pilot glasses worn by the Apollo 11 astronauts became the first sunglasses ever to land on the moon. This incredible feat etched American Optical into the annals of space exploration.
- President John F. Kennedy: President John F. Kennedy was frequently photographed wearing AO’s stylish Saratoga acetate sunglasses. This association with a beloved president added to the brand’s prestige.
- Malcolm X and Lyndon B. Johnson: Civil rights leader Malcolm X and President Lyndon B. Johnson were both known to sport AO’s iconic Sirmont browline frames. These cultural icons further solidified the brand’s place in American history and fashion. Notably, both the Saratoga and Sirmont styles are also currently available as part of American Optical’s summer sale, allowing enthusiasts to own a piece of history.
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