Original Pilot Blood Moon – Limited Edition

The connection between American Optical and the Moon goes beyond Apollo 11. The brand was already there when the dream of space travel became reality — and when mankind first set foot on the lunar surface.

This limited edition draws inspiration from one of the Moon’s rarest and most fascinating phases: the lunar eclipse, also known as the Blood Moon. A spectacular phenomenon during which the Earth casts its shadow, bathing the Moon in a deep red glow. A symbol of transformation and pushing beyond limits, it embodies the spirit of going further and never holding back.

Produced in only 999 pieces worldwide, this limited edition of the Original Pilot stands out with its matte black velvet finish and wine-colored SunVogue AOLite™ lenses. Each pair is handcrafted in the United States using premium components carefully sourced from around the world.

The bayonet temples are individually serialized to guarantee their authenticity

SunVogue Deep Wine AOLite™ lenses, inspired by the red hue of the Blood Moon, featuring an eclipsed AO logo engraved in the corner of the lens

The “Matte Armor Black Velvet” finish evokes the deep darkness of an eclipsed sky

Included with every pair:

• Exclusive microfiber cleaning cloth

• Certificate of Authenticity

• Custom gifting box and sleeve

• AO branded case

Included with every pair:

• Exclusive microfiber cleaning cloth

• Certificate of Authenticity

• Custom gifting box and sleeve

• AO branded case

   

Wear a Piece of History
1969

The Original Pilot, then known as the FG-58, became the first pair of sunglasses to land on the Moon, worn by the entire crew of Apollo 11. Each pair was included in the astronauts’ survival kits, designed to protect them in the event of a challenging landing upon their return to Earth. A pair from this historic lunar mission is now on display at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC.

Apollo 11 lands on the Moon

The astronauts of Gemini XI wear the Original Pilot

The sunglasses worn by Michael Collins during Apollo 11, on display at the Smithsonian