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Original Pilot
Price range: 239,00 € through 339,00 €
The Original Pilot sunglasses have been the favorite eyewear of American pilots for over 60 years! In 1958, American Optical developed, at the request of the U.S. Air Force, the Flight Goggle 58 (HGU-4/P), now known as the Original Pilot. They replaced the G2 aviator, which had equipped American pilots during World War II. They were designed to meet the U.S. Air Force’s specifications: an extremely strong steel frame with straight, comfortable temples—ideal for helmet wearers and helping prevent ear injuries in the event of a crash. A 20 mm nose bridge was required to accommodate the oxygen mask, and finally, mineral lenses featuring True Color Gray technology, which does not alter natural colors, making it easier to identify targets or objects. On July 20, 1969, the Original Pilot became the first sunglasses on the Moon, worn by the Apollo 11 crew, and they have remained a favorite among astronauts and pilots around the world ever since. A unisex, elegant, timeless design: once you try them, you’ll wear them for life! Handcrafted in USA.
Need help choosing the right size? Check out our size guide
Easily take care of your glasses with our care guide
The bayonet temples eliminate any discomfort caused by wearing a helmet
SkyMaster™ glass lenses available
The single-piece hinge offers a slim, streamlined profile.
Buying from American Optical guarantees that you are purchasing products stored in France, which will not be subject to additional customs duties or VAT for any orders shipped to a country within the European Union.
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AO Lite™ Nylon lenses are made from high-quality nylon, offering a lightweight, impact-resistant lens with superior visual comfort.
True Color Gray™ technology reduces eye fatigue in bright light conditions.
100% UVA and UVB protection (Category 3)
Internal anti-reflective coating
Oleophobic, smudge-resistant treatment
Impact resistant (ANSI Z80.3)
Scratch resistant
Lightweight, comfortable lens
Move the arrow to compare with or without the lens
AO Skymaster™ glass lenses offer clarity that comes closest to your natural vision, along with enhanced scratch resistance. Originally developed for pilots, Skymaster™ lenses are American Optical’s premium lenses designed for distortion-free vision.
True Color Gray™ technology reduces eye fatigue in bright light conditions. True Color Gray™ lenses are the choice of many pilots.
100% UVA and UVB protection (Category 3)
Internal anti-reflective coating
Oleophobic, smudge-resistant treatment
Impact resistant (ANSI Z80.3)
Scratch resistant
Color-distortion-free vision for enhanced clarity
Move the arrow to compare with or without the lens
AO Lite™ Nylon lenses are made from high-quality nylon, offering a lightweight, impact-resistant lens with superior visual comfort.
True Color Gray™ technology reduces eye fatigue in bright light conditions.
100% UVA and UVB protection (Category 3)
Internal anti-reflective coating
Oleophobic, smudge-resistant treatment
Impact resistant (ANSI Z80.3)
Scratch resistant
Lightweight, comfortable lens
AO Polarized = Enhanced contrast
AO Polarized = Glare-free vision
Move the arrow to compare with or without the lens
Light reflects off shiny surfaces (the sea, roads, etc.). This phenomenon creates unwanted glare that causes discomfort and reduces visual accuracy, whether you are wearing glasses or not. Polarized lenses feature a filter that eliminates this glare, providing greater visual comfort while enhancing contrast.
This improved visual precision increases your safety and that of others while driving, and it is also highly beneficial for water activities by removing reflections on the surface of the water. Polarization offers greater clarity and additional protection for your eyes.
AO Skymaster™ glass lenses offer clarity that comes closest to your natural vision, along with enhanced scratch resistance. Originally developed for pilots, Skymaster™ lenses are American Optical’s premium lenses designed for distortion-free vision.
True Color Gray™ technology reduces eye fatigue in bright light conditions. True Color Gray™ lenses are the choice of many pilots.
100% UVA and UVB protection (Category 3)
Internal anti-reflective coating
Oleophobic, smudge-resistant treatment
Impact resistant (ANSI Z80.3)
Scratch resistant
Color-distortion-free vision for enhanced clarity
AO Polarized = Enhanced contrast
AO Polarized = Glare-free vision
Move the arrow to compare with or without the lens
Light reflects off shiny surfaces (the sea, roads, etc.). This phenomenon creates unwanted glare that causes discomfort and reduces visual accuracy, whether you are wearing glasses or not. Polarized lenses feature a filter that eliminates this glare, providing greater visual comfort while enhancing contrast.
This improved visual precision increases your safety and that of others while driving, and it is also highly beneficial for water activities by removing reflections on the surface of the water. Polarization offers greater clarity and additional protection for your eyes.
AO Lite™ Nylon lenses are made from high-quality nylon, offering a lightweight, impact-resistant lens with superior visual comfort.
Calobar™ Green technology provides true color perception for a natural visual experience. Calobar™ Green Nylon lenses will optimize your vision.
100% UVA and UVB protection (Category 3)
Internal anti-reflective coating
Oleophobic, smudge-resistant treatment
Impact resistant (ANSI Z80.3)
Scratch resistant
Lightweight, comfortable lens
Move the arrow to compare with or without the lens
The AO Skymaster™ glass lenses offer clarity that comes closest to your natural vision, along with enhanced scratch resistance. Originally developed for pilots, Skymaster™ lenses are American Optical’s premium lenses designed for distortion-free vision.
Calobar™ Green technology provides true color perception for a natural visual experience. Calobar™ Green lenses will optimize your vision.
100% UVA and UVB protection (Category 3)
Internal anti-reflective coating
Oleophobic, smudge-resistant treatment
Impact resistant (ANSI Z80.3)
Scratch resistant
Color-distortion-free vision for enhanced clarity
Move the arrow to compare with or without the lens
AO Lite™ Nylon lenses are made from high-quality nylon, offering a lightweight, impact-resistant lens with superior visual comfort.
Calobar™ Green technology provides true color perception for a natural visual experience. Calobar™ Green Nylon lenses will optimize your vision.
100% UVA and UVB protection (Category 3)
Internal anti-reflective coating
Oleophobic, smudge-resistant treatment
Impact resistant (ANSI Z80.3)
Scratch resistant
Lightweight, comfortable lens
AO Polarized = Enhanced contrast
AO Polarized = Glare-free vision
Move the arrow to compare with or without the lens
Light reflects off shiny surfaces (the sea, roads, etc.). This phenomenon creates unwanted glare that causes discomfort and reduces visual accuracy, whether you are wearing glasses or not. Polarized lenses feature a filter that eliminates this glare, providing greater visual comfort while enhancing contrast.
This improved visual precision increases your safety and that of others while driving, and it is also highly beneficial for water activities by removing reflections on the surface of the water. Polarization offers greater clarity and additional protection for your eyes.
The AO Skymaster™ glass lenses offer clarity that comes closest to your natural vision, along with enhanced scratch resistance. Originally developed for pilots, Skymaster™ lenses are American Optical’s premium lenses designed for distortion-free vision.
Calobar™ Green technology provides true color perception for a natural visual experience. Calobar™ Green lenses will optimize your vision.
100% UVA and UVB protection (Category 3)
Internal anti-reflective coating
Oleophobic, smudge-resistant treatment
Impact resistant (ANSI Z80.3)
Scratch resistant
Vision sans distorsion de couleur pour plus de clarté
AO Polarized = Enhanced contrast
AO Polarized = Glare-free vision
Move the arrow to compare with or without the lens.
Light reflects off shiny surfaces (the sea, roads, etc.). This phenomenon creates unwanted glare that causes discomfort and reduces visual accuracy, whether you are wearing glasses or not. Polarized lenses feature a filter that eliminates this glare, providing greater visual comfort while enhancing contrast.
This improved visual precision increases your safety and that of others while driving, and it is also highly beneficial for water activities by removing reflections on the surface of the water. Polarization offers greater clarity and additional protection for your eyes.
| Frame Color | Gold 23k, Matte Silver, Silver, Black |
|---|---|
| Size | S (52-20-140mm), M (55-20-140mm), L (57-20-140mm) |
| Lens Type | Frame only, AO Lite™️ Nylon – True Color Gray, AO Lite™️ Nylon Calobar Green, SkyMaster™️ Glass – True Color Gray, SkyMaster™️ Glass – Calobar Green, AO Lite™️ Nylon Polarized – True Color Gray, AO Lite™️ Nylon Polarized – Calobar Green, SkyMaster™️ Glass Polarized – True Color Gray, SkyMaster™️ Glass Polarized – Calobar Green |