Original Pilot Aviator Sunglasses with Bayonet Temple and Gold Frame, Calobar Green Glass Lens

4.2 out of 5 stars 102 ratings
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About this item

  • American Optical
  • TRUSTED FOR OVER 50 YEARS- The Original Pilot is American Optical's flagship classic aviator which has been issued to millions of pilots, U.S. soldiers, sailors, Marines, and Airmen since 1958
  • FRAME / TEMPLE -Thin Steel frame; a “navigator” style with a wide nose bridge setting the lenses far apart; Bayonet temples curve inward to easily fit underneath helmets headgear or headphones
  • PERFORMANCE LENS-Made from reinforced, scratch-resistant glass, they are polished to high perfection and provide stunning optical clarity and distortion-free views; 98% UVA/100% UVB Protection
  • AMERICAN CLASSIC- Among the millions of military personnel, these traditional Aviator classics have been worn by iconic figures such as John F. Kennedy and Neil Armstrong
  • Issued to millions of U.S. soldiers, sailors, marines and airmen since 1963
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Product details

  • Is Discontinued By Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ No
  • Product Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 0.04 x 0.03 x 0.05 inches; 5.92 ounces
  • Item model number ‏ : ‎ 32198OP57GBATCG
  • Department ‏ : ‎ unisex-adult
  • Date First Available ‏ : ‎ February 4, 2011
  • Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ American Optical
  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B004MB0TTA
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.2 out of 5 stars 102 ratings

Product Description

The U.S. Armed Forces' best-kept secret now available in the consumer market. Performance-tested sunglasses with classic aviator styling. The General has been a favorite of U.S. military pilots for more than 50 years. Engineered to rigid military specifications and issued to millions of U.S. Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Airmen since 1958.The rugged and sturdy structure and high quality finishing of the steel alloy frame coupled with distortion free, toughened and polished True Color glass lens have made the AO Flight Gear Collection the standard bearer of all fine military sunglasses. To measure for frame sizing; First, stand in front of a mirror. Second, Hold a ruler so one end is lined up with your right temple and the ruler goes over the bridge of the nose. Third, measure distance between your temples to the nearest 1/4 inch. For better accuracy, measure to 1/8th inch. Keep ruller straight, avoid bending ruler. For Frames 52mm-up to 5 inches. For frames 55mm 5 inches to 5 1/2 inches. For 57 and 58mm-5/12 to 6 inces. Please note, temple lenght is determined by frame size. Warranty;For one year from date of purchase, AO Eyewear will repair or replace this eyewear (at their option) if defective in material or workmanship. No warranty is expressed or implied regarding damage resulting from consumer misuse or neglect or for any consequential damages arising out of the use of the glasses.

Customer reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
102 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find these sunglasses well-made, with solid frames that last for years, and appreciate that they are American-made. The green lenses receive positive feedback for being just right, and customers consider them a great value. They like the style, with one customer noting the classic shape, and find them comfortable to wear.

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23 customers mention "Build quality"20 positive3 negative

Customers find these sunglasses well made, with solid frames and one customer noting they lasted for years.

"Great sunglasses. The frames are solid, and along with the glass lenses, create a high quality feel...." Read more

"...The make is superior to most so you get the clarity without the weight. Took them on a desert drive and performance is spectacular...." Read more

"Good quality at a better price than the local retailer." Read more

"Very well made with nice materials and the lens themselves are made out of good quality "glass" rather than plastic...." Read more

15 customers mention "Quality"15 positive0 negative

Customers find these sunglasses to be of great quality, with the glass lenses being just right.

"Great sunglasses. The frames are solid, and along with the glass lenses, create a high quality feel...." Read more

"These are the best sunglasses you can get, without breaking the bank. Amazing lenses, way better than Ray Ban (my opinion) for 1/3 of the price...." Read more

"Great glasses, almost identical to the competitor (I have both) but at a much lower price...." Read more

"worth every penny high quality, great workmanship, glass lenses are very just right." Read more

14 customers mention "Value for money"14 positive0 negative

Customers find these sunglasses to be a great value, noting they are worth every penny for their high quality.

"Good quality at a better price than the local retailer." Read more

"Very nice for the price." Read more

"Good value for the price. Almost as good as Randolph Engineering which are the best pilot/military sunglasses available, but at half the price...." Read more

"They aren't Serengeti quality but they did cost as much! Surely beats anything south of $60.......good buy? Yes I think so" Read more

13 customers mention "Fit"10 positive3 negative

Customers find the sunglasses comfortable and well-fitting, with one customer noting they have a perfect size and high-quality feel.

"...The frames are solid, and along with the glass lenses, create a high quality feel...." Read more

"Great sunglasses! I love the classic look, I love the feel, funny story I was washing my truck and forgot I sat them on my toolbox...." Read more

"...my dads 1950's B&L glasses from Korea, very very similar, well made, good fit, high quality, lenses are not as green as you might think, these are..." Read more

"Comfortable, light and durable. Great for daily use." Read more

13 customers mention "Style"13 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the style of these sunglasses, finding them great looking, with one customer specifically praising the green lenses and another noting their classic shape.

"...The good looks speak for themselves. So now I have same badass glasses that our badass moon astronauts wore :D" Read more

"Great sunglasses! I love the classic look, I love the feel, funny story I was washing my truck and forgot I sat them on my toolbox...." Read more

"Very nice glasses but be careful about the size. 57 size is reccomended for very big face" Read more

"...Great clarity, rugged construction, stylish, timeless, and American made. Love, Love, Love." Read more

5 customers mention "Authenticity"5 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate that these sunglasses are American made.

"...A lifetime warranty that is actually honored. And, best of all, made in America." Read more

"Perfect. Authentic AOs. No adjustments needed and I am GLAD I ordered the 57mm !..." Read more

"...Great clarity, rugged construction, stylish, timeless, and American made. Love, Love, Love." Read more

"correct original item" Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Mark W.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great Buy
    Reviewed in the United States on August 13, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    Great sunglasses. The frames are solid, and along with the glass lenses, create a high quality feel. I bought these after a pair of knockoffs broke on me, and the difference is night and day.
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  • Antiochian
    5.0 out of 5 stars The make is superior to most so you get the clarity without the ...
    Reviewed in the United States on March 16, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    At first I thought I was ripped off - the glasses are very light so I thought a bootlegger had sold me lookalikes with plastic lenses. So after checking the specs (verifies green glass) I tapped and sure enough - these are glass. The make is superior to most so you get the clarity without the weight. Took them on a desert drive and performance is spectacular. The good looks speak for themselves. So now I have same badass glasses that our badass moon astronauts wore :D
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Kindle Customer
    4.0 out of 5 stars Cool shades, good deal.
    Reviewed in the United States on June 25, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    Good quality at a better price than the local retailer.
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  • Castiel
    5.0 out of 5 stars These Original Pilot Sunglasses are Grrrrreat
    Reviewed in the United States on February 19, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    I really love these glasses. I used to purchase the Randolph Engineering brand which I know were issued to the military in the past. I still have a pair from RE, so I could compare them with the AO and I do not see any difference except that these I purchased have the green glass and gold frames where from Randolph I got the gray lens's and matte frames (chrome like).

    They came just as described. I was concerned about the size before I ordered them. Since from Randolph I always got the 58 mm (Yes, I have a big head) and they fit wonderful, Well these AO's at 57 mm width fit perfectly as well and I can tell very little, if any difference in how they look.

    These are the real deal. I had to laugh as I was reading reviews of some of the $10 glasses and some people were saying those $10 glasses were just like the ones I wore in Viet Nam ~ well, I beg to differ. I got some of those $10 glasses, which were nice, but shape was a little different and while they were better than most other $10 glasses, they were not exactly the same shape and were not as good looking as the AO's and Randolphs.

    These are dark tho, so be prepared for that. My Randolph grays are not as dark as these. I don't know if this darkness in the greens is standard with Randolphs or not. But for being outside and driving during the day, I like dark!

    I am glad that I tried these out, since Randolph raised their prices some time in the last few years. I had paid about $70 for the Randolph (I was also able to buy replacement lenses when I broke those for only $20) and now they are around $150. I really cannot find any differences at all. Maybe in some of the other colors, I don't know, but the AO's are awesome, as are the Randolphs, but much less expensive.

    IF you are familiar with Randolphs, you'll love these. IF you are new to this style, you may need to get used to the way they fit with this type of Bayonet (from glass to ear).
    23 people found this helpful
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  • Academic
    3.0 out of 5 stars Good product, good price
    Reviewed in the United States on May 7, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    Very nice for the price.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Amazon Customer
    1.0 out of 5 stars I am very disappointed with the change in quality of a Go To ...
    Reviewed in the United States on October 17, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    I have worn AO Pilots sunglasses for over 45 years and until recently their quality was superb. When I went to adjust my most recent pairs,(4 each), the solder joint on the top of the frames broke. This is not an isolated issue, it happened on all 4 pairs. I am very disappointed with the change in quality of a Go To Product! I hope they clean up their act soon! I hope AO Quality Control reads this! I can be reached at lockiekellogg@att.net!
    One person found this helpful
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  • Alex Y. Yoon
    2.0 out of 5 stars Very well made for the price but bit too heavy for me. Great lens quality and construction though....
    Reviewed in the United States on May 23, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    Very well made with nice materials and the lens themselves are made out of good quality "glass" rather than plastic.
    however, it is just too heavy for me and it does not sit on my face well enough for me to keep.
    No matter what, for the price, it is very well made sunglasses. I just hoped that it is bit lighter and fits me better.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Tavis
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great sunglasses! I love the classic look
    Reviewed in the United States on June 11, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    Great sunglasses! I love the classic look, I love the feel, funny story I was washing my truck and forgot I sat them on my toolbox. Made it 10minutes up the street before I realized they were on my toolbox. Turns out they fell off when I was leaving the carwash. But were in the same condition when I picked them back up. I LOVE THESE! I RECOMMEND THEM TO EVERYONE!
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Serial_Buyer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Out of this world, litteraly
    Reviewed in Canada on August 16, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    Exactly as expected but they're sturdier then I would've imagined as they look and feel like 500$ sunglasses. I bought these because I was tired of my $20 pairs that constantly needed replacement... you know what I mean. These are made to withstand space expeditions and are so stylish. American Optical has a new life-long custommer. seriously what are you waiting for? grab one of these the price/quality ratio is stunning.

    Side note, if you have a relatively large head go for the 57mm, normal 55mm and small grab 52mm, AO has more information on their website.

    My only complaint is that this shape of sunglasses seems to block the sun very well exept when it is directly above you, wich is a thing to consider when buying these.

    Personally I should've gave these a try before as I spent around $100 (the price of these glasses) buying cheap *** Vans plastic glasses that got cooked by the uv rays and splitted appart two years later.

    Tell me what you think when you grab these. And while we're at it, don't even compare these to ray-bans.
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  • Salih Genchev
    5.0 out of 5 stars fit perfect and great quality from American Optical
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 3, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    Lovely sunglasses exactly what I was looking for, fit perfect and great quality from American Optical, very happy with them
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  • DAVID OWEN
    5.0 out of 5 stars You can just feel the quality
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 16, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    These arrived much quicker than promised and are even better than I hoped. Having owned similar glasses by other higher end manufacturers that would bend and break even under normal use these glasses are a revelation. They feel sturdy and solid and will be my first choice in sunglasses from now on.
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  • Queen of naps
    4.0 out of 5 stars Great quality sunglasses
    Reviewed in Canada on August 17, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    Glasses arrived very quickly, they were an anniversary gift for my partner and arrived with time to spare!
    He really likes them, they are MUCH more sturdy than his old pair of Ray-bans. The quality is fantastic.
    The only reason I am not giving 5 stars is because, unlike most (even cheaper!) sunglasses, these came with no cleaning cloth and the case seems a little beat up... Doesn't affect the glasses, but I was a bit upset about that.
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  • Logan
    5.0 out of 5 stars I love these, they look great
    Reviewed in Canada on June 13, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    I love these, they look great, fit my face well, they're great sunglasses. I can see why American Optical is such a trusted brand.
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