American Optical
America's oldest eyewear manufacturer, crafting iconic pilot aviator sunglasses at their Vernon Hills, Illinois facility since 1833. The Original Pilot has been standard issue to U.S. military aviators since 1958 and was worn by Apollo 11 astronauts on the moon.
Products by American Optical
3 products listed
$90-$125General Aviator Sunglasses - Gold Frame, True Color Grey Glass
The General is American Optical's military wire-frame aviator with spatula temples — an alternative to the bayonet-temple Original Pilot preferred for extended wear. The thin gold metal alloy frame cradles distortion-free True Color Grey glass lenses with 98% UVA and 100% UVB protection. A favorite of air force personnel since 1958. Made in Vernon Hills, Illinois.
$130-$165Original Pilot Sunglasses - Silver Frame, True Color Grey Glass Polarized
The polarized Original Pilot in silver — a military-proven aviator made at American Optical's Vernon Hills, IL facility. The silver steel frame pairs with a True Color Grey polarized glass lens that eliminates glare from water, roads, and aircraft canopies. Bayonet temples allow comfortable use under helmets and headsets.
$100-$140Original Pilot Sunglasses - Gold Frame, Calobar Green Glass
The Original Pilot is American Optical's most iconic aviator, first issued to U.S. military pilots in 1958 and carried aboard Apollo 11. This gold-frame version features AO's Calobar Green glass lens — a slightly amber-tinted optic that enhances contrast and provides 98% UVA and 100% UVB protection. Bayonet temples allow easy donning under flight helmets. Made at American Optical's Vernon Hills, Illinois facility.