Any Persol fans? (also general sunglasses chat)

[Fermenter]

It's about time I acted like an adult and got myself some proper sunglasses. I find myself drawn to Persol, even though I have never worn anything like them (generally I've only bought mid-range Polaroid or similar).

I don't have access to their stuff locally, so I can see a bit of (potentially expensive) trial and error in my future, and I wondered if there were some Persol fans here that were happy to share their thoughts and any tips?

A couple of questions to kick things off:

1. I generally choose brown lenses - they just feel less depressing than grey - but I've never tried quality lenses in other colours (eg green). I'm curious to hear people's thoughts on lens colours (from a vision, comfort and style point of view), as well as personal feelings on gradient, photochromic and polarised lenses?

2. The 'calligrapher' style (with havana frame & brown lens) appears to have very pale, buttery coloured hardware (almost like old silver cutlery) - does anyone know if this is accurate, or just a trick of the photography?!

 

[Seank]

I’ve got a couple pairs. 694 and 718 I think, may be wrong. Anyway, one is collapsible, looks cool but I rarely ever use that feature. These are the “steve McQueen” style sunglasses but I don’t actually have the namesake version. Both have Havana frames.
I have both brown and blue lenses. I really like the blue lense. Although you really can’t go wrong. You’ll be happy with any way you go, their lenses are great.
The style takes a little getting used to, I’m used to “sport” sunglasses and these make me feel a little self conscious, but I do like them.

 

[Sonero]

I have a few pair. Currently waiting on a custom order through my local optical shop. Will post photos when it arrives.
Persol has a great vintage look due to the black and silver coloring/trimming. Quality on most models is usually pretty decent. Although they could use an update on the designs IMO.

 

[Fermenter]

Thanks fellas. I actually splurged and ordered a few models at reasonable black Friday prices, so those I don't like I can put on the bay without too much of a loss hopefully.

collapsible, looks cool but I rarely ever use that feature

Yeah I've read a few comments along those lines, and it looks like they fold into quite a fat package which probably doesn't really make them any more portable anyway. But they do have a look of their own with that straight bridge and additional hardware.

I've always been averse to regular aviators - they have a very American, "top gun" kinda vibe that doesn't translate well around here, but I suspect the acetate frames make the Persols a bit different.

I have both brown and blue lenses. I really like the blue

That's interesting - care to elaborate? Maybe it's a case of getting used to them, but I've never really liked the feel of grey lenses and I reckon blue would be similar - kinda cold and a bit depressing. Are they any good for driving etc?

I've got various colours coming, but the ones I think I'm most excited about are the brown gradient. I find polarised lenses horrible for driving - they make all the windows go weird colours and I can't see my phone/satnav screen without lifting them.

I'm also really curious to try green lenses, and see what they do for colour perception and general mood.

The style takes a little getting used to, I’m used to “sport” sunglasses and these make me feel a little self conscious, but I do like them.

Self conscious in what way? I'm a bit unsure about the Gucci/Chanel 'bling' of visible metal hardware on otherwise acetate frames, but I'm sure I can get past it. I've got some coming with metal arms and bridge so it'll be interesting to see if more metal actually makes them seem less blingy.

Persol has a great vintage look due to the black and silver coloring/trimming. Quality on most models is usually pretty decent. Although they could use an update on the designs IMO.

I don't actually wear (or accessorize in) black - too many years forced to wear it, and I live a more casual lifestyle now. Brown leather all the way baby! Generally I've always bought sporty metal frames or frameless, but lately I'm becoming rather taken with brown tortoiseshell. I particularly like the 'art deco' pairing of reds and browns with silver hardware, which Persol does a bit, although they do seem to lean towards gold quite a lot with the havana tortoiseshell. I really can't do gold. I bit the bullet and ordered those 'Calligraphers', I'm really hoping the metal is as subdued as it looks in pics, if it's gold-gold they'll be going.

This is what I've got incoming (an obsessive personality with a credit card is a recipe for ruin!) I do plan to return or resell at least half. Fit and comfort will be the first test, then I might live with the remaining contenders for a while to see how I feel about them:

 

[Alex Oviatt]

Love them--have/had several pairs over the years. I bought my first pair in Venice in the 80s. I was shocked later that evening when I converted the Lira price into dollars but well worth it!

 

[Sonero]

Going by the designs you chose you might like Oliver Peoples just the same. I have personally never seen a pair of Persol with gold hardware.

 

[marker2037]

Here are the Steve McQueens, recently purchased earlier this year. When they fold down, they are more compact with a smaller case than normal glasses, which I really like, particularly for traveling.