"The Official Sunglasses of Rich Grimmel"

Rich in wayfarers One of the things I refuse to compromise on is my choice of sunglasses. For me there is only one choice the Ray-Ban Wayfarer II. Since I got my first pair in 1986, I have been convinced that these are best sunglasses ever made. Built like a Sherman tank, and a design that is timeless the Wayfarer II has been the choice of geeks to idols since their introduction in 1937. Today there are many variations on the theme, but the style remains the same.

Despite the legions of knock-offs, only the real Ray-Ban Wayfarers II are worth the cost.. ZZ top sang about cheap sunglasses but after you actually wear an authentic pair you will know. And to me there are only two styles of Wayfarers that can be truly called authentic. Those are the black or tortoise frames with with polarized lenses. Anything else would not be acceptable.

Both the original Wayfarer and the Wayfarer II have the same style, the Wayfarer II is a wider frame with a larger lens. It is the big brother, and has a greater presence than the subtle, smaller Wayfarer. The current style for sunglasses are thin, lightweight frames, and plastic lenses. Real Wayfarers are study framed, and have glass lenses, I can attest that it will take a lot to break these sunglasses!

BL1724 Wayfarer II The BL1724 Wayfarer II was the first pair of Wayfarers I purchased. I did so after the convincing argument of the fabled Ms Julie that for what I paid for all the cheap sunglasses I had broken I could have bought two pairs of nicer sunglasses. I took her advice and haven't regretted it since. The BL1724's are the classic black frame, with a polarized lens, which does not scratch as easily as the mirrored lenses so many people like these days. In my opinion these are my special event glasses. I only wear these for formal day events, or when I feel like being a little more dressy.

"Always have a back-up..."

BL1725 Wayfarer II The BL1725 Wayfarer II are the style I prefer to wear for every day use. I originally just wore the black BL1725 style, but once again at the suggestion of the fabled Ms Julie I changed to the tortoise shell frame "because it complimented my hair". What could I say... I bought a pair of each. And to this day I always, maintain two pairs of Wayfarers. Although the whereabouts of the fabled Ms Julie and my hair today are different stories.

"Other facts you didn't really wanted to know..."

The original manufacturer of Ray Ban sunglasses was Bausch & Lomb and made in the good ole U.S.A. for over 50 years. In the early 1990's B&L move their manufacturing to Mexico but with little change in quality. Today Ray-Bans are manufactured in Italy by Luxottica and they have actually improved the Wayfarers by adding a spring-hinged temple which makes for a very comfortable, secure fit.

Other differences from the B&L and Luxottica can be seen on the lens of the Wayfarers. On the far edge of each lens of the original Wayfarers have "B&L" ecthed in the glass, today's models have "RB" and also the "Ray Ban" logo on the right lens by the temple.

The original B&L stock numbers have been replaced a new stock number "RB2113/909" and are part of Ray-Ban's Outsiders collection! Ray-Ban has brought the original back for 2007! The new model 2140 is a direct reproduction of the original Wayfarer originally made by Bausch & Lomb in 1952!

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