Ranking The World's BEST Frame Brands - The Glasses TIER LIST
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- Опубліковано 31 лип 2022
- Ever wondered how your favourite glasses brand ranks amongst the competition? No? Well in this video we have created our own custom glasses tier list to help sort out which frames are the best - and which are simply terrible.
From Ray Ban to Cazal, we've covered virtually every significant eyewear brand for your viewing pleasure.
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The NEW Tier List just dropped: ua-cam.com/video/S-Y55T5UdHw/v-deo.html. Enjoy!
If you are not going to give the a proper ranking why have them on the list? It seems to me you are promoting certain sunglasses and its all about money, someone is paying you for an "opinion" else why not rank them, you know as well as I do Persol has more expensive glasses that are great, and their glass lenses are far better than the plastic BS.
are Dita good glasses and do they make your list?
The way you present is very professional and concise. You really are elevating glasses to another level. I know you try to answer every youtube comment on your channel so I want to thank you for that. Its certainly very humbling to have our comment read by one of our favorite creators.
Thanks so much! That means a lot 😁
Seeing Luxottica being a category of its own and being all the way in the bottom, made me pause the video to give you a like. 👍🤟
Thanks man! ✌️
The very name Luxottica is ridiculous. Whoever came up with this name should have died from shame.
@@thespectaclefactory great video ,,please tell me the sku of the randolph glasses the first one you show in this video
Same
Why is that so much hate? Does it really matter who owns a company as long as they stay in the same factory and still run their own production line and maintain to produce quality glasses? Does it make any impact in your personal life in any way whether you choose a quality Luxottica owned product eg. Persol or a Kering owned company eg. Maui Jim or a completely independent company eg. Randolph?
I am so glad I came across your channel. Thanks for all your reviews. I have been so frustrated with bad prescription glasses over the years that I decided to do some research before I spend more money for glasses that literally make sick and unable to see at night when I wear them.
You're super welcome
Saying Persol is garbage because they’re owned by Luxotica is like saying Lamborghini, Porsche and Bentley are crap because they’re owned by Volkswagen AG, the largest car company in the world.
When you order direct from Persol, the glasses are shipped direct from Italy. They’re still handmade in Italy, have stout metal hinges and crystal glass lenses with excellent optics/anti-reflective coating that didn’t scratch or chip when I accidentally dropped them on concrete.
Are they the best? Of course not. Have they slipped a little. Yep. But they’re very good to excellent, especially when you buy them when they’re 30-50% off, which is what smart people do like me.
I’d classify them as upper middle tier or lower upper tier, like how BMW’s or Audi’s are premium but they’re not Rolls Royce or Bentley.
What a great video Robert - really enjoyed it! Really happy my eyewear collection from The Spectacle Factory features in the Top Three ie: 1) Reykjavik Eyes Fulla - my everyday go to pair with Zeiss SmartLife lenses - so light I don't even know I'm wearing them! 2) Mclaren 3D printed graphite - with of course Zeiss DriveSafe lenses - love the stunning frame design and I get really excited putting them on before going for a drive - the unique Mclaren door hinge mechanisms are amazing! And lastly 3) Walter & Herbert Walton - beautifully sculptured sunglass frame with Zeiss AdaptiveSun lenses. Surprised the W&H didn't rank higher, but understand where you're coming from, given the overall bigger picture, which you illustrated so well in the video.
Thanks, Andrew! Of course this is all just my opinion but I do think McLaren and RE are a level above W&H - which is certainly no insult! I do think W&H frames are extremely under rated and some of their pieces are amazing (including the sunglasses, as you have), but many of the others are also a bit simplistic (although very well made)
And your eyewear wardrobe is awesome by the way 👍
Im currently in China right now and watching this video is fascinating for me. It might be the difference in head shape or styling preference, but over here Japanese frames are super popular. Brands such as Masunaga, Kame Mannen, four nines, BJ classic, Eyevan etc. Some brands are known over here too like moscot (which are kind of uncomfortable) mykita, icberlin, lindberg are also very popular.
All the brands you mentioned are great and I hope to cover them in the future 👍
Thanks for your comment!
@@thespectaclefactory I came to your video (which is so helpfull) because I am lookinng for Kane Mannen glasses, I hope you do a piece on them.
Those brands are pretty popular in South Korea too, along with Hakusan and Kaneko Megane. Japanese brands are probably more popular in Asia in general.
Japanese frames are the best in the world.
Really nice video, glad that the knowledge about all the cheap designer brands is being spread further and further. Perhaps a follow up video would be great as I didn’t see some of the absolute legends like Chrome Hearts, Dita and Thom Browne on this list.
Great content tho! 👏🏻
Thanks for the feedback!
Dita and Thom Browne are basically the same. I saw that Thom Brown is now independent though now so maybe its different in the future. The problem with Dita depends because they changed so much. I use to see them as very well made, titanium precious metals etc..the original statesman the system one, Atlas but in the last 5 years the quality is still good but the styling is meh. When i first saw Akoni, I thought Dita has gotten good again only to find out these are the designers that made Dita good before they became more of a sell out brand.
Excellent video. Your passion and dedication shows!
Cheers John! Appreciate your support 🙏
Even though Persol is now owned by Luxottica, I still like there eyewear and I believe they're still higher quality than a lot of other brands. Cartier is my favorite out of any other brand. I've owned a pair of Modo and look to purchase another pair in the future. I've recently got into vintage Jean Paul Gaultier. I do realize there are so many other great brands out there though. Thank you for broadening my horizons!
JPG stuff is awesome. Weird they haven't re-launched their eyewear. We can always help you if you're looking for a Modo or Cartier pair in the future.
@@thespectaclefactory Thank you, JPG just re-lauched one of there legendary models, the 6106's, but that's it as far as I know. They're going for almost $2k on certain sites. The model 51-3175's are my dream vintage JPG's though.
I agree, I own an original Persol pair of sunglasses (Pre Luxottica) and I just purchased a frame to put together my next pair of everyday standard glasses and I can’t tell the diff in quality between the original and the now luxottica owned frames.
@@stevennisenson3587
It’s just simply become a fashion to hate Luxottica. Persol is still great and very high quality. And I reckon they’re also one the most stylish brand in the sunglass industry.
@@attilab.2818 I believe Robert's not unwarranted prejudice against Luxottica has affected his comments about Persol, Their glasses are very good indeed.
Love this content, and how unapologetically honest you were.
Where would you put Chloe frames?
Chloe, definitely great. They reignited the trend of oversized metal frames in cool shapes, and I'll always love them for that!
Hey, what do you think about Mont Blanc rimless glasses? I am thinking of a new pair of glasses for around 400$ but Reykjavic or Flair are not so easy to come by in eastern europe. Silhoettes is also something that I am thinking of but MontBlancs seem to have a bit more stile. Any suggestions? Cheers.
I'd suggest MB over Silhouette. I'm not a fan of Silhouette.
Out of curiosity, what is your opinion of luxotica's acquisition of Fukui Megane resulting in Ray Ban's titanium frames being made in Japan?
Are these frames higher build quality than their other frames? Or are they still the same?
Too early to tell, but it can't be a bad thing
Learning a lot and getting ideas for my next pairs of glasses. Been loving the vids.
Noticed there are some japanese brands that i love that werent mentioned. Would love to hear your opinion on Matsuda, Eyevan7825, Yuichi Toyama, Kame Man Nen, Masunaga, etc etc
Im looking at soem MAtsuda now. What do you think of the brand, are they good value for money?
Very interesting perspective! I enjoyed the video. Though I can’t say I agree with some of the opinions, I loved hearing the different viewpoints. I would also love to hear your opinions on some other high quality Japanese-manufacturered brands like DITA, Matsuda, Masunaga, Leisure Society and other high quality licensed brands such as Chrome Hearts (this should be a good one if you don’t like logos), Maybach and Thom Browne.
All epic brands. I didn't intentionally leave any of those out, but it was inevitable that I'd forget some. TB is great but a bit over priced. Masunaga, wonderful. As is Leisure society. I'd have put all 3 in amazing.
Dita I think are beautiful but a little derivative. Just my opinion. Their best models look like Cazal. I'd put them in great.
Chrome Hearts……. Oh please let it be trash and then we can hear from all the label whores crying in their fake Hermes scarfs.
Great series of informative videos. I agree with searching for great value from the unknown or uncommon privately owned brands. This introduction led to my purchase of two pairs of Walter and Herbert frames.
First off, Robert, thanks for your opinion. It's always nice to here from a professional. Recently I've been choosing a new frame for me and try many options within 300 to 1500 euros. I was mostly impressed with Japanese made frames. Materials, handmade feel and price are balanced there remarkably well. Being it Barton Perreira or Masunaga, which I went for ultimately.
I probably should mention Chrome Hearts as well. I've found them very appealing by design. They nicely combine materials and incorporate some bold design notes, overly not too otherworldly, though. I wouldn't consider their frames as an everyday pair but I still planning on getting one in my wardrobe.
And yes, I don't agree with you on Tom Ford. This small T on the frame is noticeable only for those knowing about it. I hate logos, but this one is really subtle. Cartier sometimes carries much bolder branding on some of their frames. Most of Ford's frames aren't hugely expensive, so shouldn't be expected much from too.
Hey, that's OK - we all have different opinions and that's part of the fun.
In the UK, there are so many Tom Ford frames that everyone knows what they are. Maybe it's different elsewhere.
Chrome Hearts are incredible and I should have featured them. I hope we will add them to our collection sometime next year.
You went for Masunaga in the end?
@@thespectaclefactory yes, I bought Masunaga GMS-35 model. They may seem as a bit boring, but I needed an everyday pair which wouldn't stand out too much. And they have nice colour combination of sort of tortoise temple with almost transparent greyish-brownish brow line. Haven't decided yet, but I am leaning towards Transitions lenses in Emerald colour to make them just a bit more interesting.
Phew! I just picked out a pair of Moscot frames, great to see them in the Legendary tier. Loved the classic styles and chunky acetate.
👍
Love this video and love your channel. Thank you for the information/education.
Thanks for watching!
Hello Robert! Great reviews, I wasn't familiar with most of the brands you listed, but I'm happy to know them now and be able to return to your channel for more perspective when choosing quality frames. Based on your experience where will you put RetroSuperFuture? Thank you!
Hi Robert, have you ever tried masunaga glasses? Ive found them extremely comfortable and durable while being stylish and classy at the same time. They might not be the most affordable though 😅
Brilliant video. Really best just to buy from you. Then you know you are getting the best frames for your money and the best lenses too!👍
Thanks Robert... I agree 😉
Do you have any suggestions for an alternative lightweight, full rim frames like those by Silhouette? I can't seem to wear anything else after wearing their "Lite Spirit, 2924". Thanks!
I had a cycling accident recently, hit the ground arms and face first (blacked out), and my Tom Ford's temples were so bent at the hinges that with the glasses open, the temples were pointing down at more than 45 degrees, instead of the normal 90 degrees from the front. I bent them back by hand and now they're fine again. So I think the build quality, especially the hinges are very well built. But I will take what you said into account and I am glad that I saw this video, as I now know of many other brands that I was previously unaware of. So thank you!
I'm glad they (and you!) survived. And I hope you love your TF glasses, honestly I do. Eyewear is incredibly personal so please don't take my negative comments to heart. I'm also speaking in general terms. Of course there are always standout models which buck the trend. Or you might have got lucky! But the main thing is they are intact and you're happy.
Is Cuttler and Gross worth? I was looking for some of their optical glasses the model 0847 is beautiful but I don't know if it worth the price
Definitely worth it. Excellent quality and an historic brand
@@thespectaclefactory Thanks man, I appreciate your comment. I just buy the 0847, I'm so exicited. Btw I just find out your channel and I'm really enjoying your videos.
Congrats for your job
Great job! Been wearing ic Berlin for years and of course love them. Recently purchased my first 2 pair of MOSCOT, too soon to comment on these but feeling optimistic.
Nice choice!
Lovely informative video by the way! You’re a breath of fresh air!
Hey I really appreciate that!
Great job
G
You keep it moving with relevant info, not inane banter. Thank you-
I appreciate that!
This is the topic I've been hoping someone would tackle ! The eye glasses industry is so squirrely and filled with hype, only second to the watch industry. Very insightful, thank you. Future video: Best value at various tiers ?
I agree. I'm glad it helped. And your idea is an excellent one. How would you define the tiers?
This is great. I never thought of someone being so knowledgeable about glasses/brands and the history if it.
Your presentation is very good, it comes across that you are passionate and knowledgeable about what you are saying, not that you are reading or reciting words.
Cheers, and thank you for making glasses interesting!
Hey! Thanks so much. Really, it means a lot to connect about glasses. Have a great day
All I can say is a sincere thank you for making this video and offering your expertise
You are very welcome, we're glad we could help.
-Haleemah
I have Rayban RB7047’s (clear frame)currently. Do you know of anything similar to those frames that would be better than Raybans?
This comes to mind: bartonperreira.com/collections/optical-glasses/products/neal but email me for some more personal suggestions - hello@thespectaclefactory.com
I bought 2 pairs of Raybans. The eyeglasses lasted me 8 years until i rewlly needed a perscription change. They were light and fit so well. The subglasses ive had for 7 years and they traveled with me, pools, oceans, long drives, drops onto cement, and they are still kicking with barely a scratch.
Thanks for your video, Robert. What do you think about Chopard? Does it belong to legendary?
Maybe not quite legendary, but we'll be reviewing Chopard very soon 😉
Great review, thanks! Where would you put SunGod on this list? They seem to be highly coveted by the sports community (running/cycling) but having just bought a pair I'm a little torn on what I think about them. Interested to hear your thoughts. In fact, a whole video on the sports side of things would be great, seems to generally be Oakley/SunGod and I wonder if we're missing out on knowing about better options?
Im looking for the Black Zeppelin 10s from Lucas de Steal. How can i go about ordering these from america?
I can help! Email me - rob@thespectaclefactory.com
Thanks for the video. Nice and informative. Could you please provide your opinion on the following brands: Gotti Switzerland, Prodesign Denmark, Morel France, Orgreen
They are all good, Gotti are amazing
What a blessing to watch your video and gain so much knowledge 👏🏼
It would be great if you did a part 2 on the best brands. Please! 😊
One day! Hopefully soon...
@@thespectaclefactory Legendary tier brands that didn't got mentioned: Masunaga, Matsuda (If JF Rey is Legendary tier, Matsuda should be as well. Having owned both of these brands, and Matsuda is essentially a supercharged JF Rey, they are just built better). Dita is also up there with Cazal. Lindberg is borderline legendary as well. (Closer to the amazing tier though) Randolphs on Amazing and American Optical on great. Maui Jim is GOD tier on sunglasses (best sunglasses lenses in the market, period) but i wouldnt place them above Great on eyeglasses. Etnia Barcelona is also another brand that can be added to the great tier. Otherwise , the list is spot on, good job. Loving the Luxottica shaft! 😂
@@apothecy4011 yes, plus kuboraum for the designs
What about marcus marienfeld, Hoffman, lunor, blackfin, maybach, götti, eyevan and so on
I just found your channel! My first progressives I bought was Bottega which I got a lot of compliments on. After wearing it for couple years, I realized it weighs heavy. So I got Silhouettes 2 years later. After that I decided I need sunglasses, got Gucci for driving. This year, got Ici Berlin transitions. I am now shopping for a tinted one that I can wear indoors. I am in California. Would love to get your help. Thanks for sharing your wisdom and passion!!
Hey! I'd love to help. Email me via rob@thespectaclefactory.com and we'll set up a video consultation
Hello
pls tell me maui jim glasses have anti-reflective coating? If you put on the balance between maui jim and randolph in terms of lens quality, which side will you lean towards? thank you
Yes, they all do. I would vote for MJ on lenses and Randolph on frames. I'd personally rather own a pair of Randolph but objectively I think Maui are superior overall
@@thespectaclefactory thank you, I only care about quality lenses, and I will buy another mauijim
I got interested in sunglasses when lifeguarding on a beach for 7 summers during the 1980's, +1 season on the Coast Guard.
I still hike/camp (including in winter), bike, sail, fish, and golf (poorly)…
Throughout the ‘90’s I used to do 2 to 3 week canoe trips every summer, and still love extended long distance "road tripping" (for 2 to 3 MONTHS), often driving into a rising or setting sun for hours and hours…
Over the last 40+ years, in "NON-PRESCRIPTION" sunglasses (among other’s), I've tried Vuarnet, Bollé, Revo, Corning Optics, Serengeti Drivers, Persol, Oakley, Ray-Ban, and Maui Jim (most recently in their “SuperThin Glass” lenses)… which are absolutely my favourites, (in any tint they’re offered in)… but BE AWARE, not all of their frames are available in all of their ‘tints’ within their “SuperThin Glass” range, (just make sure you know what you’re getting.)
Slightly nearsighted in one eye and slightly farsighted in the other, fortunately I don’t need prescription lenses for basic daily things, including driving (yet)… its reading for any length of time that gets ‘problematic’ 🤪… (and everything IS clearer with prescription.)
Hence, I've had a pair of ‘daily wear’ Chrome Hearts matte black acetate "Fun Hatch" frames for about 7 or 8 years now, with a combination of titanium and sterling silver hinges (I think they’re the only ones to do that), and sterling silver ‘behind the ears’.
Yet, its probably their most ‘understated’ frame… (but those that know… know.)
Outfitted with Zeiss’ lifestyle progressives, brown/bronze ‘transition’ lenses, with anti-reflective backcoating, and “drivesafe technology” (which was new back then)… absolutely love ‘em!
They’re considered to be an ‘American Luxury Wear’ brand, and they give all their frames interesting names (sometimes ‘racy’)… and like everything else they produce, they're EXPENSIVE…
Also a pair of Chrome Hearts matte black acetate "Sluss Bussin" frames, done up as sunglasses, with Zeiss’ lifestyle progressives, polarized, and dark neutral grey tint... they're BIG ‘N BOLD with the BIG BLING “factor.”
(The COMPLETE opposite of the "Fun Hatch" frames.)
I don't usually wear them for really long periods of time, (they are heavy)… but with thick black acetate and "chunks" of sterling silver on the temples and ‘behind the ears’... they DO make the seriously NOT SUBTLE statement:
“POWER SUNGLASSES!”
They’ve received more comments and positive ‘queries’ than ANYTHING else I’ve EVER worn… (“bar none!”)
😃YAH BABY!
(Don’t even contemplate running a marathon in them though!)… LOL! 😄
Some older Porsche Design frames, titanium and acetate (matte grey/black), with Zeiss’ lifestyle progressives, polarized, with bronze/brown tint…
ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC sunglasses for driving!
Some older “ic! berlin’s” (in what was then newer ‘innovative’ technology)…
Computer generated ‘3D printed’ matte black frames, with non-prescription/non-polarized, matte “frosted silver” mirrored lenses (neutral grey to look through)…
Very “Terminator”-ish.
(I’ve never seen a lens like it since.)
And some DITA’s.
I enjoy watching your ‘views’ and ‘insights’ on eyewear…
Knowledgeable, common sense “old school” honesty, therefore… “trustworthy”.
THANKS!
Just wondering, what do you think about the design and quality of Masunaga? (established and handmade in Japan, since 1905), and (of course) Chrome Hearts? (American, handmade in Japan.)
About to buy some Barton Perreira’s…
“Thunderball’s”?, “Joe’s”?, “Norton’s”? (which may be a little ‘too delicate’ looking for me), “Kuhio’s”?… check out the ‘ballistic’ hinges on them!
I think they all come polarized… but I’d probably add “custom” Zeiss prescription lenses later.
Been ‘👀ing’ Reykjavik too.
And, I agree,
POO on Luxottica with their cheaper made “branded offerings”… they’re just NOT good value for your money, ESPECIALLY when massively mass produced for the masses, with lower quality materials and no regard to (or for) the TRULY ‘finer details’.
OBVIOUSLY the direction some companies take is:
“Its-ALL-about-the-money!”…
Not unlike the character portrayed by Michael Douglas (Gordon Gekko), in the Hollywood film “Wall Street”.
(Where his motto was: “Greed is Good!”)
Consider all of Italy’s AMAZING “hand-made” ICONIC “top-tier” fashion/design, architecture, artwork & statues, cars, vineyards, food and wine, leather tanneries and goods; ALL with Italy’s high manufacturing standards for most everything, including jewelry and glasswork…
ALL of which “epitomizes” ITALIAN.
By comparison, Luxottica’s business ethics and quality standards equally epitomize “UN-Italian”(?)
Basically ‘big bucks’ advertising, representing their extremely high volume, machine made “brands”… albeit, with pretty packaging… “putting lipstick on THEIR pigs.”
I wonder if Luxottica’s President/CEO, Board of Directors, etc., would buy (or be seen in) a Ferrari or Lamborghini (a Vespa for that matter)… or ANY other premium and/or vintage “brand”… if Luxottica had acquired, made and produced it?
(I doubt it!)
Would you KNOWINGLY pay the same price you would for an “original?”
ESPECIALLY if significantly inferior in their quality?
Kinda defeats the WHOLE purpose… NO?
(That’s what Luxottica’s ‘branded acquisitions’ are… cheaply made replicas!)
I wonder what “BRAND(S)” of THEIR sun/glasses THEY wear?
Maybe their company motto should be:
“LUXOTTICA, where we’re busily ‘CRANKING OUT’ all of our ‘ACQUIRED BRANDS’ as fast as we can…
ALL for YOU!”
(JEEZ!)
In Canada, Luxottica’s “brands” are mostly sold at Lens Crafters and Sunglass Hut (which IS the world’s LARGEST ‘distributer’ of sunglasses), and now Ray-Ban’s at their growing number of ‘dedicated’ Ray-Ban stores in big shopping malls, like ‘The Eaton Centre’ in downtown Toronto… (Oh? wow? How exciting?… ho hum.)
ALL of which are OWNED BY THEM!
They now also own Essilor (lens manufacturing)… but NOT Nikon, OR Zeiss (which I too, think are the best!)
Luxottica’s proving that their ‘high budget’ (money-grabbing) advertising WORKS FOR THEM with their “aquired brands” (incl. their hostile takeover of Oakley)…
ALL of which mostly caters and appeals to the uneducated and unknowing “masses.”
But, if you just have to be seen in “designer” glasses with Tiffany, Prada, etc., “on the temple” (which are also owned by them)… be prepared to pay 2 or 3 times more, for what’s now significantly poorer in quality than their ORIGINAL companies “versions.”
Unbelievable!
Now, knowing this… if you still want to go with ANY of Luxottica’s “brands”…
What else can be said?…
Hope you enjoy your glasses!
There! That feels better, having got that ‘rant-‘n-rave’ out!
Maui Jim was acquired by ‘Kering Eyewear’ a few years ago (at least NOT by Luxottica!); they’re now also made in Italy too, (but to higher standards than Luxottica’s “brands”)… they still have an eye to detail, they’re still ALL polarized, and have the same lens technology and “formulas” (with 7 different “tints”)… most are available in prescription too, but if/when ordering those, they’re ONLY available with Maui Jim’s “proprietary” lens manufacturing, (not in glass though.)
Either way, get ‘em while you can!
👍👍🏻👍🏼👍🏽👍🏾👍🏿
I haven’t checked recently, but I think most Zeiss lenses are available in glass.
I don’t claim to be NEARLY as knowledgeable as you are in your informative well presented UA-cam video’s… but hopefully, something I’ve mentioned might help other’s in their sun/glasses ‘decision making’.
Personally, at the end of the day, “if push comes to shove”, and I could pick ONLY ONE… I’d take QUALITY MADE:
“Fit, Form and Function” OVER “Fashion”… ANY day!
Undeniably helps if they look good (on you) too!
🤓?… 😎!!
Hey! Thanks for the comment.
I should have included all the brands you mentioned, but with so many brands out there it was inevitable I'd miss some. I think CH is stunning and almost a combo of JMM and Cartier
All the BP you mentioned are great. Norton is a quintessential look and the Thunderbolt is equally classic.
I personally love the Joe in matte midnight or crystal.
(You can get BP from us btw)
Your taste in lenses is exceptional.
Wow, I just got 10 pair of Maui Jim in one month, older style ( maybe 2 years ) for amazing price, not fake for sure. Very very happy, two Puka , one for me one for my wife!
Nice ratings! Could listen to you all day long speaking of eyewear. Love your passion! What do you think of brands like Dita, Eyevan and Haffmans Neumeister? Would love to hear your opinion.
Eyevan good but slightly over priced. Reykjavik Eyes better for me if you're looking for titanium (or Barton Perreira or Masunaga). Dita, cool but I prefer Cazal. I should have included Dita - my mistake 😔
HN I don't have enough experience of to comment.
Thanks for your feedback! I'd love to get my hands on some Reykjavik Eyes but unfortunately I'm from Germany and there are no retailers here. Thanks for the tip with Masunaga. Haven't heard of them before. Im looking for more minimalistic eyewear which their frames definitely are.
@@lenzhansa We sell to German clients all the time. So let me know if you want a pair
By the way, what are the blue tinted glasses you have on in the beginning of this video, they look really premium and minimalist? Thanks!
Thanks! That's my custom Reykjavik Eyes Alba frame - I designed the shape and the tint combination with ruby flash coating. We have recreated it for several clients so let me know if you want them. Email me via rob@thespectaclefactory.com
Great video and a great channel. Thank you for your professional advice. In this tier list where you put Etnia Barcelona, they seem to be popular among celebrities lately. Do you have experience with the brand and what is your opinion of them?
Yes, I do, and I think they are pretty good, but maybe not top tier
I went to buy a new pair recently and tried a pair of Cartier for fun and gosh their rimless are beautiful. It was out of my budget as i needed a pair urgently bc i lost my previous pair. But i'm probably going for that in the future.
It's a great choice, they are beautiful!
Email us at hello@thespectaclefactory.com and we'll help you get your perfect pair
My friend at work has them in gold.i think they look like old lady glasses, to each their own 😅
Kind of curious where more affordable eyewear brands like Warby Parker, Ace & Tate, or Zenni Optical would fit on a tier list like this.
Eco and Gast are pretty affordable. Hard to rate companies who only sell through their own channels because I don't have the opportunity to work closely with them, but I'll say none of them have ever impressed me.
Shopping for new eyewear it's kind of hard to find some of these would be nice if they were a list or link to each brand
Great video! Btw, and thank you for introducing me to a lot of wonderful new brands. Any reason why was Serengeti missed out ?
Thanks! I just forgot them, as well as a bunch of other brands. I have nothing bad to say about Serengeti - great sunglasses
American optical and Walter & Herbert frames are great. And Eco eyewear is amazing . I agree with your ratings and I love my frames 😎
Thanks Robert! I actually should have mentioned that the limited edition W&H are undoubtedly in the amazing tier.
Great review! I totally agree with you about Luxottica. You left out La Font eyewear. How good do you think they are? I ask because I’m looking at buying a pair or two. I was also wondering about the brands Orgreen and Woow. Thanks
I actually don't have too much experience with La Font. I wouldn't like to comment. Woow are cool and really well priced (owned by Face a Face). We used to stock them too. Orgreen nice product but al little too safe for me
@@thespectaclefactory thanks. I like a lot of the products you carry but I can’t access them where I am in the USA. And traveling to the UK for glasses is a little much lol. So I have to get the best I can. Thanks again.
@@garyzimmerman6367 So we do have a lot of clients from the US who order from us via video call with myself, so we can always arrange that in future if you like. But in the meantime, keep enjoying the channel! Happy to inspire you 😁
Hey Rob, love the channel. Have learned a lot about lenses and frames from you. Where would you place Blackfin in the rankings? Really dig that they are 100% hypoallergenic. Thanks.
Loved this video, and you can't judge all brands and keep everyone happy, but i pretty much agree with all of your choices. Personally, I would have put Moscot in Amazing, cause they just don't match those other brands there (and they are f@king cocky) and I do know Reyjavik, but I never rated them that special myself to be honoust. But I don't know their full collection, so who knows. Let's collab sometimes, our audience of 300K opticians would love your content!
Thank you! I replied to your DM on insta. I agree about Moscot, my opinion on things like this changes daily tbh
I LOVE Oakley and it is so sad that they were forced to be bought into Luxxotica. Oakley was my first pair of "brand name" eyeglasses but what I attracted me from them is the sport look they have and the straight legs that I love around my ears. Very few brands offer straight legs for their frames. Also, Oakley have customizable notepads which is great for sports, especially, for runners because when we start sweating most eyeglasses will slip but this is not a problem with Oakley frames. Also, they have unique colors in sport friendly frames which is also another unique aspect from Oakley. I owned 3 pairs from Oakley and I have used them for years and still look as brand new no wear or problems with them at all. They are good quality. The problem is that they are now owned by Luxxotica.
i think he dismissed them too much.oakley have technology that makes them better than some of his pure style choices.the fact that crooslink temples can be replaced is amazing for someone like me that has snapped many off.true bridge is a great idea too.oakley also have wraps and polarized lenses that others cant match due to their pre luxottica lens tech.as far as im aware oakley is only luxottica brand to make ballistic eyewear.oakley is not a typical luxotica brand stamp company because they did there work before buyout. while he claims that all luxottica are mass made the omatter frames are far tougher than there other products.
@@neildavies6835 I must agree oakleys a great.I have a pair myself I have them like five years and they still haven’t broke I’ve drop them I’ve slept on top of them,and they haven’t broken.I haven’t even ever tried to tighten the screws that hold the temples no sign that their even loose oakleys are made of quality materials that’s why they last.
I agree I never had a pair of glasses as sturdy or clear quality as Oakleys
Ya I’m going to agree as well. Their glasses are durable, comfortable and come in at a decent price point all things considered
the barton perrerira glasses that you mention, what model are they? what is the name of the model?
Thanks

This was fun to watch, love your deep history and knowledge. Learned more about brands I didn't know about. Faceaface is very nice
Cheers James. Face a Face are beautiful indeed. Glad I gave you some inspiration
Maui Jim - “legendary” 👍 couldn’t agree more 😎
Glad you think so too 😁
I wish they had better built quality and more iconic, stylish, masculine frames. Most of them are still on the beachie side.
What do you think about the frames sold st specsavers. I am considering buying from there. I know their lenses are from Zeiss which i saw on another of your video is part of the 4k cagegory. Just not sure how the frames they sell hold up.
Great ratings, you are very knowledgeable. You come off as a professional instead of a hobbyist, like other reviewers. You are spot on with Maui Jim and Ray Ban. If I disagree anywhere, I would say that Randolph could go up a tier or two. Thanks.
Thank you! Is their build quality better than any of the brands in 'Amazing'? I'm not sure
I won't say I disagree, but to me, glasses are not just style, but price. Many of the frames you steer towards cost over $400, I'm guessing before one gets lenses on your site. Luxottica has a strong hold in the US market. My insurance is Eyemed, who is owned by them. When I do go in store, I have tried so many brands on and always seem to like the Ray Bans. One benefit from Luxottica is that they make a lens that I haven't found a competitor for, Transition Xtractive. I splurged this year and got them and do like that they darken behind a car. Granted they still cost me $200 with insurance, but much cheaper than your recommendations. I usually buy online from places you probably would put in their tier or make a new lower tier for (Zenni being my favorite). Zenni glasses with photochromatic lenses costs me $75 without a sale or insurance.
I'm surprised Randolph didn't make it a spot higher. I feel like their heavy movie marketing might hurt them a bit here. I've had the same pair for 10 years and they're so solid and unique. I love Maui Jim as well. The rimless designed ones really disappear on the face with their lightness.
They are great. Personally, I think I'd rather own a pair of Randolph than MJ... but it's hard to argue with MJ's success with 0 marketing
Hey, I really love what you are doing and you got me interested in the Mau Jim glasses you are wearing. Could you tell me the name and the lense type please, I would love to get them for driving, or do you recommend a different lense for driving?
Thanks in advance, LG
Hey! In this video I'm wearing my custom Reykjavik Eyes rimless. The lens type is Zeiss SmartLife Digital (as usual) with grey/blue 40%-0% gradient tint + Ruby flash coating. A beautiful combination, but not one I would recommend for driving.
Here is the specialised driving lens I (accidentally) created: ua-cam.com/video/whP9vu65eG0/v-deo.html&
I would highly recommend it. We can make the RE frames with this lens if you like?
@TheSpectacleFactory great video mate. Subscribed to your channel. Brilliant presentation and you articulated your thoughts really well. What do you think of brands like Garret Leight, Masahiro Maruyama and Kuboraum?
Thanks! I don't recognise the middle one - I'll keep an eye out - but GL are very nice and Kuboraum are super artistic, which I appreciate.
@@thespectaclefactory thanks for your response. Masahiro Maruyama specialise in asymmetric frames. Pretty artistic like Kuboraum and brilliantly made in Japan. Personally I love Jacques Marie Mage, their frames feel like a class above the rest in terms of the quality.
Every now and again when I'm bored I come back to this video - in fact this was the video that influenced me to visit your store in the first place 😂 your passion and experience really comes across and it's rare to find a luxury eyewear stockist over here that doesn't have Ray Ban and Cartier sitting next to each other in their stores. Anyway, since you mentioned that you might do a follow up video at some point with the many brands you missed out, I figured it might help if you had a clearer basis for each tier - since quality and influence rarely go hand in hand. You can clearly see the influence of Cazal in Dita but I would argue that Dita's wider range, ornate details and extensive Japanese manufacturing means they've long since overtaken Cazal in the rankings. Likewise, Moscot really shouldn't be in legendary tier on quality, but if you're talking influence then realistically Ray Ban and Oakley are top of the pile. It starts to get tricky when you mix together different reasons and the top tiers end up overcrowded. Just my two cents.
In hindsight I agree on Moscot. I kind of agree with your point, I tried to balance it but it's all very subjective of course. Dita I'm just not sold on, somehow
Totally agree with you, in fact, Moscot are made in china, the quality of the acetate for me is not as good as the quality of Oliver Peoples, also feels a bit of plastic. If i have to choose, Oliver Peoples all the way, a shame that was bought but luxottica though
Would love to see you do a Persol hands on look as I don’t think Persol was given a fair assessment in this video, while they are luxottica owned the quality is still apparent. I don’t know of any manufacturers offering the Malflecto hinge. The security comfort and wearability of this def has to stand for something (it def keeps them from falling down my face or off my mishaped head)
I agree...I've purchased multiple Persol eyeglasses and the craftsmanship is always on point, they make some really nice looking frames, and they last me years. I mean if you rate them that low then you simply haven't used them.
Of course, but this is just luxottica bashing here in his video so... 🤷♂️🙄
He didn't even rate them at all, just considered their parent company and banished them to the bottom automatically. Persol is fantastic. This video is trash.
@@Crushenator500 I’m a fan of the spectacle factory videos he does generally put out quality videos. I do own a pair of original Persol sunglasses and I recently got a pair which I converted to clear for every day. Personally I can not spot any differences between the original non luxxotica Persol frame in comparison to the new ones that are under the luxottica umbrella. This is why I was suggesting that he do a hands on with a pair I think the outcome would be really great as their acetate frames are in my opinion still of the highest quality. Funny enough a vast majority of eyewear shops feature essilor products (lenses, Crizal coatings, transitions lenses etc) Most people fail to realize that essilor is also part of the luxottica group.
It’s just become a fashion to hate Luxottica, no matter what. Persol are still great and high quality. I reckon they make one of the most stylish, masculine acetate sunglasses in the world.
I just bought a Christian Dior franmes, are the blacktie, what do yo think about them?
OMG I just discovered your channel and I can only say: Thank you so much, needed to subscribe immediately!! I'm new to wear glasses (previously undetected but astonishingly low myopia) and I was about to get a Ray-Ban frame, so glad I didn't!
Could you recommend me an acetate round frame for combining with Zeiss Photofusion blue and Duravision flash (sapphire or blue, still haven't decided)? The more blue the better as you can see, but I'm ok with other frame colors.
Btw, what's the very first frame you wore in this video? I think they're exactly what I was looking for sunglasses.
Again, thank you very much. My best wishes from the other side of the world!!
Hi! Yes, we offer personal style consultations - email us via hello@thespectaclefactory.com. And my pair is a Reykjavik Eyes Alba with a custom shape and tint I created. We've replicated it for a lot of people all over the world
@@thespectaclefactory alright, thanks! I'll be at your mailbox soon!
Just got a Ray-Ban, nothing to complain about it, him putting in the lowest rank is just based in his taste, the frame has great great quality and the lenses are from zeiss, so just buy what you like
I was saddened you missed off quite a few brands I’ve heard of and indeed worn myself. A brilliant review though. Lindberg still have the most comfortable rimless for people like me in the Spirit range for example. What about Salt glasses? Theo? Lunor eyewear? Even Deiz eyewear.
Hi William, all very good brands and sorry I couldn't review everything. I did mean to include Lindberg and Theo. Both are Amazing. Salt are really good and I don't have enough experience with Lunor or Deiz.
Lindberg is excellent
This guy really knows his shit. And is really articulate 👏🏼
Thank you 😅
I can't find the Anglo American frames you mentioned. Do you have a link?
Here you go: www.angloamericanoptical.co.uk/products/sunglasses/106
there are all sorts of sizes and colour combinations which aren't on their website. If you want a pair, just email me via rob@thespectaclefactory.com
Hello would you still consider maui jim glasses in the same spot after they have been sold to another company? that's would I heard.
I suppose time will tell with that one?
Are Moscots worth it i heard they are now in China made ?
They aren't good value IMO. They are made in China
@@thespectaclefactory thank you
I recently startes wearing eyeglasses because of presbyopia (getting old). During my search for a good frame, I just realized that most of the available frames from these top tier brands are not designed for lower bridge noses. I had to settle for Oakley frame cause they are the only frames available from where I live, that I could wear without constantly slipping down my face. I didnt want to support this Luxottica way of doing business but in my case, I had no choice. I wish Reykjavik eyes start selling through out whole Europe. I couldnt even buy them online 😭
You can buy them from us! Just email me rob@thespectaclefactory.com
I have a really weird pair of glasses and I was hoping you could help me find out what they are and what they were used for. They don't fit on a face.
Yeah sure! Email me via rob@thespectaclefactory.com
Love your video and definitely respect your tier list. Personally love and have many pairs of IC Berlin. What is your opinion of Japanese brand like Masunaga?
The ranking is quite subjective. Espesialy in the Luxotica case. Their brands are different and are not the same and equal.
Yes, it's my subjective opinion
I found it weird when Cartier frames were being praised for being in the market for 30-40 years, and that's rookie numbers for Ray-Ban. 80+ for aviators and then many variations of those since more than half a century, Olympian, Wayfarers, Clubmaster...
The most iconic frames hands down. Is the quality really bad though? I've avoided them since years after John Oliver's coverage, hate monopolies, but you know what, they offer what I needed. In India, pricing is also lower especially as they're also manufactured here.
Here they're actually giving something that competition just is not.
Why are you steering away from Lindberg? I cannot imagine you have no opinion about them even if you don´t stock them...
I actually forgot to mention them along with a few others that I definitely should have. I don't mind Lindberg but I do mind opticians' snobby attitude towards them. I would have put them in the great category.
@@thespectaclefactory Now I am even more interested in what you think about them... "Opticians snobby attitude towards them"? I was actually surprised that you don´t work with them as they are a)very interesting b)very difficult to choose one without proper style counseling, so I would have thought they are a great line for you as style advisor... I recently gave up my trying to choose one as the variety of lens forms, border colorings, tintings and god knows what else was just too much and nobody here in Portugal does proper style consultation as you do, as far as I know. Instead I went for a Cartier with blue glasses and that was that. I wish I had you here to talk about endless Lindberg possibilities as they still intrigue me a lot. Or is it just their main male model with the scar on his face, I wonder :)
I am interested in Cartier eyeglasses, such as the rimless ones, but then, how do you get prescription lenses for them? is it likely that Cartier OEM lenses will be swapped out for 3rd party prescribed lenses? or Cartier has those prescribed lenses? or the lens brand doesn't matter?
Hi, we do offer the rimless Cartier glasses with prescription lenses, for more detailed information email us at hello@thespectaclefactory.com and one of our team will be in touch :)
- Haleemah
Do you know how marcolin frames are like and where would you have put them in your chart?
Anne et Valentin, Masunaga, Matsuda (japanese brands like Eyevan, Ayame, yuichi Toyama, Native sons), Micromega, Theo, Lunor, Lindberg, LGR, Fleye, Orgreen, SALT, Garret Leigh, Bob Sdrunk, even cheaper brands such as Kaleos or Raen…
I’m a little bit obssesses with some of these brands. Especially Lindberg (screwless, enginered frames, first brand to use titanium), and SALT (the most amazing colours).
I would be very interested to hear your opinion on those, specially where would they fit on your hierarchy/tier list. Thank you very much, and keep the good work.
So many brands I could have added! it amazes me how huge the world of beautiful eyewear really is (and still somehow dominated by Lux). I filmed for almost an hour to produce the 27 minutes of content you see here, but.i could have gone on forever.
I'll give you a few opinions:
Salt, GL, Kaleos - great. Orgreen - meh. Theo, AeV, Masunaga, Matsuda - amazing.
@@thespectaclefactory Thank you very much Robert! Keep up the good work!
@@joansanabria2 I'll try!
dita
Yeah I definitely should have included Dita
I'm learning so much on your channel. Well done sir! can I ask your opinion on ProDesign Denmark as a brand please?
Thank u for the useful information!! Any comments on the brand ME & JOE?
Not going to spend over $500 for designer frames with material that cost them $10. Its all a big rip off, just like furniture and clothing.
You should check out more of our videos to learn about what goes into a great pair of glasses
How df do you put moscot which is SHIT in a high tier and above mykita? You’re high bro.
I've never thought the quality was shit, but I accept it's not the best. Quality wise, Mykita is better. But in terms of carving out their own 'look' and influencing eyewear fashion, Moscot has to be a tier above.
@@thespectaclefactory moscot just took everything OP has in terms of look. It doesn’t do anything. At least mykita has unique looks and amazing quality
Fantastic video! Very informative. Thanks! May I ask, what are you personally wearing in this video?
It's my bespoke Reykjavik Eyes Alba rimless with custom shape and tint. We have recreated it for several clients so could do the same for you if you wanted
@The Spectacle Factory awesome, thanks! They look great on you! I'm not sure if I could pull off that tint. So cool though. I was thinking those, or the Barton Perreira Harald with the sun clip. But open to other ideas. I live in the US, do y'all do video consultations?
We do! Email us - hello@thespectaclefactory.com
I am totally on board with J.F. Rey. I need petite eyewear and hate boring. I currently only have 5 pair but just sent number 6 to the lab! I also have a bunch of vintage AO which I love 😃
Moscot Chinese made glasses Legendary tier come on man! hahahahahhahahahah
No hate here only love.. just saying lol
Look, you put Ray Ban in top tier so let's not talk about that 😅
... and you said it's NOT based on quality and neither is my position on Moscot. But you have to say Moscot are better made than Ray Ban?
At least we agree on Tom Ford 🤣
BTW, I had no idea of your tier list video until it popped up in my suggestions yesterday, I swear.
*screams*
😅
What do you think of Saint Laurent quality? I'm thinking of buying myself a Saint Laurrent frame
Excellent video! I love the Reykjavik glasses at the end of this video! Where are they dispensed in Atlanta area? Thx
We can ship worldwide! Why don't you email us at hello@thespectaclefactory.com and we'll help you get your perfect pair
Randolph engineering is a great brand. I stay away from anything luxottica makes. Used to like rayban but luxottica manufacturers them In China now. Garbage monopoly company destroying once great brands.
This guy gets it! Thanks for your comment 😊
You need to look balmain and akoni Valentino is People from Dita who make Them now
Luxottica brands are a tier in themselves lmao! Really the worst.
💯
@The Spectacle Factory I do not understand how because they are almost a monopoly means all their designer stuff is shit. But there were some nice glasses in here I like this stuff but theres not factual basis to say that. . Anyway I'm not going to like your answer no matter what because I just got a pair of Raybands w digital lenses and again my bad for reacting like that on your comments but I do disagree with characterization
Style is very subjective. I have a very high minus prescription (-7.5) - which frames/brands do you recommend for this prescription?
That's true. Hard to answer, because it depends on your own style and look of course. Email me rob@thespectaclefactory.com and I can give you some personal advice
Hi Robert! Thanks for the get back. Does anti-reflective coating make the tint lighter?
Yes, slightly
LMAOO the lowest tier is luxxotica
💯😁
What company makes the glasses he’s promoting? I don’t care who makes my glasses as long as it’s good quality at a fair price. His “I don’t like this brand because its made by this company”is a childish argument.
Looking at getting my first pair of glasses I wanted contacts because I live on the farm . Scared of getting them broken . Found a unique pair of black and gold 80s style timberman glasses whats your input on that brand ?
Sorry Jacob, I don't have any experience with timberman, and Google didn't show anything up. You should get a pair of Reykjavik Eyes frames with Trivex lenses from from us because they just don't break!
@@thespectaclefactory I meant timberland lol ! But thank you
Great content. Curious to know what your thoughts are on Dita glasses? Thanks.
I think Dita are great but they don't excite me. I prefer Cazal
What do you think of Paul Smith frame collection especially the eyeglasses which I believe are made by Cutler and Gross?
Decent! Not amazing but not bad