American Optical Aviators were Modeled After the First Sunglasses on the Moon

American Optical is one of the oldest eyewear companies in America (said to have been around before Edison invented the light bulb), with over 200 years in operation. No surprise, then, that they’ve crafted glasses for a wide range of historical figures and events—including the Apollo 11 crew.

Now, you can wear sunglasses similar to those used by the crew of the Apollo 11, with a modern upgrade to the iconic design.

Faithfully recreated from the original pilot sunglasses displayed in the Smithsonian, the glasses combine a 23K gold-plated pilot frame, calobar green SkyMaster Glass Polarized CR39 lenses with True-Color gray tint, bayonet temples, and a white carrying case modeled after the original.

The glasses are impact-resistant, won’t scratch or break easily, and the square pilot shape minimizes glare and maximizes your field of vision.

It’s a piece of history you can wear proudly to celebrate the moment American astronauts landed on the moon.