BLUBAUGH X American Optical
BLUBAUGH X American Optical
The BLUBAUGH X AO Saratoga
It is my great pleasure to release this collaboration with American Optical. This institution has been revolutionizing eyewear manufacturing since 1833 – The oldest and greatest optical company in American history. AO’s heritage is matched only by their pride in the team’s commitment to craftsmanship and customer service. Every pair of these glasses are made in a state-of-the-art American factory.
One of the most classic and enduring sun glass styles of all time, the Saratoga hasn't been produced in decades. Now it's back and better than ever, made by American craftsmen using the finest global components.
* Temple Style: Standard
* Size: 52-19-145mm
* Lens Color: Cosmetan™ Brown
* Frame Color: Tortoise
* Lens Type: AOLite™ Nylon
AOLite™ lenses are extremely lightweight and impact resistant.Chromatically tuned Cosmetan™ Brown tint amplifies contrast and provides warmth. Lens Filter Category: 2 – And I’d like to mention these Sunglasses work very well to block the wind and give a vast dynamic range of vision on a motorbike.
* 100% UVA/UVB protection
* Polarized
* Anti-reflective backside coating
* Oleophobic smudge-resistant coating
* Impact-resistant (ANSI Z80.3)
* Scratch-resistant hardcoat
* Lightweight for comfort
JFK and the AO Saratoga
Headquartered in Southbridge, MA, Kennedy, a fellow Massachusetts native, was a long-time fan of American Optical eyewear. Town residents fondly recall him visiting Southbridge during his campaigns. He boldly wore AO sunglasses everywhere… Specifically, the Saratoga.
JFK can be seen wearing the Saratoga in many photos while boating, projecting the Camelot image that so many Americans aspired to. The style featured a classic shape, silver details, and a thinner temple than the Wayfarer styles it is often mistaken for.
MADE IN THE USA
AO craftsmen are sculptors, machinists, and perfectionists, rolled into one. Every AO frame progresses through rigorous quality control processes throughout production ensuring every frame shipped is held to the highest standards. There is no machine in the world as valuable as a skilled craftsman. Every AO frame is handcrafted in our Illinois factory. Our process blends machining and handwork to create the highest quality frames. Further, AO is committed to creating the smallest carbon footprint possible. We invest in recycling all metal and acetate scraps. Water used in manufacturing is continuously cleaned so it can be reused for at least six months.
There are over 60 craftspeople behind your AO frame, reviving a craft that’s been largely absent from the US job market the past several decades – eyewear artisan. Making AO frames isn’t about standing on a line and pushing a button. It’s sculpting, it’s perfecting, it’s engineering in motion.
Every time you choose to buy goods off this site you feed this country and its works… and coincidently fund The Blue Todd Cast. I thank you for your support.
-Todd Blubaugh-
