What are Persol Sunglasses?

Founded in 1917, Persol (from “per il sole,” meaning “for the sun”) is world-renowned for its high-quality crystal lenses and artisan craftsmanship. You can always identify a Persol frame by the distinctive Silver Arrow on the hinges, inspired by the swords of ancient warriors. Beyond the aesthetics, Persol is famous for the Meflecto system—the world’s first flexible stem system designed to relieve pressure on the sides of the head.

What is a Persol 714?

The Persol 714 is perhaps the most famous folding sunglass in the world, famously worn by Steve McQueen.

• Design – Based on the 649 but modified with folding capabilities for convenience and style.
• Unique Parts – This model features a foldable bridge and foldable temples. Because it has extra hinges at the center of the frame and halfway down the arms, it has more moving parts than a standard frame, which requires specialized knowledge to repair.

What is a Persol 649?

Originally designed in 1957 for Turin tram drivers who needed large lenses to protect their eyes against dust and air, the 649 became an instant fashion icon.

• Design – It features the same bold, “Victor” shape as the 714 but with a solid, non-folding construction.
• Unique Parts – While it lacks the folding bridge, it utilizes the signature Meflecto cylinders in the temples and the Victor Bridge—a three-notch design that provides a unique fit and unmistakable silhouette.

The Difficulty of Repairing Persol 714 and 649

Repairing these models is notoriously difficult for standard optical shops for two reasons:

Frame Front Limitations

Most manufacturers allow you to order replacement lenses or temples, but they will not sell the “frame front” (the plastic part holding the lenses). If the bridge snaps on a 714, most shops will tell you the glasses are totaled.

Discontinued Status

Certain versions of the “Steve McQueen” 714 are no longer in active production, making authentic parts nearly impossible for the general public to find.

How All American Eyeglass Repair Can Help

At All American Eyeglass Repair, we specialize in the “impossible” fixes for Persol enthusiasts.

Hard-to-Find Components

While most can’t get them, we carry or can source the replacement frame fronts for the 714. If your folding bridge breaks, we can replace the entire acetate front while keeping your original lenses and temples.

In-Stock Parts

We maintain a stock of authentic Persol temples and lenses at all 17 of our locations, ensuring a fast turnaround.

Specialized Folding Hinge Repair

The hinges on a 714 are complex. Our technicians are trained to service the metal-to-plastic junctions that allow these frames to fold seamlessly without losing their structural integrity.

In Summary

Whether you are channeling Steve McQueen in your 714s or enjoying the classic lines of the 649, your Persol sunglasses deserve expert care. Don’t let a broken bridge or a snapped temple end the life of your luxury eyewear.

Need a repair for your Persols? Visit our Persol repair page to see how we can help you today.