The Ray-Ban History, Beginning with the Teardrop

In 1920, U.S. Army Air Corps Lieutenant Colonel John Macready suffered severe eye damage from UV rays during his transatlantic balloon crossing. His request to Bausch & Lomb for "sunglasses that would reliably protect the eyes and be elegant" led to the start of Ray-Ban in 1937. The first model created was a teardrop with gold metal frames and green lenses, which became the prototype for classic metal frames.

All five limited-edition models feature reinforced glass lenses.

Early Ray-Ban models up to the 1960s had no "BL" initial sandblasting on the lenses (※Sandblasting refers to marking the part connecting the temple and rim—the hinge—by spraying fine particles like sand). 1970s models sometimes had the BL sandblasting at a 90-degree angle, or only the BL sandblasting without the white RAY-BAN print. Those with BL sandblasting at the top of the lens also belong to this period.

Ray-Ban models made from around 1980 onwards all have "BL" sandblasting on both lenses, and most feature a white "RAY-BAN" print on the upper part of the right lens. Some 90s models, such as the Traditionals series, have a gold "RAY-BAN" print on the upper right lens instead of white.





Metal frames, which received less attention towards the end of Bausch & Lomb's era in the 1990s, are now popular again, aligning with the current trend for metal. Continuer is releasing five styles from the 1990s metal series in limited quantities, primarily focusing on the "ROUND METAL" for its simple round shape and versatile sizing that easily integrates into various styles. All lenses are made of reinforced glass.