Persol: Italian Craftsmanship & the Legendary 649 Since 1917

1917: Eyewear for Pilots and Drivers

Giuseppe Ratti, the owner of an optical shop in Turin, designed protective eyewear for pilots and racing drivers - people who needed absolute clarity and a secure fit in extreme conditions. Like all the great brands, Persol's starting point was pure function. Those early lenses had to withstand wind, dust and glare while keeping vision razor-sharp, and this obsession with performance shaped everything the brand would go on to create.

Meflecto & the Arrow: the Persol Signature

Two elements became the brand's hallmark: the Meflecto system (flexible temples with a steel core for comfort) and the distinctive metal arrow on the temples - a mark of handmade Italian craftsmanship. Together they turned a simple pair of glasses into an instantly recognisable object, one you can identify at a glance long before you spot the logo. Both details remain central to Persol frames to this day.

1957: The 649 Is Born

The Persol 649 was originally designed for the tram drivers of Turin, to protect them from wind and dust - hence the large, wrapping frame. Its elegance quickly turned it into a symbol of style, moving effortlessly from the workplace to the wider world of fashion, where it has stayed relevant ever since.

When Steve McQueen wore the 649 in "The Thomas Crown Affair", he turned it into a timeless icon.

Why Persol Stands Out

Beyond the brand name, what you pay for with Persol is the handmade Italian craftsmanship, the high-quality acetate, the comfort of the Meflecto system and a design that has endured for more than a century. Each frame is the product of decades of refinement, and that heritage is exactly why so many collectors and style enthusiasts keep coming back. Owning a pair of Persol is owning a piece of design history that still looks as fresh today as it did generations ago.