[Clintotron]

Do any of you fine gents have any first-hand experience with Pince-Nez reading glasses? Are there any makers in today’s world? Would it be out of the question to have custom made lenses for these frames?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

 

[derum]

They are quite widely available. Even Amazon has them. You should have no issues getting lenses.
I have a pair of readers, and they are comfortable.

 

[Fading Fast]

Any decent optometrist or eyeglasses store could easily make you a pair of lenses to fit your frames.

 

[SG_67]

Do any of you fine gents have any first-hand experience with Pince-Nez reading glasses? Are there any makers in today's world? Would it be out of the question to have custom made lenses for these frames?

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

If the frames are optical quality, then an optician should be able to help you.

 

[Clintotron]

They are quite widely available. Even Amazon has them. You should have no issues getting lenses.
I have a pair of readers, and they are comfortable.

All the ones I saw on Amazon were of modern design. I was unclear, perhaps (definitely), in my post. I'm looking for brand new of antique design/construction. Functional replicas, if you will.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

 

[Fading Fast]

All the ones I saw on Amazon were of modern design. I was unclear, perhaps (definitely), in my post. I'm looking for brand new of antique design/construction. Functional replicas, if you will.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

That will not be a problem at all as I have had it done for vintage frames (for regular not Pince-nez glasses, but same concept) - any competent optometrist or eyeglasses store will be able to do it.

 

[derum]

All the ones I saw on Amazon were of modern design. I was unclear, perhaps (definitely), in my post. I'm looking for brand new of antique design/construction. Functional replicas, if you will.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

Try here:
https://vintageopticalshop.com/vintage-eyeglasses/pince-nez.html

 

[232524]

Try here:
https://vintageopticalshop.com/vintage-eyeglasses/pince-nez.html

Yes, that is a fantastic site for unused vintage stock. It can be difficult to find an oculist who will replace lenses for you, but if you're in England, Daniel Cullen will do them for you using modern techniques (such as anti-reflecting). The service is quite hefty (at least 120 GBP)

It's important you get 1.5" width lenses, not modern size 2" lenses, as the latter look awful on these. The lenses are naturally smaller as pince-nez sit closer to your eyes. They are not meant to be worn at the end of your nose like you see in films involving old cranky librarians.

Avoid modern reproductions as they have not been designed with field testing (ie they should fit onto your bridge theoretically, but they all fall off). It's due to the fact that making and fitting pince-nez today is a lost science, which used to be a bespoke process.

There is a Czech company that does solid gold pince-nez with diamonds stuck into them, if you have a few thousand euros to burn.

There are certain frames you should avoid aesthetically for your face type, but I don't know what yours is.

There are many types and subtypes, more than you would think, such as astigs, C-bridge, fingerpieces, etc.

Fingerpieces usually need to be sized for a proper fit; the others are universal.

I suggest you go for rimless as they look the most elegant and minimalistic (back when eyewear was seen as proof of one's defective nature, and thus to be made as inconspicuous as possible). They also look the least costumey.

You will likely benefit with the use of silicone nose pads, which are found for a few dollars and vastly improve comfort.

You also need to look into the depth of your nose bridge.

Most are gold-filled, these can range from 10-20 GBP; solid 9kt versions typically range from 50-90 GBP on eBay.

Ear hooks are unnecessary as modern lenses are lighter and very shatter-proof.

There used to be a fantastic blog called Pince Nez Renaissance covering the practical realities of pince nez-wearing in today's time, but the man has made the blog private, unfortunately.

There's a lot of other details, feel free to ask.

 

[Clintotron]

Yes, that is a fantastic site for unused vintage stock. It can be difficult to find an oculist who will replace lenses for you, but if you're in England, Daniel Cullen will do them for you using modern techniques (such as anti-reflecting). The service is quite hefty (at least 120 GBP)

It's important you get 1.5" width lenses, not modern size 2" lenses, as the latter look awful on these. The lenses are naturally smaller as pince-nez sit closer to your eyes. They are not meant to be worn at the end of your nose like you see in films involving old cranky librarians.

Avoid modern reproductions as they have not been designed with field testing (ie they should fit onto your bridge theoretically, but they all fall off). It's due to the fact that making and fitting pince-nez today is a lost science, which used to be a bespoke process.

There is a Czech company that does solid gold pince-nez with diamonds stuck into them, if you have a few thousand euros to burn.

There are certain frames you should avoid aesthetically for your face type, but I don't know what yours is.

There are many types and subtypes, more than you would think, such as astigs, C-bridge, fingerpieces, etc.

Fingerpieces usually need to be sized for a proper fit; the others are universal.

I suggest you go for rimless as they look the most elegant and minimalistic (back when eyewear was seen as proof of one's defective nature, and thus to be made as inconspicuous as possible). They also look the least costumey.

You will likely benefit with the use of silicone nose pads, which are found for a few dollars and vastly improve comfort.

You also need to look into the depth of your nose bridge.

Most are gold-filled, these can range from 10-20 GBP; solid 9kt versions typically range from 50-90 GBP on eBay.

Ear hooks are unnecessary as modern lenses are lighter and very shatter-proof.

There used to be a fantastic blog called Pince Nez Renaissance covering the practical realities of pince nez-wearing in today's time, but the man has made the blog private, unfortunately.

There's a lot of other details, feel free to ask.

I was going to message you privately, but reconsidered as it could be a disservice to any others who may be interested.

I do not currently require a magnified lens, but have been researching the effects of computer/tablet/phone screens on the unprotected eye. I waltzed into an antiquities dealer, here in Cheyenne, Wyoming week before last and came across two or three pair of pince nez relics. Handsome, they were and I imagine them to go with my decidedly American Western style. That got me thinking: Could some unmagnified pince nez glasses be coated, or better yet, could new pince nez glasses be found with coated, unmagnified lenses?

I've found a few pair of handsome, vintage-styled glasses expressly for this purpose, and I may still get them, but the pince nez would be something of more interest to me.

Ideally, a pince nez frame of yesteryear mated with new, coated lenses would be favorable. I've seen the modern ones, and they are detestable.

Thank you for all the insight, as I had no idea there were varying lens widths. Could you further expound on the differing frame types? I've determined my face to be heart-shaped or triangular.

Awaiting a reply with great eagerness,
Clint

Also, here are the "computer glasses" I wrote about:

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro