It’s become pretty well-known at this point that Japan is producing some of the world’s best eyewear these days. We previously looked at a brand called Tart Optical, and we’re now continuing the “Arnel-style glasses” series with a look at TVR, or “True Vintage Revival.” (For more on this, see the previous article linked above.)
TVR is a Japanese eyewear company that is, as the name would suggest, attempting to revive the (sadly) dying tradition of truly premium, handcrafted, top-notch eyeglasses in a more vintage style. They’re not simply taking older, retro designs and remaking them. Rather, they’re upgraded and updating them. They’re using only the finest materials, and making every last detail of their frames to the highest degree of perfection. At the same time, they’re tweaking and updating the designs of the frames themselves to be a bit more in-line with modern tastes and sensibilities, while still maintaining the very vest of the vintage appeal.
You can see this most with their popular frames the TVR 504 and the TVR Arnel. Both are their interpretations of the vintage “Arnel style frame,” each with its own unique characteristics. The 504 is a slightly chunkier version, while the Arnel is lighter-weight and just a touch thinner. Remarkably, both of these frames come in several sizes — ranging from the more traditional smaller sizes, to more modern larger sizes as well. The US and EU market often has larger heads that need to be fit than those found on average in Japan, and so their ability to truly produce various sizes — each with their own separate bridge and temple dimensions — is quite special and opens these frames up to a whole new market. Many people love the Arnel style, but could never find a pair big enough (myself included). TVR is the answer to that.
I tested the Arnel in a size 48 and a size 50, as well as the 504 in 48. All 3 are wonderful, excellent eyeglasses that look fantastic on my face. And even though each is slightly differently proportioned than the next, they actually all work super well for me, each in their unique way. Only side by side would a clear difference be detectable by a third-party, but depending on your mood you might one day want a lighter/heavier/larger/smaller version of the Arnel style, and I do not know of a brand offering as much variation here as TVR.
And, again, all of this is done at the very highest levels of production standards. The quality of the acetate, and color options, are extensive and top-tier. The glasses use 7-barrel hinges, and have mind-glowingly beautiful and intricate engravings running down the interiors of the temples. (If you get a pair with a clear temple arm this can be seen while worn, even, as it’s double-facing.)
As far as I know, the best and easiest way to get these frames in the US is via TVR EU (linked to at the head of this post). They ship quite quickly, and have great customer service in my experience. Pricing will depend on the model (TVR has so many great ones to choose from even beyond the Arnel/504), but will usually run you $450 - $750 depending on the frame. For how unique, special, and high quality what you’re getting is, I think this pricing is quite fair and well worth it if you’re something of an eyeglasses connoisseur like myself.
Lastly, I also wanted to point your attention to Sun of Japan. This is a new site launched by the same re-sellers behind TVR EU that offers — you guessed it! — all the hard-to-find Japanese sunglass brands to the EU and US markets. The site just launched — and I am assured more brands are coming — but in the meantime there is already some great stuff on there including Eyevan, TVR, and others. (And, remember, if you like a frame but want it as an optical frame instead of sunglasses, no law is preventing you from popping the lenses out and replacing them with your prescription!)