Disclaimer: TVR was kind enough to provide TPL these frames for the purposes of this review. See the bottom of this post for giveaway details so you can win a pair!
TVR has answered our prayers. Not only have they released a new version of their 504 frame — their luxury, modern take on the timeless Arnel style frame — but they also are now offering a much-requested larger size option in 50mm. This has been something I have wanted for a while, as the 48mm sizing wore quite small for a 48mm.
So, what’s new? Well there are 3 main updates to this new 504. The first is some new color ways. They now offer a cool half brown / half crystal. They also have their phenomenal light brown color “Classic Blonde” (pictured here), as well as a cool green crystal which, in person, looks more gray (also pictured here). Interestingly, while there is a classic black color, there is no tortoise option, which I think is something missing from this collection. Perhaps one will be released soon. (Would love to see more color options for this frame overall!)
Next up is a thicker acetate being used — now, this does not mean that the design has changed at all. As in, they are not thicker edge to edge, but rather deeper, front to back. This gives the frame more heft, and an even more intense feel of quality — as if that was something TVR ever was lacking in. Indeed, these new 504 are some of the best-feeling frames I have ever held or worn, right up there with Jacques Marie Mage (but for around half the price, and better, more practical shape!).
Lastly, there is a new, astonishingly intricate dragon engraving along the temple arms. As TVR describes it, it’s a “unique style of dragon called the Happonnirami no Ryū, also known as ‘Dragon Gazing in All Directions’”, and it is true art, hand-engraved into the side of every single pair of these new TVR 504 frames. Much like hand engraving work on high-end watches, this is a true mark of luxury you simply will not find from almost any other brand. It’s truly beautiful, and is, I think, why you should not consider getting the black color of this frame as you can then only see the engraving from the inside, when you take the glasses off (as opposed to semi-transparent colors where you can see it while it’s worn).
As to the size, for most in the US audience the 48mm or 50mm will be the ones you want to check out. Personally, with a large head, the 48mm looks a bit small on me, while the 50mm is the tiniest bit too big. I honestly think a 49mm option, instead of the separate 48mm and 50mm, would be ideal. But, alas, the 50mm is still quite a good fit on me all things considered, and certainly wears nicer on my face than the 48mm, so, all in, I am happy. If you were wondering, the 48mm is 142mm from edge to edge, while the 50mm is 146mm, by my caliper. (To my mind, 144mm is the true sweet spot for a large size of an Arnel-style frame.)
In summary, this is a great update from one of the best eyeglass makers in the business today, to one of the best frames on the market today. Indeed, with Tart Optical in the US starting up production again, there is stiff competition in this
GIVEAWAY: Giveaway is now closed. Thanks to all those who entered!
If you’re looking to buy, head on over to Sun of Japan to pick them up for the best price, and with all new sunglass variants available as well!