AO Original Pilot 23K E.P. Gold Aviator Sunglasses For Pilots
Stop buying cheap sunglasses that break in a season. Upgrade to the exact military-spec aviator that protected the eyes of NASA Apollo astronauts and generations of fighter pilots. Featuring distortion-free optics, a signature 23K gold-plated frame, and rugged USA craftsmanship, this is the last pair of sunglasses you’ll ever need to buy. Made in the USA. Elevate Your Look! Click below to purchase AO Original Pilot Silver Sunglasses and make a statement today!
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Product Details
Why Choose AO Original Pilot 23K Gold E.P. Sunglasses?
- 100% UVA/UVB Protection — Full-spectrum UV blocking for long hours in the cockpit, on the water, or in the field.
- Anti-Reflective Backside Coating — Eliminates distracting glare from behind, so your vision stays sharp in any light.
- Smudge-Resistant Oleophobic Coating — Fingerprints wipe off cleanly. No streaks, no hassle.
- Impact & Scratch Resistant — Built to ANSI Z80.3 standards. Engineered to take a beating and keep performing.
- Timeless 23K Gold Finish — A classic that never goes out of style. Worn by pilots. Loved by everyone else.
Find Your Fit: 52mm vs. 55mm vs. 57mm
Choose a size that feels secure without squeezing your temples. The size refers to the width of one lens, not the full frame width. These fit descriptions are starting points, not guaranteed face-size matches.
- 52mm — Smaller fit: The most compact option in this range. A starting point for narrower faces or a closer-fitting aviator look.
- 55mm — Medium fit: The middle option, with more lens coverage than 52mm and a less oversized look than 57mm. A starting point for medium-width faces.
- 57mm — Larger fit: The largest lens option in this range. A starting point for broader faces or a preference for more coverage.
How to Measure and Compare
Start with glasses that already fit comfortably. Look inside the temple arm for three measurements, often written as lens width–bridge width–temple length, in millimeters. Compare the first number with 52, 55, or 57mm. Bridge width and temple length matter too; lens width alone does not determine fit. Bridge and temple measurements for these size options are not currently listed here.
If your glasses have no size marking, use a millimeter ruler to measure one lens horizontally at its widest point, the gap between the lenses at the bridge, and the temple arm from its hinge to its tip, following any bend. Also measure the full front of your current frame from outer edge to outer edge. Do not compare full-frame or face width directly with the 52/55/57mm lens sizes.
For a facial-width check, have someone hold a ruler straight across at temple level, without wrapping it around your head. Use this as a reference alongside a comfortable frame, not as a size conversion. A good fit rests securely at the nose without pinching, presses neither temple, and stays clear of your cheeks. Between sizes? Contact us with your current frame measurements and where it feels tight or loose before ordering.
Choosing Your Lenses: Glass vs. Nylon
Not sure which lens material to pick? Here's the short version:
| SkyMaster™ Glass | AOLite™ Nylon | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Maximum optical clarity | Active use, travel |
| Weight | Slightly heavier | Lighter on your face |
| Scratch resistance | Excellent | Good |
| Impact resistance | Good | Excellent |
| Price | +$35 | — |
Most pilots and everyday wearers prefer Glass for its unmatched optical clarity. Choose Nylon if you're active outdoors or want a lighter feel.
Polarized or Non-Polarized?
- Non-Polarized — Recommended for pilots. Polarized lenses can interfere with reading LCD cockpit instruments and make it harder to see other aircraft. If you fly, go non-polarized.
- Polarized — Ideal for driving, boating, fishing, or any activity where glare off water or roads is a factor.
Shipping & Returns
- Usually ships in 1–2 business days (occasionally up to 5)
- Free US shipping on sunglasses over $100
- Free returns within 30 days — no questions asked
- Warranty registration available after purchase
 Veteran-Owned & Operated Founded and run by a U.S. military veteran. We know what pilots need. |
 Authorized AO Eyewear Dealer Buy with confidence. Full manufacturer warranty support and hassle-free registration. |
⭐ 4.8
20+ Years in AviationRun by a pilot with 20+ years in aviation. Real people, real answers. |
What's Included
How To Determine The Right Size For You
How To Order Prescription Lenses
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Why People Choose AO Sunglasses
Backed by Results!
Experience improved vision at all angles with AO optically true lenses that feature a flat lens curvature that minimizes visual warping. This results in less distortion, true color enhanced contrast and clarity, along with better visibility.
Built to Last!
Since their founding in 1833 AO has been building government-certified, military precision and space-proven handcrafted sunglass frames. Experience a frame that will keep its value and last a lifetime.
30-day Guarantee!
If, for any reason, you are not completely satisfied with your purchase, simply let us know and we will exchange or refund your purchase! We also offer free exchanges and provide FREE shipping labels both ways!
Quick Shipping!
We offer free shipping on all sunglass sales. Normally, we will ship within 1-3 days unless we need to get the item from our warehouse or from our supplier.
Frequently asked questions
Which lenses are the best choice?
Mineral glass lenses have the best ABBE rating and are heavier than the Nylon lenses. In addition, they can crack, break or get scratched if you are not careful Nylon lenses, on the other hand, are lighter and have the next best ABBE rating for clarity, are shatterproof and can't get scratched.
Are Polarized or Non-Polarized lnses better?
Polarized lenses are designed for wearing near water or where there are a lot of glass buildings around. Polarized lenses should not be used by pilots, photographers or if you use LCD screens in your vehicle. Polarized lenses will reduce glare and are great if you are on the water in a boat fishing. You will be able to see the fish under the water. Otherwise, don't waste your money and choose the non-polarized lenses.
Do polarized lenses increase UV protection?
No, polarized lenses do NOT increase UV protection.
Do darker lenses block UV rays Better?
No. No matter how light or dark your sunglass lenses are the UV protection remains the same. Again, UV protection is provided through a micro-thin film placed on the sunglass lens.
What is the Return policy?
If you are not satisfied with your sunglasses for any reason, simply contact us and we will send you a free return label. Once we receive the sunglasses back and inspect them for damage, we will issue you a refund.
What is the Exchange policy?
If, for any reason, you want to change your sunglasses for a different pair, simply let us know and we will send you a free return label. Once we get the original sunglasses back and examine them for damage, we will send you the replacement pair at our expense.