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This piece is part of the sold-out Optical Release 001.
Bausch & Lomb — Ray-Ban
Bausch & Lomb Ray-Ban Balorama — Early Edition
Bausch & Lomb period · model introduced in the late 1960s
A Bausch & Lomb Ray-Ban Balorama with a deeply curved front and broad lateral lens coverage. Substantial molded construction carries the silhouette around the sides of the face.
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Ask the Private Desk →The details
- Maker / origin
- Bausch & Lomb — Ray-Ban
- Period
- Bausch & Lomb period · model introduced in the late 1960s
- Recorded details
- Size One Size
- Collection number
- RGS–21
- Model
- Balorama
- Colour
- Black
- Front
- Strongly curved wraparound
- Temples
- Broad moulded sides
- Lens appearance
- Dark green-gray
The wraparound form
The curvature is apparent across the entire front, carrying the lens openings toward the temples rather than keeping them on one flat plane. Broad black side arms continue that enclosing silhouette. Rounded corners and a substantial moulded nose bridge soften the otherwise forceful shape. The dark green-gray lenses maintain the near-monochrome presentation. The Balorama model has a long production history, so model identity alone does not establish an early edition.
Collector’s note
The wraparound geometry is its central design feature. A precise edition or manufacturing date is not established in this entry.
In cultural history
Clint Eastwood wore the Balorama in Dirty Harry (1971), a connection recorded in Ray-Ban’s published brand history. The enclosing black front and broad temples fit the model’s forceful screen presence. This Bausch & Lomb example belongs to that model lineage; a screen-used pair, exact film specification or personal ownership by Eastwood is not claimed.
Condition & presentation
A substantial black wraparound front with broad temples. Gray-green sun lenses are fitted. Please refer to the photographs for surface detail; additional close-ups are available. No case is included.
Restoration is carried out with intention by third-party specialists on an as-needed basis, preserving original features and markings as fully as possible. Individual condition notes describe the visible state and any specifically recorded changes.
Related examples & research
Comparative references inform model history and period attribution. They describe other examples, with their own sizes, markings and condition.
Optical Release 001 is complete and every frame has found a home. This page remains as part of the Society's permanent catalogue record. Looking for a related frame? Leave an acquisition alert.
