Randolph Engineering review

Randolph Engineering is the strongest answer for a shopper who wants sunglasses built to be repaired and kept. The company says its frames have been handcrafted in the USA since 1973 from U.S. and global components, and its craftsmanship page describes hand soldering frame components, polishing and inspecting each pair. The Aviator starts at $265 in Gunmetal with the AGX lens, and the Aviator II in 23k Gold costs $345 with a polarized glass lens. Sizes run from 52mm to 61mm, which few brands match. The warranty is the clearest sign of build quality here: 3 years on non-prescription eyewear, with solder joints covered for the lifetime of the frame, plus one free Tune-Up in the first year. The trade-off is range: Randolph is an aviator and metal frame specialist, so acetate fans should look at Persol or Moscot. We compared documented features and published prices, and Randolph scores highest on quality because no other brand here pairs US handcrafting with lifetime cover on the frame's joints.

Who it is for

buyers who want US-made metal aviators

Price

Aviator from $265; Aviator II 23k Gold & AGX $345.

AVIATOR Gunmetal & AGX From $265
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 13, 2026.

Key features

• Handcrafted in the USA since 1973 from quality U.S. and global components
• Randolph says each frame is handcrafted in 200 steps, with hand-soldered frame components
• Aviator II sold in Small (52mm), Regular (55mm), Large (58mm) and XL (61mm)
• Polarized glass and nylon lens options, including the AGX lens
• Every pair bought within a year gets one complimentary Tune-Up service

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: 3-year warranty on non-prescription eyewear, with solder joints covered for the lifetime of the frame
• Strength: Aviator starts at $265, below Persol, Moscot and Garrett Leight
• Strength: Four frame sizes cover narrow to extra-wide faces
• Weakness: Range is built mostly around aviator and metal shapes
• Weakness: 23k gold plated versions cost more, with the Aviator II 23k Gold & AGX at $345
• Weakness: Uses global components as well as US parts

Key facts

• Cheapest pair quoted: Aviator Gunmetal & AGX, from $265
• Made in: USA, from U.S. and global components
• Warranty: 3 years; lifetime on solder joints
• Sizes: 52mm, 55mm, 58mm, 61mm
• Founded: 1973

Where it ranks

Randolph Engineering is No. 1 in our Best Sunglasses Brands verdict.