Caliber Optics: The Perfectly Balanced Eyewear

Achieving Comfort and Style with Innovative Design

Caliber Optics, designed by Zack Tipton, revolutionizes the eyewear industry with its unique approach to balance and comfort.

When it comes to eyeglasses, slipping frames are a common annoyance. Recognizing this issue, the design team at Caliber Optics set out to create a solution that combines functionality with style. The result is a collection of eyewear that is not only visually appealing but also perfectly balanced.

The key to the Caliber Optics design lies in its weighted temple tips. By making the back of the glasses heavier than the front, the frames stay securely in place on the wearer's face. This innovative feature eliminates the constant need to adjust and push the glasses back into position.

What sets Caliber Optics apart is its commitment to durability and sustainability. The frame front is crafted from semi-rimless stainless steel, offering a high strength-to-weight ratio, easy cleanability, and affordability for prescription lenses. The temples, made from flexible beta titanium, are hypoallergenic, lightweight, and durable. Additionally, the temple tips are ingeniously crafted from upcycled .357 magnum brass cartridges and sterling silver, adding a touch of uniqueness to each pair.

The realization of the Caliber Optics design involves a combination of advanced technologies. The frame front is meticulously welded stainless steel, ensuring a secure hold for the lenses. The temples feature an integrated spring cut using electric discharge machining, providing flexibility and comfort. The temple tips, made from upcycled brass cartridges, are swagged into place, creating a stable and balanced frame.

With a total weight of just 17 grams, the Caliber Optics eyewear offers a lightweight and comfortable experience. The frame front weighs 6 grams, while the temples and counterweights each weigh 5 and 6 grams, respectively. These technical specifications contribute to the overall balance and wearability of the glasses.

The Caliber Optics collection made its debut in 2019 at the International Vision Expo in Las Vegas and SILMO Paris. Since then, it has garnered attention and praise from industry professionals and eyewear enthusiasts alike. The design's success can be attributed to the extensive research conducted by the team. Observational research in an optical shop revealed the need for temple adjustments to prevent glasses from slipping off. The introduction of the counterweight concept proved to be a game-changer, providing a comfortable and stable fit for wearers.

Caliber Optics' commitment to excellence has been recognized with the prestigious Iron A' Design Award in 2021. This accolade celebrates the design's practicality, innovation, and adherence to professional and industrial requirements. With its unique balance and stylish aesthetic, Caliber Optics is truly a game-changer in the world of eyewear.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Hukaya Simon, Zachary Tipton
Image Credits: Hukaya Simon, Zachary Tipton
Project Team Members: Designer: Simon Hukaya Designer: Zachary Tipton
Project Name: Caliber Optics
Project Client: Hukaya Simon, Zachary Tipton


Caliber Optics IMG #2
Caliber Optics IMG #3
Caliber Optics IMG #4
Caliber Optics IMG #5
Caliber Optics IMG #5

Read More on Design Radiant