We’re all familiar with Edward “Fast Eddie” Felson, played by Paul Newman in “Color of Money”. The smoky billiard halls, the bright lights, and…
those glasses.
Fast Eddie’s sunglasses are a focal point of the movie and a part of his signature style. Few people can forget Felson pocketing balls while sporting his classic pair of shades.
Check out this video below:
It’s hard not to root for Fast Eddie as he goes through the process of getting his pool shark mojo back but it’s even harder not to wonder where he got those badass sunglasses from.
In this article, we’ll take a look at Felson’s sunglasses, what brand they are, and a few other lookalike brands.
In a hurry? Check out my top pick for replicating Fast Eddie’s look, the Ray-Ban RB3025 Aviator Sunglasses, over on Amazon now.
The Real Deal: Vintage Cartier Vendome Santos Aviators
These glasses are the cream of the crop! Known as Vintage Cartier Vendome Santos Aviators, they were manufactured by the world-renowned Cartier brand, although they don’t seem to be in production anymore.
Luckily, they are selling used on eBay, but you’ll have to drop a hefty amount to look as cool as Fast Eddie.
Cartier is a luxury brand based in Europe and if you watch the movies that come out of Hollywood, chances are you’ve seen them. Cartier sunglasses are iconic and are most well known for having graced the face of a little hero called James Bond. Maybe you’ve heard of him?
The epitome of luxury and style, Vintage Cartier’s were crafted in the 1980s in France and quickly rose to fame because they’re, well, cool.
Made with 18-karat gold and a platinum-plated finish, you’ll definitely feel like a hustler in these glasses. The temple tips are made with resin for ultimate comfort and include a gold-plated metal Cartier signature plaque.
Classic Santos Screws along the temples and nose bridge ensure that these sunglasses will last for years to come.
Features:
- Ships with Cartier Case and packaging
- Clear demo lenses
- They are 59 x 14 x 140mm
- Distinctive C Decor
- Made with 18-karat gold
- Platinum-plated
- Resin temple tips
- Gold-plated metal Cartier signature plaque
- Classic Santos Screws
While there’s no mistaking that the Vintage Cartier Vendome Santos Aviators are the height of cool, they might be well over the budget of the typical fan.
If you want to rock Fast Eddie’s style at a more affordable price, take a look at the sunglasses below.
Top Alternative Pick: Ray-Ban RB3025 Aviator Sunglasses
It’s no wonder that Ray-Ban is a contender on this list.
Coming in over thirty different color frame and lens combinations, it’s not a surprise Ray-Ban Polarized Aviator Sunglasses come in a style reminiscent of Fast Eddie’s sweet shades.
As you probably know, Ray-Ban is one of the leaders within the protective eyewear industry and it shows in the quality of their products. Although they aren’t quite the equal of the original Cartier glasses, you won’t have to worry about shoddy craftsmanship when you buy a pair.
The Polarized Aviator Sunglasses are made with a metal frame that sits comfortably on your face and offers 100% UV protection coating.
And unlike cheaper brands, the lenses are made of real glass! Although this means that the glasses are more delicate than plastic lenses, it also means that you will get a more accurate depiction of color.
Features:
- Enhanced glare protection
- Glass lenses
- 100% UV protective coating
- Multiple color options
- Metal frame
- Scratch resistant
You can read more about this product, including real user reviews, over on Amazon.
Mid-Budget Pick: American Optics Flight Gear Original Pilot Sunglasses
Favored by U.S. military pilots for more than fifty years, the American Optics Flight Gear Original Pilot Sunglasses are well constructed and stylish. The sunglasses are made with glass lenses, as opposed to the plastic lenses on the WELUK Aviators. The lenses are polarized and scratch-resistant true color glass, meaning the lenses won’t distort the colors that you see. They also provide 100% UV protection, so you don’t have to worry about eye damage.
The frame is 52mm and available in a variety of frames. The earpieces are bayonet style and made out of metal as well, so you won’t have to worry about breaking them if you happen to accidentally drop your sunglasses.
Features:
- Polarized glass lenses
- Scratch-resistant
- True color glass
- 100% UV protection
- 52 mm frames
- Sturdy build
Want to get one for yourself? Click over to Amazon for more info!
Budget Alternative: WELUK Men’s Pilot Aviator Sunglasses
Coming in at a more budget-friendly price are the WELUK Men’s Pilot Aviator Sunglasses.
Known for their affordability, the WELUK Men’s Pilot Aviator Sunglasses provide great value at a great price. The WELUK Pilot Aviator’s come in a variety of frames and lenses, although this specific combo is the closest to the pair that Eddie Felson wears.
The TAC polarized lenses provide UV400 provide an anti-glare capability that relieves eye fatigue.
The construction of the WELUK Pilot Aviator’s is light and comfortable. The bayonets are made of plastic so they are a little flimsy but this also makes them so lightweight you hardly even know that they’re there. Metal blockers on the legs keep the bayonets from slipping and stay secure on your temple. They also feature silicone nose pads that can be easily taken on and off. They even come with a spare set of nose pads!
Features:
- High-grade tri-acetate lenses
- UV4000 Protection
- Polarized anti-glare lenses
- Metal frame
- Metal bayonet blockers
- 55 mm
- Silicone nose pads
- Extra pair of nose pads
- 90-day money back guarantee
- Lightweight build
- Wide selection of frames and lens colors
Want to know more? Check out more info about it over on Amazon !
In Conclusion
If you have a couple thousand to spend, the Vintage Cartier Vendome Santos Sunglasses are the closest you’re going to get to owning Fast Eddie’s shades. With gold and platinum plating, they are certainly worth the money!
However, for the hustler on a budget, the three options listed above are all perfectly fine substitutes. When it comes down to it, the best pair for you depends on your needs.
- Choose the Ray-Bans if you value craftsmanship above all else: The Ray-Bans offer the greatest value and craftsmanship, as well as the reputation associated with their brand. You won’t have to worry about them falling apart on you in a couple of years.
- Choose the American Optics if you value eyewear protection: The American Optics are a respectable option as well. Crafted with U.S. pilots in mind, you can be rest assured that you’ll look like a badass and your eyes will be well protected. Polarized true-color glass and 100% UV protection make these a good choice if you spend a lot of time outdoors.
- Choose the WELUKs if you’re on a budget: Light and comfortable, the WELUKs are fun to wear and should protect your eyes just fine with their TAC polarized glass. However, the material is cheap and flimsy, so having a back-up at hand for when they break is probably a good idea.
Which sunglasses do you prefer? Leave a comment and let us know!