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June 2026 - Footwear Delivery Rarely in stock New in and brought back Discontinued, Samples, and One-offs Vicuña Bestsellers

Eyewear

Latest Eyewear Releases Eyeglasses Sunglasses Sunglasses, available Now

Footwear

Shoes, available now Sneakers Loafers and Driving Shoes

Knitwear

Vicuña by Archibald Scarves & Stoles Woven and Knitted Accessories Knitted Sweaters & Tops

Clothing

Made-to-order Tailoring Jackets & Coats Shirts Trousers Japanese Selvedge Denim

Leather Goods

Leather Bags Wallets & Cardholders Leather Gloves Belts Eyewear Cases Watch Straps

Homeware

Copper Pans Blankets & Throws Bed & Bath Bohemian Crystal Fine Cutlery

Handcrafted in Japan

Each Archibald frame is individually handcrafted in Japan by Takumi master craftsmen, each with over 30 years of experience perfecting their process. Over 200 manual processes are completed across 16 different workshops in a unique, six-week long guild-like procedure arranged to ensure we provide only the highest quality frames.

Craftsmanship

Visit the workshop in Sabae, Japan

Premium Japanese acetate allows us to create some of the most flexible and durable eyewear in the world.

Sourced from famed Japanese supplier Takiron Rowland, every pair is cut from a single sheet of acetate to ensure consistency in colour, feel and weight. Each frame then undergoes a rigorous polishing process to achieve a beautiful sheen. Archibald London London Meets Fukui by A. Tudela (05/01/2016), The New York Times. Archibald London Archibald London - Forging New Ground at the High End of the Market by Scrutinizing Its Brand by B. Auerbach (02/08/2016), Forbes.

Material

So what does it all mean, really? Quality is an easy word to throw around but how can it all be judged?

We set out to make the finest eyewear in the world, the one that is usually unreachable, the pair the opticians sell for $975 with equivalent lenses! Longevity, resistance to force and strength are our metrics. In case of incident the Japanese acetate can be easily bent back into form. This isn't the poor quality These are made to last, to accompany you and to support you through all life’s adventures.

Quality
  • Cut from a single sheet of premium Japanese acetate ensuring flexibility and durability
  • 6 weeks and over 200 manual processes to handcraft a single frame
  • Premium acetate with enhanced malleability to ensure individual fit and comfort.
  • Gently tumbled in a wood barrel with resin chips and oil prior to 3-stage hand polishing
  • Japanese 3-barrel hinge finished with blue coated screws to strengthen frame structure
  • Three stringent quality control checks prior to approval and shipping
  • Available with a selection of extremely high grade, coated Japanese lenses available at cost of manufacture
  • Frames are shot with white light shone, so some frames, and especially lenses can look lighter than in real life
  • Do not expose to high temperature, excess moisture - and to use a dry cloth to remove any moisture to avoid damage
  • Clean lenses with luke warm water with a drop of neutral detergent and dry gently

  • Cut from a single sheet of premium Japanese acetate ensuring flexibility and durability
  • 6 weeks and over 200 manual processes to handcraft a single frame
  • Premium acetate with enhanced malleability to ensure individual fit and comfort.
  • Gently tumbled in a wood barrel with resin chips and oil prior to 3-stage hand polishing
  • Japanese 3-barrel hinge finished with blue coated screws to strengthen frame structure
  • Three stringent quality control checks prior to approval and shipping
  • Available with a selection of extremely high grade, coated Japanese lenses available at cost of manufacture
  • Frames are shot with white light shone, so some frames, and especially lenses can look lighter than in real life
  • Do not expose to high temperature, excess moisture - and to use a dry cloth to remove any moisture to avoid damage
  • Clean lenses with luke warm water with a drop of neutral detergent and dry gently

Named after Sir Bobby Charlton, central to England's 1966 World Cup triumph, the Charlton in Rum Tortoise is cut from a single sheet of premium Japanese acetate in classic amber and honey tortoiseshell. The warm, mottled pattern complements the classically curved, lightweight silhouette with timeless character. Designed to suit almost all face shapes, the Charlton is as versatile and well rounded as the maestro himself. Each frame is handcrafted in Sabae, Japan across six weeks and over 200 manual processes. Ships to the United States. Free returns.

Specs Blueprint

If your purchase is not exactly what you are looking for, you have 28 days from receiving your order to exchange or return and send your items back to us as long as you have not requested any alterations or special customizations.

Please note, items purchased from the samples sale are not eligible for returns.

For our complete return policy please refer to our Terms and Conditions

product craftmanship image

Premium Japanese acetate allows us to create some of the most flexible and durable eyewear in the world.

Sourced from famed Japanese supplier Takiron Rowland, every pair is cut from a single sheet of acetate to ensure consistency in colour, feel and weight. Each frame then undergoes a rigorous polishing process to achieve a beautiful sheen. Archibald London London Meets Fukui by A. Tudela (05/01/2016), The New York Times. Archibald London Archibald London - Forging New Ground at the High End of the Market by Scrutinizing Its Brand by B. Auerbach (02/08/2016), Forbes.

Product Material

So what does it all mean, really? Quality is an easy word to throw around but how can it all be judged?

We set out to make the finest eyewear in the world, the one that is usually unreachable, the pair the opticians sell for $975 with equivalent lenses! Longevity, resistance to force and strength are our metrics. In case of incident the Japanese acetate can be easily bent back into form. This isn't the poor quality These are made to last, to accompany you and to support you through all life’s adventures.

Product Quality

Lenses... your way, also made in Japan and individually cut and fit for you by the people who make them.

There wouldn't be much of a point in providing such beautiful frames if the lenses we offered did not reflect the same dedication to quality. Unsurprisingly we found the perfect partners in Japan with whom we work with directly. They take care of both manufacturing of our proprietary lenses and order fulfillment. After all your sight is a gift and must be protected in the best possible way.

See our lenses
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Meet Charlton in Sunglasses

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Lens reglazing service

We fit new lenses into any pair of glasses at a fraction of the price at your optician.
Learn more
This Price Breakdown and Comparison Section is Under Construction

How they measure up to the others... Let's come clean here!

The next time you pay for a label, we politely invite you to think about what you have actually paid for... Sorry, established stalwarts of luxury, your secret is out!

$95
Warby Parker
$1020
Morgenthal Frederics
$225
Archibald

Product

Acetate Eyeglasses View

Acetate Eyeglasses View

Acetate Eyeglasses

Made in

China

Japan

Sabae, Japan





Lead Craftsmen

Unknown

Unknown

T. Nishikata

Acetate & other materials

Unknown

Unknown

¥700 JPY

Craftsmanship

Unknown

Unknown

¥4900 JPY

Packaging

Unknown

Unknown

$6.75 USD

Lenses

Polycarbonate (China)

Rx 1.67 Hi-Index (Unknown)

Rx 1.67 Hi-Index (Japan)

Lens Cost

Unknown

Unknown

¥2950 JPY

Reglazing

Unknown

Unknown

¥1500 JPY

Duties + Logistics

Unknown

Unknown

~$14.97 USD





True Cost

Unknown

Unknown

$114.65 USD





Sale Price

$95 w/ Lenses

$1020 w/ Lenses

$225 w/ Lenses





Brand Margin

Unknown

Unknown

$110.35 USD

Retailer Mark-up

n/a

Unknown

N/A

Effective Mark-up

~350% (x 4.5)

~820% (x 9.2)

92.1% (x 1.92)

(Brand+Retailer)

$225
Archibald
$1020
Morgenthal Frederics

Product

Acetate Eyeglasses

Acetate Eyeglasses View

Made in

Sabae, Japan

Japan




Lead Craftsmen

T. Nishikata

Unknown

Acetate & other materials

¥700 JPY

Unknown

Craftsmanship

¥4900 JPY

Unknown

Packaging

$6.75 USD

Unknown

Lenses

Rx 1.67 Hi-Index (Japan)

Rx 1.67 Hi-Index (Unknown)

Lens Cost

¥2950 JPY

Unknown

Reglazing

¥1500 JPY

Unknown

Duties + Logistics

~$14.97 USD

Unknown




True Cost

$114.65 USD

Unknown




Sale Price

$225 w/ Lenses

$1020 w/ Lenses




Brand Margin

$110.35 USD

Unknown

Retailer Mark-up

N/A

Unknown

Effective Mark-up

92.1% (x 1.92)

~820% (x 9.2)

(Brand+Retailer)

Charlton Eyeglasses

$398
Duties IncludedShipped from the UK
Color >Rum Tortoise
Lens Color >Clear
Lens Type >1.67 Index Ultra Thin Lenses

Backed by You

Other Colours

Golden Dawn
Golden Dawn
Rum Tortoise
Rum Tortoise
Jet Black
Jet Black

Lens Colors

Clear
Clear
Brown
Brown
Blue-Grey
Blue-Grey
Green
Green

Lens Types

No Lenses (frame only)

This option means there are no lenses included in the order. The frame arrives with plain, plastic dummy lenses which can be popped out and replaced with lenses from another source.

-$70
1.60 Index Super Thin Lenses w/ Blue Filter

Thin, light and durable with BLUE Light filter. These lenses are recommended for those looking for prescription lenses which provide protection from blue light emitted from some electronic devices.

1.67 Index Ultra Thin Lenses

Ultra thin, light and durable. These lenses have been carefully selected and represent our standard offering in our prescription eyewear package. Wonderfully weighted and providing unparalleled sharpness in vision.

1.70 Index Ultra Thin Lenses w/ Blue Filter

Ultra thin, light, durable and with BLUE light filter. These lenses are recommended for people with higher prescriptions (SPH +/- 8.00) and would like protection from blue light emitted from some electronic devices.

+$35
1.74 Index Hyper Thin Lenses

Ultra thin, super light and durable: these lenses represent our thinnest and lightest offering and are recommended for people with higher prescriptions (SPH +/- 8.00).

+$35