Persol 714 vs. 649: See what changes in the glasses worn by Steve McQueen

Persol 714 are famous because they fold, they were made very popular by Steve McQueen. The Persol 649 is the previous model, they are very strong and do not fold. Both share the same shape, modified aviator style, a style that everyone knows. They are made with great quality in Italy.

The Persol Legend: Take a closer look at the 714 and 649 models.

Persol was born in Turin, Italy, at the beginning of the last century, it's a brand with a lot of history. It has always meant new things, good work and a style that doesn't get old, really. Giuseppe Ratti founded them. He wanted to protect the eyes of airline and racing pilots. Then they became very elegant, a status symbol. Two models are the most famous: the Persol 714 and the Persol 649. They are no longer just glasses, they are like cultural icons. Everyone recognizes them instantly, many famous people have worn them. Here we will tell you what's so special about each one, how they look, their history and why they are of such good quality.

Persol 649: The beginning of a classic that everyone knows.

The Persol 649 came out in 1957. They were made for the streetcar drivers of Turin. They needed big glasses that would protect them from the sun and dust, really. Their design was bold, with a large frame and a unique shape. People saw them and really liked them, not just the drivers. They are very strong, made of acetate. They have a 'keyhole' shaped bridge that is easy to recognize. On the temples they have an arrow, the Supreme Arrow, which is their trademark. The 649 became an icon of style and durability, there is no doubt about it. This model is fixed, it does not bend. It was the basis for the folding model, its brother, which came later.

Persol 714: The ones that fold and how Steve McQueen made them famous.

The Persol 714 appeared ten years later, in 1960. They are a very clever improvement of the 649 model. The newest thing about them is their folding system. That makes the glasses fold up and fit in a pocket, very practical for carrying them. They were the world's first foldable sunglasses, a great engineering achievement. But the truth is that they became legendary because of Steve McQueen. The 'King of Cool' popularized them in the movie 'The Secret of Thomas Crown'. Thus they became a symbol of rebellious elegance, a unique style. He chose to wear them. That and seeing them in the movies made the 714 an icon, you can't separate them from his image.

Persol 714 vs. 649: What's the difference?

Design and frame: do they bend or are they fixed?

The biggest difference between these two glasses is how they are made. Persol 714s are well known because they bend, they have extra hinges on the bridge and temples. They get very small when folded, they fit anywhere. This is very good if you want to store them easily, they are super comfortable to wear. The Persol 649, on the other hand, are fixed and more robust, they don't bend. That's why they feel stronger and have a more classic look, they don't move. From the front they look a bit similar, but the 714s are a bit thinner and sleeker. They have to be that way in order to bend.

How comfortable are they: which one fits you best?

Both sunglasses are comfortable, which is typical Persol. Their Meflecto temples adjust to your face. But there are a few small differences. The 649s are fixed, so they feel a bit bigger and more stable. They're better if you have a medium or large face. The 714s bend, so they feel lighter, but they can be a little tight in places because of the hinges. This is not a problem for everyone, only if you are very sensitive. Both work for just about everyone, they are very versatile. But if you want them to cover you more or not move at all, the 649s are the better choice.

Materials and how they are made: They both have Persol quality.

The quality of the materials is something very important for Persol, for both models. The 714 and the 649 are made with high quality acetate. They have glass lenses, this gives you a very clear vision and protect you from the sun. The Meflecto temples, with flexible cylinders, are the same in both. This makes them fit your face well. The differences in the finish are few, almost unnoticeable. The 714 has a mechanism that bends them, this needs a lot of engineering work. But it doesn't take away from their strength or shine, they stay polished. You are always looking for something durable.

Your Style: A Movie Icon or a Timeless Classic?

Both models are iconic sunglasses, no argument. But their style is a little different. The 714s always go with the Steve McQueen image, and that "cool" movie vibe. People looking for that Hollywood glamour prefer them, they have a very clear history. I remember that actor in old movies. The 649 is more of a timeless classic. It's an original design that never goes out of style, robust and very versatile. It's a style benchmark in its own right, with no particular celebrity touting them, although many have worn them.

Compare: The Persol 714 and the Persol 649

Let's compare the Persol 714 and the 649. The main design of the 714 is that they bend, that was something new. The 649 is fixed, it's the same old design, more robust. The 714 came out after the 649, in 1960, as an improvement. The 649s are the originals, from 1957, made for streetcar riders. The 714 is associated with Steve McQueen, from the movie 'The Secret of Thomas Crown'. The 649's are a timeless classic, they don't have a specific celebrity, I like that better. The mechanism of the 714's has many hinges for bending, on the bridge and temples. The 649's are one piece, they don't bend. The 714s are very easy to store, they fit in your pocket. The 649s need a regular case. Touching them, the 714s are a little thinner, the hinges show. The 649s feel stronger and more solid. The styling of the 714s is film-like, glamorous, somewhat rebellious. The 649s have a classic, elegant and functional style. It's good to know the differences.

Steve McQueen and the Persol 714: A Clear Union

You can't talk about the Persol 714 without mentioning Steve McQueen. That famous actor, who was said to be the 'King of Cool', was very fond of this folding model. That's why they became famous all over the world. He chose them and with his unique style he took them to the movies, to films like 'The Secret of Thomas Crown' in 1968. There he wore them with an elegance that did not seek to be, and that was part of the history of the film. The image of McQueen with his 714s stuck in people's heads. Sunglasses became a symbol of adventure, of something sophisticated and rebellious. I love symbols like that, they speak volumes. This connection was so great that Persol released the 'Steve McQueen Edition' of the 714. It is a special series to remember the actor, with exact details such as the color of the blue lenses and the angle of the temples, just like McQueen wore them. This edition is a tribute to that legend and how much he influenced the eyewear world.

Which One Do I Choose? A Guide to Deciding Between the Persol 714 and the 649

Ideal for Travelers and Foldable Style Lovers (Persol 714)

If you care about your eyewear being easy to carry, the Persol 714 is the choice. They fold up to fit in a pocket or small purse, so they don't break. This is great for everyday wear. Also, if you like movies, these glasses have history, Steve McQueen wore them a lot, they give you a unique style. They work for people who travel and want something practical, but look good, it's not complicated.

The Choice for Rugged, Classic Elegance (Persol 649)

If you like stronger glasses, with a design that doesn't change, that is Persol as always, the 649 are yours. They don't bend, so they feel more solid, and they cover more of your face, which is ideal if you have a wide face. They are like the essence of the brand, a classic that always works, they give a simple elegance. You wear them every day, they are resistant, they look good, very classic.

Conclusion: Two Icons, One Persol Legend

Well, Persol 714 and 649 are not just glasses, they are like design objects with a lot of history, people know them. You decide which one you prefer, if you want to wear them easy and you like movies, the 714 is good. If you want something strong and classic, the 649 is better. Both are Italian quality, they have that Persol style that never goes out of style. If you are looking for Steve McQueen's Persol 714, or any other, you can look here at Optica Bassol, you are sure to find the ones that go with you. Which one is more famous, the 714 or the 649? The 714 was seen more in movies, but both are very iconic, each in their own way, they have their place in fashion history.