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The Persol Steve McQueen 0714SM sunglasses carry one of the most storied legacies in eyewear. When Steve McQueen stepped onto the set of The Thomas Crown Affair in 1968 wearing his personal pair of 714s—Light Havana acetate with blue crystal lenses—he wasn't following a costume designer's direction. The frames were his own, and the director loved them so much they became part of the film. That single decision turned an already innovative design into a cultural icon.
The World's First Folding Sunglasses
Introduced in 1960 as a folding version of Persol's 649 model (originally designed for Turin tram drivers in 1957), the 714 was the first pair of sunglasses in the world that could fold. The engineering behind this isn't simple. Each 714SM frame requires ten additional manufacturing steps compared to standard acetate frames. The folding mechanism incorporates hinges at the bridge and within each temple, allowing the frame to collapse to roughly the size of a single lens—compact enough to slip into a shirt pocket. Nearly seven decades later, owners still report smooth, reliable folding action.
The 0714SM you see here is the Steve McQueen edition, distinguished by inward-folding temple hinges, "Steve McQueen" branding inside the temples, and polarized lenses across all colorways. Available in black with grey polarized lenses, honey with polar gradient blue, classic tortoise, and several havana variations, each version honors the original Light Havana/blue lens combination McQueen made famous.
Meflecto Temples & Italian Craftsmanship
Persol's patented Meflecto system—developed in the 1930s and still unmatched—is the reason these frames feel different the moment you put them on. Small nylon or metal cylinders are inserted into the acetate temples and intersected with a flexible steel core. The temples bend slightly to conform to your head shape, distributing pressure evenly and eliminating the squeeze you get from rigid frames. If you wear sunglasses all day, this matters. The system adapts to different face shapes without losing its spring, and it's why Persol frames have been the choice of pilots, race car drivers, and anyone who needs comfort over long hours.
The signature Supreme Arrow—visible at each hinge and inspired by ancient swords—isn't just decoration. It marks the flex points in the Meflecto system and serves as Persol's unmistakable hallmark. The keyhole bridge, a Persol signature since the brand's founding in 1917, sits lower on the nose for better weight distribution and a distinctly Italian silhouette.
Prescription-Ready & Built to Last
These frames are fully compatible with prescription lenses, including progressive and single-vision options. The 54mm lens width and 21mm bridge fit most face shapes comfortably—reviewers consistently note the 54mm works well even for wider heads. At 140mm temple length, the fit is secure without being tight, thanks to the Meflecto flex.
McQueen wore his 714s in Bullitt (1968), Le Mans (1971), and The Getaway (1972). They've been in continuous production for over 60 years because the design simply works. Handmade in Italy from high-quality acetate, these aren't fast-fashion frames. They're an investment in a piece of design history that happens to fold flat and fit like it was made for your face.
Product Details
Product DetailsModel
0PO0714SMShape
PilotGender
Material
Bridge Type
Rim Type
Age Group
Color Details
Color DetailsFrame Color
BlackColor Code
95/48Color Description
BlackLens Color
Grey Polar
Frame Color
TanColor Code
204/S3Color Description
Opal YellowLens Color
Polar Gradient Blue
Frame Color
TortoiseColor Code
96/56Color Description
Light HavanaLens Color
Crystal Blue
Frame Color
BrownColor Code
96/P1Color Description
Terra Di SienaLens Color
Polar GreenLens Features
polarized
Frame Color
BrownColor Code
96/73Color Description
Terra Di SienaLens Color
Light Brown
Frame Color
BrownColor Code
96/53Color Description
Terra Di SienaLens Color
Violet
Frame Color
TortoiseColor Code
24/P1Color Description
HavanaLens Color
Polar GreenLens Features
polarized
Size Details
Size DetailsBridge Width
21.00Temple Length
140.00Size
5421-140
Bridge Width
21.00Temple Length
140.00Size
5421-140
Bridge Width
21.00Temple Length
140.00Size
5421-140
Bridge Width
21.00Temple Length
140.00Size
5421-140
Bridge Width
21.00Temple Length
140.00Size
5421-140
Bridge Width
21.00Temple Length
140.00Size
5421-140
Bridge Width
21.00Temple Length
140.00Size
5421-140
Purchase was broken coming out of the box. And somehow they refused a refund.
This was my first time ordering from DesignerOptics, and I’ll admit I was a bit skeptical at first because their prices are so good! As my delivery date got close, I reached out for an update and was told the sunglasses were back ordered and shipping directly from the factory. Their team replied quickly and kept me informed, which I really appreciated. My order arrived about a week later, and the sunglasses were perfect! Overall, it was a great experience, and I’d definitely order from them again.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Persol 714SM different from the regular 714?
The 714SM Steve McQueen edition features inward-folding temple hinges (part of the folding system), "Steve McQueen" branding printed inside the temples, and comes exclusively with polarized lenses. The regular 714 offers both polarized and non-polarized lens options and lacks the Steve McQueen branding. Both share the same iconic folding mechanism, Meflecto flexible temples, and 54mm pilot shape.
Can I get prescription lenses in the Persol Steve McQueen 714SM?
Yes, the 714SM is fully prescription-ready and compatible with single-vision, progressive, and bifocal lenses. Persol offers premium glass lenses by Barberini with UV protection, anti-scratch treatment, and various tint options including polarized. The folding mechanism does not interfere with prescription lens installation.
How does the Persol Meflecto temple system work?
The Meflecto system, patented in the 1930s, inserts small nylon or metal cylinders into the acetate temples, intersected by a flexible steel core. This allows the temples to bend and conform to your unique head shape, distributing pressure evenly and eliminating discomfort during extended wear. The process adds over 10 manufacturing steps compared to standard frames.
What size is the Persol 714SM and who does it fit?
The 714SM measures 54mm lens width, 21mm bridge width, and 140mm temple length. This is considered a medium-to-large fit that works well for most face shapes. Customer reviews consistently note the 54mm size fits comfortably even on wider heads, and the Meflecto flexible temples ensure a secure, pressure-free fit without squeezing.
How does the folding mechanism work on the 714SM?
The 714SM folds at multiple points: hinges at the bridge and within each temple allow the frame to collapse to approximately the size of a single lens. The mechanism requires ten additional manufacturing steps to ensure smooth, reliable folding. Owners report the folding action remains smooth even after years of daily use, and the compact size makes them easy to carry in a pocket.
Are the lenses on the Steve McQueen edition polarized?
Yes, all Persol 714SM Steve McQueen editions come with polarized lenses as standard. Available lens colors include grey polarized, polar gradient blue, polarized green, and light brown, depending on the frame color you choose. Polarization reduces glare from reflective surfaces and provides 100% UV protection.
Compare With Similar Frames
How the Persol Steve Mcqueen 0714SM Sunglasses stacks up against the closest alternatives we carry.
- Lower price point ($335–$516 vs $325–$575)
- More lens options including non-polarized
- Same folding mechanism and Meflecto comfort
- Lower starting price ($224–$427)
- Slightly larger frame for more coverage
- Thicker, more robust acetate construction
Read the full comparison
Persol Steve McQueen 714SM vs. Regular 714 vs. 649
If you're deciding between Persol's most iconic models, here's what matters. The 714SM Steve McQueen is the collector's choice: inward-folding hinges, Steve McQueen branding inside the temples, and polarized lenses across every colorway. It's a tribute to the exact frames McQueen wore in The Thomas Crown Affair, and that heritage commands a slight premium.
The Persol Folding 0714 ($335–$516) shares the same folding mechanism, Meflecto temples, and 54mm pilot shape, but without the Steve McQueen branding. You get more lens options—including non-polarized—and a lower entry price. If you want the folding convenience without the collector angle, the regular 714 delivers identical comfort and portability.
The Persol 0649 ($224–$427) is the original 1957 design that inspired the 714. It doesn't fold, so you'll need a full-size case, but many owners prefer the 649's slightly larger lens coverage and thicker, more robust acetate construction. Forum users note the 649 feels more substantial on the face, while the 714SM is sleeker and more travel-friendly. Both have the same Meflecto comfort and keyhole bridge.
Our take: Choose the 714SM if you want the most iconic version with Steve McQueen heritage and guaranteed polarized lenses. Go with the regular 714 if you want folding convenience at a lower price. Pick the 649 if you prefer a slightly larger, non-folding frame with maximum coverage and don't need pocket portability.
At a Glance
Persol Folding 0714 Sunglasses
Pros:
- Lower price point ($335–$516 vs $325–$575)
- More lens options including non-polarized
- Same folding mechanism and Meflecto comfort
- Same 54mm pilot shape and Italian craftsmanship
Cons:
- No Steve McQueen branding or collector appeal
- Standard folding hinges vs. inward-folding SM hinges
- Not all colorways include polarized lenses
- Less iconic film heritage
Persol 0649 Sunglasses
Pros:
- Lower starting price ($224–$427)
- Slightly larger frame for more coverage
- Thicker, more robust acetate construction
- Same Meflecto temples and keyhole bridge
- Worn by Marcello Mastroianni—its own film legacy
Cons:
- Does not fold—requires full-size case
- Slightly heavier due to one-piece construction
- No Steve McQueen association
- Less portable for travel or pockets