Aviator is one of Johnny Depp’s all-time eyewear styles. He’s been faithful to it ever since the dawn of his acting career, repeatedly taking his favorite models out for a walk to all kinds of photocalls and high-profile events. On May 15, 1998, Johnny Depp showed up at the Cannes Film Festival in a sleek pair of the American Optical Original Pilot C4, a design drawing inspiration from glasses worn by actual U.S. military pilots and offering the same seamless, premium fit.
Sculpted with rugged finesse from durable and lightweight metal resistant to rust and scratches, the American Optical Original Pilot C4 exudes understated elegance with a hint of polished masculinity. Walking away from the classic teardrop lens shape, the model grounds itself in a more structured square silhouette, albeit rounded at the edges to keep its contours flowing smoothly. Echoing the signature double bridge, the precision-engineered Bayonet temples taper gracefully behind the ears for a secure yet pressureless fit, refined by their soft-wrapped tips. Equipped with the brand’s custom screw-mounted barrel hinges, the shades move and flex with ease, all while offering exceptional durability and resilience.
The lenses wrap your eyes in 100% UV protection, blocking both short- and long-wave rays, and are polarized to keep glare out of the way, no matter how bright the sun. That day in Cannes, Johnny Depp wore a variant of the Original Pilot C4 that seems to be a matte silver frame with true-color gray lenses. Adding an irresistible dash of tough guy charm to the actor’s red carpet ensemble, this choice definitely had more than a few hearts skip a beat.
With prices ranging between $220 and $305, the American Optical Original Pilot C4 is a fair pick that brings both style and function to the table. Available in a range of finishes, from shiny gold to matte black, and with striking lens tints going all the way from the vintage Calobar green to the glamorous SunFlash Blue Mirror, the model keeps scoring high sales even decades after its initial release. It also comes in three sizes to cater to every wearer and offers a choice of either nylon or glass lenses, depending on whether you prefer going sleek and light or steep yourself in premium luxury.
Get inspired by Johnny Depp’s timeless style and choose your perfect combo right here: https://aoeyewear.com/product/original-pilot/
Frame Specifications:
Model: Original Pilot C4 BT SM GNG-P
Color: Matte Silver/Gray
Frame Size: 55-20-140
Frame Type: Full Rim
Frame Material: Metal
Frame Color: Matte Silver
Frame Shape: Aviator
Lens Material: Glass
Lens Color: Gray
Polarized: Yes
Type: Sunglasses
Gender: Unisex
Style: Casual
Manufacturer: American Optical
Johnny Depp never fails to deliver another memorable eyewear moment. Stay on track to put together the puzzle of his style, from early movie premieres to recent street sightings, as we cover his fabulous collection frame after frame!