A Fusion of Style and Performance
I recently got my hands on a pair of the new Watchtowers™ from VALLON - a blend of vintage style and cutting-edge technology which sees VALLON enter the cycling eyewear market. So, naturally, I had to test them out and share my thoughts.
1. Design and Style
The Watchtowersâ„¢ take a bold leap into the 80s with their design. The range offers three colourways - Black Smoke, Dark Teal Copper (which I tested), and Silver Blue, providing stylish options for different tastes. They look as good off-the-bike as they do on-the-bike, which means less gear to pack when you're bikepacking!
Coffee and Cogs Rating: 5/5
2. Technical Specifications
Crafted from 85% recycled fishing nets, the frame is both eco-friendly and sturdy. The Carl Zeiss lenses are a standout, promising shatterproof performance with ultra-clear vision. The clarity of the lens is superb, in cycling in direct sunlight or even when the sun goes in. And at 32g, they're lightweight too.
Frame: Nylon 6 - 85% recycled fishing nets (love this!)
Lens: Carl Zeiss
Spec: Cat.3
Coating: Hydro-Oleophobic (I had to look this up. It means the the glasses are repellent to water as well oils such as skin oils, meaning no greasy finger prints on the lenses 🙌)
Nose pieces: x 3
Coffee and Cogs Rating: 5/5
3. Performance and Comfort
On my test ride, the clarity and durability were very impressive. The RiPel coating kept them clear in various conditions. The adjustable nose pads and soft temples ensured a snug fit, important for those long rides.
Coffee and Cogs Rating: 4/5
4. Sustainability and Warranty
VALLON's commitment to sustainability is commendable. With each purchase contributing to their cleanup initiative and the use of recycled materials (1kg of plastic waster is collected and recycled with each purchase), these glasses are a win for the environment. The Lifetime Warranty adds to their value. And the packaging? Well, not only is it as stylish as the sunglasses themselves, but also, and more importantly, there's no plastic!
Coffee and Cogs Rating: 5/5
5. Price and Value
Priced at £122 / €140, they sit comfortably in the mid-range market. Considering the technical features and sustainability efforts, they offer great value for money.
Coffee and Cogs Rating: 4/5
Conclusion
The VALLON Watchtowersâ„¢ are more than just a style statement. They bring together vintage aesthetics with modern technology and sustainability. Ideal for cyclists who value both form, function and the environment. And now, they're my favourite piece of cycling gear!
Overall Rating: 4.6 / 5
Some images are from the VALLON website