Cébé 250 Vintage Gold-Tone Metal Sunglasses
Eyewear / Fashion Accessory · Cébé. Founded in 1892 in Morez, France, Cébé is a pioneer in sports and outdoor eyewear, famous for equipping mountaineers and skiers like Jean-Claude Killy.
Pattern: Cébé 250 Series; a classic rectangular-oval model popular in the 1990s mountaineering and lifestyle range.
Type
Eyewear / Fashion Accessory
Maker
Cébé. Founded in 1892 in Morez, France, Cébé is a pioneer in sports and outdoor eyewear, famous for equipping mountaineers and skiers like Jean-Claude Killy.
Material
Gold-plated base metal (likely nickel-silver or brass) with mineral glass lenses and synthetic ear socks/nose pads. No solid precious metal content.
Dimensions
Approx. 135mm width, 35mm lens height. Estimated weight: 30-40 grams.
Description
A pair of slim, vintage Cébé sunglasses featuring gold-tone metallic frames and signature dark mineral lenses. This model epitomizes the 1990s tech-wear aesthetic, blending high-altitude performance optics with a street-ready rectangular silhouette.
Key Features
Mineral glass lenses with 'CEBE 250' branding, signature French construction, and a minimalist wire-frame profile associated with 90s outdoor culture.
Material & Composition
Gold-plated base metal (likely nickel-silver or brass) with mineral glass lenses and synthetic ear socks/nose pads. No solid precious metal content.
Finish & Decoration
Polished gold-tone finish with a matte or satin bridge. Minimalist industrial design with etched branding on the upper right lens corner.
Hallmarks & Stamps
'CEBE 250' etched on the lens; physical frames typically stamped 'CEBE', 'FRANCE', and model numbers on the inner temple arms.
Construction Details
Machine-manufactured metal frames with tension-mounted lenses, soldered bridges, and screw-fastened hinges.
Functional Features
UV protective mineral glass lenses, adjustable nose pads, and wrap-around 'cable' or curved temple tips for secure fit.
Handle & Grip Details
Thin metal temples featuring translucent acetate or rubberized ear socks for comfort and grip.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality industrial assembly with durable mineral glass lenses, superior to modern plastic equivalents in terms of scratch resistance and optical clarity.
Authentication Indicators
Lens branding placement, distinctive Cébé hinge design, and 'France' stamping on the internal hardware.
Origin & Manufacturing
France; specifically the Jura region which is the historic heart of French eyewear manufacturing.
Era & Period
Late 20th Century (approx. 1990-1998); reflecting the transition from performance mountaineering gear to urban 'sport-chic' fashion.
Age Estimate
Circa 1992-1996 based on the '250' model designation and lens shape popular during the mid-90s vintage revival.
Cultural Significance
Represents the '90s 'Gorpcore' precursor where specialized alpine gear became a staple of European and American streetwear.
Condition Notes
Good vintage condition. Visible light surface scratches on the lenses and minor oxidation/pitting on the metal bridge. Nose pads show slight yellowing consistent with age. Grade: Very Good.
Value Estimate
$80 - $150 USD depending on lens clarity and original packaging. Vintage French performance eyewear has a strong niche market.
Care & Maintenance
Clean lenses with a dedicated microfiber cloth; avoid paper towels. Periodically tighten hinge screws and store in a hard case to prevent frame misalignment.
Similar Pieces
Vintage Ray-Ban Sidestreet series, Vuarnet Legend 03, and Oakley wire-frame models. Cébé is distinguished by its specific mountaineering heritage compared to Ray-Ban's aviation focus.
Interesting Facts
Cébé was the first brand to create sunglasses specifically for glacier exploration and provided the equipment for many of the first Everest expeditions.