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Technical sunglasses often tend to focus on either pure performance or urban style. With the Belvedere 01, Vuarnet is clearly seeking to occupy the middle ground: a frame that's wearable in town but capable of withstanding several hours on the water. An interesting positioning for yachtsmen who want to avoid multiplying pairs according to use.
A classic design with no fad
The Belvedere 01 takes up the familiar codes of Wayfarer frames: a fairly straight face, thick temples and a medium-sized lens. The result remains discreet and works easily with different faces. Vuarnet's use of a fairly rigid bio-acetate gives an immediate feeling of solidity in the hand.
The reinforced hinges contribute to this impression of robustness. On a boat, where glasses are regularly moved from the chart table to the foulies pocket and then left in the cockpit, this detail is more important than it might seem.
The fit on the face is correct, even when moving around on the deck. The temples are sufficiently tight without creating a hard spot behind the ears after several hours of use.
Excellent contrast reading on water
As is often the case with Vuarnet, the main interest lies in the lenses. The Belvedere 01 features the brand's famous French-made mineral lenses.
On the water, optical quality is immediately apparent. Contrasts remain sharp and peripheral vision remains precise, especially in very bright areas where some organic lenses quickly show their limits. Reflections on the sea are adequately filtered out, and visual fatigue remains contained after several hours on the water.
The version we tested fitted with polarized Blue Polarlynx lenses offers appreciable comfort for summer sailing in strong reverberation. The polarizing coating effectively limits stray reflections on the water, without making it too difficult to read multifunction screens or smartphones, a problem often encountered with some very pronounced polarized lenses.
Mineral lenses also have the advantage of being more resistant to micro-scratches. For nautical use, where salt, sea spray and repeated handling put optics to the test, this aspect remains a real advantage over time.
More coastal cruising than racing
The Belvedere 01 is not a sports goggle in the strict sense. There's no anti-slip insert or wrap-around support like you'll find on models designed for light sailing or board sports. For sustained sailing or rough seas, you'll probably need to add a cord.
On the other hand, for cruising, trips to port, convoying or long days on the cockpit terrace, the compromise works well. The light coverage remains sufficient to effectively protect the eyes without giving the impression of wearing highly technical equipment.
Priced at around ?280, the Belvedere 01 is in the premium segment of the market. The price is essentially due to the mineral lenses and the French manufacturing process promoted by Vuarnet.
All in all, this Belvedere 01 will appeal above all to yachtsmen looking for a versatile, durable and optically very clean pair, geared more towards cruising and everyday use than intensive sports practice.
