They’re described as the best pair of sunglasses for all times and they’re available for pre-order from the end of this month.
Dorset-based startup Times says its flagship product – adventure ready sustainable eyewear that never falls off – is almost unbreakable and can be easily worn around the neck or under a t-shirt when the sun goes in.
The sunglasses are the brainchild of videographer and photographer Jamie James, pictured right, and product designer Tom Parsons, Owner of Poole-based Aetha Design.
Times sunglasses will launch at 5pm UK time on Tuesday August 30 for pre-orders via Kickstarter.com.
The early bird price, limited to the first 200 pairs, is £58, a 40 per cent saving on a £95 recommended retail price.
After that they’ll be £68, a 30 per cent saving on the RRP.
Co-Founders Jamie and Tom said: “We’ve created the best pair of sunglasses for all times.
“They are adventure ready, unisex, super lightweight, good for the planet, and never fall off.
“You can wear them around your neck, under a t-shirt and they are always ready for good times.
“The frames are made from plants, are biodegradable and manufactured to the highest standard in Italy.
“We believe it’s time to put an end to lost and broken sunglasses.
“With your support we’ll bring this brand new patent pending eyewear to life!”
The sunglasses use a flexible strap that holds them securely to the face but also becomes a neck strap when the sun goes in.
They also fold flat, allowing them to be worn under a jacket or t-shirt when not in use.
Tom, pictured left, said: “Our patent pending design makes Times the most comfortable and durable pair of sunglasses we’ve ever used.
“The flexible strap moulds to fit any face and head shape and can be easily adjusted to suit your experience.
“Tighten the strap for a secure fit and loosen to wear relaxed when times slow down.
“Times ultra-slim profile is designed to be worn effortlessly around the neck when not in use.
“When you do need to pack your Times away, fold them flat and simply slip them into a laptop sleeve or bag and relax.”
The Times’ frames are made from bio-acetate, using a natural cellulose-based biopolymer made with a vegetable plasticizer and is also biodegradable.
They are plant based and made from renewable sources rather than oil or other fossil fuels.
The frames are made in Italy and manufactured to the highest standard to ensure maximum durability.
As well as being lightweight, and because they fold flat, they are considerably smaller when packaged compared to other sunglasses and can fit through a letterbox.
Times eyewear also feature the highest quality polarised lens from Zeiss.
The sunglasses will be available in three frame colours; Havana, crystal clear and matt black.
Jamie, 33, splits his time between Costa Rica and the South Coast.
He came up with the idea for Times in a remote part of Iceland after sitting on his sunglasses and breaking the arm off.
Being resourceful, he found a piece of elastic, attached it to each end of the frame to make a loop and Times was born.
Before starting Aetha Design, Tom, 35, was a Senior Design Engineer at Dyson, working on home electronics products including robotic and battery powered vacuum cleaners.
His consultancy has designed products for companies such as Osprey backpacks, Aquapac phone cases and has worked on several Kickstarter campaigns including designing the Cupple bottle.
Times has been meticulously designed and engineered over the past two years to create the durable, lightweight sun protection paired with a classic frame shape.
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