Collectors Spotlight - August 2012 - anto
Age: 45 / Scunthorpe, UK
anto: Tony England
How long have you been a collector of Oakley items?
I’ve been collecting seriously for about 18 months now but I got my first pair of genuine Oakley’s (Four’s) from a motorbike shop that was closing down (along with a pair of Five 2.0 for my wife) in the late nineties I think.
How did you get into collecting Oakley?
I got onto Facebook & joined an Oakley Forum & got talking to people with the same interest & it has taken off from there. But had a small collection, about 10 Pairs from going on Holiday in the USA over a number of years & buying a couple of pairs every time we went. My collection is somewhat of a family affair as my youngest son has a pair which is the Clear Frame / Emerald Lens Gas Can’s on the bottom shelf. My eldest son has Probation, Oil Rig, Jupiter LX & the Max Fear Light Holbrook. My wife has several pairs too. All with more pairs to follow I’m sure.
What is the first Oakley item you remember having?
It would be the Four’s & Five 2.0
What is your biggest Oakley regret? (if any)
Missing out on some of the classics such as the Romeo 1 & OTT’s at the right price. One day I will have an OTT & eventually a Romeo 1.
What is your next Oakley purchase likely to be?
Not too sure but I really need to get funds together for an OTT. This is my aim for the end of the year (fingers crossed).
What do you consider the "jewel" of your collection?
The three Plate’s that I have. Took some finding & were not cheap to obtain but well worth it. They are an exquisite frame & say everything about Oakley from that era. Oh & ALL my Monster Dogs (I love that frame)
How do you store/display your Oakley collection?
I have most of my frame in a detolf display case from Ikea.
Do you have a favorite Oakley retailer?
Not really, I surf around for the best details. Picking up from eyewearoutlet, sunglass shop & the place that everyone seems to hate eBay.
Do you customize?
I do to a certain degree, I’ve changed lenses in some of my Monster Dog frames & pained up icons to match. Also had a couple of pairs of Hijinx done with a water transfer (the Water Drops & the Dollar Bills frame .
What other Oakley products do you collect?
I’ve a few t-shirts, winter gloves, mountain bike gloves, beanie hats, balaclava, a bubble jacket (for winter) & a couple of backpacks.
What other hobbies/collections/passions do you have?
I use to mountain bike a lot but due to age I’ve now joined the lycra brigade & moved to road cycling both just for pleasure & to keep myself fit. Also do spinning classes & the gym. Love Volkswagens too. My eldest son has just got a MK4 Golf (Rabbit in the USA) & I spend time helping him to carry out modifications to it.
What advice do you have for new Oakley collectors?
Collect what you like & not what other say you should have. Beware of fakes out there & if unsure find someone that can help with advice. Above all ENJOY.
What do others think about your Oakley collection?
They think I’m mad. “Why do you need so many?” I just answer BECAUSE
What's your fondest/most astounding Oakley memory?
Buying my Pit Boss form the Oakley store in the Florida Mall a couple of years ago. I was wearing a pair of Ducati Hatchet & the guy that was serving me was more interested in those glasses rather than the dollars I wanted to spend on the ones from his store. He even asked if he could try them on & calling over some of his work colleagues to take a look at them.
Any final words?
I’m still very new to Oakley & picking up information all the time. The key is if in doubt about anything there are plenty of places to seek out the information & advise you require so you can always ask.
Oh & ENJOY your collection.
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