How to authenticate Persol

About Persol Authentication

Persol was founded in Turin in 1917 and has been owned by EssilorLuxottica since 1995. The brand's two defining construction technologies — the Meflecto flexible stem system and the Supreme Arrow hinge — are present on virtually all Persol frames and serve as the primary authentication anchors. These are patented mechanisms with distinctive physical signatures that are expensive to replicate accurately. The 714 foldable model, the 3152V, and the 649 are the most counterfeited references.

All genuine Persol frames are made by hand in Italy. A "Made in China" or "Made in Taiwan" marking on a frame sold as Persol is a definitive fake indicator.

Key authentication signals

• Supreme Arrow hinge. The signature Supreme Arrow — a solid metal arrow shape integrated into the hinge at each temple-to-front junction — is Persol's most recognizable physical signal. On authentic frames the arrow is cast from solid brass or gunmetal-finished metal, is sharp and well-defined, and sits flush with the temple exterior surface. Counterfeit arrows are pressed from thin sheet metal, show soft edges, or sit above the temple surface rather than flush.
• Meflecto temple system. Persol's patented Meflecto flexible stem incorporates two thin metal reinforcing strips running along the inner core of each temple, allowing slight lateral flex without hinging. Flexing an authentic Persol temple sideways reveals a gentle resistance that returns the arm to position; the flex happens along the full length of the temple. Counterfeits use a standard rigid or simple spring-hinge temple — flex is either absent or concentrated at a single spring-hinge point rather than distributed.
• Left inner temple engraving. The inner left temple is laser-engraved with the model code in the format "PO" followed by four digits and a letter suffix (e.g., "PO0649S" for the 649). Below this appears the frame size in standard three-number format. Font is clean, consistent in depth, and aligned parallel to the temple edge. Any deviation in font weight or misaligned engraving is a fake indicator.
• Right inner temple text. The inner right arm reads "Hand Made in Italy" followed by the CE conformity mark. The phrase is engraved at consistent depth with correct capitalization. Absence of "Hand Made in Italy," incorrect capitalization (e.g., "handmade in Italy"), or a printed rather than engraved inscription are counterfeit signals.
• Acetate quality and clarity. Persol acetate is manufactured from Italian cellulose acetate, which has a translucent depth visible in the frame core when held against light. The surface is polished to a high clarity. Low-grade counterfeit acetate appears opaque, slightly hazy, or has a plastic sheen rather than an organic depth.

Serial and reference numbers

Persol does not use a unique per-pair consumer-visible serial number. The model code on the left inner temple (PO followed by four digits and a suffix) is the primary reference identifier. This code can be verified against Persol's official catalog to confirm the model exists in the stated colorway. Limited editions (such as Steve McQueen 714SM) carry additional text on the temple confirming the edition name.

Common counterfeit red flags

• Supreme Arrow sits above the temple surface rather than flush, or shows soft pressed-metal edges rather than a cast, sharp form.
• Meflecto flex is absent or concentrated at a single hinge point rather than distributed along the temple length.
• Right inner arm reads "Made in Italy" without the "Hand Made" prefix, or uses printed rather than engraved text.
• Acetate color appears uniform and opaque through the cross-section rather than showing the depth and translucency of cellulose acetate.