Bitcoin Forum

Project Intent:

 Revitalize a style of eyeglasses that 1) provides a minimalistic and unique design and 2) cater to individualists, the nostalgic and vintage enthusiasts alike.

Product Description:

  The Pince-Nez (Pence-Nay) style of eyewear is defined by its lack of hinged temples. As the typical set of eyeglasses is worn by the ear, the Pince-Nez is hung exclusively from the bridge of the nose by a spring-based grip. This grip, referred to as the "bridge" of the glasses, typically holds the two lenses in a rimless-fashion by a screw or similar device.

Where has it gone?

It faded away during its modernization, before the 1930s, most likely in favor of the more practical hinged temple glasses. Then why go back to them now?

Past issues have been resolved.

  Early designs of the Pince-Nez lacked a practical grip and thus were susceptible to falling off the users face. This problem was nearly dissolved by the modern spring-based grip but still required a chain tied to an article of clothing or the user neck to prevent shattering from improbable fall. This issue is no longer relevant since lenses are now composed of durable, shatter-resistant plastic, thus eliminating the need of the insurance provided by the chain. This certainly makes the Pince-Nez practical for today in contrast to when only glass-based lenses were available.

We plan to sell these in the form of readers, shades and prescription eyewear.

Here are some images of the modern-use of said eyewear. As shown are vintage pieces by which our new product should be based.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i9Jewc3h5x4/TWkjX-6KZ9I/AAAAAAAAFTY/Ru06iAUiwg8/s400/ted_side.jpg

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_I8xQuJY0zgo/TUD0Qi3NiTI/AAAAAAAAFMU/nN8ulvpIs8E/s200/SANY0002_sm.jpg

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_I8xQuJY0zgo/TSie805VS-I/AAAAAAAAFJc/iEsYCl-q7CU/s320/dan2.jpg

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_I8xQuJY0zgo/TSiaf3STdrI/AAAAAAAAFJU/R0Mp-JgMBIE/s320/dan1.jpg

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_I8xQuJY0zgo/TQwYWs2FmrI/AAAAAAAAFGA/PIyX222vHjw/s400/MaryPinceNez1.jpg

Source: Pince-Nez Renaissance - http://pincenez1.blogspot.com

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Phase 1

This venture is in the midst of the first phase through which will determine whether this project goes into full throttle or sits in indefinite incubation.

Measuring Potential

  As shown by the Pince-Nez blog and various vintage eyeglass retailers, there is an existing demand for the Pince-Nez and similar types of glasses. Of course, you can never be certain. That is why in Phase 1 we will be measuring the exact interest and give a level of certainty to the sufficiency this venture may attain.
  This will be done though an online portal. It will serve as the initial marketer and measurer of interest through preorders. It will also have connections major social-networking sites like Face, Twitter, etc.

The Website

The biggest feature of the website is its display of our initial concept, our modern Pince-Nez design. I have consulted with an independent graphic designer who has worked with various companies, rendering many processes and products, especially for the well-known eyewear company Oakley.

Here are some samples of his work:

http://imgur.com/yedE1

http://imgur.com/QYBTA

http://imgur.com/MOR3y

https://i.imgur.com/ONNM1

He is charging $300 for a rendering of the initial concept. This is subject to change because I wish to have him render several forms (sunglasses, transparent, rectangular, etc.) The rest of the website design has an allocation budget of $200 - $500 (or BTC equivalent). Once again, this rendering will be sold as a product through preorders, to give a marker of initial and potential sales. Key words to describe the website is luxury, contemporary and essentially individualistic. Detailed mock-ups of the rendering and website are still in the works.

...and, of course, let me state that I will be selling these eyeglasses for Bitcoin. ; )

After Phase 1 is complete and successful, I will begin to get this product formally marketed and developed for production.

If you are interested in helping getting this venture off the ground, post your investment pledges (BTC or USD) below. Investors will be given an equitable share in eventual returns and say in company affairs.

The project has little to no available funding at the moment. As stated, I will most likely need around $1000 (or BTC equivalent) to complete Phase 1.

Thank you for your interest. I will be more than happy to answer any and all available questions.

From what I know you can get pairs of spectacles in China for about 5-10 usd, Of course I have no idea on custom specs.

My comment is meant if you are looking for a supplier, not to ward off potential investors.

what is f^inf (0) where f(x) = x^x ?

42

Depending on what they look like, and their price, you may find an eventual buyer in me.

150 BTC pledged so far.

Of course. Thanks.

Atlas, do you plan on including prescription lenses, or would the buyers have to source them (ie. bring your frames to Lens Crafters themselves)?

I think it would be something of a breakthrough if one could readily exchange bitcoins for something as necessary as prescription eye-wear.

I'd be interested too, will be keeping an eye on this.

It depends on the costs of sourcing a laboratory. I really want to though. It was my original intention to offer prescription.