Here in this article you will learn what exactly the numbers in the temple of Ray Ban glasses and sunglasses mean. The numbers contain the following information:
- The model
- The color of the frame
- The size of the frame
- The type of lenses
With this information it will be easier for you to check what you have and what you may need to reorder if something is broken. Let’s look at it directly with an example. At the bottom of the photo you can see a typical row of numbers in combination with letters, which you typically find on Ray Ban sunglasses.
First you see the letters RB which tells it is a Ray Ban sunglasses model. Other models which are made for prescription lenses begin with the letters RX. Next comes a four digit number. In our example it is 2132 which stands for the very popular new wayfarer model. In this case you do not only have the model printed on the temple in numbers but also in letters which is not the case with every Ray Ban.
Next follows the number 901 which stands for the color of the frame. In our example it is black. After that a L follows which stands for the color of the lenses. After the color code the size of the frame is described. Here 52▢18 is printed on the temple.
These are lengths in millimeters for the width of the lens (52 mm in this case) and the width of the bridge. The distance between the lenses is discussed here. In this case it is 22mm. The next number is a length specification for the temple length measured from the hinge to the end of the temple. In this case we have a length of 145mm.
The last part of the alphanumeric code on the Ray Ban glasses temple describes the filter category. In this case we have the variant 3 which is suitable for strong sunlight. The categories are divided into four parts where 1 describes very light sunglasses with hardly any tint and 4 describes extremely heavily tinted sunglasses that are more for use in the mountains.
The N behind it stands for the type of solar glass. So in our case we have glasses with normal tint without polarization.
Ray Ban Model Code Numbers
The Ray Ban sunglasses sold after 1999 have the following alphanumeric code to describe the model “RB2132”. The RB stands for the sunglasses. There are also versions that start with an RX. These are glasses for normal clear lenses.
Ray Bans produced before 1999 have the following codes to describe the model “W1270”. This designation was used at that time by the manufacturer Bausch and Lomb. However, you hardly see these glasses anymore due to their age.
The most common model names found on Ray Ban sunglasses are as follows: RB2132 (Ray Ban NEW Wayfarer), RB 2140 (Original Wayfarer), RB 3025 (Aviator).
The most common model names found on regular Ray Ban glasses are as follows: RB5154 (Clubmaster), RX 5228, RX5184
Color Code Numbers
While some Ray Ban glasses frame color and lens color are specified directly in combination, some other Ray Ban only the color of the frame is found in the temple.
Bliebe examples here are 901 for black and 902/51 for Havana brown.
Size Numbers for the Frame and the Lenses
When it comes to the size of the frame and lenses, it is usually represented in the following way 52▢18. The first number represents the width of the lens in millimeters while the second number represents the distance between the two lenses.
This is true for all glasses have two separate lenses at Rayban. However, if the sunglasses consist of only one lens, then you will find in the temple also only one number. For example, 135. This is again a millimeter, but this now describes the total width of the shield from the right side of the lens to the left.
Lens Code Categories
The manufacturers of sunglasses have suited to categories of anti-glare. For this reason, in the description of the sunglasses lens you will also find a number in combination with a letter. Next time we will go into the number.
The possible numbers you could find are 0-4. 0 stands for sunglasses with practically no tint and 4 for sunglasses, with a very strong tint, especially made for extremely strong sunlight. The vast majority of Ray Ban sunglasses are categorized as 3. In the table below you will find a more detailed description.
| Filter category | Intensity of the tint | Usage |
| 0 | 3 – 20% | Provides the least protection. Colorless or very light filter. Usually sports or protective glasses designed to protect against wind, dust or dirt, but not against the sun. |
| 1 | 20 – 57% | For partly cloudy days. Very light colored glasses, usually yellow or orange, suitable for weaker sunlight or as wind or dust protection. |
| 2 | 57 – 82% | Suitable for normal summer days. Medium dark filter suitable for medium sun exposure and casual wear. The tint is slightly weaker than usual. Can be used on sunny days for spring and autumn walks. They are also useful for driving and frequent changes between shade and sun. |
| 3 | 82 – 92% | Provides intense protection. Recommended for vacations by the sea in the US or in Central Europe. Dark filter suitable for intense sun exposure on the beach or in the city. This category is typical of most types of glasses and sunglasses. It is perfect for summer, because it provides a higher degree of protection from solar radiation than the previous category. |
| 4 | 92 – 97% | Particularly strong protection, which is suitable for high mountains and glaciers. Category 4 sunglasses are prohibited in road traffic. These are marked with the symbol of a crossed out car. Very dark filter for very intense sunlight. Sunglasses for mountains or deserts and anywhere where the sunshine is not only extremely strong, but also a lot of reflection. |
One of the most famous tints from Ray Ban is the G15 tint. It has a dark green tone and lets block 85% of incident light. For this reason, it is classified in category 3. When the tint is present, one of the following notations 3N or 3P can be found in the temple.
Both look the same at first glance. However, the difference is that N stands for non-polarized and P for polarized.
If you want to learn more about polarized glasses from Ray Ban I have another article for you. The short version is that these reduce glare even better by blocking it, while the Ray Ban sunglasses with the N lens code only make the glare darker.
Code for Temple Lengths
The length of the bracket is indicated by a millimeter in the temple. The bracket varies in 5mm steps from 135mm to 145mm.
What Does the CE Stand For on the Temple of My Ray Ban?
The CE mark indicates that there is at least UV protection up to 380 nanometers. It is located on the inside of the temples and states that the model complies with current EU standards.
If you want to learn more about the Ray Ban Aviator I have an article here for you ready.