Jean Paul Gaultier 55-0174 Unworn Vintage Rimless Sunglasses-New Custom Lenses-Japan

Vintage Jean Paul Gaultier 55-0174 Rimless Unworn Custom Sunglasses Japan

Condition

UNWORN vintage frame.

The original Jean Paul Gaultier frame shows no evidence of having been previously worn and presents exceptionally well for its age. Professionally inspected by Second Chance Eyewear.

New custom solid-color lenses have been fitted to the original vintage frame.

Frame Details

• Brand: Jean Paul Gaultier
• Model: 55-0174
• Era: Circa 1995 / 1990s
• Construction: Rimless / drill-mount
• Frame Color: Black
• Material: Lightweight metal construction
• Distinctive ribbed/coiled temple detailing
• Minimalist oval lens architecture
• Adjustable nose pads
• Original Jean Paul Gaultier temple branding
• Made in Japan

The 55-series was Gaultier’s optical-frame family, while the closely related 56-series was principally associated with sunglasses. Period references specifically identify the 55-0174 as a genuine Japanese-made 1990s rimless model rather than a later reproduction. 

Lenses

New custom solid lavender-violet lenses by Second Chance Customs.

The softly saturated violet tone completely changes the personality of the original optical frame while preserving the exposed drill-mount construction that makes this model distinctive.

These are solid tint lenses, not gradient or transitional.

Size & Fit

Marked:

54□19 145

• Lens Width: 54 mm
• Bridge: 19 mm
• Temple Length: 145 mm
• Rimless oval profile
• Medium-to-medium/large fit

Why We Love Them | Era & Relevance

This is exactly the kind of 1990s Gaultier that has become increasingly interesting to collectors: deceptively minimal from a distance, but full of unconventional industrial detailing when viewed up close.

The exposed drill-mounted lenses, compact oval geometry and ribbed temple sections give the frame the mechanical aesthetic associated with Gaultier’s Japanese eyewear production of the period.

Most importantly, this is not a modern revival of a 1990s design. Published vintage references date the 55-0174 specifically to approximately 1995. 

The lavender lenses make this example particularly effective as a contemporary sunglass while retaining the original vintage frame.

Authentication

Authenticated by Second Chance Authenticators.

Model, construction, branding, dimensional markings and Japanese manufacturing markings have been reviewed for consistency with known period Jean Paul Gaultier eyewear.

Authentication record includes RECORDED certificate and QR registry.

What’s Included

• Jean Paul Gaultier 55-0174 vintage frame
• New Second Chance Customs solid lavender-violet lenses
• Second Chance Eyewear protective packaging
• RECORDED Second Chance Authenticators documentation

Notes

The original 55-0174 was produced as an optical frame, making this a custom sunglass conversion rather than a factory sunglass configuration. That distinction is worth stating clearly because it makes the listing both more accurate and more interesting.

The vintage market reference I found currently offers an unworn stock 55-0174 with basic/demo lenses at €249, so the value of yours should not be benchmarked solely to that price—the custom sunglass treatment and larger 54mm configuration materially differentiate it. 

Our Promise

Every vintage frame offered by Second Chance Eyewear is carefully inspected and represented as accurately as possible.

SEE THE WORLD THROUGH A NEW LENS!