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The Persol El Profesor Sergio 3235S sunglasses bring a piece of Netflix history to your everyday wardrobe. Originally designed for the character of The Professor in the global phenomenon Money Heist (La Casa de Papel), these pilot sunglasses have transcended the screen to become a sought-after style in their own right.
The Money Heist Connection
When Persol partnered with the creators of Money Heist, they didn't just create product placement—they designed frames that captured the Professor's calculated intelligence and understated sophistication. The 3235S became as iconic as the character himself, worn by Álvaro Morte throughout the series' run. The double-bridge pilot shape strikes a balance between vintage aviator DNA and contemporary Italian design, making these frames work whether you've binged the series or simply appreciate well-made sunglasses.
Meflecto Technology & Italian Craftsmanship
What sets Persol apart isn't just design—it's engineering. The 3235S features the brand's patented Meflecto flexible temple system, first introduced in the 1930s and still unmatched today. Metal cylinders embedded in the acetate temples allow the frames to flex and adapt to your head shape without creating pressure points. It's the reason you can wear these all day without the headaches that plague lesser sunglasses.
The keyhole bridge—a detail that defined Persol in the '30s—sits comfortably on a wide range of nose shapes, while the signature arrow emblem on each temple is a nod to the swords of ancient warriors. Every pair is handmade in Italy near Turin, where Persol has been based since 1917. The acetate goes through more than thirty manual processes before it becomes a finished frame.
Lenses, Fit & Prescription Options
The 3235S comes in multiple lens options, including classic green, gradient brown, and polarized variants that cut glare for driving and water activities. At 55mm lens width with a 20mm bridge and 145mm temples, these fit most face sizes comfortably—the pilot shape is forgiving and suits both men and women.
These frames are prescription-ready, so you can add your Rx and turn them into your daily drivers. The full-rim acetate construction provides plenty of lens security and durability. Whether you choose the tortoise havana, classic black, or one of the limited colorways, you're getting frames built to last years, not seasons.
Product Details
Product DetailsModel
0PO3235SShape
PilotGender
Material
Bridge Type
Rim Type
Age Group
Color Details
Color DetailsFrame Color
BlackColor Code
95/31Color Description
BlackLens Color
Green
Frame Color
TortoiseColor Code
24/31Color Description
HavanaLens Color
Green
Frame Color
TortoiseColor Code
108/4EColor Description
HavanaLens Color
Green
Frame Color
TortoiseColor Code
24/BLColor Description
HavanaLens Color
GreyLens Features
photochromic
Color Code
095/S3Color Description
Black/Light Blue
Color Code
01084EColor Description
Havana/Green
Color Code
120148Color Description
Smoke/Dark Grey Polarized
Color Code
120271Color Description
Transparent NavyLens Color
Light Grey Gradient Dark Grey
Frame Color
TortoiseColor Code
1102Q8Color Description
Tortoise HoneyLens Color
Azure Gradient Blue
Color Code
204/S3Color Description
MieleLens Color
Light Blue Gradient Dark BlueLens Features
polarized
Frame Color
BrownColor Code
96/56Color Description
Terra Di SienaLens Color
Light Blue
Size Details
Size DetailsSize
5520-145
Size
5520-145
Size
5520-145
Size
5520-145
Bridge Width
20.00Temple Length
145.00Size
5520-145
Bridge Width
20.00Temple Length
145.00Size
5520-145
Bridge Width
20.00Temple Length
145.00Size
5520-145
Bridge Width
20.00Temple Length
145.00Size
5520-145
Bridge Width
20.00Temple Length
145.00Size
5520-145
Bridge Width
20.00Temple Length
145.00Size
5520-145
Bridge Width
20.00Temple Length
145.00Size
5520-145
Great for the price
nice nice nice
quite big
No suprize in Persol's quality I've come to expect!
I bought these after seeing them in the store for full price. I could not believe it when they came. Went to the store to compare, because it was too good to be true. They are the EXACT glasses, I promise. Very interesting. I was VERY frustrated (to be honest) with the amount of time it took them to come, especially since they indicated online they were in stock and ready to ship. All in all...WOW!!
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are the Persol 3235S sunglasses prescription-ready?
Yes, the Persol 3235S frames are fully compatible with prescription lenses. The full-rim acetate construction provides secure lens mounting, and most optical retailers can fit them with single-vision or progressive prescription lenses. Persol's official site also offers prescription lens options with their Premium Glass lenses by Barberini.
What is the Meflecto temple system on Persol sunglasses?
Meflecto is Persol's patented flexible temple technology, first introduced in the 1930s. Metal cylinders are embedded into the acetate temples with a flexible steel core, allowing the arms to bend and adapt to your head shape. This eliminates pressure points and makes the glasses comfortable for all-day wear, even if you have a wider or narrower head than average.
What size are the Persol 3235S sunglasses?
The Persol 3235S comes in one size: 55mm lens width, 20mm bridge width, and 145mm temple length (55-20-145). This is considered a medium-to-large fit that works well for most face shapes. The pilot shape and flexible Meflecto temples help the frames adapt comfortably to different head sizes.
Are these the actual sunglasses from Money Heist?
Yes, the Persol 3235S is the official model worn by Álvaro Morte as The Professor in the Netflix series Money Heist (La Casa de Papel). Persol released this as part of their limited edition La Casa de Papel collection. The havana tortoise frame with green lenses (model 108/4E) is the exact colorway featured in the show.
Do Persol 3235S sunglasses come with polarized lenses?
The Persol 3235S is available in both polarized and non-polarized lens options, depending on the color variant you choose. Models ending in 'S3' or 'M3' typically feature polarized lenses that reduce glare, making them ideal for driving and outdoor activities. Check the specific model code to confirm polarization.
How do Persol 3235S compare to the classic Persol 649 or 714?
The 3235S shares Persol's signature Meflecto temples and Italian craftsmanship with the iconic 649 and 714 models, but features a more contemporary double-bridge pilot shape versus the 649's rounded panto or the 714's folding aviator design. The 3235S offers a modern take on Persol's heritage, while the 649 and 714 are vintage-inspired classics. All three are prescription-ready and handmade in Italy.
Compare With Similar Frames
How the Persol El Profesor Sergio 3235S Sunglasses stacks up against the closest alternatives we carry.
- Iconic rounded panto shape with vintage appeal and celebrity heritage (Steve McQueen, Marcello Mastroianni)
- Available in four different sizes (52mm, 54mm, 56mm, 58mm) for a more customized fit
- Lower starting price point ($224 vs $228.50)
- Unique folding mechanism makes them ultra-portable and conversation-starting
- Legendary Steve McQueen association and 1960s heritage
- Pilot shape similar to the 3235S but with more vintage character
Read the full comparison
Persol 3235S vs. Classic Persol Icons
Choosing between the Persol 3235S El Profesor Sergio and Persol's legendary heritage models comes down to whether you want contemporary cool or vintage prestige.
3235S vs. Persol 0649: Modern Pilot vs. Vintage Panto
The Persol 0649 is the brand's most iconic frame—designed in 1957 for Turin streetcar drivers and worn by Marcello Mastroianni and Steve McQueen. Its rounded panto shape is pure vintage Italian style, while the 3235S offers a more contemporary double-bridge pilot silhouette inspired by Money Heist.
The 0649 comes in four sizes (52mm to 58mm), giving you more fit options than the 3235S's single 55mm size. If you have a rounder face, the 0649's softer curves will complement your features better. The 3235S's pilot shape works better on square or angular faces. Both share Persol's Meflecto flexible temples and Italian handmade construction, so comfort and quality are identical.
Price-wise, they're nearly identical, with the 0649 starting at $224. Choose the 0649 if you want old-school Italian cinema vibes and a proven classic. Go with the 3235S if you prefer a modern edge and appreciate the Money Heist connection.
3235S vs. Persol 0714: Folding Innovation vs. Fixed Frame
The Persol 0714 was the world's first folding sunglasses when it launched in the 1960s, and it remains a marvel of engineering. Both the 0714 and 3235S share pilot-inspired shapes, but the 0714's folding mechanism makes it incredibly portable—it collapses to half its size and comes with a compact case.
The trade-off? The 0714 costs significantly more ($335-$516) due to its complex construction, which requires ten additional manufacturing steps. It's also more delicate—folding hinges need more care than the 3235S's fixed temples. The 0714 comes in smaller lens sizes (52mm and 54mm), which may not provide enough coverage if you prefer larger frames.
If you travel frequently, value portability, and want the Steve McQueen pedigree, the 0714 is worth the premium. But if you want a modern pilot frame with Persol's quality at a better value, the 3235S delivers without the folding complexity.
Why Choose the 3235S?
The Persol 3235S sits in a sweet spot: it's more contemporary than the vintage 649 and 0714, but still carries Persol's Italian heritage and Meflecto comfort technology. The Money Heist connection gives it cultural relevance, and the double-bridge pilot shape is more versatile for modern wardrobes. At $228.50-$457, it's competitively priced and offers excellent value for handmade Italian acetate frames with premium lenses.
At a Glance
Persol 0649 Sunglasses
Pros:
- Iconic rounded panto shape with vintage appeal and celebrity heritage (Steve McQueen, Marcello Mastroianni)
- Available in four different sizes (52mm, 54mm, 56mm, 58mm) for a more customized fit
- Lower starting price point ($224 vs $228.50)
- Timeless design that has remained virtually unchanged since 1957
Cons:
- More traditional vintage aesthetic may not suit modern tastes
- Rounded shape doesn't work as well on angular or square face shapes
- No cultural connection to contemporary pop culture like Money Heist
Persol Folding 0714 Sunglasses
Pros:
- Unique folding mechanism makes them ultra-portable and conversation-starting
- Legendary Steve McQueen association and 1960s heritage
- Pilot shape similar to the 3235S but with more vintage character
- Available in two sizes (52mm and 54mm) for better fit options
Cons:
- Significantly higher price ($335-$516 vs $228.50-$457)
- Folding mechanism adds complexity and potential maintenance
- Smaller lens sizes may not suit those who prefer larger coverage
- More delicate construction due to folding hinges