Masunaga glasses

Masunaga glasses
Masunaga glasses are Japanese craftsmanship at its best. The brand has made glasses in Fukui since 1905 and, over more than 120 years, has built up a knowledge of materials, construction and finish that you notice as soon as you hold a Masunaga frame in your hand.

The design is often quite understated. There are slim titanium glasses, classic acetate frames and models that combine the two materials. What they have in common is a feel for proportions and the small details.

At Hultins Optik you will find a hand-picked range of Masunaga glasses, both online and in our stores in Stockholm.
Japanese glasses from Fukui
Fukui is known today as the centre of Japan’s eyewear industry, and Masunaga has been part of its development from the very beginning. The company was founded in 1905 by Gozaemon Masunaga with the ambition of establishing eyewear manufacturing as a new industry in the region. It is a history that is still relevant.

Masunaga has kept much of its manufacturing expertise in-house. Many steps are done by hand, and there is a clear focus on precision throughout the process.

That is also a large part of the explanation for the reputation Japanese glasses have today.
Masunaga glasses in titanium and acetate
Materials play a big role in Masunaga’s collections. Titanium is used extensively and is very well suited to slim frames, because the material makes it possible to create light and precise constructions. But Masunaga does much more than slim metal frames.

The collections also include models entirely in acetate and many combination frames where acetate and titanium meet. This can give a frame more character without it becoming heavy or clunky.

Look closely at the frames and you will often find details such as fine engravings, worked temples and very precise transitions between materials. They are rarely details you can see from across the room, but that is part of the point of Masunaga.
Masunaga GMS
GMS is an important part of Masunaga’s collection, and the name comes from the founder Gozaemon Masunaga. Here you will find several models that neatly sum up the brand’s view of eyewear, with classic shapes, fine proportions and a strong focus on construction.

One of the more celebrated models is the GMS-106. The model combines titanium and acetate and draws inspiration from pilot glasses of the 1930s and 40s. In 2015 the GMS-106 was also awarded the Silmo d’Or in Paris in the optical frames category. That says a lot about the level of Masunaga’s craftsmanship.

At the same time, you do not need to choose one of the more advanced models to appreciate the brand. A classic acetate frame such as the GMS-07 may look considerably simpler at first glance, but has the same focus on materials, finish and proportions.

Glasses that do not need to take over
There is one thing we think Masunaga is particularly good at. Many of their glasses have a lot of character without taking over the face.

A slim titanium frame can be almost minimalist, while a heavier acetate model gives a completely different expression. In between there are combination frames that give you a bit of both worlds.

This also makes Masunaga interesting for those who are perhaps not looking for a big brand or a prominent logo on the temple. Here much of the value lies instead in how the frame is made, how it fits and how the details are executed. These are glasses that are best discovered a little at a time.
Finding the right Masunaga glasses
When choosing glasses, the shape is of course important, but the size and fit are at least as decisive. A difference of a few millimetres in lens width or bridge can make a big difference to how a frame both fits and looks.

Masunaga offers everything from smaller, rounder models to square glasses and larger shapes. The range also includes both delicate metal frames and bolder acetate models. If you are unsure which Masunaga suits you, we are happy to help. After all, it is much easier to judge a frame when it is actually on your face.
Masunaga glasses in Stockholm
At Hultins Optik we choose the Masunaga glasses we stock ourselves. We aim for a good mix of classic models, titanium frames, acetate and the slightly more special combination frames.

You can buy Masunaga glasses directly here online or come in and try them on with us in Stockholm. If you also need new lenses, our licensed opticians can help you with both an eye examination and choosing lenses. We of course also ship Masunaga glasses.
Authorised Masunaga retailer
Hultins Optik is an authorised Masunaga retailer, and our frames come from the brand’s official distribution. If you are unsure about model, colour or size, you are always welcome to contact us or drop by one of our stores. We are happy to help you find the right one.