Juliets

[kronin323]

Regarding Juliets specifically...

They had serials from when they first came out in in 1999 through the end of 2004. Each serial had an alpha prefix to designate the colorway (frame finish / lens combo) followed by a numeric number uniquely identifying each specific pair (usually six digits but not for every colorway), then a "B" to designate 3rd gen, an "A" to designate 2nd gen, or no alpha suffix to designate 1st gen.

4th gen had no serials or other markings of any kind, from 2005 - 2008. 5th gen ran through discontinuation in 2012, with SKU number and frame size markings where the serial used to be, but no unqiue identifier.

 

[OakleyFreak]

I always prefer a pre 2004 serialized juliet

 

[kronin323]

Serials are cool; they not only tell you the original colorway but just add a little bit of uniqueness.

But one of the advantages of 4th & 5th gen is that they really had the process down by then, the castings were refined, the curves flow, and the finishes look great.

Earlier gens had a rougher look, sometimes with hints of flashing remaining. Early Ti and plasma were more matte, almost look painted. But then some prefer the rougher look and matte Ti & plasma...

 

[Carrera1963]

Another advantage of 4th gen is that, if you get them unboxed, there's nothing to say you have the "wrong" lenses in them, guilt-free customisation!

 

[Uxi]

My wife notices my new Juliets are a lighter shade than my original plasma.

 

[BHarry]

Another advantage of 4th gen is that, if you get them unboxed, there's nothing to say you have the "wrong" lenses in them, guilt-free customisation!

Same with the OCP frames, I screw em all up anyways, but I feel less guilty about it when I don't know any better !