Gear Review: Vallon Watch Tower
I first heard about Vallon from the hiking and mountaineering community and I've got a set of their mountaineering
Overview
VALLON Watchtowers are a new cycling focused set of sunglasses designed for gravel cyclists, bikepackers, and even road bikers!. They combine a retro 80s wraparound style with modern sustainability and optics technology. Weighing in at just around 32 g, they're ultralight, stylish, and practical. Retailing at approximately $169 this is a fantastic value proposition when compared with similar shades.
These cycling focused sunglasses are extremely easy to wear thanks to their weight. They also grip exceptionally well thanks to the rubberized arms.
Unique Features of VALLON Watchtowers
Sustainable yet Durable Frame
The frames are constructed out of recycled fishing nets that's been fused into a Nylon material. We loved that they still feel robust and offer no compromises while providing a great sustainable platform. The arms feature really nice rubberized grips that keep them from sliding around on your ears.
Zeiss-Engineered Optics
The lenses are shatterproof and developed with Carl Zeiss (thanks Carl!), delivering exceptional clarity and protection. Category 3 rating, UV400 protection, plus a RiPel hydro‑oleophobic coating repels oil, water, and smudges. It seems to work quite well so far.
Customizable Fit
They come with three interchangeable silicone nose pads (S/M/L) and rubber temple grips. These details keep them stable on rocky roads or during vigorous rides. We'd love to see more brands offer something like this.
Filter Options for Lighting Needs
Lens tints include:
- Black smoke (13 % VLT)
- Dark teal copper (14 % VLT)
- Silver blue with partial mirror (14 % VLT)
This means you can choose based on your typical ride conditions, whether bright sun or varied terrain.
Accessories & Warranty
Included in the box: a microfiber pouch and spare nose pads. Plus, VALLON offers a lifetime warranty. That's hard to beat! The nose pads should fit just about every face shape.
Who Is VALLON?
VALLON is an eyewear brand blending classic alpine styling with modern sports performance—rooted in authenticity and value. Their motto centers on high‑tech performance without overblown marketing, offering products priced fairly while delivering serious function.
Closing Thoughts
VALLON Watchtowers deliver a smart combination of eco-friendly design, optical clarity, and lightweight comfort wrapped in an iconic retro-sport aesthetic. They’re ideal for cyclists who care about vision quality, environmental impact, and a bold aesthetic. These are the second pair of shades that we have tried from the brand and we've been quite impressed thus far.
Explore the VALLON Watchtowers yourself, and learn more about VALLON’s approach to performance and sustainability on their site.
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