What is pince-nez?
Pince-nez (from French "pince le nez" — "pinch the nose") are corrective spectacles without temples, held on the nose by a spring-loaded bridge. They were extremely popular in the 19th and early 20th centuries — worn by aristocrats, doctors, judges, and intellectuals. Theodore Roosevelt, Anton Chekhov, Joseph Conrad — all had their favorite pince-nez model.
Why did pince-nez disappear from the market?
From the 1930s onwards, classic pince-nez were gradually replaced by glasses with temples. There were two reasons: comfort (pince-nez sometimes slipped off the nose or pressed uncomfortably) and fashion (longer frames with temples became a symbol of modernity).
The return of the pince-nez style — Binoksy
In recent years, the pince-nez style has returned in a modern, improved form. Binoksy are reading glasses without temples that solve all the problems of classic pince-nez:
- ✅ Anti-slip nose pads made of soft medical silicone — do not slip, do not press
- ✅ Weight 15g — several times lighter than 19th-century steel pince-nez
- ✅ UV400 acrylic lenses — scratch-resistant
- ✅ Attaches to your phone with a silicone sticker — always at hand
- ✅ 5 powers: from +1.0 to +3.0
- ✅ 5 colors: blue, black, purple, grey, red
Pince-nez vs Binoksy — comparison
| Feature | Classic pince-nez (19th century) | Binoksy (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Frame material | Steel, brass | Stainless steel + aluminum alloy |
| Lens material | Mineral glass | Optical acrylic UV400 |
| Weight | ~30–50 g | ~15 g |
| Comfort | Sometimes press uncomfortably | Medical silicone nose pads |
| Portability | Cord case | Attached to the phone |
| Price | Today vintage: 200–800 PLN | Set of 3 pairs: 96 PLN |
Who are Binoksy the ideal pince-nez for?
Binoksy are modern reading glasses without temples, especially suitable for people who:
- Want an elegant retro style for everyday use
- Often put down their glasses and lose them
- Read "casually" — an SMS, a medicine label, a snippet of a newspaper
- Value lightness and discretion
- Are looking for an unusual gift for someone who appreciates style
Where to buy modern pince-nez?
You can order Binoksy directly from the brand owner - 1 pair for 48 PLN, a set of 3 pairs for 96 PLN (instead of 159 PLN, a saving of 40%). Shipping within 24 hours from a warehouse in Poland.