Original Pilot Limited Edition Moon Series: One Final Chapter

Some things are worth waiting for. Others are worth staying up for. Introducing the Original Pilot Hunter's Moon Limited Edition, arriving October 23, 2026.

When American Optical introduced the Original Pilot Blue Moon Limited Edition in summer 2025, it marked the beginning of something new. Inspired by a rare lunar phenomenon and rooted in AO's history of space exploration, the first release in the Moon Series sold out in days.

In February 2026, the Original Pilot Blood Moon Limited Edition followed. Darker, bolder, and inspired by the dramatic red glow of a total lunar eclipse, all 999 serialized pairs have since sold out.

Two limited editions. Two sellouts.

Now, one final chapter remains.

A Series for Collectors, Built on History

American Optical's connection to the moon is more than symbolic.

The Original Pilot made history as the first sunglasses worn on the moon, part of AO's extraordinary legacy of outfitting American astronauts during the earliest days of space exploration. Each Apollo 11 astronaut was outfitted with a pair of Original Pilots, then called the FG-58, and you can even find photos of Buzz Aldrin wearing his in the lunar capsule, and see Michael Collins’ pair at the Smithsonian.

The Moon Series honors that history through a collection of limited-edition Original Pilots inspired by lunar phenomena. Each release reimagines an American icon with distinctive finishes, elevated lens colors, and serialized details.

Produced in strictly limited quantities, these aren't simply new colorways. They're collectible pieces of AO history.

And judging by the response to the first two releases, collectors know it.

From Blue Moon to Blood Moon: Two Editions, As Rare As Their Inspiration

Blue Moon: Where It All Began

The first Moon Series release took inspiration from the elusive Blue Moon, bringing cool celestial tones to AO's most iconic silhouette with silver aged antique frame plating and deep blue SunFlash SkyMaster glasses lenses.

It was an immediate hit. The limited edition run of 500 serialized pieces sold out within days, turning the inaugural release into a sought-after collector's piece and setting the stage for what would come next.

Blood Moon: A Darker Side of the Moon

Released in February 2026, Blood Moon took the series in a dramatically different direction.

Inspired by the deep red glow of a total lunar eclipse, it featured a Matte Armor Black Velvet frame, Deep Wine AOLite™ SunVogue lenses, and serialized bayonet temples.

Limited to just 999 pairs, Blood Moon offered collectors another distinctive interpretation of the Original Pilot.

Today, it's officially sold out.

For those who missed Blue Moon or Blood Moon, there's one more opportunity to become part of the series.

Hunter's Moon: The Final Chapter

The Hunter's Moon is the first full moon following the Harvest Moon. Traditionally, its bright glow provided extra light for hunters preparing for the approaching winter.

This year, the Hunter's Moon rises on October 26, 2026.

It's a fitting inspiration for the third and final release in AO's Moon Series.

The Original Pilot Hunter's Moon Limited Edition draws from the rich, warm tones of the autumn moon, bringing a new character to the familiar Original Pilot silhouette.

An antique bronze finish, subtle sand-toned detailing, and serialized temples give this edition its own identity while staying true to the craftsmanship and heritage that define American Optical.

Like its predecessors, Hunter's Moon will be produced in limited quantities, with only 700 pieces handcrafted in the USA from premium global components. And once it's sold out, there won't be a second run.

Three Lunar Moments. One American Icon.

From the cool mystery of Blue Moon to the striking intensity of Blood Moon and the autumn glow of Hunter's Moon, each release tells a different story.

Together, they celebrate something bigger: American Optical's place in the history of exploration, and the enduring design that helped take us there.

The Moon Series began with a look back at one of AO's greatest milestones. It ends with a new generation of collectors carrying that legacy forward.

Three editions. Three distinct interpretations of the Original Pilot. One extraordinary history.

The Final Drop: October 23, 2026

The Original Pilot Hunter's Moon Limited Edition launches October 23, 2026.

With Blue Moon and Blood Moon already sold out, the final edition of the series may not stay in orbit for long.

Don't miss the final chapter.

Visit aoeyewear.com and sign up for email updates to be among the first to know when Hunter's Moon arrives.

The moon keeps reappearing. This edition won't.