Berkshire Chase Review & Pics

Pyroxene · Post by **Pyroxene** » Thu Dec 19, 2002 12:13 pm

I received my Berkshire Chase English Beaufort 2 from FramesDirect today. My first reaction was that the glasses were similar but not exactly like the BOIC.

The diameter of the cable temple is about 1/2 that of the BOIC. The earpiece itself is gold straight through. I apologize for not knowing the correct term, but unlike the BOIC's there is no dark piece on the ear piece.

The frames themselves appear to be similar. They are much lighter in color as the BOIC frames. I guess that's due to them being in Blonde Gold that I ordered. They appear to be about the same size and weight as the others.

All in all, they appear to be a good pair of glasses. The lightweight cables don't feel as heavy as what I have experienced and don't appear to be hurting my ears as much. It appears to be a quality product and I believe they will serve me well. However, if you are going for screen accurate, I might suggest in talking to Arizona Smith about the possible BOIC replicas. (http://www.indygear.com/community/foru ... hp?t=2181)

I will be happy to answer any questions.

Best Regards,
Pyroxene

PS - I took some pics with similar angles to what is seen on the IndyGear main site.

Pr.

Henry Jones Sr. · Post by **Henry Jones Sr.** » Thu Dec 19, 2002 4:44 pm

Hey, Pyroxene:

Thanks for the active field research into the BOIC alternatives from Berkshire Chase. I also sincerely thank you for your honest assessment and opinion of them! Now, looking at all the fine, detailed pictures you've posted, does anyone besides me think that your new frames bear little if any resemblance to the photo posted at Framesdirect.com?

Here's what Framesdirect shows as the Berkshire Chase English Beaufort 2's:

and here's what Pyroxene got when he ordered the same model:

Now, frame color (blond vs. chestnut) aside, from what I can see on the Framesdirect promo shot, the temples are thickly covered in the same tortoise shell material as the lens frames themselves, looking almost cylindrical in the meat part of the temple. Pyroxene's seem to have a very thin coating. Also, the overall thickness of the temples, straight through to the cable end, seems much more substantial in the Framesdirect catalog shot.

Please let me know if I'm either seeing things on my computer monitor, or not seeing things that I should.... Maybe it's just the end of the semester here at the University, grading the last onslaught of reports and finishing grades, but unless my own prescription has changed in the last week (I was thinking of investigating and possibly investing the BC Beauforts myself as I seem to have missed out on the BOIC dynasty), something doesn't quite line up. Berkshire Chase's Panto 14K's look similar to the English Beaufort 2's and they don't closely match what Pyroxene received either:

Someone else please tell me what they see. I realize I'm obsessing over...of all things...eyeglass frames

, but IMHO, I would like something a little closer in resemblance to the BOIC's before I invest in a new set of frames. With the heavy chunk o'coin I've spent on Gear this year, I (or maybe what's left of my bank account

) just aren't ready to take an additional leap for something that's admittedly close, but not quite what the catalog shows.

I look forward to others' opinions, of course! That's what we're all about!

Regards and sincere wishes for a safe and peaceful holiday season to all Gearheads

,

Henry Jones Sr.

Pyroxene · Post by **Pyroxene** » Thu Dec 19, 2002 4:58 pm

Henry Jones Sr. wrote:
Please let me know if I'm either seeing things on my computer monitor, or not seeing things that I should....

The pic that FramesDirect website shows is very similar to the BOICs. The earpieces of the photo on their site is nothing like what I received today.

I am begining to wonder who supplied the pics for FramesDirect site. Did they just use a similar frame for the photo or has the model changed. I have looked for other photo references on BOIC and/or Berkshire Chase and it seems the IndyGear is the most exaustive.

Pyro.

Pyroxene · Post by **Pyroxene** » Thu Dec 19, 2002 5:32 pm

Henry Jones Sr. wrote:...from what I can see on the Framesdirect promo shot, the temples are thickly covered in the same tortoise shell material as the lens frames themselves, looking almost cylindrical in the meat part of the temple. Pyroxene's seem to have a very thin coating.

You are exactly right. The temples (thank you for the word) appear to be solid metal (gold plated, perhaps).

Without the cylindrical coating on the temple, the earpiece has a thin "sharp" edge to it. It's a little unexpected when I go to take off the frames. I have become acustomed to the thick earpiece of the other frames.

Pyro

cliffhanger · Post by **cliffhanger** » Thu Dec 19, 2002 5:32 pm

I have looked for other photo references on BOIC and/or Berkshire Chase and it seems the IndyGear is the most exaustive.

You could check out Berkshire's website. They have a closer view of the Eng. Beauforts. Here is the link:
http://www.berkshirechase.com/beaufort.html

Those frames are nothing like the Frames Direct picture, but the difference may be that they are cableless (is that a word?). Oh well...Pyro, thanks for the low down on Berkshire Chase.

Peace,
Cliffhanger

Pyroxene · Post by **Pyroxene** » Thu Dec 19, 2002 5:35 pm

cliffhanger wrote:You could check out Berkshire's website. They have a closer view of the Eng. Beauforts. Here is the link:
http://www.berkshirechase.com/beaufort.html

D'oh!

I missed that one. Thanks.

However, the Panto 14k model (http://www.berkshirechase.com/panto.html) looks to be different than that of the one listed on the FramesDirect site too. Interesting.

Henry Jones Sr. · Post by **Henry Jones Sr.** » Thu Dec 19, 2002 5:43 pm

Actually, I've been trying to get into Berkshire Chase's website for about the last week, but their homepage links were screwed up! Looks like they're back in business!

Henry Jones Sr.

Henry Jones Sr. · Post by **Henry Jones Sr.** » Thu Dec 19, 2002 5:45 pm

[quote="Pyroxene"]However, the Panto 14k model (http://www.berkshirechase.com/panto.html) looks to be different than that of the one listed on the FramesDirect site too. Interesting.

Makes you wonder exactly what version of the Panto they may be showing here, and whether or not they're actually showing a Panto @ Framesdirect!

Henry Jones Sr.

Henry Jones Sr. · Post by **Henry Jones Sr.** » Thu Dec 19, 2002 5:55 pm

Hey, Pyroxene:

Check out the "About" page @ Berkshire Chase (http://www.berkshirechase.com/about.html). And I quote:

Berkshire Chase Limited is a uniquely different Optical Importer and Distributor that maintains a special niche in today’s highly competitive market.
We specialize in certain optical goods and services that set us apart from the conventional distributor.

Berkshire Chase offers a unique "Custom Hand Made Frame Reproduction" service that enables our customers to custom design any plastic
frame. Any one of the thousands of plastic frame styles currently being shown in today's market can be duplicated or modified.

Our Gold Filled(my emphasis--HJS) Factory in London England has been producing traditional styles since the early 1930s. Our custom plastic factory is the single
largest manufacture of hand made reproductions as well as the largest repair factory in the U.K. I know they talk about custom plastic frames, but it makes me wonder if these folks might be worth talking to in regards to the possibility of custom recreating a true reproduction of the BOIC's....

We know they'd have an active market from Gearheads, at least I think they might....

Henry Jones Sr.[/u]

Pyroxene · Post by **Pyroxene** » Thu Dec 19, 2002 6:08 pm

Sounds like a good idea. As some of you may or may not know, AZ Smith has an company in mind for replicas. He may have the same idea as you. It would be best to coordinate our efforts with him to see what he thinks.

Cheers,
Pyro.

Henry Jones Sr. · Post by **Henry Jones Sr.** » Thu Dec 19, 2002 6:13 pm

Henry Jones Sr. wrote:
Pyroxene wrote:However, the Panto 14k model (http://www.berkshirechase.com/panto.html) looks to be different than that of the one listed on the FramesDirect site too. Interesting.

Makes you wonder exactly what version of the Panto they may be showing here, and whether or not they're actually showing a Panto @ Framesdirect!

Henry Jones Sr.

Jeephoto · Post by **Jeephoto** » Thu Dec 19, 2002 8:56 pm

Hey Pyroxene,

Congrats on the new frames. How about a photo of you wearing them, so we can see how they look on a person? I might consider some when I get ready for new glasses.

Larry

Arizona Smith · Post by **Arizona Smith** » Fri Dec 20, 2002 9:41 am

Pyroxene

Sorry to see that these didn't come out looking as well as they might.

As some of you may or may not know, AZ Smith has an company in mind for replicas. He may have the same idea as you. It would be best to coordinate our efforts with him to see what he thinks.

Guys, if sufficient numbers show interest in possible BOIC replicas, I will actively pursue this. I'll return my original post on this matter to 'sticky' status.

Cheers
AS

Pyroxene · Post by **Pyroxene** » Fri Dec 20, 2002 10:25 am

Arizona Smith wrote:Pyroxene

Sorry to see that these didn't come out looking as well as they might.

Thanks. However, it's no big deal. I am going to use the BC's as my primary pair and the BOIC will be for summits and special occasions.

Indiana · Post by **Indiana** » Sat Dec 21, 2002 8:27 am

Those look llike purty good repro's to me.
Regards,
Indiana

IndyMo · Post by **IndyMo** » Sat Dec 21, 2002 9:32 am

AS,

Yes - we do need to pursue a suitable alternative to BOIC. I just received my Berkshires (Blonde) the other day. As with Pyro's, the color is too light so I'm going to return them for the chestnut as this will probably be closer to the BOIC color. I may even go with the Panto as my understanding is that these are "gold filled". I am diappointed in the misrepresentation of the photo of the "temple" portion of the frames on Frame Directs web site - they are just a wire, no tortoise covering. Looks like we need to continue our search or maybe Bershire can assist us.

Mo

IndyMo · Post by **IndyMo** » Sat Dec 21, 2002 2:12 pm

Well - I sent an email to Berkshire today to see what we can do as far as getting Frames with the BOIC specifications. I explained that the picture on Frames Direct web site was not the same item that I received. The following was the response I received:

Dear Michael:

Thank you for contacting us. We do have that frame in stock, and frames direct can get that for you. You just need to tell them exactly what you are looking for and want. We carry a full line of 14KT gold fill line with the kind of temples you want. We have been told that we have everything that BOIC carry 's plus more. The frame that you want is possible to have to your specifications. The same frame is also available without the nosepads. Like the boy in the Harry Potter Movie. I also think it may be best to call us direct and explain it better if you do not understand. Or if you want us to call frame direct on behalf of you. Just let us know. Our toll free number is 1-800-472-5355.
BOIC is going out of business. That is what we were told by many of our customers.

Kind regards,

Customer service staff

Long story short, it looks like we can get what we need, all we have to do is give them the Specs. I plan I calling them on Monday as soon as I get back from NYC.

Mo

Pyroxene · Post by **Pyroxene** » Sun Dec 22, 2002 10:07 pm

Awesome. Please post some pics when you get them in.

Cheers,
Pyro.

IndyMo · Post by **IndyMo** » Mon Dec 23, 2002 7:16 pm

Pyro,

I just received a follow up to the above emailfrom Berkshire Chase:

The English Beaufort 2 no longer comes with a 1/2 covered cable temples. We now use an all gold cable, the front being the same. If you wish to get the BOIC version, we call it the Beaufort Panto Chestnut with 1/2 covered Cable, it is 14kt rolled gold. You can order it from frames direct.

Thank you,

Customer Service Department.

So, it looks like the Panto Chestnut is the way to go. I will be returning the Blonde EB 2's for the Panto's. I will post picks when rcvd.

Mo

Pyroxene · Post by **Pyroxene** » Thu Dec 26, 2002 10:34 am

Thanks for the update, IndyMo. This story gets more interesting as it goes on.

Minnesota Jones · Post by **Minnesota Jones** » Thu Jan 09, 2003 2:28 pm

IndyMo wrote: So, it looks like the Panto Chestnut is the way to go. I will be returning the Blonde EB 2's for the Panto's. I will post picks when rcvd.

Mo

Hey Mo! Any update yet?

IndyMo · Post by **IndyMo** » Thu Jan 09, 2003 3:42 pm

Yes - I just sent back the Beauford 2's for the Panto's today, so I won't have the new pair for approx. 2 weeks - maybe less as frames direct is pretty quick. I will give an up date once received.

Mo

IndyMo · Post by **IndyMo** » Tue Jan 21, 2003 8:08 pm

Well - I finally received the Panto chestnut gold filled today - They are dead on to the picture of the BOIC's. I am very please with the color & fit. I don't have a digital so I will try to scan some pic's this week. Looks like these may be an excellent replacement for the BOIC's. There a little higher in price - but you can see the quality is there and Berkshire really was concerned that I was happy and that I received what I was looking for. Again as usual, Frames Direct did an excellent job of getting my order to me in a hurry. Suggestion, ask for Candace at Frames Direct - she is very good.

Mo

Sergei · Post by **Sergei** » Tue Jan 21, 2003 8:19 pm

IndyMo wrote:Well - I finally received the Panto chestnut gold filled today - They are dead on to the picture of the BOIC's. I am very please with the color & fit. ....
Mo

IndyMo,
That is great news! I think it's time to update the Indy Gear page for this important update. I guess the other good news is seeing that Berkshire Chase being a motivated vendor.

-Sergei

Pyroxene · Post by **Pyroxene** » Wed Jan 22, 2003 9:31 am

That is great news. You have waited a long time. I am happy that you are pleased with them.

pyr

Minnesota Jones · Post by **Minnesota Jones** » Wed Jan 22, 2003 12:53 pm

Yes, very great news. May have to get a pair of them as the ol' daily wear.... and the BOIC's become for "special occations."

Sergei · Post by **Sergei** » Tue Feb 24, 2004 9:41 pm

OK, I am bumping this thread because things got terribly confusing with the BOIC to Berkshire Chase switchover.

I have two BOIC frames and want to reorder from Framesdirect.com. Looks like we have through trial and error by several good people, the frames are:
- Berkshire Chase
- Panto 14K
- Chestnut color on the tortoise shell frames

Is that the ticket? I think our main site is updated, but I wanted to make sure.

-Sergei

IndyMo · Post by **IndyMo** » Tue Feb 24, 2004 10:29 pm

Sergei,

Your right on - The Bershire Chase Panto 14K in the Chestnut are identical to the BOIC's.

Mo

Dolur · Post by **Dolur** » Tue Mar 02, 2004 4:10 pm

Hey all, first post from a long time lurker. IndyMo's experience has prompted me to post at last.

I have owned the BOIC Pantos in chestnut for a while now, and went looking for a replacement right about the time that BOIC went away. Following the advice of these forums, I went back to framesdirect.com and looked into the BC Pantos and they looked dead on to be a suitable replacement. After placing my order my wife recieved a callback informing her that the temples I requested, chestnut half covered cables, were not an option and only available by "special order". Being that these were going to be a Christmas present, she opted to recieve them "as is" and recieve them on time, knowing that being the fanatical OC type that I am when it comes to these things, i would most likely swap out the temples. She was right

I contacted FD first and, while they were for the most part quite helpful. At the same time, I fired off an e-mail to BC as well to find out if there were replacement temples available as well (I jave had a temples break on me before). Not only were they VERY helpful, they offered to swap out the gold ones for the chestnut ones on an even exchange. The promptness and quiality customer service I recieved have sold me on this company from this point forward.

As far as the frames themselves go, there is NO difference that I can see. The color is exact, and the chestnut temple pieces extend all the way from the mid section to the where the fastener begins, exactly like my BOICs. The only thing that is different between them is that one says BOIC on the right temple

The size, shape, color and fittings are EXACTLY like my BOICs, the only way I can tell them apart now is from the wear and tear on the old ones.

Thank you all for your help in finding my gear, and i hope that seconding IndyMo's experience will assist someone someplace as well!

Cheers.

Pyroxene · Post by **Pyroxene** » Tue Mar 02, 2004 5:45 pm

Dolur,

Welcome. Thanks for the update and keeping the information fresh.

Regards,
Pyro.

IndyMo · Post by **IndyMo** » Tue Mar 02, 2004 6:00 pm

Delur,

Glad it was a good experience and you are happy with the BC frames.

Welcome aboard!

Mo

Henry Jones Sr. · Post by **Henry Jones Sr.** » Wed Mar 03, 2004 1:26 am

Dolur wrote:I contacted FD first and, while they were for the most part quite helpful. At the same time, I fired off an e-mail to BC as well to find out if there were replacement temples available as well (I jave had a temples break on me before). Not only were they VERY helpful, they offered to swap out the gold ones for the chestnut ones on an even exchange. The promptness and quiality customer service I recieved have sold me on this company from this point forward.

Thank you all for your help in finding my gear, and i hope that seconding IndyMo's experience will assist someone someplace as well!

Dolur:

I second Pyro's thanks on keeping this thread chased (no pun intended...okay, well maybe a littlepun intended...). Having now owned my BC's for a good number of months now, I agree that they now seem to be the heirs apparent to our eyeglass needs.

Also, welcome (officially) aboard! We look forward to seeing more posts from you.

Sincere regards,

Henry Jones, Sr.

Sergei · Post by **Sergei** » Tue Dec 28, 2004 3:14 pm

Just placed my order for the Berkshire Chases. I own 2 BOIC frames and my perference is to keep them in great shape since BOIC is no longer an option.

So I ordered:
- Berkshire Chases
- Panto 14K Acetate
- 165 Cables - Gold Filled.
- Chestnut color
- 49/22 (eye/bridge)

Since the cables are gold filled, it is guaranteed that they will be 1/2 covered with the tortoise shell temples. I didn't have to special order it to be 1/2 covered. The acetate frames were on backorder for two weeks.

The bottom line is that the cost was:
- $236 for the frames
- $208 for the special polycarbonate lens (uv protection) progressives

I needed to spend this since I had money left over in my flexible spending account.

-Sergei

Pyroxene · Post by **Pyroxene** » Tue Dec 28, 2004 5:18 pm

Sergei wrote:I needed to spend this since I had money left over in my flexible spending account.

-Sergei

If you have any more left over, meet me in the Gun forum and I'll give you a list of things I need.

Pyro.

Sergei · Post by **Sergei** » Tue Dec 28, 2004 6:00 pm

Pyroxene wrote:
Sergei wrote:I needed to spend this since I had money left over in my flexible spending account.

-Sergei
If you have any more left over, meet me in the Gun forum and I'll give you a list of things I need.

Pyro.

LOL! It needs to be health related. The only other piece of gear that I can think of are the Alden 405's, since they are othorpedics.

-S

Bufflehead Jones · Post by **Bufflehead Jones** » Tue Dec 28, 2004 7:03 pm

Sergei wrote:
Pyroxene wrote:
Sergei wrote:I needed to spend this since I had money left over in my flexible spending account.

-Sergei
If you have any more left over, meet me in the Gun forum and I'll give you a list of things I need.

Pyro.
LOL! It needs to be health related. The only other piece of gear that I can think of are the Alden 405's, since they are othorpedics.

-S

Sergei,

It could keep you in good health if someone was attacking you. Does that count? Just trying to help.

Mattdeckard · Post by **Mattdeckard** » Thu Mar 10, 2005 10:27 am

New word from Berkshire Chase and Frames Direct. You can no longer get any pairs with acetate on the cables.

I called Frames direct when my pair arrived without the acetate on the cables, they said they no longer could get them that way. Then I called Berkshire Chase and they said they don't make them that way anymore.

No more frames with acetate on the cables.

Sergei · Post by **Sergei** » Thu Mar 10, 2005 12:17 pm

Mattdeckard wrote:New word from Berkshire Chase and Frames Direct. You can no longer get any pairs with acetate on the cables.

I called Frames direct when my pair arrived without the acetate on the cables, they said they no longer could get them that way. Then I called Berkshire Chase and they said they don't make them that way anymore.

No more frames with acetate on the cables.

Wow, I snuck right under the wire. Mine came in right after the new year with the acetate. I also bought the last two pair of BOIC frames from framesdirect. I might consider selling one of the BOIC frames.

-Sergei

agent5 · Post by **agent5** » Thu Mar 10, 2005 12:50 pm

I might consider selling one of the BOIC frames.

PM me with a price, please.

Mattdeckard · Post by **Mattdeckard** » Thu Mar 10, 2005 12:51 pm

you have a size 45/20- 165?

Sergei · Post by **Sergei** » Thu Mar 10, 2005 12:59 pm

They are 49/22-165. I paid about $220 for just the frames.

Mattdeckard · Post by **Mattdeckard** » Thu Mar 10, 2005 1:03 pm

too big

Mattdeckard · Post by **Mattdeckard** » Thu Mar 10, 2005 1:06 pm

the guy at Berkshire Chase said that they had trouble with the acetate on the cable, though I didn't press... I wonder what trouble they are having that BOIC didn't.

Couple points of difference between Berkshire and BOIC frames.

Berkshire
The metal used for the cables is much much narrower, more like vintage frames.

The Metal pieces holding the nosepads are round rather than rectangle.

Pyroxene · Post by **Pyroxene** » Thu Mar 10, 2005 3:08 pm

My BC first came with the thin cables. When one broke, I ordered Acetate replacements from Framesdirect. Both sets have always had a little up-and-down wiggle to them even with the screws tight.

Just my experience,
Pyr.

Mattdeckard · Post by **Mattdeckard** » Tue Mar 15, 2005 5:47 pm

Now I'm waiting on my exchanged pair. Sent back the blond for Chestnut. I hope you guys were right when you said the Chestnut was correct.

Pyroxene · Post by **Pyroxene** » Tue Mar 15, 2005 9:10 pm

Mattdeckard wrote:Now I'm waiting on my exchanged pair. Sent back the blond for Chestnut. I hope you guys were right when you said the Chestnut was correct.

Well, I got Blonde BCs and they were too light, I think. My Chestnut BOICs are perfect.

Just my $0.02
Pyr

Sergei · Post by **Sergei** » Wed Mar 16, 2005 11:34 am

Pyroxene wrote:
Mattdeckard wrote:Now I'm waiting on my exchanged pair. Sent back the blond for Chestnut. I hope you guys were right when you said the Chestnut was correct.
Well, I got Blonde BCs and they were too light, I think. My Chestnut BOICs are perfect.

Just my $0.02
Pyr

Agreed. I compare the BC's to the BOIC's and the BC's are very, very close.

-Sergei

Mattdeckard · Post by **Mattdeckard** » Thu Mar 17, 2005 2:22 pm

So is the BC Chestnut splotchy like on the blond BCs, or streaky like on the BOICs

Sergei · Post by **Sergei** » Thu Mar 17, 2005 2:52 pm

I just compared the two. Both the BC and BOIC are variegated i(you call splotchy) along the lens frame. Then the color of the acetate is monotone on the frame towards the cable.

They both look like this:

Mattdeckard · Post by **Mattdeckard** » Thu Mar 17, 2005 2:55 pm

Glad you could understand my refferences
Thanks for the info.

Berkshire Chase Review & Pics

Berkshire Chase Review & Pics

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