By Marge Axelrad
Editorial Director

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.--Eyewear by roi will debut a new eyewear collection for Wittnauer, the legendary watch brand.

A Wittnauer Sunwear Collection will debut in September at Vision Expo West.

Wittnauer is a 126-year-old upscale Swiss watch brand, founded in 1880 in New York City by Swiss immigrant Albert Wittnauer. In 1918, Wittnauer debuted the world’s first waterproof, shockproof and anti-magnetic watch. The timepiece accompanied polar aviator Commander Robert Byrd to both the Artic and Antartica as well as, Amelia Earhart’s solo flight across the Atlantic in 1932 and in 1937 Howard Hughes’ Winged Bullet which flew from Burbank to Newark in a then-world record time.

“We are very pleased to be selected as the only licensee the Wittnauer company has ever granted in its 126-year history,” stated Eyewear by roi's CEO, John W. Alofs II. “In keeping with the Wittnauer philosophy, we will be offering an upscale, urban type of eyewear collection. Wittnauer Eyewear Collection caters to the discerning eye seeking fashion from an urban perspective.

The ophthalmic launch includes six ophthalmic styles for men and women, including some unisex. The price to the dispenser for each style is $44.95.