History

1974

Beyeler Optik was founded in 1974 by Mr. Beyeler and Mr. Müller and was continued by Mr. Beyeler and his wife from 1986 - with the aim of bringing unique glasses to Basel and distinguishing themselves through quality and high customer satisfaction. Beyeler Optik soon made a name for itself through its colorful and unusual eyewear collections, including brands such as Oliver Peoples and l.a. Eyeworks. Exclusive collections such as Chrome Hearts and Theo followed shortly afterwards.

Opposite, in the bar of today's Besenstiel restaurant, there was a special children's glasses shop that was equipped with tailor-made furniture at children's height.

2009

On January 1, 2009, Jörg M. Nömer, a long-time employee with over 20 years of experience in the company, and Christian Jauslin took over the business from Beyeler Optik. Apart from small, customer-friendly adjustments to opening times and switching to different languages ​​to expand communication, everything remained as usual.  The goal is a smooth handover in which the proven company philosophy and enthusiasm continue unchanged. For loyal customers, this meant that they could continue to rely on the usual quality and professional expertise.

In November 2009, the first individual horn-rimmed glasses collection Rheinknie from Basel was added. Handcrafted, unique horn-rimmed glasses that are dedicated to the different kilometers of the Rhine and, in 2020, also refer to the names of spices due to the former spice trade in Basel. The desire for unique, personal glasses was the inspiration behind the exclusive Rheinknie collection from Beyeler Optik. The owners Jörg M. Nömer and Christian Jauslin have created a homage to Basel: Each pair of glasses is dedicated to a striking place along the Rhine, from the power station island to the border triangle. A model carries the Rhine kilometer of the Leu ferry as a code, and design adaptations such as frameless glasses for ferries or glasses with open frames for bridges allude to the characteristics of these places.  The collection is handmade in Switzerland from buffalo horn, creating unique grains and colors. Special patterns can also be achieved using laminates, for example: snakeskin pattern for a model dedicated to the Birsig estuary.

2014

In 2014, Beyeler Optik redesigned the store interior, focusing on the theme of “lots of light and a cozy ambience on 3 levels”. The result was bright and inviting rooms that offer customers a pleasant atmosphere and make the shopping experience at Beyeler Optik even more appealing. In 2017, Beyeler Optik took over the entire customer file of Claude Bader, who ran his optics shop below Atlantis in Basel and was closed due to his retirement. On this occasion, Mr. Bader invited his customers to an event where he once again presented his favorite collection, Anne et Valentin.

The new Beyeler Optik logo was also designed in 2017. It combines various symbols that represent Basel and the company: the cross-section of the eye, the Basel staff, the shape of the Rhine knee and the six Rhine bridges. A clear line stands for straightness, and the small letter “b” represents Beyeler Optik.

2022

Beyeler Optik took a big step towards sustainability in 2022. The conversion was made primarily from materials made from recycled ocean plastic to help protect our oceans. The walls and glasses drawers as well as the curtains were made from sea plastic. Beyeler Optik is proud to save 24 tons of water annually thanks to the new closed water circuit of the in-house grinding machine in the studio.

Since 2021, Beyeler Optik has also been actively committed to promoting biodiversity with seven of its own beehives in the Fricktal. When you purchase new glasses, you will receive a glass of honey from our own harvest as a special thank you - a small contribution to the environment and first-hand enjoyment. Beyeler Optik also grew from 5 to 8 employees from 2009-2021.

Every pair of glasses returned is donated, upcycled and recycled and great care is taken to use regional products to guarantee short supply chains.

The in-house studio in the basement, which is visible directly from the store through a glass wall, offers customers insights into craftsmanship precision and care. In addition to an exclusive selection of glasses and sunglasses, we also stock high-quality contact lenses - everything for your optimal vision solution under one roof.

To this day, with a passion for precise craftsmanship and individual advice, we ensure that you not only see well with us, but also feel completely comfortable - because your eyes are important to us.

contact information:
Beyeler Optik AG
Theaterstrasse 9
4051 Basel