Preciosa 940 ā The Original Goliath Glasses
The Preciosa 940 is one of the most recognisable oversized eyewear designs of the 1970s. Made in Holland by Frame Holland, the dramatic square acetate frame is known in America as the Goliath and became internationally famous through film, music and hip-hop culture.Ā
Most notably, the Preciosa 940 was worn by Robert De Niro as Sam "Ace" Rothstein in Casino (1995). Its oversized proportions, heavy acetate construction and commanding square shape became an unmistakable part of Ace's extravagant Las Vegas wardrobe. Frame Holland has confirmed the connection between the Preciosa 940 and De Niro's eyewear in the film. The design also became closely associated with hip-hop, particularly Darryl McDaniels of Run-DMC, while Preciosa frames have appeared on other musicians and actors over the decades.
Original Preciosa 940 Glasses & Limited Editions
Our Preciosa collection includes the classic black and Havana 940, alongside rare limited-edition colourways produced by Frame Holland. These include unusual translucent, patterned and individually numbered editions that give the original Goliath shape an entirely different character.
Preciosa frames are still manufactured in the Netherlands, where Frame Holland continues to design, develop and produce its eyewear. Every Preciosa 940 can be purchased as a frame or customised by our opticians with prescription lenses, non-prescription lenses or sunglass tints, allowing the same iconic oversized design to be worn as either glasses or sunglasses. These are genuinely large frames, so we recommend checking the individual measurements before ordering.Ā
Frequently Asked Questions
What glasses does Robert De Niro wear in Casino?
Robert De Niro wears the Preciosa 940 as Sam "Ace" Rothstein in Casino (1995). The oversized square acetate frame is also widely associated with the Goliath name and has become one of the most recognisable eyewear styles from the film.Ā
Is the Preciosa 940 the same as the Goliath?
Preciosa 940 is the model name, while Goliath is the name commonly associated with the design, particularly in the US. You may also see similar versions described as Ultra Goliath, although terminology varies between different versions of the frame.Ā
Where are Preciosa 940 glasses made?
Preciosa eyewear is made in the Netherlands by Frame Holland. The company continues to produce the distinctive oversized 940 alongside limited-edition colourways.
Can Preciosa 940 glasses be fitted with prescription lenses?
Yes. We can fit Preciosa 940 frames with prescription clear lenses, non-prescription lenses or sunglass tints. Because the 940 is a particularly large frame, we recommend checking the measurements and your prescription before ordering.
Are Preciosa 940 glasses suitable as sunglasses?
Yes. The Preciosa 940 works particularly well as an oversized sunglasses frame and can be fitted with a wide range of sunglass tints, including prescription options.
