When Oakley unveiled its first model in the X Metal Collection in 1997, it wasn't just a product launch; it was a momentous event in the world of eyewear and fashion. Originally named the “Oscar,” what later became known as the Oakley Romeo was first introduced to the public at Oakley’s under-construction headquarters in Foothill Ranch, California, in December 1996. This release was a display of grandeur and confidence – the Romeo was promoted by a host of sports celebrities, including five Olympic medalists, two NBA players, two major league baseball players, and champions from surfing, snowboarding, and beach volleyball. The event emphasized not just the $250 sunglasses' unique design but also their connection to top-tier athletic performance and style.

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Peter Yee [Sr. Design Director 1993-2018] mentions the development of the Romeo was shrouded in secrecy, akin to "black ops." Nobody outside the project saw the designs or knew details, underlining the exclusive and innovative nature of this launch.

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The Romeo marked the world's first 3-D sculptured, hypoallergenic, all-metal frame – a milestone in eyewear innovation. This revolutionary application of new metallurgical processes and breakthroughs in structural physics produced a lightweight blend of superheated metals, resulting in the Romeo's adjustable frame. Engineered with flex couplers and interchangeable nose-bombs, these sunglasses offered a customizable fit that was unheard of at the time. Their phenomenal strength-to-weight ratio and clarity of XYZ Optics set a new standard, catering to those who demanded nothing but the best in performance eyewear.

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In a interview showcasing the behind the scenes proccess of the X Metal. Gardner Wade [Director of Engineering] sheds light on the complexities and secrecy surrounding the metal used in the Romeos, stating, "The metal itself, they would put on three or four different trucks to get it here so that the original truck driver didn't know where it was going and the truck driver didn't know where it came from." This further emphasizes the lengths Oakley went to in protecting and pioneering their technology.

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The early 2000s saw Michael Jordan, a name synonymous with greatness in basketball, frequently sporting the X Metal Romeos. This era solidified the sunglasses' status as more than just a functional item; they were a symbol of sporting prestige and high performance, much like Jordan himself.

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The year 2000 marked a significant milestone when the X Metal Romeos were featured in the "Mission Impossible" franchise. This appearance wasn't just a product placement; it was a testament to their high-tech, sleek design aligning perfectly with the movie's action-packed, avant-garde ethos.

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Spanning over two decades, the X Metal Romeos have weathered the changing tides of fashion and technology. From their groundbreaking launch in the late 1990s to their enduring presence today, they continue to be a beacon of style, innovation, and enduring design.

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Into the 2000s and beyond, collectors of rare and unique eyewear have held the X Metal Romeos in high esteem. The fervor with which these enthusiasts seek out and cherish every model echoes the sunglasses' lasting impact and iconic status.

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Reflecting on the journey and the ethos behind the X Metal Romeos, designer Peter Yee offered profound insights in a recent interview with ConceptKicks. Yee notably remarked on Oakley's fearless approach, saying, "Oakley was unafraid. Unafraid to experiment, unafraid to stand out. And that's precisely what drove the design philosophy behind the X Metal Romeos." His reflections, peppered with decades-spanning wisdom, illuminate the boldness and inventiveness at the heart of the Romeos’ design. Yee's focus on uniting groundbreaking aesthetics with practical functionality echoes through the continued popularity and admiration of these iconic sunglasses.

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X-Metal Plant Manager Tony Charles made mention that these marvelous sunglasses were "...virtually indestructible. We've driven over it with a tank,” showcasing the Romeo's unparalleled durability. This durability, combined with the XYZ Optics, as Tony Charles explains, exceeds industry standards for high velocity and high mass impact, making them "the best optics on the planet for high velocity and high mass."

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Tracing their journey from a groundbreaking launch in the late 1990s to a revered icon in the realms of sports, cinema, and collectors' showcases, the X Metal Romeos continue to live on through it's eternal legacy.