The ultimate definition of cool during the 90s was Oakley and its futuristic, unconventional sunglasses worn by the likes of Michael Jordan. But contrary to the conjecture, Oakley was more than just its sunglasses. With a youthful and rebellious design language and an attitude of deliberate insouciance, Oakley became a popular part of contemporary culture and lifestyle. And precisely this notion fired the imagination of the founder — Jim Jannard — to go beyond the realm of action sports and explore uncharted waters, i.e. watches. 

 

The Fiery Beginning Of Oakley Watches 

Oakley forayed into watchmaking in 1998 with an explosive nonconformist watch called the Time Bomb. Coalescing the signature chunky, futuristic design rendered in a titanium case with a Seiko quartz movement, the Time Bomb was bold, dynamic, and entirely one-of-a-kind. It was also scandalous as it retailed for as much as a Breitling or probably a Rolex. Subsequently, even though the watch was luxurious, though not in a conventional way and far from anything anybody had seen until then, many discerning watch connoisseurs snubbed it. But that in no way prevented Oakley from exploring the eccentricities of the art of watchmaking.

Oakley watches had always been a representative of the house’s radical, off-the-wall design sensibility, cleverly transforming unique shapes into edgy, avant-garde constructions. Timepieces, such as Torpedo, Bullet, Blade, and more, all come with captivating silhouettes and a daring attitude. 

Oakley Watch Collections 

Initially, the brand bombarded the watchmaking space with only design-led, outrageous timepieces manifesting the house’s unique take on luxury. But, over time, Oakley embraced balance. It mustered its collection with styles that catered to its brazen luxurious trope but also pieces that were a bit conventional and equipped with more practical facets. Oakley watches, such as GMT, Saddleback, Detonator, and Judge, deliver functionality in spades without foregoing the house's singular style. 

Collections that particularly became popular amongst patrons were Gearbox, Holeshot, 12 Gauge, Bottle Cap, Oakley Minute Machine, and of course the Time Bomb. In 2011, the house introduced a stunning timepiece called ‘Full Metal Jacket’ that could be converted into a pocket watch with the aid of an additional chain. Also, a LIVESTRONG edition Time Bomb II was released in 2012 in partnership with Lance Armstrong. 

However, despite all the success, love, and fame, the production of Oakley watches was nixed in 2015. The discontinuation of Oakley’s crazy, shocking timepieces certainly marked a sad end to an exciting chapter in the story of precision, luxury watchmaking. But this never stopped patrons from pursuing the audacity and charm offered by Oakley watches, as even today, they make for loved investments by connoisseurs worldwide.