Oxygen is a French watch brand established in 1950, originally recognized for its specialized timepieces designed for professional diving. After a relaunch in October 2003 by former Aéroboutique Inflight Retail buyer Nadia Skouri at the TFWA in Cannes, the brand achieved international recognition through its “Travel Time” series, which was sold exclusively on major airlines. Based in Paris, the company has since expanded into domestic markets including Japan and the UK.
Collectors and enthusiasts are drawn to the brand for its retro-chic aesthetic, which combines mid-century Alpine design inspiration with modern reliability. Key features that appeal to consumers include the use of stainless steel cases, scratch-resistant mineral glass, and reliable Japanese quartz or automatic movements from manufacturers like Miyota and Seiko. A defining characteristic of Oxygen watches is their versatility, often highlighted by interchangeable NATO-style nylon straps or handcrafted Italian leather straps identified by an engraved star. To maintain exclusivity, many models are produced with unique serial numbers on the case back.
The brand’s catalog is organized into several key collections, including the Legend line, which is divided into City, Sport, and Diver ranges. Notable models for men include the GMT 2 and the Pilot, while women’s offerings are headlined by the Adventure and Star models. Specific popular pieces mentioned across the collections include the Univers, Planet, and Jet Set series, as well as dual-time models like the Adventure which features a dedicated window for a second time zone and a list of countries around the dial edge.
