2006 Oakley ‘Blade’ 2.0 Silver Link Saw Frame Wrist Watch

Oakley was originally founded in 1975 out of James Jannard’s garage on a mere budget of $300. Named after his dog, Oakley Anne, Jannard would begin his culture-shifting design journey by selling moto-cross grips out of his trunk, due to an innovative rubberized textile that’s still used today on namesake glasses. Garnering mass notoriety in the sports world, he’d soon pivot into googles and eyewear in the 80s, taking a chance by purchasing a 3D printer to not only streamline manufacturing, but develop a sci-fi aesthetic. Along with NASA, Oakley would be the only other brand to invest into the new-found tech, further emphasizing their interest in experimental production. With industry leaders like Michael Jordan and Denis Rodman adapting Oakley eyewear, the sport-centric label would become increasingly lucrative, until the peak of extreme sports in the late 90s. However, this shift in cultural interests didn’t seem to phase Jannard’s team, as they entered their famed ‘mad scientist’ era. Dawning silhouettes like the OVERTHETOP sunglasses at the 2000 Sydney Summer Olympics and our beloved Medusa’s in 2002, Oakley hype would travel south as it surged in Brazil’s Baile funk scene. Only further innovating with silhouettes like the Juliet sunglasses, among wristwear and clothing, Oakley would solidify itself as a symbol of forward thinking within the design community.

 

Debuting in 2006, this widely recognized timepiece is known as the ‘Blade 2.0’ Watch. Following the Blade 1.0’s release, this reworked silhouette designed by Peter Yee draws from the profile of a saw blade, mimicking its razor sharp edges in a circular manner. Requiring 16 million pounds of force and 27 blasts from a hydraulic press to create, the incredibly strong accessory is self-explanatory in its value and rigorous craft. With saw motifs leeching onto the face, black two tone detailing contrasts a red second hand and fully metallic exterior. Complimented by an Oakley logo clasp and asymmetric links, the accessory is finalized with a dial on the side and etched logo on the underside. In great exterior condition, the watch’s operation is not confirmed, as a replacement battery is required.