A deeply personal meaning
The meaning behind OAN.GIO holds deep personal significance for me. "OAN" is a phonetic representation of "ONE" and also happens to be the name of my wife, Oanh. "GIỜ" translates to "TIME" or "HOUR" in Vietnamese. As a French-born Vietnamese individual, this name is a blend of my heritage and identity, rooted in both cultures.
The logo and name can be interpreted in various ways, which is what I find beautiful about this brand. Some see the initials OAN.GIO, others may perceive the infinity symbol, or the number 8, which holds great luck in Asian culture. Some also see the representation of a snake, the symbol of the coming year in the Chinese zodiac. In Vietnamese tradition, the snake is sacred, representing wisdom and intuition. Those born in the Year of the Snake are often considered wise and contemplative, choosing their words carefully.
This name and symbol reflect not only my personal journey but also the layers of cultural and symbolic meaning embedded in the brand.
Discover the power of personal expression through our timepieces
After dedicating over six years of my life to a renowned French watch brand, where I oversaw production and innovation, I found myself at a crossroads, unsure of what the next chapter held. At one point, I even toyed with the idea of retiring to the peaceful countryside of Vietnam to start an exotic fish business. But my wife, in her wisdom, reminded me of the dream I’d carried for years—to create something truly my own. She knew I’d regret not launching my own watch project, channeling my creativity, and building on the vast network of artisans I had developed strong, lasting friendships with over the years. And, of course, she was right.
Fortunately, I had another advantage: my brother, a gifted product designer and 3D artist who had spent years working with Rolex. Together, we sat down, and after countless sleepless nights perfecting the design and technical details, I’m proud to introduce my very own brand—OAN.GIO. This brand is my personal homage to the incredible craftsmanship found in small workshops and among passionate artisans across the globe.