By studying complex model catalysts based on well-defined oxide surfaces, fundamental insights have been obtained into the surface chemistry of many heterogeneously catalyzed processes. In this perspective, we summarize a series of studies, in which we have transferred this model catalysis approach to the field of electrocatalysis. Our model electrocatalysts consisted of Pt nanoparticles (NPs) grown on atomically-defined oxide films. Specifically, we used well-ordered Co3O4(111) thin films on an Ir(100) support. The Pt NPs were prepared by physical vapor deposition (PVD) and the particle size was varied from a few nanometers to the sub-nanometer size range. We prepared all model catalysts under ultra-high vacuum (UHV) conditions using a dedicated preparation system. This setup enables us to transfer the model catalysts from UHV into the electrochemical environment to apply various in-situ techniques without exposure to air. We investigated the stability window of pristine Co3O4(111) and Pt/Co3O4(111) using online inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICPMS), electrochemical infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy (EC-IRRAS), scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), ex-situ emersion X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and low energy electron diffraction (LEED). Within the stability window (pH 10, 0.3-1.1 V-RHE) the surface structure of the model electrocatalysts is preserved. We analyzed identical samples both in UHV and in the electrochemical environment. Specifically, we applied synchrotron radiation photoelectron spectroscopy (SR-PES) and ex-situ emersion XPS to analyze the electronic structure and we used infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy (IRAS), temperature programmed desorption (TPD), EC-IRRAS, and cyclic voltammetry (CV) to study CO adsorption and oxidation. The model electrocatalysts show pronounced particle size effects and metal support interactions are shown to play a key role in their catalytic reactivity. Of particular importance is an interfacial Pt oxide, which is stabilized by the oxide support and exists at electrode potentials as low as 0.5 V-RHE. Moreover, spillover effects enable new reaction mechanisms, which involve oxygen from the oxide support. This review demonstrates the potential of the model electrocatalysis approach to provide fundamental insights into complex oxide-based electrocatalysis. Graphic