Is Fossil a Good Watch Brand?

Fossil is a leading global lifestyle accessory brand that owns several other watch brands you may have heard of. However, is Fossil a good watch brand? Today, we’re going to find out.

It’s a question that passes around watch enthusiast circles every day — is Fossil a good brand for men’s watches? 

If you’re in the market to pick up a Fossil watch for the first time, you may have other questions, too. 

You may be asking, “Is Fossil a luxury brand”? or “How much do Fossil watches cost? Or, maybe you’re wondering, “Where are Fossil watches made?”. 

In this article, we’re going to cover all those points and more. Let’s start with a bit of background on the brand.

About Fossil the Brand

Fossil has an interesting backstory. It started as an independent business and is now one of the largest multifaceted companies in the industry. It doesn’t offer watches alone. 

The global retailer specializes in design and innovation. It offers everything from handbags to wallets to jewelry and fashion accessories. It also owns brands that include Zodiac, Skagen, Diesel, DKNY, and Michael Kors.

What started as a humble wholesale business has grown substantially, with a portfolio that now contains several world-renowned brands. 

Since its founding year in 1984, it has gone through some significant changes, expanding vastly. 

Fossil also manufactures its own Smartwatches, as well as designs for ladies that include the Carlie, Jacqueline, and Georgia. As a stylish and affordable alternative to a high-end watch brand, Fossil is an excellent brand choice for many. 

Although not for everyone, Fossil even finishes its cheapest watches to a high degree.

To figure out whether Fossil is the brand for you or not, let’s look at the history of the brand. We’ll also take a look at some popular lines and answer some important questions about the watchmaker.

A Brief History of Fossil Watches

The history of Fossil is unique. It started small and grew diversely. 

A large proportion of its portfolio is jewelry, yet it donates the largest part to specializing in watches. The company dedicates a small section to leather goods and accessories.

Fossil filled a gaping hole in the watch industry in 1984, but how did it all begin for the brand?

Origins of Fossil Watches

You may associate America’s success in watchmaking with the likes of Bulova or Hamilton. But in 1984, two brothers named Tom and Kosta Kartsotis founded something rather special in Dallas. 

The company set up the initial “Overseas Products International” name as a marketing project. When the company’s name changed to Fossil in 1986, however, it experienced immediate success. 

Its turnover went from $2 million in 1987 to $32 million in 1990! It encouraged the two brothers to begin their own business. A new strategy based on supply control, verticalized distribution, and fashion brands proved to be revolutionary.

Fossil Watches in the 1990s

In 1992, Fossil took over a company in Hong Kong, renaming it Fossil. The role of that business was to supply watches to the American market. Fossil also became a shareholder in several companies in Hong Kong.

Pulse Time Centre, Amazing Time, and Trylink International all brought Fossil closer to watchmaking. 

By the year 2000, Fossil had bought pieces from 38 watchmaking companies in Hong Kong. This number had risen to 48 by a decade later.

In the 1990s, Fossil had begun diversifying into fashion products and brands. Its leather goods, sunglasses, and fashion accessories became a huge success. Although the integration into fashion products was a successful move, most of Fossil’s products remained in watchmaking. 

During this time, Fossil took on Emporio Armani, DKNY, and Diesel. Then, in 2004, it purchased Michael Kors, followed by Adidas in 2005. Skagen also joined under the Fossil umbrella in 2012.

Fossil Watches in the 21st Century

Having understood the importance of watchmaking traditions and authenticity, Fossil watches soon began focussing on Swiss manufacture. 

Back in 2001, the brand acquired Zodiac and had invested in several watch production and assembly companies. Acquiring a Swiss brand with a rich history of tradition further grew the brand’s success. 

In 2006, Fossil also created a special Swiss-made collection for Georgio Armani, which Armani sold in exclusive shops.

The third element of Fossil’s history is perhaps one of the most important — the brand’s increasing control of its distribution of watches. 

The company was largely dependent upon the American market up until around 1998. However, sales in other countries rose from 29% to 50% by 2015. Since 1999, Fossil has relied heavily on the sale of its watches online, as well as growing its network of shops. 

In just 16 years, the company has grown from 39 to 250 stores between 2000 to 2016.

Today, Fossil is the fourth largest watch producer in the world. Its sales rose from $504 million in 2000 to a staggering $3.2 billion in 2015! 

Fossil’s story of establishing great success in the watch market is one of the most fascinating of all brands. It is just one of the many reasons why some watch-wearers swear by the reliability and affordability of the brand. 

Is Fossil a Good Watch Brand for Men’s Watches?

Fossil watches for men vary from the modern to the traditional. With more than 25 years of experience in manufacturing watches, the brand’s reliability and quality are impressive. Few watchmakers have such a reputation to boast.

A good watch should last years without any problems. Fossil watches definitely promise this. One of the brand’s hallmarks is its modern approach to watchmaking. 

Although affordable, Fossil doesn’t compromise on quality. While this may not be the case for budget designer brands, Fossil sits somewhere between budget and luxury.

It means that while you don’t get a premium brand name, you get a good design with good features.

Fossil’s portfolio ranges from chronographs to titanium models with sleek metallic hues to bold and vibrant creations. 

To give you a better insight into the range of watches made by Fossil, let’s take a look at some popular models.

Some of the Best Fossil Watches

Fossil watches may not be for everyone. Their quality and materials are no match for high-end brands, but affordable they are. It may not craft the most exquisite timepieces, but Fossil certainly makes affordable watches. 

From the elegant Grant Chronograph watch to the sophisticated Machine collection, the range is incredibly diverse. 

You can choose from a range of dial colors, straps, and materials. You can even find watches finished in a decadent gold color.

Fossil Machine

The Fossil Machine speaks to men with an adventurous spirit for exploration. The rugged tool is incredibly masculine and serves several functions. Its bold design delivers in spades. 

This mid-size model features a brown PVD-coated stainless steel case and a genuine brown leather band.

Its brown dial features compact chronograph counters at the 3, 6, and 9 o’clock locations. These are easy to facilitate thanks to the black-coated push pieces flanking the crown.

Fossil Townsman

The Townsman is more refined in design than the Machine. Its minimalist design is large, with a broad 44mm diameter. Crafted from steel and with a vibrant blue dial, it shows off part of the movement through its satin display.

Alongside this is a 24-hour track, a small seconds function dressed in golden elements, not to mention an exhibition caseback.

Fossil Grant Chronograph

The Fossil Grant Chronograph is a classic and timeless companion. Equipped with a chronograph for effortless stopwatch timings, it belongs on the wrist of the modern man. That said, vintage wristwatches inspire this design.

It features classic Roman numerals modeled from vintage clocks. The numerals feature the chronograph eyes overlapping them, and a reliable automatic movement sits inside the case.

Fossil the Minimalist Slim Three-Hand

Just as its name suggests, this watch has a slender build and sits well on the wrist of the slighter gent. The model measures 44mm, but thanks to its slim case, it wears smaller. Its design encapsulates a minimalist aesthetic.

Its clean and uncluttered dial is ideal for those who just want to read the time. A vibrant orange hand highlights the black dial, helping with this.

Fossil Neutra

Speaking of simplified and minimalist, the Neutra watch is the chronograph version of Fossil’s minimalistic efforts.

This classic black and steel model offers a 24-hour counter, a 30-minute counter, and small seconds. Durable enough for daily wear, the Neutra offers a water-resistant capability of 50 meters. 

It also features a classic stainless steel bracelet for pairing with dressy attire.

FAQs

To better understand whether or not Fossil is the brand for you, read these FAQs.

Where Are Fossil Watches Made?

Fossil makes watches in China. The brand had distribution centers in Dallas, Germany, and Asia. The brand also has design studios located in Biel Switzerland — a location close to Rolex.

How Much Do Fossil Watches Cost?

While Fossil watches are more expensive than some budget brands, they’re still very affordable. The average price of a Fossil watch ranges from around $50 to $300.  

Is Fossil a Luxury Brand?

Fossil is not a luxury brand. Its designs sit in the mid-range sector. That said, quality materials and reliable automatic movements are what the brand is most noteworthy for. 

Conclusion — Is Fossil a Good Watch Brand? 

With over 400 stores worldwide and a thriving e-commerce business, it’s hard to deny the reputation of Fossil. The multi-brand portfolio offers everything from fashion accessories to leather products, but most importantly, watches. 

While the company promises great value for money and a vast array of well-known brands, Fossil is not a luxury brand. Whereas luxury watch brands generally exist in their category, Fossil does not. 

Superior materials and low production define a luxury watch brand. Fossil has a vast array of wristwatches and many brands under its umbrella.  

Fossil has a reputation for being an affordable manufacturer. While many believe cheap watches reflect low quality, this is not the case for Fossil, in my opinion. 

I see Fossil watches as a collector’s starting point. They are an affordable gateway into the watch-wearing world, promising values of quality and reliability at a good price. 

If you’re still unsure about Fossil watches, ask yourself what is important to you. A name connected with high-end luxury? Or a functional daily watch for a fraction of the price?

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