Are you’re looking to buy a new Fossil watch?
Not sure if the brand is a real deal or not?
Then you’ve come to the right place.
In this detailed review, I will show you some of the most important things you need to know about this fashion watch brand.
Things that will surely help you make a better final decision.
Also, if case you’re in a hurry, I’ve compiled a list of the best Fossil watches that are loved by people all around the world.
Now, let’s begin.
| AT A GLANCE: MY TOP 7 PICKS FOR THE BEST FOSSIL WATCHES |
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History Of Fossil Watches
To a lot of people, Fossil Group might just seem like another American fashion brand, but it’s much more than that.
Fossil also is known as one of the top designers and manufacturers of watches and watch components around the world.
Fossil began all the way back in 1984 when two brothers, Tom and Kosta Kartosis, founded the company as Overseas Products International.
The idea to import watches came from Tom’s brother, Kosta Kartsotis, as fashion watches were slowly growing in popularity.
Kartsotis embraced the idea and began importing watches from the Far East, and soon after, they released the Fossil brand of watches.
From that point on, Fossil has been a staple in watch conversations, especially when talking about stylish, affordable, and functional watches.
Top (10) Best Fossil Watches Chosen by Customers
| Product images | Product names | Movement | Water resistance | Editor's rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | FS4735IE Grant Quartz Leather Dress Watch | Japanese Quartz | 165 feet | [usr 4.9] |  |
 | CH2891 Coachman Quartz Leather Cuff Watch | Japanese Quartz | 330 feet | [usr 4.9] | |
 | FS5164 Machine Silicone Chronograph Quartz Watch | Japanese Quartz | 165 feet | [usr 4.8] | |
 | FS4774 42mm Machine Smoke IP Dress Watch | Japanese Quartz | 165 feet | [usr 4.8] | |
 | JR1437 Nate Quartz Metal Casual Watch | Japanese Quartz | 165 feet | [usr 4.7] | |
 | FS4931 Machine Stainless Steel Chronograph Quartz Watch | Japanese Quartz | 165 feet | [usr 4.7] | |
 | FS5304 The Minimalist FS5304 Watch | Japanese Quartz | 165 feet | [usr 4.7] | |
 | FS4795 Dean Chronograph Dress Quartz Watch | Japanese Quartz | 165 feet | [usr 4.6] | |
 | CH2573 Decker Chronograph Watch With Black Silicon Band | Japanese Quartz | 330 feet | [usr 4.6] | |
 | JR1354 Nate Quartz Leather Casual Watch | Japanese Quartz | 165 feet | [usr 4.5] | |
Notable Fossil Collections
In this section, we take a look at some of Fossil’s most popular collections over the years.
Fossil Nate
The watches in the Nate collection are designed with both military and modern features.
The result of this is a classy, bold, and sleek watch that would be a great day-to-day companion.
The watches in this series aren’t designed as dress watches, so it may not be the best idea to pair them with a suit (but it can totally be done).
The best way to sport any of the pieces in the collection is with a nice casual look that the military-inspired watch will contrast or complement.
Fossil Grant
The Fossil Grant is one of the most popular models from the brand to date, and it takes just one quick look to see why.
The mix of classy Roman Numeral markers on a cream dial with a brown leather strap is an instant classic.
This is why it has adorned the wrist of so many people all around the world.
Fossil Modern Machine
The Modern Machine line is a line from the brand that tries to employ more modern technology and feel to the watches.
Watches in this line will usually feature a skeleton dial, an automatic movement, and a modern feel.
This is a great collection for those looking for a modern look without busting the bank.
Fossil Townsman
The Townsman collection from Fossil is about as classic as it gets.
The collection came about as a tribute to 1950s America, which is why the timepieces are as traditional and classic as it gets.
This is what makes the collection perfect for those looking for a business and professional look without being too flashy.
Fossil Smartwatches
Aside from doing things traditionally, Fossil also jumped into the ever-growing game of smartwatches.
They released their first model in 2015, and since then, they’ve released over 150 more watches and activity trackers.
These watches work great, which is why they have become one of the go-to smartwatches for those on a budget.
These watches also come in a variety of designs, which is rare with a lot of smartwatches in the range, but it also gives you a whole selection of different designs to choose one.
So you’ll surely be able to find the one that suits you without too much trouble.
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Reviews of the Top-rated Fossil Watches
1. FS4735IE
There’s always been something about watches with leather straps that spoke to me.
They seem to always add class to any outfit, be it formal or casual.
This Fossil piece has a classic dress watch design, with its black Roman Numeral markers, its cream-colored dial, and its brown leather strap.
While this watch has a classic, old-school look, it also has some modern features that make it a contemporary men’s watch.
For example, on the dial, you’ll find three sub-dials, two for the chronograph function and one to display 24-hour time.
The watch uses the famed Japanese quartz movement, known for being incredibly accurate and practical, so not only does the dial look absolutely stunning, but the time being displayed on it will surely be accurate.
For those looking for a classic watch with modern functions, there aren’t a lot of better pieces in this price range.
| Pros:
-Classic design -Quality leather strap -Multiple functions | Cons:
-No date window |
2. CH2891
In the watch world, finding a watch that merges classic and modern design in a tasteful way can be a difficult, sometimes impossible, task.
But Fossil is known for being one of the rare companies that can actually do this, and that’s exactly what happened with this Coachman watch.
The dial has a black background, while the markers, hands, and other details are a nice tan color which makes an almost perfect contrast.
It also has a tachymeter, which I don’t usually use, but it always adds functionality and aesthetic to a watch.
There are three sub-dials you see on the watch are for the chronograph and 24-hour time display function, and personal favorite detail of mine: the date window in between the 4 and 5 o’clock positions.
This watch is also water-resistant up to 100m, so there’s no problem bringing this into the shower or even for a light swim, truly a very functional watch in a beautiful package.
| Pros:
-Classy design -Multiple Functions -Water Resistant up to 100m | Cons:
-The genuine leather strap could be better |
3. FS5164
It’s no secret that Fossil knows how to blend the colors in their watch design, and this piece is a testament to that.
The blue and rose-gold tones on this watch bring out the best in each other, especially since they’re resting on a black background.
The watch’s case measures 45mm and is made of black stainless steel, and has a knurled bezel (a great detail and one of my favorite parts of the watch).
Aside from that, there’s a chronograph function and 24-hour time display, which is manifested in the three rose-gold tone sub-dials on the watch, which matches the perfectly placed date window in between the 4 and 5 o’clock positions.
To bring everything together is a black stainless steel band with a line of blue running through the middle, making this watch a modern piece for the modern wearer.
| Pros:
-Exquisite color choices -Multiple functions -Premium materials | Cons:
-Only 50m of water resistance |
Reviews of great Fossil watches:
- Fossil FS5304 Review
- Fossil FS5305 Review
- Fossil CH2565 Review
- Fossil FS4813 Review
- Fossil FS5164 Review
4. FS4774
This watch is tangible proof that minimalist designs can be as classy as other fashionable smartwatches.
Fossil decided to keep everything as simple as possible with this piece, and it resulted in a beautiful design and incredibly easy reading of the time.
The case of the watch and the bracelet share a gun-metal tone, which pairs perfectly with the black and white dial.
The dial itself has white stick markers, and black hands with white tips, all of this pops out really beautifully in the dial, giving off a sense of prestige and giving all of us easy time reads regardless of the hour of the day.
| Pros:
-Sleek design -Can be worn in many different styles -Accurate quartz movement | Cons:
-Reading time in the dark will take some getting used to |
5. JR1437
For those looking for a sturdy, manly, and stylish timepiece, this may turn into your favorite on the list.
The large 50mm case is fairly big, even compared to today’s large men’s watches.
This makes it look incredibly rugged and sturdy, especially since the case is plated with gun-metal.
The dial features a beautiful gradient of sepia tones, which makes the large markers on the outer ring pop out while also shedding some light on the sub-dials for the chronograph and 24-hour display functions.
The date window is aligned with the 4 o’clock marker, which isn’t where you’d normally find it, but after close inspection, I’d say there’s no better place on the dial to put it.
| Pros:
-Sturdy and masculine design -Quality materials -Multiple functions | Cons:
-The case may seem too large for some people |
Other Fossil timepieces:
- Fossil FS5308 Review
- Fossil FS5151 Review
- Fossil FS5241 Review
- Fossil FS4775 Review
- Fossil FS4735 Review
6. FS4931
This is yet another piece for the modern watch wearer.
The blue and black combination seen on the dial really gives this watch a youthful and light look, which makes this piece an incredible casual wear watch.
This watch has all the elements you’d expect from Fossil: a chronograph, 24-hour time display, and accurate timekeeping.
The chronograph and 24-hour time can be seen on the perfectly placed sub-dials, which share some of the blue tones seen on the markers.
These blue tones pair incredibly with the gun-metal plated case and bracelet.
If you’re looking for a functional casual watch, you won’t find much better in this price range than this Fossil piece.
| Pros:
-Casual design -Multiple functions -Easy reading of the time | Cons:
-Only water-resistant up to 50m |
7. FS5304
This watch is another brilliant piece from Fossil’s lauded minimalist collection.
The design on this piece is as straightforward as it gets: gold-colored stick markers and hands-on a royal blue background, stainless steel case, and brown genuine leather strap.
This is a timeless color combination that has been used all throughout history.
Not only does this watch look great, but the slim case allows the watch to comfortably sit under the cuff of your best dress shirt.
If you’re looking for a dress watch but want to keep things classy and simple, you won’t have to look much further than this Fossil Group’s timepiece.
| Pros:
-Classy, minimalist design -Accurate Japanese quartz movement -Works great with formal wear | Cons:
-The leather strap could be better |
8. FS4795
One of the classiest combinations of all time by far is the combination of silver and gold colors.
This combination breathes a great air of prestige and makes this Fossil piece look like one of the classiest pieces you can get in this affordable price range.
The silver-tone case and bracelet not only serve as a great protector for the watch but, when mixed with the gold tones on the bracelet and outer ring, make for a breathtaking watch.
On the dial is a classy combination of white and gold, with a couple of black details to make reading the time more practical.
To add to all that are three sub-dials for the chronograph and 24-hour time functions, making sure this watch has you covered for most of your everyday time needs.
| Pros:
-Classy design -Practical functions -Incredible color choices | Cons:
-Only 50m of water resistance |
9. CH2573
This watch looks like it came straight out of a modern fashion catalog.
With its simple black and white tones, leather strap, and intricate dial design, this watch is as fashionable as it is modern.
For starters, the dial has a black background, white stick markers, and three sub-dials.
The black and white colorway really simplifies the entire design, making it very easy to point out which is which, allowing for easy time reading.
The bezel of the watch also has a tachymeter that adds a great amount of aesthetic value and functionality if used properly.
One of my favorite features, without a doubt, is the large textured crown.
This is pretty unorthodox in a watch like this, but Fossil gambled with it and surely won, as the crown fits perfectly with the watch.
| Pros:
-Modern design -Practical functions -Simple and beautiful colors | Cons:
-Crown takes some getting used to |
10. JR1354
There have been many attempts at designing a watch with black tones that isn’t incredibly difficult to read.
However, Fossil really knows what they’re doing with the design of their watches, so this all-black piece is a thing of beauty.
The choice of tones perfectly blends together to allow you to read the time easily, all the way down to the sub-dials, which display the chronograph and 24-hour time function.
The strap of the watch is genuine black leather, and while the quality could be better, you can’t really complain considering the price of the watch.
With the rise in popularity of all black clothing and fashion, this piece may be the perfect pairing for both casual and formal outfits.
| Pros:
-Great design -Multiple functions -Accurate movement | Cons:
-The leather strap could be better |
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What Does Fossil Mean?
The origin of Fossil’s name is something that a lot of people aren’t aware of.
The name came from the founders, Tom and Kosta Kartsotis.
The fossil was a nickname that the brothers used to call their father, and when they put up the company, they used the nickname.
The reason they chose their father’s nickname, however, is still unknown to most, but it would be safe to assume that this might have just been a tribute done by two brothers to their father.
Where Are Fossil Watches Made?
In the early days, Fossil would import their watches from Hong Kong, but as the company has grown in the past couple of decades, they now have manufacturers all around the world working on different products.
Since there are a lot of companies under the Fossil Group, there are also a lot of places where things get made.
The movements and components of their more expensive quartz pieces are usually made in Switzerland, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Japan.
All these places are known for high-quality watch components, which is why that’s where Fossil chose to manufacture their more premium pieces.
However, the more affordable and budget-friendly watches are manufactured in a variety of different countries, possibly including China.
And that isn’t too much of a surprise, as it is well known that if you want a watch made in places with a great reputation for watchmaking, you will have to pay a fair price, but that doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong with choosing a cheaper watch not made in those countries.
The Reputation Of Fossil Watches
Fossil’s reputation is very straightforward.
They are a brand of fashionable and affordable watches.
So that means that watch connoisseurs around the world will vouch for the designs as well as the functionality of the watches easily.
However, these are not luxury watches, so these watches won’t be asking for a ridiculously high price.
That being said, at their price range, in terms of quality, Fossil offers some of the best designed and functional watches, especially when compared to other models in the same range.
Fossil Watches Warranty Policy
Fossil watches have a two-year warranty on the date of purchase.
That means any factory defects (which cover the movement, hands, and dial) will be fixed free of charge, or the watch will even be replaced for free.
However, regular damage caused over time and battery life aren’t covered by the warranty.
Make sure to always buy your Fossil watches from a reliable and licensed dealer so that the warranty stays intact.
FAQ’s
Are Fossil Watches Good Quality?
The short answer is yes, in the price range of Fossil, they are one of the top watchmakers out there.
You won’t be getting anything luxurious from these timepieces. Instead, you will find a good-looking, functional, and practical watch that you can wear every day for years.
How Much Is A Fossil Watch Worth?
Fossil watches are budget-friendly, so that means that they don’t really sell for too much.
You can easily find a great Fossil piece below $100 while they also have more premium models for a bit more money.
However, prices for these pieces rarely climb to more than $200.
Is Fossil A Luxury Brand?
No, Fossil is not a luxury brand.
However, they are a great go-to brand that’s accessible to anyone, and that has been their identity since the company started importing watches back in the ‘80s.
Is Fossil A Swiss Brand?
Fossil is an American company. However, a lot of its components come from around the globe.
In an average Fossil watch, you’ll find a mix of components made in China and Switzerland.
However, if you’re looking for a pure Swiss watch, the Fossil Swiss line consists solely of watches made in Switzerland.
Are Fossil Watches Made In Japan?
No, Fossil watches are usually only made in either China or Switzerland, depending on the exact model.
Is Fossil Owned By Google?
Fossil isn’t owned by Google. However, Google did acquire some Fossil smart watch technology for $40 million back in 2019.
This technology is reportedly for hybrid watches that Google is rumored to release soon.
Are Fossil Watches Waterproof?
Yes, most Fossil watches come with water resistance.
The standard for most of their watches is 30m of water resistance, which will easily handle water from the shower and even a light swim.
However, if you want to take a watch with you on a dive, make sure to get a watch with better water resistance to avoid accidentally messing up the watch.
Who Owns the Fossil Watch Company?
The Fossil Group has not been acquired by any other company since it was founded by Tom Kartsotis.
Instead, the company has acquired a lot of other brands throughout the years, which is one of the reasons why ownership has not changed since the brand’s inception.
How Can You Tell If A Fossil Watch Is Real?
The easiest way to make sure that a Fossil watch is real is to buy one from an authorized dealer.
That way, you can be sure that what you buy for yourself is legitimate and not fake.
If you’ve already purchased the watch and want to check yourself, you can use either a jewelers loupe or a magnifying glass to inspect the details of the watch.
These details are really small and easy to miss, so you might want to consult a professional on what to look for.
How Long Will A Fossil Watch Last?
Just like any watch, if it’s taken care of right, a Fossil watch will last you years on end.
You just have to make sure to check on things from time to time and don’t abuse the watch.
To make sure it lasts even longer, you can get the watch serviced every 3-5 years so that all the inner components of the watch are in tip-top condition.
As long as you do all that and make sure to wear the watch, there should be no reason the timepiece will not be on your wrist for years and years to come.
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- How to use quartz watches?
- Why do quartz watches tick?
- Why use quartz watches?
- Why quartz written in watches?
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Conclusion
Now that you’ve finished reading through my Fossil watches review, have you been able to pick up one model for your own needs?
Which one is it?
Please feel free to tell me your choice; I can’t wait to hear about it!
