Despite its humble beginnings in the early 1980s, Fossil is now one of the best-known watch brands in the US. Developed by the Kartsotis brothers, Fossil watches initially blended retro designs with Eastern technology. In just ten years, Fossil had expanded to offer its IPO by 1993, and since then has gone on to acquire many different brands and fashion lines. It’s this focus on fashion which has helped to keep the brand popular.
About The Brand: Fossil
Chances are, if you follow a particular label or fashion house, you may have come across Fossil’s line before. Interestingly enough, the name of the company comes from a nickname the Kartsotis siblings called their father. A private joke soon went very public indeed!
Licensed Lines
Fossil is well-known for its licensed watch lines in partnership with popular fashion labels and brands. The company designs and manufactures watch and timepiece technology on behalf of big names, preferring to be known as a manufacturer rather than a label outright.
Some of the more popular lines they have worked with include:
Fossil watches are therefore seen as achievable, wearable luxury. They are a go-to brand for anyone looking for high-quality timekeeping with precision design.
Emporio Armani Watch for Men, Chronograph Movement, 43 mm Silver / Steel Stainless Steel Case with a Stainless Steel Strap, AR2434
Fossil Watch for Men Machine, Quartz Chronograph Movement, 42 mm Brown Stainless Steel Case with a Genuine Leather Strap, FS4656
Diesel Watch for Men Mega Chief, Quartz Chronograph Movement, 59 mm Gunmetal Stainless Steel Case with a Stainless Steel Strap, DZ4282
Michael Kors Watch for Women Mini Parker, Multifunction Movement, 33 mm Rose Gold Stainless Steel Case with a Stainless Steel Strap, MK5616
Global Innovators
Fossil started life in Texas, but has since expanded massively to set up studios across Europe and Asia. They mainly distribute via their hub in Dallas, but also from Germany and close to their manufacturing centres in China. There are over 360 brand locations worldwide at the time of writing, and they are thought to employ over 14,000 people.
This is a brand which has expanded far beyond watchmaking, too. Fossil has lent its name to accessories and products as diverse as handbags, wallets, backpacks, jewellery and even fragrances. They made total revenue of over $3 million in 2016, adding to their impressive net income of $85 million the same year. This, however, was on a downturn from $229 million the year before.
Award Winners
Fossil has also been recognised many times over the years for its work in the watch industry. Not only have they been named one of the best companies to work for on multiple occasions, but they’ve also received plenty of praise for their creative marketing and customer interaction. A Fossil range was named 2016’s Fashion Tech Collection of the year, a prestigious honour which celebrates the balance between fashion and functionality.
Pop Culture Enthusiasts
It’s hardly worth talking about Fossil without mentioning some of their pop culture-inspired creations from over the years. They’ve designed and manufactured collectable timepieces and watches based on characters from DC Comics, Disney and Pixar, Star Wars and more. They were also involved with developing a huge collection of NFL watches in 2006, with a different design available for each team competing.
Fossil is a brand which is always innovating, and which is concerned with being as creative as possible. Who knows what’s next for the firm?
Buy a Fossil watch
Fossil and its sub brands are available from Watch Shop online. If you use our link we earn an affiliate fee that goes towards the costs of running this website.
Casio F91W Digital Sports Watch
