Why all the hate for Fossil?

Where do you see the hate? I see it is your second day here, but I think amongst those here and likely real life, there is not a lot of hate. For many it is someone’s first watch (IE gateway watch). Are they a fashion watch? Yep. Do they cater to enthusiasts? No. They are meant to be cheap, accessible mall watches. There will always be a market for that.

Here is the rub for many; Fossil the brand owns many fashion brand watches (DKNY, Armani, Michael Kors, etc). For those watches they charge a hefty premium over what the watches are actually worth. In addition, I will say first hand they are also cheapening they one legacy brand, Zodiac. The current Zodiac, while looking good, are cheaply made and it’s a shame. On the other hand, who knows if the brand would have survived without the acquisition.

To me, those are probably the main reason they get flack, but Fossil watches, as well as their Skagen brand, are responsible for many folks getting into this hobby.

My venerable Chronomaster has had a very warm reception.

Good points, and I see some of what you’re saying. I would disagree that they are cheapening Zodiac, though.

I just joined here, but this is not my first rodeo in the world of watches and watch-centric websites, and I see a lot of derision on blogs, other forums, YouTube, etc. I haven’t owned a Fossil since high school, and I’m not necessarily defending the brand or anything. I’m mostly curious as to whether or not people have valid reasons for shitting on them.

BuT hOwS tHE LuMe

(Cool watch!)

Zero…as in zilch. But the tone of the hands is lovely and the silver dial is stunning.

That is fair, but the Zodiac remains the cheapest watch in terms of materials and build quality of any watch I have, so perhaps it is just my take. A MSRP of $2000 for a watch should not have a plastic movement holder, STP movement, and pin and collar bracelet.

It may be safe to say there’s as much hate toward Fossil as there is toward Rolex.

That’s certainly true, and I will admit that I’ve been known to get a lot of entertainment from WCJ posts clowning on Rolex.

Yep, fair assessment.

I think the thing with Fossil is that they are a fashion watch and do not cater to the enthusiast crowd. The inner workings of the watches are cheap quartz. That’s fine, it’s just not an enthusiast watch, unless that enthusiast is into fashion over horology.

What @AllTheWatches said.

Correct me if I am wrong but we had a fossil winner in the contest for wear one watch the longest. Fossil gets some love here for sure.

Yes, but not all of them have cheap quartz movements. Some are even mechanical (assuming 8000 series Miyota or something comparable, but I’m not sure). Also Timex and Casio both have many, many cheap fashion models with crappy quartz movements in them, yet we don’t dismiss those brands out of hand based solely on that fact.

I’m not trying to argue or anything, mind you, mostly just playing devil’s advocate.

I haven’t owned a Fossil since high school

I remember Fossil having a very good reputation about 30 years ago, and the clientele was not particularly cash-strapped at all. They were, presumably are, a bit trendy so that is a stumbling block for the watch enthusiast crowd, who are overwhelming old farts (at least at heart). And I'm pretty sure they were pioneers at producing in low wage countries and passing the savings into their own pockets. Basically, they are not any of the oddball niches of watch nerds (exotic technology, fusty history, shiny shiny, Veblen goods, virgin cosplay, extreme cheapskate comparison shopping...)

I think you’re right. They still sell a hell of a lot of watches based on what I see around my work (lots of Fossils, Bulovas from Macy’s, and the odd Movado or two—and of course smart watches all over). They’re just not selling too many of them to us old fuddy-duddys.

I can see two reasons...

Some people who spend 100 times more on a fine mechanical watch, motivate maybe their spendings by talking bad about less expensive alternatives and that include naturally any quartz...

Then have I only seen one model of Fossil, that I almost bought - but I found my Invicta instead!

It's the fashion angle... it's the 'mall watch' vibe... it's not a watch people are going to die on a hill for in watch collecting, period. If you like 'em - fabulous. But I wouldn't expect the attitude towards them to ever really change. And if that bothers you, there's not really much that can be done about it.

As long as Fossil doesn't crimp Glycine's style, they're okay-ish. Not beloved by snobs, but certainly better than some of fashion watches we see.

I used to have a Fossil in the 90s, just like I had a Skagen in the early 2000s. They lasted a while, but were not worth repairing. (It would have been literally cheaper to buy a new watch.)

Spent about 20 minutes in a Fossil store about a year ago, but mainly because the sales staff was hilarious.

Here's my two cents.

The quality vs. value for Fossil stinks. If you're comparing Fossil to Timex and Casio, that's a bad comparison. I think Timex and Casio make no bones about what they are: for the most part, value based, everyday, accessible watches. The quality to value ratio is very high on those, especially for Casio.

Fossil tries to make themselves look more upscale in relation to brands like Casio and Timex, but as the old saying goes, you can put lipstick on a pig...

Also. My wife bought a hybrid smartwatch from Fossil, and it took a dump on her so fast that we had to exchange it within two days.

Also. Fossil makes ridiculously overpriced "leather" goods and sunglasses.

So, mark me down as really not a Fossil watch fan. At least with brands like Invicta (their tasteful pieces, anyway), Pagani, Lorier, San Martin, etc, you're really getting more than you pay for. With fossil, you're getting, in most cases, a turd sandwich.

I bought a 10$ plastic Casio at first, just to try it out wearing a watch, then a probably 50mm Fossil blacked out chronograph with gray markers and hands. Then I bought a huge Invicta flieger-type. That was my fist weeks of watch "collecting".

Sold the Invicta after trying it on. Gave the Fossil to guy and the Casio to my young son. Guess which broke first. It wasn't the Casio.

Fossil seems fine, but not high quality. They make a lot of different watches, but mostly fasion pieces. And there is nothing wrong with that, but I wouldn't choose a Fossil now.

It was the first watch that fascinated me, so it was important to my journey 😊

You’re safe, they’re owned by Invicta. Then again, you have to worry about them being owned by Invicta.

Extreme cheapskate you say........hmmmm.....I resemble that remark!

i got this one on my college life back then. its an okay watch for me, never broken, design isnt offensive, fair price. my only complaint is the case size is too big 45mm, and built quality (finishing, edge) isnt really good. for example i got a casio duro for 80$ but it feel so much nicer, and got a better water resistant than this fossil. but i dont hate fossil, its just the way they are

When I was a teenager, I didn't really wear a watch, nor did I have any interest in watches. However, that didn't stop my parents from buying me those collectible, character-themed, Star Wars watches for Christmas; I think I have a Boba Fett, a Yoda, a Darth Vader, and a Luke Skywalker... somewhere, in a box, in the attic.

You see, I WAS (& still am) a big Star Wars fan, so I just left the watch in its box, put the box on my bookshelf, and treated it as a collectible. My goal was to keep it in "mint condition." Of course, the thought that these were quartz watches, and the concept of battery leakage from long-term storage, never occurred to me.

I am relatively sure that I still have them; I would love to find them, and examine them thoroughly, knowing what I know now about movements and build quality.

Even more than that, if they are actually worth "real" money to collectors, I would have no problem selling them, in order to fund other watch purchases... Maybe. Unless sentimentality gets the better of me 😎

But I digress. I have no hate for Fossil. But no great love or admiration, either. I just see them as a mid-tier fashion watch company, which has produced a few good watches. It is what it is. But all this talk DOES make me want to find those Star Wars watches!! LOL 🤣

True Casio and Timex both have cheap watches, but they don't pretend to be better than they are. Walk into a department store and you'll find Fossil next to Citizen, Seiko and Tissot. Timex and Casio will be on an end cap or some small table. Usually next to the store's brand of cheap quartz. So why would watch people throw shade at Timex or Casio? But there's Fossil, Mvmt, and Daniel Wellington with similar movements as those other cheap watches sitting next to better watches. That's why they get any hate.

There have been far too many responses since I went to bed last night to address. I have read them all, and I thank you for sharing your opinions! In this hobby, it can be hard to cut through the BS and see who actually has thought-out opinions, and I’m glad to have read all of yours.

Your guys are too inspirational... This question made me check out Fossil's current offers and I first found this very woody / wild chronograph, the Fossil Machine fs4656 for only 104 euro...

And then did I find this delicate classic style 100m diver chronograph, with 42mm wide case and Japan movement, for just 94 euro brand new, so I had to buy it directly!!

Since you're asking about general impressions, I think Fossil got caught up in the general distain for fashion watches. A distain that was well deserved for other brands. Hugely over priced Chinese watches sold for hundreds $$$. "Affordable luxury" and all that.

I don't buy fossil because there are so many better options. But no hate. I actually like some of their designs because my tastes are more far out.

I think the whole journey is all about respecting the choices. I have to admit, when I got my first luxury watch, I would simply walk by all those fashion watches as if it was a sin looking at them. As my collection matured, I learned to enjoy just looking at all the different watches and designs.

Of course I would smirk thinking how many years ago I would have thought 43mm watches was right for me and how 36 was small. But yeah you kindof learn to respect brands.

Because there are much better values for your money than Fossil.

It's important to distinguish between two interpretations of "hate" for Fossil:

1. Criticism of Fossil watches as fashion accessories:

Many watch enthusiasts hold negative opinions about Fossil for various reasons:

• Quartz movements: They primarily use quartz movements, which are cheaper and less intricate than mechanical movements favored by watch enthusiasts.

• Fashion focus: Their design emphasis is mainly on trendy aesthetics rather than traditional watchmaking details, appealing more to fashion-conscious consumers.

• Perceived brand value: Some consider them overpriced for their quality, lacking the craftsmanship and heritage associated with high-end watch brands.

2. Criticism of Fossil as a company:

Several controversies have led to criticism of Fossil's company practices:

• Environmental impact: Concerns exist about the environmental footprint of their production practices and materials used.

• Labor practices: Some reports raise questions about ethical sourcing and labor conditions in their supply chain.

• Marketing strategies: Certain marketing campaigns have been criticized for being misleading or offensive.

It's important to note that these are just some reasons why some people might dislike Fossil. Whether these criticisms are entirely valid or reflect the broader experience is subjective and depends on individual perspectives and expectations.

Here are some additional points to consider:

• Many people enjoy Fossil watches for their affordability, style, and functionality, regardless of their enthusiast appeal.

• The company has taken steps to address environmental concerns and improve its sustainability practices.

• It's always better to research specific models and company practices before forming an opinion on any brand.

Ultimately, whether you like Fossil or not depends on your own priorities and preferences.