Everybody knows watches or luxury watches are usually from either Switzerland or Japan. But there is another country that makes great watches that is pretty under the radar, and that is just north east of Switzerland, Germany.
German watchmaking, in general, really focuses on watches being as reliable as they can, along with fine watchmaking with exquisite techniques of polishing and beautifying watches.
The brand that we want to focus on here is Nomos, a relatively small German brand that is slowly growing and loved by all watch enthusiasts around the world. Known for its distinctive look and relatively affordable prices, it’s no wonder it’s loved by so many worldwide, but we’ll get into more details in this article.
NOMOS Glashütte Watches in the Past
In this section, you should explain how NOMOS Glashütte watches were viewed in the past, how and where they were manufactured, etc. and a brief history about them.
Given its short lifespan in this massive, competitive watch world, the history of Nomos is still intriguing, to say the least. In January 1990, a photographer and a brilliant computer technician from Düsseldorf, Germany, named Roland Schwertner, gave birth to the brand we know today as Nomos Glashütte.
Throwback to 1906, a company called “Nomos-Uhr-Gesellschaft, Guido Müller & Co” was also in the watch business where they started importing Swiss watches, and they decided to cheekily add the name “Glashütte” to their watches.
You might wonder why I used the word “cheekily” in the previous sentence. Interestingly, back then, the name “Glashütte” was a prestigious inclusion and 50% of the watches’ caliber had to be made in Glashütte itself for the watch to meet the requirement. Clearly, Nomos-Uhr-Gesellschaft, Guido Müller & Co did not meet that requirement.
A very familiar and renowned company, A. Lange & Söhne, took them to court and made them cease business operations. To prevent any confusion, the Nomos today has nothing to do with the Nomos that was previously mentioned.
As of today, Nomos gladly and proudly included the name Glashütte, as 95% of the caliber is manufactured there. Thus, this made Glashütte, a tiny town in Germany with a population of merely just ~7000 people, one of the most prestigious places for luxury watchmaking.
What really differentiates Nomos from other well known manufacturers in Glashütte is the aesthetics of the watches along with its affordable price point. Nomos has this unique Bauhaus design that was rarely seen back in the day.
This clean and modern aesthetic then slowly attracted many watch enthusiasts around the world when Nomos first released their watches in 1992 — the Tangente, Orion, Ludwig, and Tetra.
Back in the early days of Nomos, most of their movements were outsourced, which were mostly Peseux/ETA 7001 based movements with an addition of Glashütte decorations. In 2014, the brand made a breakthrough and released its first-ever in-house escapement called the Swing system, also known as “Deutsche Uhrenwekre” (DUW, which also means German Clockwork). This helps reduce the thickness of the watch and also delivers great accuracy.
Nomos has certainly grown a lot as a relatively young company, and fast forward to today, the brand is striving to say the least.
NOMOS Glashütte Watches Today
Today, Nomos is one of the leading watch brands in the world and has the most watches produced annually in Germany. It has grown to one of the largest luxury watch companies in Germany, with over 300 people in three different facilities at Glashütte and almost 20,000 pieces made per year.
Considering the brand is just 35 years old, it is impressive how they have grown into a goliath of a watch brand in such a short time.
Nomos not only makes sexy, good-looking watches at an affordable price, but their dedication to creating in-house movements is what makes Nomos so impressive.
As mentioned previously, in 2014, they made the automatic Caliber DUW 4101, an in-house escapement, which was a huge leap forward for Nomos.
For these very reasons, watch enthusiasts have really fallen in love with Nomos as a brand. Perfect for someone who wants a slight quirkiness in their watch design with an excellent finishing of the movement and a watch that is made uniquely in a small town with less than 10000 people. Nomos nowadays is seen as a watch brand that fills the gap in the more affordable luxury watch segment.
The Tangente is considered the brand’s flagship collection and is most famous for its Bauhaus aesthetic. The beautiful small seconds at the 6, quirky fonts on the alternating numerals, colorful dial colors to choose from, right angled lugs are what make the Tagente, the Tagente.
Powering this watch is the Automatic DUW 3001 for the bigger models and the manual winding DUW 4101/ Manual-winding Alpha for smaller models. The Tagente also offers a sapphire caseback to show off the movement.
The Orion can be seen as the cleanest and most classic way of portraying a Bauhaus design. Stark white dial, simple lined indices, blue lined hands, and the addition of a small seconds hand at the 6 o’clock complete the entire package to create this simple yet satisfying dial that is effortlessly beautiful.
Some models offer a date window at 6 as well, for people who want that bit of functionality, there is an option too.
When it comes to the Ludwig, imagine the Orion but with Roman numerals. Okay, that might be slightly exaggerated, but most of the design elements on the watch are the same. What I really like about the Ludwig is how proportional the watch looks.
The alternate Roman numeral indices and baton indices, along with an IIII instead of a traditional IV, make the watch look cleaner and less busy.
The blued small seconds hand and blued hands complete the package and provide a dressier touch. What I really like about the Ludwig is the minute/second track that gives it an extra vintage look.
The Tetra is our first non-circular watch in this article and the watch features a very boxy-squared case. It also has a two-part stainless steel case with very cool-looking lugs.
The case of the watch also has a very thin bezel framing the dial. Speaking of dials, there are also tons of color options to choose from, and the indices and small seconds hand design language is very similar to a Tagente, offering a more casual and unique look.
What Makes NOMOS Glashütte Watches Stand Out?
Nomos as a brand is unique in itself, not just because it’s made in Germany, which is not your usual Switzerland or Japan, it also has many other fantastic characteristics.
Among all watch brands, they usually come in a fairly standard watch case that has slightly curved, rounded lugs. But not Nomos. Nomos has one of the most unique-looking lugs in the watch industry. It has straighter and more angled lugs.
Not all Nomos have this type of lugs, but models such as the Tagente have these unique lugs, which I really like as these days, any kind of inspiration and ingenuity is rarely found.
A lot of watch brands try to include fun designs on their watches, but it just makes it hard to read the time or is too much. Nomos is the opposite of that.
Nomos tries to include a few pop of color here and there, such as on the hands, numerals, etc, but not too much, and at the same time maintain that Bauhaus, classic aesthetic.
Most fully in house watches these days cost a lot more than $3,000, especially from Switzerland. However, Nomos is able to maintain that affordability while at the same time, innovating on their in-house movements and finishing techniques.
Should you get a NOMOS Glashütte Watch?
In this section, you should discuss whether it’s a good idea to buy NOMOS Glashütte watches, who they are for, what alternatives they have, etc.
Although Nomos has no long history, like other brands from the land of Switzerland, Nomos’ growth is undoubtedly one of the most impressive achievements a watch manufacturer can achieve.
Furthermore, Nomos has definitely defined its looks, such that when you look at a Nomos, you know it’s a Nomos. The design language of the dials on Nomos is so unique to Nomos, and that makes it hard to find an alternative.
However, Nomos’ design can be less sporty and less show-y, which is kind of the trend these days. But if you’re someone who’s super casual, or looking to get your first luxury watch that doesn’t want to break the bank, Nomos is great.
You get a reliable movement, a fully in-house German manufacturer, a very recognizable dial, and a fun watch to wear.
The only brand that might be in competition with Nomos at this price point would be Tudor or Longines if you’re looking for Swiss-made watches. If you’re looking for something super sporty such as a hardcore diving watch or an ultra racing style chronograph, then Nomos might not be the brand for you.
With that said, is it a good idea to buy a Nomos? I wholeheartedly think that at this price point, it is arguably one of the best everyday watches out there you can find.
Conclusion
Nomos’ design philosophy is undoubtedly one of the most recognizable in the industry and has always been loved by thousands of watch enthusiasts worldwide.
With the vast collection that Nomos has, the ability for them to still maintain its design language with over 13 models with different functions is incredible. Maintaining the watch design language is impressive, but being so consistent throughout the collection is a whole new level.
Moreover, being able to create in-house movements in their short history really sets the brand apart from their competitors, proving to the world that German watchmaking is here to stay. And for me, I would proudly welcome another addition to the list of luxury watchmaking countries.
Seiko is a Japanese watch brand that was founded in 1881, aiming to thrive for reliable watches with constant innovation, and most importantly at a great and competitive price. Today, they are one of the biggest watch brands in the world.
Some people might think that the true luxury and reputable watch brands are only from Switzerland but this cannot be further than the truth. Seiko at one point in time, almost single handedly wiped out the Swiss watch industry by creating a revolutionary watch movement, known as the quartz movement.
This incident, famously called the quartz crisis (or infamously for the Swiss watch companies), have been one of the greatest successes that Seiko have made in their long history by making amazing watches at an unbelievable price point.
Till this day, Seiko stays true to their mantra and continues doing so by creating the three tiers for their watches. Seiko 5, Seiko and Grand Seiko. And among their large collection of watches, the Seiko 5 collection is the truest to that statement.
Seiko 5 Watches in the Past
In this section, you should explain how Seiko 5 watches were viewed in the past, how and where they were manufactured, etc. and a brief history about them.
The Seiko 5 was first released by Seiko in 1963, Japan and aimed to focus on younger audiences who wanted a more fun and interesting sports watch but also affordable at the same time. The first ever model was named the Sportsmatic 5, featuring their first ever automatic watch that also has a day-date complication located at the 3 o’clock.
You might wonder, why did Seiko call this collection Seiko 5? The original designer of the Sportsmatic 5, Ren Tanaka, claimed that “5” was a playful uneven number and suits the collection.
However, Seiko suggests that the “5” represents the 5 important attributes that a Seiko 5 should have: an automatic movement, a day-date complication at the 3 o’clock position, water resistance, a recessed crown at the 4 o’clock position and having a sturdy bracelet and case.
Besides the important 5 features, the Seiko 5 logo is also drastically different from the older one. The older logo almost has a badge around the number 5 and the new one is more angular and aggressive looking without the badge. Depending on your personality you might like the older logo better (which I do) or the newer logo better.
As described, the “5” remains a very important part of Seiko’s history and this helped strengthen the product planning and also their marketing strategy, making it an iconic but also meaningful symbol in their collection.
Seiko 5 Watches Today
In this section, you should discuss what’s the current status of Seiko 5, how the brand is perceived, which are some popular models, etc.
Fast forward to today, about 60 years later, Seiko 5 remains one of the most popular watches sold in the Seiko range. The current status of Seiko 5 also remains very similar to the original Seiko 5 that was released about 60 years ago, remaining and respecting the same 5 attributes that makes a Seiko 5, a Seiko 5.
At this moment, Seiko 5 is viewed as the youngest brother in the Seiko 5 and the most affordable range, suitable for students or young adults who are getting into the tough adult life.
Seiko 5 also represents the more fun and quirky side of Seiko as they often have collaboration with fun and in trend entertainment such as Japanese anime like Naruto, One Piece and even car brands like Honda. Thus, you can really tell why the younger audiences like the Seiko 5 more.
They offer 4 different serieses in the Seiko 5, ranging from sporty, to everyday, to even limited edition collections! The official names for the series are not too easy to remember though so I will describe it in detail.
Field Series: As the name suggests, it is based on a design of a typical field watch and a field watch would generally have the future of a 24 hour index on the dial, allowing the users to track night time or day time. This collection comes with different case material finishes (black or steel), sizes, dial colors and strap options.
SKX Series: The name is based on the very popular SKX (SKX007, SKX0013) models in the past and since its discontinuation, the fans have mourned for it so in order to fix that, Seiko actually keeps that heritage.
This series mainly focuses on sporty watches consisting of dive watches and GMTs, and it also has a few standard 3 handed everyday watches as well for both men and women.
SNXS Series: Similar to the SKX series, this is also based on the old SNXS model. This is famously known for the UFO-style case design and a standard three link stainless steel bracelet, accompanied with different dial colors. You can view this as a 3 handed everyday watch but with a bit of character.
Supercars series: As the name suggests, it is a collaboration with supercars such as Honda and more. This series are mainly special editions or limited editions that come with a special box. As for the watches, it is similar to the SKX series but with a bit of flair when it comes to the design.
Among all the different watches , the most popular model from the Seiko 5 series is the Seiko 5 sports SKX series. They are essentially dive watches with a series of different colors on the dial and bezel. If you want something more classic, they have it. If you want something more fun and unique, they have it too.
From the amount of choices that you can choose from to the affordability of an automatic dive watch, it’s easy to see why they are the most popular model in the Seiko 5 collection.
What Makes Seiko 5 Watches Stand Out?
Undoubtedly the best thing about Seiko 5 is how competitive the pricing is, especially for the quality of the watch. They range from $150 to around $650. This price point attracts the majority of people out there who just want a solid automatic watch that just works with an attractive price.
The entire Seiko 5 range has in house Seiko automatic movements. This means every single part of their mechanical watches are researched, made and assembled by Seiko themselves. This is particularly useful as they are able to control the quality better and make it consistent throughout all their models.
Furthermore, at this price point, it is very rare that you can find a watch that features a fully mechanical in-house automatic movement. Most models have around a 40 hour power reserve and also 5 years international guarantee, which is very solid again at this price point.
Not only that, the finishing of the case and bracelet is excellent. You often get different kinds of finishing on them, such as a high polishing contrasting with brushed finishing, making the watch look more appealing.
From classic looking sports watches to fun colour-ed dive watches, it pretty much covers most designs in the watch market and will cover 99% of people’s taste in watches. Not only that, they also offer limited edition and special edition timepieces to even fit a wider audience.
Seiko isn’t a brand new brand by any means and has been around for about 150 years, which is crazy to think about. They have so much history behind its archive that even most luxury brands cannot compare today.
This long history behind Seiko just gives us, as buyers, more confidence in the brain as they are more reputable and reliable. Besides, it is always good and a peace of mind to know that your Seiko 5 is and always be part of the long history that Seiko has.
Watches at this price point are hard to beat and most of them around this price are also hard to find. Most of them are sold online through their website or through a third party jeweler.
This would significantly impact the experience for someone who is looking to try on one of the watches to get an actual feel of it. More often than not, the watches that you see online might look great but do not fit on your wrist.
It is also a better experience that you can compare lots of different models on the spot to choose what you actually want. Seiko has so many boutiques throughout the world and even if Seiko does not have a stand alone boutique, Seiko 5 watches can also be found at most multi branded watch stores such as Exquisite Timepieces.
Should you get a Seiko 5 Watch?
In this section, you should discuss whether it’s a good idea to buy Seiko 5 watches, who they are for, what alternatives they have, etc.
As discussed previously and judging by the tone of this review, you could probably already tell that it’s an easy yes from me. And I’ll give you my personal experience on a Seiko 5 as well.
I have two Seiko 5s, a SNK355 and the very popular SNK807. Even though both models are not in their current lineup anymore, you are still able to get them from some retailers.
The SNK355 was my first ever automatic watch and I still remember till this day the first time I got it. It was beautiful. The finishing on the dial was excellent. The 37mm case suits me perfectly and the bracelet just wraps around the wrist very well.
It was very comfortable and most importantly, (for me at the time), it had an open case back. Sure, an open case back feature nowadays is not a luxury to have but to me, it was super impactful because I was able to see how everything worked in this little watch of mine mechanically. The whole package was just beautiful.
Fast forward to today, I still wear it every now and then, reminding myself how far I have come and the watch has never skipped a beat. I love how simple looking it is and how timeless the design is. I love how “Saturday” on the date window is blue in colour and “ Sunday” is in red. This watch will always be a part of me.
The SNK807 was a gift from my brother and you share the same characteristics of a typical Seiko 5 but in a more utilitarian look. The case is entirely brushed and the buckle as well, giving it a more casual look along with the matte blue dial.
It is certainly a fun weekend watch and I enjoy wearing it from time to time. The only slight downside I would say is the fabric strap wears out very easily and I needed to change the strap in a year or more. But, I did wear it quite a bit so it was quite expected for the strap to be worn down. Again, as expected, it runs smoothly and has never failed me once and always keeps on ticking.
Other than the two models I have mentioned, Seiko 5 obviously has way more models out there for you to unpack. Besides, the modern Seiko’s are getting more expensive every year but luckily, the Seiko 5 prices remain relatively similar throughout the years. This will be perfect for someone who wants something more affordable and entry level.
Most of the models that they have in their catalogue focuses more on sporty models and thus, will suit best for younger adults or even teenagers who are looking to get into the rabbit hole of watches.
From the bottom of my heart, I seriously think a Seiko 5 is such a solid watch for anyone who is looking to get their first automatic watch. It looks beautiful, super reliable, easy to get and super affordable. It has the whole package that everyone should seriously consider.
Conclusion
Seiko 5 has been viewed by many watch enthusiasts around the world and highly recommended by everyone and it is easy to see why.
With their long history of making watches, and focusing on providing the best bang for your buck watch, the Seiko 5 never truly feels like they are cutting corners on their watches and in fact, it surprises me every time how much watch you’re getting for your money.
I have personally owned two Seiko 5’s for several years and I have never regretted buying one, and you certainly will not regret too.
“Tudor is just an affordable Rolex”. This term needs to be thrown into the bin and burned into ashes because this is so untrue. Yes, Tudor is Rolex’s sister brand. Yes, they were both founded by the same owner. But as of late, Tudor is building a name of its own without its big brother’s help.
Tudor has been killing it as of late, releasing new models after new models, and it does not seem to be slowing down. Thanks to their release of the Tudor Burgundy Heritage Black Bay in 2012, Tudor has properly cemented a place in the Swiss luxury watch world.
The models within the Tudor range that attract the most people are undoubtedly their Black Bay heritage models, and we all love them for different reasons. However, there is another great collection from Tudor that is arguably often unmentioned enough – that’s the Tudor Pelagos.
History
The Tudor Pelagos was first introduced in 2012 as Tudor wanted to prove to the world that they are one of the best brands for creating proper diver watches.
During the same year of releasing the Black Bay model, which has a vintage-inspired diving watch design, the Pelagos is the opposite of that and has a modern design for people who go professional diving in the deep sea as just the name suggests (the Greek word for Pelagos is “deep sea”).
This release continues the legacy of Tudor since 1926, as Hans Wilsdorf always wanted to continue to strive making high quality watches that are built to withstand extreme conditions and pushing the limits. So much so that the marines even use the Pelagos for their important missions.
There are four versions of Pelagos (Pelagoses?) this current day: matte black with contrasting white (2012), a blue dial (2015), Left Hand Drive (2016), and a Pelagos 39mm (2022).
Case
The Pelagos features a 42mm and 14.3mm thick case (39mm and 11.8mm thick), and the design of it is very utilitarian and is built to fit on the wrist well with a slight curve on the lugs to ensure maximum comfort.
What impresses me the most is the build quality and the material of the Pelagos. It has a titanium case, and it weighs like nothing. I have handled the watch many times, and every time I pick it up, it always surprises me how light it is compared to other stainless steel watches of this size.
To complete the look of the titanium case, it features a fully brushed, satin finish that has zero light reflections, giving it an extra sporty and utilitarian look. With a water resistance of 500m (200m for the Pelagos 39), it also features a screw-down crown and a nicely engraved Tudor logo on it.
Furthermore, it has a closed case back, as most dive watches will have, but for the LHD (Left Hand Drive) model, it has an engraved caseback showing a numbered serial, indicating how many LHDs were made by Tudor, which is a very cool touch.
What I think is the coolest and most unique feature of the Pelagos is its helium escape valve. It is located on the left side of the case (right side of the case for the LHD) and writes “GAS ESCAPE VALVE”. The purpose of this is to allow helium to escape from the watch during deep-sea diving to prevent the watch from exploding due to high pressure.
The Pelagos also has a unidirectional and ultra-durable ceramic bezel, which is virtually scratch-resistant.The bezel has very satisfying action with 60 clicks with virtually no play in it, making it more useful and reliable when using it under water or timing events. What’s also very scratch-resistant is the flat sapphire crystal and that improves legibility under water.
As you can tell from its features, you will understand why the navies went for the Pelagos for their choice of watch.
Dial
The Pelagos has three different dials that it comes with (technically 4 but I will get into that later), matte black with contrasting white, matte black with an off white on the LHD and a blue dial.
All 3 dials feature a brushed and an almost grainy surface finish on the dial, and again, improving legibility as there will be no reflection of light, making it more contrasting with its applied bright white indices. It also features the iconic Tudor snowflake hour hand, a sword-like minute hand and a smaller snowflake seconds hand.
The dial on the Pelagos 39 is slightly more unique. It has a sunburst black dial, offering a more alluring look and will look differently depending on lighting. This provides the watch an entirely new look, making it slightly more dressy than its brothers.
It also features a date window at 3 with a white date disc and a black date font. What’s also on the dial is the five lines of text written at 6, showcasing the reliability and the waterproofness of the watch, albeit being a little cramped on the dial.
On a side note, on the Pelagos 39, it does not feature a date window, giving the watch a more symmetrical dial and this appeals to more watch enthusiasts (mainly because you don’t need a date when you’re diving if you’re a purist). But also, it might not be as functional as the 42mm Pelagos without the date.
The bezel also has contrasting white markers with a clearer and more precise minute track going from 0 to 15 to more accurately track your diving time between those minutes.
For the LHD, the indices, markers and hands feature an off-white color, making it more vintage looking. Also, the word “Pelagos” on the dial is red in color and the date window in the roulette style, meaning the numbers alternate between black and red, which again, is a very cool touch.
The Pelagos 39 also features a red “Pelagos writing” and without the date window, it offers a cleaner and classic look and with just a pop of color to prevent the watch from looking too dull.
As a diving watch, the lume is excellent, featuring a blue colored lume on the hands, indices and the markers on the bezel. The lume lasts around 6-8 hours according to the wearers of this watch. No matter if you’re doing deep-sea diving, or just wanting to check the time on your watch during the night, the Pelagos got you covered.
Movement
The Pelagos is powered by the very reliable in-house caliber MT5612. This automatic movement is 100% COSC certified to provide high performance robustness, reliability and also a precision of -4s to +6s a day. It also features a “weekend proof” power reserve of 70 hours, meaning the wearer can take off the watch on Friday and back to wearing it on Monday without worrying about it stopping.
On a day to day basis, wearers have also claimed that the watch is actually more accurate than what it suggests, around +1 to +3 seconds a day, making it very accurate and also very reliable.
In the Pelagos 39, it features an in-house caliber MT5400. It has all the great features and reliability of the MT5612, just without the date. Arguably, in the long run, the Pelagos 39 might be more reliable than the others due to it having one less component. One less component means one less part for it to potentially go wrong.
Straps
The Pelagos has a full titanium bracelet, including the clasp as well, making the overall aesthetic much more utilitarian. The design of the bracelet features a three-link design that is very functional but also looks stylish.
The bracelet also has a unique, patented auto-adjustable buckle. It is a spring mechanism that allows the bracelet to auto adjust during diving, depending on the depth of diving, the wrist might be compressed and thus, making the watch looser.
This spring loaded adjustable buckle will adjust automatically on the spot to ensure the watch is always on the wrist of the diver. The same will happen as the diver returns to the wrist and pressure decreases, the buckle will return back to the original size. This auto-adjustable buckle is available in the Tudor Pelagos 42 only, where deep diving is prioritized.
The Pelagos 39 is equipped with Tudor’s proprietary T-fit clasp that allows the wearers to adjust the strap on the fly without any hiccups.
It allows the wearer to make small and instant adjustments with a total adjustment window of 8 millimeters. This unique, patented clasp also has a 25 millimeter bracelet extension, which allows the wearers to be worn over a wetsuit.
From experience, the T-fit clasp is one of the best in the business. Its ability to just adjust easily and smoothly, but at the same time does it very sturdily makes it one of the best that I’ve used among most watches, let alone watches in the same price bracket.
But, there’s more. It even comes with a flexible and comfortable black rubber strap along with a titanium pin buckle that also has a Tudor logo engraved on it.
The rubber strap also features solid end links so there are no gaps between the rubber strap and the case. The attention to detail that Tudor has in this watch is amazing.
This allows the watch to be truly an everyday watch. Want something more versatile to match with a shirt or perhaps suit? Go for the bracelet. Going to the beach or doing sports? Change it to the rubber strap.
However, I wish Tudor included a spring bar tool in the package so that the wearers can change the strap on their own. Instead, they have to bring it to the store to change it, which might be a hassle for some people.
On-Wrist Experience
I have personally held this watch several times and have also compared this model to other watches as well. The Tudor Pelagos always surprises me in terms of how great it feels. It feels extremely light on the wrist and sometimes you forget that it’s on your wrist, but at the same time when you handle the watch, it feels extremely sturdy.
The curved lugged on the case gives a great wearing experience as it sits well on your wrist. The 42mm will fit people with larger wrists and because of the weight, it actually feels that you’re wearing something smaller.
Thus, I would say the Pelagos will fit a 7 inch wrist or above easily. So if you’ve got a smaller wrist, do not worry as it fits most wrists out there and besides, you can always go for a different Pelagos if it’s too small/big.
Bezel action is great and wearers have stated that after long term use, there are still no scratches on the bezel and the “clicks” remain to be very tactile and satisfying after long term wear.
When I tried this watch on, I was wearing a suit, and to be honest, you could get away with it. Obviously it is not a dress watch by any means but I can see people wearing this on a slightly more formal wear with this watch, especially on the titanium bracelet.
The only slight issue with this watch is the thickness. With a thickness of 14.3mm, it does not hide under the cuff very easily, but other than that, if you’re not always wearing a suit (which is 80% of the people out there), this watch will wear great.
For me personally, I will pick the Pelagos 39mm as I believe it will fit most people’s wrist. Depending on where you are located, during the hotter days as your wrist expands or during colder days where your wrist contracts, the T-fit clasp is a dream to have, making it a comfortable fit all the time.
It is more wearable, thinner and at the same time, it still includes all the same specs, the 70 hour reserve, the accuracy, the finishing, and everything important is still there except the 500m water resistance. But let’s be real here, nobody is going more than 10 metres deep let alone 500m.
Price & Availability
You can purchase the Tudor Pelagos at your local authorized Tudor retailer such as Exquisite Timepieces and you can get them online or in store.
The Pelagos 42 is priced at $5,200 whereas the Pelagos 39 is $4,875. It is usually available in stores and because of how great of a watch this is, I do not think the Tudor Pelagos is going to be gone any time soon.
You can also get them at preowned stores at potentially a lower price but please buy at your own risk and only buy from a reputable dealer.
I personally think at this price point, I can safely say this is probably the best priced luxury watch out there. You get a reliable watch from a very reputable brand that offers 5 years international warranty, full titanium case and bracelet, solid wearability and an appealing design. Compared to many dive watches around the market at this price point, this Tudor Pelagos is hard to beat.
Conclusion
I’ve admired Tudor for a very long time, making bold and daring watches but at the same time maintaining its identity as one of the best Swiss watch brands in a very competitive industry.
Doing things outside of the box may often backfire, especially in the very enthusiastic and scary watch world. But the release of the Pelagos is precisely why I think Tudor is making a brand for itself, and even succeeded at that.
The Pelagos is incredibly well-made and for the money, it’s one of the best dive watches out there that you can find. For around $5000, it offers a sporty, durable, comfortable and most importantly, versatile wearing experience.
The inclusion of the rubber strap just makes it even better for money, and for the versatility to switch styles depending on your mood. It will suit most people out there and it ticks all the boxes for it being an excellent daily beater and even more uniquely, it’s made entirely from titanium.
The Tudor Pelagos does not only suit people for day to day wear, and is even chosen by the marines, making it a watch that you have to try for yourself in store or perhaps even better, own one.
Ever felt like you’re wearing a watch so thick that you feel like you’re wearing a Ben 10 watch and turn yourself into an alien superhero? Do you feel tired after a wrist workout by wearing your watch? Well, look no further.
Watches can sometimes be thick for a reason, but sometimes, it’s just because it can make you feel substantial on the wrist. If you’re someone who wants to feel something lighter, something a bit more comfortable, then you’re on the right page.
About Ultra-Thin Watches
Back in the mid-1700s, when pocket watches were still the main instrument to tell time, watchmaker Jean-Antoine Lépine was discovering how to make pocket watches less substantial. Since then, he has made significant steps in horology and achieved a much thinner pocket watch using a mechanical movement, just like most watches today.
After understanding the inspiration behind making a timekeeping piece thinner, the following breakthroughs are more about “who can make the thinnest watch” and a competition between who’s the “better” watchmaker.
In general, a thinner watch means a thinner mechanical movement, and creating a thinner mechanical movement is a whole new level of complexity. Some of the best watchmakers struggled to create ultra-thin watches because it’s as complicated as a perpetual calendar.
Notable watch brands such as Jaeger-LeCoultre, Piaget, and Audemars Piguet are well known for competing in making the thinnest watch.
How They Do It
A normal three-handed watch would generally have a thickness of about 9mm-12mm. But an ultra-thin timepiece can be as little as 1.75mm, which belongs to the current king of thinnest watches, the RM UP-01 Ferrari. You might wonder, how do they do it?
In general, these thin movements are achieved by using a micro-rotor instead of a full-sized automatic movement. Because a micro-rotor is much smaller, it can be placed inside of the mechanical movement instead of using a traditional rotor.
This greatly reduces the thickness of the watch. However, because of the small rotor, it is harder for it to swing naturally, therefore making it harder to wind. Watchmakers would have to make many adjustments to figure out the best setting for the watch without compromising the quality of the movement.
However, the recent discovery of quartz has helped mitigate all the difficulties and problems that a watchmaker might find in creating an ultra-thin watch. Not only is it more accurate and less problematic, but it’s also thin because it has much fewer components under the hood.
Should You Buy An Ultra-Thin Watch?
If you’re an individual who always dresses like James Bond or Michael Corleone from The Godfather, I think an ultra-thin watch is the ultimate partner for you. This is purely because ultra-thin timepieces can easily hide under the cuff of your suit, showing off class and elegance whenever you pull back your shirt slightly to see your beautiful watch on your wrist.
If you live somewhere extremely hot, or suits are just not your style, these ultra-thin watches can be handy, too. Slimmer timepieces are very comfortable to wear as they sit very well on the wrist and often feel like you’re not wearing anything.
If you’re a watch enthusiast, you would definitely appreciate ultra-thin watches. The research, the engineering, and the craftsmanship are just second to none.
Our Top Picks For Ultra Thin Watches
Here are our picks for the best ultra-thin watches you can get today.
The Mido Baroncelli line is Mido’s dress watch collection and has the thinnest case in their collection. The Heritage Gent model really shows the elegance of the watch with its well-polished dauphine hour and minute hands, beautiful blue second hands, and a paper-white dial.
It comes in a 39mm stainless steel case, an open case back to showcase its automatic movement, and just a mere 7.3mm thick. You’d also have the option to opt for a leather strap or a stainless steel bracelet.
An automatic movement, a date function, and a sapphire crystal for just over $1000, it is definitely one of the best affordable ultra-thin watches you could get.
Hamilton is well known for being the most featured watch brand in pop culture. From movies like Indiana Jones to Elvis wearing it, it’s no wonder that Hamilton is one of the most popular Swiss watch brands. The Jazzmaster is no exception. One of the models from the Jazzmaster collection was also actually featured in Kong: Skull Island (2017), worn by Houston Brooks.
This Jazzmaster has a stunning sunburst grey dial with vintage-looking stick markers and a date window at 6. Encasing the automatic movement is a 40mm stainless case and is only 8.45mm thick. The thin case with a leather strap will definitely wear comfortably on the wrist and certainly make a great companion if you’re ever stranded on Skull Island.
Junghans is most famous for their minimalistic, Bauhaus-style watches and is one of the few German brands on this list. The Meister Handaufzug, which also translates to “Hand Wound”, is the thinnest watch in the Junghans brand.
The watch has a plain white dial with dauphine hands and line markers. On the surface, the timepiece looks very simple and very minimalistic, but the more you look at it, the more details that you’ll get. Applied polished markers at 12, 3, 6, and 9, a small seconds hand at 6 on an inwardly-curved surface really makes the watch more alive.
Completing the package is a 37.7mm stainless case that is just 7.3mm thick. It features their beautiful in-house hand-winding movement and is also showcased on the caseback.
The Junghans Meister Handaufzug can be yours for $1,400.
Another German brand on this list is Nomos, and their style of watches is definitely a unique one. Imagine a minimalistic design but with a sprinkle of quirkiness, which I really do adore.
The Minimatik Midnight Blue has a similar look to the Junghans as it also has a small second hand at 6 with an inwardly-curved design. But with Arabic numerals and a splash of color. The playful red second hand, contrasting with the midnight blue dial, really makes the watch more fun. It’s a dial that the more you look at it, the more you’ll get immersed.
The Minimatik has a 35.5mm stainless steel case, which is a great unisex size and with a thickness of 8.9mm. Powering the watch is their in-house automatic movement with a power reserve of 43 hours. It’s a great everyday watch, and if you share your watches with your missus, this is the one. You can find it for $3,800.
Cartier has been killing it lately, not only in the jewelry game but also in the watch game. They have stayed true to their original designs but also modernized the movements of their watches, making it timeless and reliable at the same time.
The Drive Extra Flat follows the trend of Cartier’s signature big Roman numerals on their markers with blued hands and a sapphire blue crown. What’s more unique is the rounded square case and the sunburst silver finish on the dial that gives it a more modernized look.
With their in-house hand winding movement, Cartier is able to fit it in a 39mm wide and 6.6mm thin stainless steel case. You can easily fit this watch under the cuff and wind your watch, which brings you back to the 50s.
This stunning timepiece from Cartier comes with a retail price of $6,450.
The Chopard L.U.C collection is Chopard’s more elegant and dressy collection. In fact, it is the thinnest watch yet at just 3.3mm thick. They were able to create such a thin movement with the help of two coaxial barrels and a small self-winding mechanical movement. Not only is it thin, but it has a respectable 58-hour power reserve as well.
Protecting the movement is a 40mm stainless steel case along with a fabric strap. The design of the dial shows a resemblance of the blue virgin wool of the strap; it has this sort of dark blue jeans-textured dial. Along with the complex dial are the tastefully added rose gold touches of the numerals and hands, showing off a much more sophisticated look than the first glance would suggest.
Vacheron is one of the oldest watch brands in the world and is often regarded as part of the holy trinity of watches.
The Patrimony is one of the classiest and most elegant watches that you can find. At first glance, it’s just a three-handed watch with simple stick markers and hands. But with the introduction of their proprietary pink gold it brings the watch to another level.
The pink gold 40mm case contrasted with the deep blue sunburst dial is stunning to look at. Featuring a manual winding movement, they were able to make the watch as thin as 6.79mm. If you’re after a no-nonsense dress watch with an alligator strap for $22,100, this is it.
Remember I mentioned the holy trinity in the 7th point? Patek Philippe is one of them, too. Don’t let the recent boom in popularity of integrated sports watches hide the fact that Patek Philippe can make a proper dress watch.
The Golden Ellipse 5738R is the 50th anniversary of the release of the Golden Ellipse line. The watch shows off an ebony black sunburst dial matched with applied hour markers and sleek, slender hands that are also made from rose gold.
What’s also rose gold is the 34.5mm x 39.5mm rectangular case that really gives off the classic, vintage vibe. Inside the case is a Calibre 240 self-winding movement with a power reserve of 48 hours and a 22K gold off-centered micro-rotor. With the help of this, Patek Philippe was able to make the watch just 5.9mm thin.
You can find the Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse for $36,670.
Audemars Piguet completes the holy trinity alongside Patek Philippe and Vacheron Constantin. Unlike Patek, Audemars Piguet embraces the integrated sports watch trend and evolves the Royal Oak into an ultra-thin case.
The Royal Oak is probably one of the most iconic sports watches in existence with its iconic hexagonal-shaped bezel and integrated bracelet design. This particular Royal Oak is called the Jumbo and pays tribute to the original Royal Oak back in 1972 with its blue dial that they call “Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50” and “Petite Tapisserie” for the waffle-patterned dial (a bit too fancy, don’t you think?).
Despite being called a Jumbo, it is actually not as “jumbo” as you think. It has a 39mm stainless steel case and a thickness of just 8.1mm that is made possible with the help of their in-house Calibre 7121 self-winding movement.
Even though this version of the Royal Oak comes with a retail price of around $35,000, its popularity has skyrocketed its price in the secondary market to close to $95,000.
Bulgari has just recently started to compete in the watch game, but boy, did they knock it out of the park with this one. As a jewelry brand, they focused more on fashionable watches and used third-party movements, but these days, they have really advanced into a proper watchmaker.
The Octo Finissimo has a really Avangard sort of overall design with a hexagonal inner bezel design and an integrated bracelet look. The ash gray dial contrasting with the black 12 and 6 numerals make the watch really simple and legible. The dial also has an interesting small second hand positioned at 8, which is an unusual position.
The star of the show is definitely the movement that pushes the boundaries of watchmaking. It combines beauty and technological advancement to achieve this new milestone in the world of horological complications.
With a 5.15mm thick and 40mm titanium case (and bracelet), the watch wears like a dream. The Octo Finissimo Automatic achieves this by using a platinum micro-rotor that is automatic winding, and you can enjoy the beautiful movement from the caseback.
This version of the Octo Finissimo retails for $15,900.
Breguet is one of the oldest watch brands and has provided a lot to the history of horology. A few honorable mentions that they created the first tourbillon and one of the most memorable hands on the dial, also called Breguet hands.
Today, they have maintained the overall dial designs of the extinct pocket watches and implemented them into modern case designs and movements. The Breguet Classique Extra-Thin 5157 is no exception.
The iconic blue Breguet hands, the silver guilloche dial, and Roman numerals are all part of Breguet’s DNA. Making it even more luxurious is the 38mm rose gold case and an impressive 5.4mm thin.
Despite the traditional and vintage looks, powering the watch is their immaculately finished in-house self-winding movement that you can admire on the open case back and with a power reserve of 45 hours.
Another German brand on this list is A. Lange & Söhne, and they are quickly rising to become one of the best-finished watches in the world. They were once close to being bankrupt, but thankfully, in 1990, Walter Lange (great-grandchild of the founder of the company) decided to re-establish the company and re-registered A. Lange & Söhne.
The Saxonia Thin has one of the simplest looks with just simple hour and minute hands and stick markers. But the dial. Boy, oh boy, let me tell you that it is a treat to your eyes. The dial looks exactly like the millions of stars from the night sky and is meticulously hand-drawn on the dial with each single star.
Just as beautiful and impressive as the dial is the finishing of the manual winding movement that is displayed on the open case back of the watch. The Saxonia Thin has a 39mm white gold case and is just 6.2mm thick, and it perfectly contrasts with the deep dark blue of the dial.
The Saxonia Thin comes with an approximate retail price of $29,000.
JLC is well known for being the watchmaker’s watchmaker, and for very good reason; until this day, they still live up to the name. My personal favorite piece of history from JLC is that they are a huge part of the reason that made the Royal Oak and Nautilus so popular today.
They were trying to create an integrated bracelet design sports watch with a thin and comfortable case, but they were incapable of doing so at that time. JLC, being the watchmaker’s watchmaker, came in to create an ultra-thin movement for them to make it possible. Impressive.
What’s more impressive is the Ultra Thin Squelette’s thickness of just 3.6mm thick. Back in 2015, they were the thinnest mechanical watch, and it still is one of the thinnest today. What’s crazier is the calibre 849, which is used in the Squelette, was often used in the world’s thinnest watches back in 1975. Very impressive.
The Squelette really shows off the engineering marvel of the calibre 849, with the watch having a skeletonized dial. And they definitely should show it off. Encasing the movement is a 38mm white gold case that makes it even dressier and elegant, and hiding it under the cuff couldn’t be any easier.
As the name suggests, it was never really made to be an actual production watch because the watch is absurdly thin – just 2mm, which is thinner than 90% of most watch movements. One of the biggest challenges to make it possible is to make the watch stay flat, as when the watch is strapped on the wrist, the watch will tend to bend. This was back in 2018.
Fast forward to 2020, voila. Nothing is impossible. Piaget actually made it happen and made it a production watch, and more impressively, it is customizable. You can actually change the color of the subdial, the movement plate, the hands, and the strap. This makes it super unique as it is close to impossible that you bump into someone wearing this watch, let alone the exact same configuration.
The watch also offers a skeletonized dial but has the looks straight out of an exposed robot, with gears and wheels fully exposed on the dial. It’s definitely an Avangard look. To combat the problem of the rigidity of ultra-thin watches, a high-tech cobalt alloy is used for the 41mm watch case.
The hand winding movement 900P-UC is fused with the case to make the watch possible. The watch came with an approximate retail price of $450,000. Unsurprisingly, this was the thinnest watch in the world in 2020 but has recently just been beaten by the next brand on this list.
2 years after Piaget released the thinnest watch, someone just had to break the record for being the thinnest watch, and who else but Richard Mille can break this unbelievable record? With the insane innovation and determination that Richard Mille’s team has, they have created the RM UP-01 Ferrari watch with a thickness of just 1.75mm.
The watch design is unlike anything we’ve seen before. It looks straight out of the future. It has a rectangular titanium case, a Ferrari logo, a power reserve indicator, and an exposed movement. This watch really packed both technical prowess and aesthetics, and I think Richard Mille really knocked it out of the park with this one.
However, with something like this, the price tag can definitely make your wallet as thin as your watch. It is limited to 150 pieces and is worth $1,888,000.
Conclusion
Watchmakers have spent years and maybe decades researching and creating ultra-thin watches for enthusiasts to enjoy an elegantly understated but also luxurious timepiece for us to enjoy.
With the recent technological developments, watchmakers can use this to their advantage to further improve on creating the thinnest watch. People often take ultra-thin watches for granted and I certainly hope that people understand watches like these are incredibly difficult to come by from this article.
It’s great to see watchmakers pushing the boundaries and limits of watchmaking, and we, as watch enthusiasts, will always appreciate it. More competition leads to more innovation, and that leads to cooler watches being made for us!
Watches have come a long way, and since then, many companies have tried to release their best version of watches. Some companies have definitely succeeded, but some have not. However, just like everything in life, we have to start somewhere. Fossil definitely followed this trend and did their version.
But, there were mixed reviews about them. Regardless of which end of the scale Fossil is standing, we cannot deny the popularity of the brand and even possibly ignited the passion of some watch enthusiasts out there, including myself.
I remember back when I was a teenager, I used to own a Fossil, and that allowed me to fall in love with watches, just like most people out there. But that was quite a while ago. And in this review, let’s see whether they’re any good now or should remain extinct and become a fossil.
History of Fossil Watches
Founded in 1984 in Richardson, Texas, USA, two brothers (Tom and Kosta Kartsotis) created Fossil. This idea came about when Tom told his younger brother about the potential profits of importing affordable fashion watches from the Far East and selling them in the US.
This was aimed at providing fashionable watches to the world at competitive pricing, which was an unprecedented move at that time. Their timepieces started with mostly retro-inspired designs packaged in either tin or wooden boxes with playful and colorful designs. This instantly became a hit.
In the 1990s, Fossil gained popularity significantly and started importing leather goods such as handbags, wallets, and also jewelry. They did not stop there and quickly acquired Swiss brand Zodiac Watches — a well-established watch company with a solid horological history — in 2001. This helped to further establish their presence in Switzerland, renowned as being the wonderland of watchmaking.
Today, they make licensed accessories for big brands such as BMW, Michael Kors, Kate Spade, Emporio Armani, and so on. And their most recent shopping sprees are purchasing Skagen Designs (another watch company) plus 150,000 Fossil shares, with a total estimate of $236.8 million, and another $260 million for Misfit, which is a technological company specializing in wearable technology like smartwatches.
About Fossil Watches
Fossil is now one of the largest watch producers in the world as the trend of fashionable watches steadily increases among consumers. This is understandable as not everyone is able to afford expensive watches, especially if they’re made in Switzerland. Fossil watches bring that to the customers, offering stylish timepieces made in Switzerland, well, sort of.
Although they did succeed in making a name for themselves in Switzerland and built a design studio in Biel, Switzerland (close to Rolex’s headquarters), their watches are still manufactured in China. Despite that, Fossil successfully released their Swiss-made watches, called Fossil Swiss, in 2013 with the help of Zodiac watches.
Fossil watches mainly focus on quartz models that offer better value for money but also have some mechanical models at a higher price. However, they do not specifically tell you where their movements are made from. Luckily, I’ve fallen into the rabbit hole of things (e.g. the internet), and we’ll get into more details in the later section.
Watch Enthusiast’s Views
As a fellow Redditor and after reading a fair share of watch blogs, I have to admit that most people aren’t the biggest fan of Fossil. While they aren’t watch snobs by any means, their main points were that Fossil watches are only fashionable and affordable, but nothing else. They don’t have a time-honored horology history, nor do they have a great, interesting heritage.
Most of their watches are produced based on the latest fashion and trends. But many of their designs failed to withstand the test of time. Furthermore, they are not the best in quality, and for the price, there are certainly other brands in contention.
With that said, most people think Fossil is a good place to start if you are just getting started in the watch world. They are affordable and offer a wide range of designs that will undoubtedly suit most people out there.
Some watch enthusiasts also mention that they owned Fossil watches personally and lasted them a long time, which shows that they’re durable and reliable, especially given the price. From my personal view from the experience of owning one myself, unfortunately, I am on the negative side of things.
I’ve always worn a digital watch and wanted to try an analog timepiece instead. This is where I stumbled upon Fossil and gave it a go. I don’t exactly remember the model, but it was a chronograph.
However, its quality was more than disappointing. One of the chapter rings on the subdial of the chronograph fell within a few months, and the chronograph function did not work reliably. And this really affected me, thinking that analog watches aren’t as reliable as digital watches, but obviously (and luckily), I found out that was completely false.
I think what we can take from this is that there are mixed reviews in terms of quality and reliability, but most people think that there are better watches for the price you’re paying. We will get into more details later.
Are Fossil Watches Good?
In my opinion, no Fossil watches are necessarily bad. But it really depends on how you define “good”. Something good for me can be something below-par for you, so it still depends on each other’s needs and wants. In this section, we will state the reasons objectively as to why it is good or bad.
Cheap & Flimsy Materials
Despite their claim of being made from stainless steel, the finishing and the quality of stainless steel that they use are notably lower-grade. From afar, it almost looks like plastic, giving an overall cheap aesthetic. Likewise, on the touch, it feels light and cheap.
As you can probably tell from my personal experience above, the dials are made in a very casual manner, with no extra effort to maintain the quality and even present a better-finished dial.
Other than the watch itself, their complementary strap is extremely stiff, almost like the leather from the bottom of your first-ever work shoes. It is uncomfortable to wear and cracks in a few months’ time; it’s certainly not the most reliable thing in the world.
Lack Of Heritage And History
As we can see from the history section of the brand, the founders had the idea of creating Fossil because one of the brothers thought there was a profitable opportunity in the fashionable watch industry.
It is totally understandable to be motivated by money in some ways to keep the business going. But Fossil’s sole focus was churning out inexpensive (relatively) fashion watches for the masses, nothing else. Their watch collections lacked any captivating story behind the creation, and even the origin of its watch name remained unexciting.
Yet, it’s fair to say that the brand is not focused on being a prestigious watch brand with a rich history but instead on providing sleek, good-looking watches.
Generic Watch Designs
Most, if not all, of their designs are already created by other brands. Though most watch releases share similar designs and may not have entirely new aesthetics, there are still some noticeable differences to every watch, like their applied markers, case shape, etc.
However, Fossil watches have designs that do not stand out, nor anything “iconic” to their brand. Many designs can be found on cheap watches on websites like AliExpress, just with a different logo. Cover the logo, and you probably can’t tell the difference from another fashion brand. Simply put, they lack personality.
Before you jump to the conclusion that Fossil is not worth your wallet, not everything about Fossil watches is bad, and there are definitely reasons why it is one of the biggest watch manufacturers in the world.
Retail Stores Throughout The World
This is probably one of the biggest advantages of Fossil. Living in the 21st century, more watch shops are opting to sell their watches online to save cost, understandably. In contrast, Fossil has tons of retail stores everywhere to let you have a good look at the actual watches and not the soulless pictures online to decide your next purchase.
Since we’re on the topic of online stores, Fossil’s online shop is excellent. Easy to navigate, has clear pictures, and, most importantly, serves its primary purpose of allowing customers to perform online purchases very well. Fossil’s marketing strategy is also great, with constant advertisements on social media but nothing too much or intrusive.
Back to the physical shops: their retail stores are also beautifully presented. Different sections are arranged according to the items, such as watches and leather goods. And they’re often well-maintained, clean and offer a very relaxed experience with amazing and friendly customer service (based on the overwhelming reviews online).
Being able to walk into a store, look at a wide range of watches, and buy a watch you like on the spot is a luxury. I definitely respect Fossil for following this move and not moving to a fully integrated online store. It keeps the watch scene alive.
Wide Variety Of Designs To Choose From
Have you ever had the experience of walking into a store, filled with excitement that you’re about to have your first-time purchase of something you’ve desired for a long time, only to end up disappointed with the limited options available? Because I had. Don’t worry; this isn’t the case for Fossil.
From everyday styles to field watches to dressy pieces and plenty of chronographs, Fossil pretty much covered every base of designs, including the option of a steel bracelet or a leather strap. Whether you’re a doctor or a soldier, there’s a design fit for you. Having a wide array of choices is definitely an advantage, especially for people who are unsure of what they like.
Fossil Smartwatches: Are They Keeping Up With the Competition?
Last year, Fossil announced that it would exit the Wear OS smartwatch market while keeping its existing Wear OS watches updated for the next few years. The smartwatch market is dominated by Apple, so, as you would expect, smaller companies like Fossil struggle to keep their head above the water, and it seems they have finally sunk.
Before the Pixel watch and the OnePlus Watch 2 came along, Fossil had been providing Android users with some extremely competitive options. Their great Wear OS smartwatches held out for a long time as a cheaper alternative that was widely trusted and esteemed. But the years were not kind at all, it seems.
The Wear OS had reached a low phase in the market, and since Fossil was a full OS version behind most of the competition, they simply couldn’t keep up.
For a while, Fossil was cherished and beloved by smartwatch enthusiasts, saving Android users from the monopoly of Apple watches that were threatening to convert everyone into an iPhone user, but unfortunately, Apple became too strong overwhelming both Fossil and countless other lower-tier smartwatch brands. They are remembered for their vast catalog that will now be more nostalgic than ever.
Most Notable Fossil Watch Collection
Within Fossil’s massive catalog of watch designs, there are certainly a few that stand out for different reasons. These are:
With the rise of minimalism and minimalist-designed watches, Fossil also quickly adapted its collection to follow such trends. Four main types of watches fall under this collection: the Minimalist two-hand, Minimalist three-hand, Minimalist Slim three-hand, and Minimalist Chronograph.
These watch styles definitely suit more of an everyday watch, like a stroll in the park or in the city, with its casual and simple look. It can never go wrong.
The watches have a quartz movement, a stainless steel case that’s 44mm in size, a 22mm strap width, a mineral crystal, and a water resistance of 5 ATM (which means it should withstand brief swimming and cold showers).
This collection also has different dial colors and strap options to choose from. In terms of the case thickness, the website did not specify the thickness, but thankfully, based on a watch review, it is 7mm thick, which is indeed ‘Slim’.
The choice is limitless. Want something minimal with Roman numerals? Covered. Want something simpler but with a splash of orange? Covered. Want something with a steel bracelet? Covered. You get the idea. The choice is ultimately yours.
This collection also follows the trend of a minimalistic design but with the addition of a chronograph function. It includes: Neutra Chronograph, Neutra Automatic and Neutra Moonphase Multifunction; and Neutra Gen 6 Hybrid Smartwatch (which will not be discussed in this article).
Fossil Neutra has two main types of watch designs: both the Chronograph and Moonphase Multifunction have a Tri-Compax style (meaning three subdials), and the Automatic has a not-too-overbearing skeletonized dial. The Neutra Chronograph is more suitable for casual wear, whereas Neutra Automatic and Neutra Moonphase are slightly dressier. Specifications are the same as the Minimalist collection mentioned above, just slightly thicker.
But obviously, the Neutra Automatic comes with an automatic movement and also an exhibition caseback. However, again, no specific description of the automatic movement used. All we know is that it is an automatic movement.
And just like in Fossil fashion, there are endless possibilities of choices to choose from. Good news for ladies out there: you can also get a Neutra Chronograph model too in a fancier design, featuring a smaller 36mm stainless steel case with a diamond-like bezel, and the extra option of Mother Of Pearl dial, suitable for any chic fashionista out there.
Price: $160-$190 for the Neutra Chronograph and Moonphase models; $240-$260 for the Neutra Automatic
Probably the most unique dial in the collection is the Heritage line. The dial looks very similar to a Longines Conquest (I cannot believe I’m comparing Fossil to Longines) with the huge “12” and “6” indices. The watches in this collection have two different sizes: 38mm and 43mm stainless steel cases.
Some watches even have two-tone designs with gold plating (obviously not real gold) and stainless steel for their bracelet and case. And I have to say some look quite stylish as long as you pick the proper configuration, and yes, you guessed it right, the choice is endless.
What stands out the most is that it has an automatic movement and an exhibition case back that lets you inspect the movement, as well as a sapphire crystal, the only Fossil collection with it.
Adding to this is that it also comes with a date window located at 3 o’clock. With a more durable and scratch-resistant crystal, along with its automatic movement, this suits a more adventurous individual like exploring.
The Defender collection features a field watch design. In addition to its legible 12-hour indices that contrast with its dark-colored dial are the smaller font 24-hour markers located around the dial. This watch also comes with different strap options made in nylon, leather, and a stainless steel bracelet.
This collection is probably the least configurable design-wise but still offers some great options. Fossil Defender features a 46mm stainless steel case protected by a mineral crystal, with 100m water resistance and a 24mm strap width.
What’s unique about this watch is that it uses a solar-powered movement so that as long as the sun shines, your watch is good to go. If you’re an adventurer or a traveler, this is a great watch to start.
Among the five collections, the Fossil Blue stands out as the most sporty, featuring the GMT line and the Three-Hand Date dive watches.
The Three-Hand Date diving models have a vintage-inspired design with a rotating bezel at the 12 o’clock position and a gorgeous dial with a sunburst finish, giving more depth in aesthetics. They come in a 42mm stainless steel case, 22mm strap width, and a 10 ATM water resistance (100m). You can choose your watch in either a stainless steel bracelet, a silicon strap, or a leather strap.
On the other hand, the GMT model is slightly bigger, with a 46mm stainless steel case and 24mm strap width. Besides the mono-toned blue or gold bezel, they also offer a two-toned Oasis bezel to provide a distinguishable and recognizable look to complement its GMT function.
Both models of the Fossil Blue collection also include a date function and a cyclops on the date window to improve legibility. These watches suit sportier individuals who are often in contact with water.
Price: $150-$195
Should You Buy A Fossil Watch?
I think it highly depends on the individual. They aren’t the worst watch brand in the world, and their value proposition is decent. It’s almost like eating at different restaurants. Would you prefer to go to a fast food chain with affordable prices and a wide variety of choices? Or would you choose to go to a proper restaurant focusing more on a particular cuisine with potentially higher-quality food?
While Fossil does not have the best quality, the best design, or a rich history, credit should be given when credit is due. Having retail stores worldwide along with excellent marketing skills is no easy feat, and Fossil did it superbly well.
Let’s be honest; most people out there just want to wear a watch as a tool and couldn’t care less about its horological history or craftsmanship. Some people just prefer convenience and design over meaningless (for them) history. Some people just want a tool to tell the time, not masterful timepiece creation.
If you are someone who wants a watch that just works and is easy to buy, Fossil is definitely a brand that suits your needs. However, even though it is relatively affordable compared to other luxury brands, the price is relatively expensive. Not to mention that, at a similar price range, there are definitely much better brands out there with a better appreciation of horological artistry and excellent watchmaking.
Alternatives To Fossil Watches
There are tons of excellent and affordable entry-level watch brands that feature a wide variety of beautiful and well-built timepieces. Some of the most popular ones include:
Timex
Established in 1854 as Waterbury Clock Company, Timex had come a long way into watchmaking, from clocks to pocket watches and, eventually, wristwatches. Ever since they were established, Timex focused on providing durable and affordable timepieces to the world, costing only one dollar ($35 in today’s dollars) back in 1901.
They got so popular that statistically, almost every third watch sold in the USA was a Timex back in the 1960s. Today, they are one of the few U.S. watch companies with American ingenuity and craftsmanship integrated into their watches.
But most importantly, they did not lose their motto of creating robust, reliable timepieces at an affordable price to this day. What’s great about Timex is that they offer a wide variety of watches as well, for both women and men, including the Q Timex (sports watch), the Marlin (dress watch), and the Timex Standard (everyday watch).
Price range: $199-$299
Seiko
The story started in 1881 when 21 years old Kinato Hattori began selling and repairing clocks in Central Tokyo. Just after 11 years, he bought a factory and named it Seikosha (meaning House of Exquisite Workmanship), and boy, they were indeed exquisite.
Ever since Seiko was founded, they have focused on innovating revolutionary watches and aim to create timepieces that the world has yet to see. And they succeeded flawlessly till this very day.
World’s first TV watch? Seiko. World’s first automatic chronograph? Seiko. World’s first Quartz watch? Seiko. If I were to make a list of what they have achieved for being the “world’s first”, I would have become the world’s first to faint after writing a list. But you get the gist. They are the king of innovation.
Not just great in being the world’s first, they are also great in creating affordable watches, mainly the Seiko 5 collection that rivals the price of Fossil. These are fully in-house automatic watches and with a stainless steel case and a day-date function.
Some of their best sellers include the SRPD51 (sports watch), SNK809 (field watch), and SNXS79 (everyday watch). While their names may not be as inspiring as Fossil, they’re definitely excellent timepieces that can last you a lifetime.
Price range: $100-$250
Citizen
In the 1920s, Shokosha Watch Research Institute (precursor of Citizen) aspired to create excellence and creativity, hoping to help cultivate a positive change towards the citizens of the world. It was in 1924 that they started to take a leap of faith to create a fully Japan-made product and launch their pocket watch.
Without a proper name for its watch, the Mayor of Tokyo at that time named it “Citizen” as he hoped that the watch would always be part of the citizens of the world. Since then, they have been creating revolutionary watches, such as the first multi-band atomic timepiece that is accurate to within one second in one hundred thousand years.
With a huge range of timepieces to choose from, Citizen is easily one of the most affordable but reputable brands out there to be part of your collection. Plus, they come with tons of unique designs, including the ever-popular Promaster Eco-Drive (solar-powered dive watch), the Bullhead Tsuno (everyday watch), and the C7 series (dress watch).
Price: $150-$299
Final Thoughts
With the increasing popularity of owning a more functional smartwatch instead, analog watches are definitely transitioning into a luxury fashion statement and a timeless symbol of classic elegance.
Watch companies have started to grow and adapt to consumer needs regardless of heritage or history. Sure, Fossil may not be perfect, but it may still be the right fit for you if you’re only looking to make a trend-savvy fashion statement. With the convenience of buying one, it is perfect for being an accessible entry point into the world of watches too.
Having brands like Fossil emerging into the market strengthens the watch market as a whole and proves that the demand for watches is more than ever. This just shows people that “traditional” wristwatches are not dying accessories, which is ultimately the most important thing.
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