Fossil Starmaster Limited Editions – it still lights up!
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You cannot talk about Fossil in the 90’s and not mention Starmaster. The Starmaster line is one of those staples that we collectors still talk about and see unique pieces pop up from time to time, the line was very extensive for both men & women. When I heard that the new Fossil Collectors Club was re-releasing not 1, but 2 new Limited Edition Starmasters I was on board and ready to receive and review.
Also, some nerd trivia: not sure if Fossil planned this or not, but the original Fossil Starmaster line was launched in October/November 1994 according to all the catalogs we’ve squirreled away. 25 years is a long time and we’re glad to see 2 new Starmasters added to the family.
The marketing campaign or slogan back when these watches were new were “when you press the button - it lights up” and if you remember Fossil used that slogan for a handful of Defender watches in the original run in the 90’s too. The DE-1540, 1528, 1507 and 1509 all were featured with “it lights up” and had the same Starmaster type light up dial when you pressed the button.
If you are an avid Fossil collector or really a watch collector of a certain vintage, you will always notice that the cases were so much smaller back then. It’s hard to put my finger on it, but the new Starmaster even with its 38mm case looks really, really good on my wrist. I’m digging the size and I haven’t gotten the usual comments about wearing a smaller watch. For a comparison I lined up the 2 new Starmasters with my favorite 90’s watch from Fossil - the DE-1500
If I had to put my finger on the why - I’d say because these new pieces are simple & gorgeous. The new Starmasters look like a simple field watch, no date windows, nothing particularly fancy except that it lights up. The dial too is luminous when the lights go off – very similar to most Fossil watches.
It’s always easy to find a light up Fossil watch, either look for the second pusher above the crown or look at the model number – all Starmasters (except these 2) all started with LU.
The newest addition to the Starmaster and Limited Edition family are sporting 2 flavors.
The LE1059 comes with a cream colored dial with stainless case. A 20mm brown leather strap completes the look. It has run of 1125 pieces.
The LE1084 comes with dark tan dial and a black case. The same 20mm brown leather strap with a black buckle completes the dark look. Interesting that this piece only has a run of 875 pieces and the model number comes way after 1059. I know some collectors are scratching their heads at the inconsistencies.
Regardless of where they fit in the Limited Edition numbering, you can’t go wrong at either option and I’m glad I picked up both before they are gone.
