Fossil Limited Editions You May Have Missed – The Compass Set LE1012
Next up in our series of limited editions you may have missed is the Fossil Compass Watch Collection set LE1012 from 2013. Obviously we’re jumping ahead a little bit in the numbers, but have no fear we’ll eventually cover other limited editions between LE1006 and LE1012 – the span in those 6 pieces is….
Next up in our series of limited editions you may have missed is the Fossil Compass Watch Collection LE1012 from 2013. Obviously we’re jumping ahead a little bit in the numbers, but have no fear we’ll eventually cover other limited editions between LE1006 and LE1012 – the span in those 6 pieces is 3 years! Now in 2013 the canvas boxes are gone and this set comes in a very nice wax canvas portfolio.
First off let’s identify the elephant in the room – there is no compass in the compass set. Why Fossil consistently uses the compass name in some pieces that don’t feature a compass is a lingering question. The compass name goes back to 1989, but those watches did feature a compass on the strap. There was once even a Fossil Compass watch that was only a compass and no watch!
Let’s quickly dive into this set. The watch itself is very sharp with almost a classic Defender look but with the orange on the dial – it really stands out – might be a little too small for some however at 38mm. Original cost was $295 and was limited to 754 pieces. The LE1012 sold out very quick in 2013 because yours truly tried to buy one new online and couldn’t get one ordered – my local store (when they existed) did not get one of these pieces in their inventory. It wasn’t until years later when a fellow collector sold me his. Even today if you do research on this watch you’ll find some collector chatter on how sharp this piece was and how surprised they were to see something like this from Fossil. A few other limited editions of this vintage along with the short lived Fossil Swiss line certainly made some news.
The LE1012 set included 3 different 18mm straps that interchanged very quickly depending on how you felt. The nylon strap in black & orange has always been my go to and good luck ever finding another one – it’s unique to this piece and not available separately. A five-link bracelet and black leather strap also came included. The black leather strap was one of the first in the Fossil fleet to offer the horizontal stitch marks in another color – a trend we still see today.
The underdog in this set is the folio. It’s wax canvas with some leather trim and very durable. One of the details overlooked is the leather zipper tag that matches the leather strap. If this was a little larger it’d be perfect for a tablet and/or other work materials that I carry around. On occasion when traveling with watches I have used this folio and it’s durability to transport precious cargo across state lines.
The entire kit when new came in a cloth bag and found in a Fossil gift box as common to that era. Enjoy the photos from the 2 sets in our collection.
Hands on Review - THE BATMAN™ X FOSSIL Limited Edition Automatic Set LE1142
Fossil has created yet another Batman collaboration just in time for the latest Batman film out in theatres on March 4, 2022 and this time….
In preparation for a new collaboration with Batman to coincide with Batman Day on September 26, 2021 we featured an article showcasing some background on the 1989 collaboration, a first for Fossil. The 2021 collaboration came and went rather quickly and not for reasons we’ll discuss today. Fossil has created yet another Batman collaboration just in time for the latest Batman film out in theatres on March 4, 2022 and this time they nailed it.
Please note at the time of this posting I have yet to see the new film, so this review won’t be witty commentary on an almost 3 hour movie, but instead Fossil Fans & Batman fans alike we’ll take a deep dive on this new limited-edition Batman watch from Fossil.
Fossil has just released an entirely new Batman collection and while I struggled for a hot second on which watch to purchase I went with the limited-edition automatic LE1142 Batman watch. There is also a Riddler watch available with a mismatched strap that would drive my Type A/OCD personality crazy! Oddly enough my 15-year-old son wants the Riddler watch vs. his fruit-based smartwatch – so there is hope we can convert him to the traditional watch route!
We need to start with the packaging. In all the years of receiving Fossil watches delivered at home I’ve never seen a Fragile: Handle with Care label! I knew this watch and the unboxing was going to be different and I’m happy to report no damage to the watch and it didn’t arrive in a dented tin like some of the previous limited-editions I’ve purchased recently. Spoiler alert there is no tin with this set.
Once you’ve unpackaged the shipping box, you are presented with a very beautiful black DC and Fossil themed heavy-duty box. Unlike other Fossil limited-editions that come in a box, this box is HUGE. Measures about 7” high and 6 11/16” wide and comes in weighing a total of just over 2 pounds (with watch included). The logos and red font on the box let you know this is a collectible and it even states “designed by collectors, for collectors”.
Take the lid off the box and you are presented with a stunning presentation. The thought, care and obvious collector input in how this is presented is ever present from every angle. The hearty base is something I am going to want on all my collectible watches from now on and as an added bonus doubles as a storage bin for 2 extra straps. The utility theme of the base is appreciated and knowing Fossil there are cues to this in the movie with Batman’s suit and kit, which I’m excited to see. The extra straps remind me of some older Fossil sets including the James Bond set from 1998 (pictured below), those straps had a canvas option with special stitching along with the compass too!
Previous Batman/Fossil collaborations garner feedback that the watches looked childish or comic book like and I agree! The latest collaboration however is not childish and IMO looks like something Batman would wear himself – he likes his logo on his kit, so why wouldn’t he wear a 43mm watch with his logo on it? The watch is dark, the logo is subtle and oh that font! Love that font and oh btw look at the lume, it is green! I for one am looking forward to wearing this watch in the theatre and seeing Batman light up on my wrist in green.
The watch is a limited-edition with only 3368 pieces made. It is a weird number and a high compared to most other recent Fossil limited editions. The fact that this is a Batman themed limited-edition that doesn’t look like a cartoon with an automatic movement is reason enough to make the purchase.
The Batman X Fossil Collab LE1142 with all 3 included INTERchangeable straps
True fans know that we rarely talk about the movements in Fossil watches. For the average Fossil collector or even Batman collector most aren’t concerned with the watch movement. I was surprised to learn that the automatic Japanese movement is a Seiko NH35A. What that’s mean for you, yes you…..the eventual purchaser who just zoned out? It means you get a very accurate, common movement that doesn’t require batteries – this is a good thing and means it’s easy to get repaired if/when it requires service. Fossil has or had their own in-house automatic movements and I wonder why this decision was made, but I’m not mad about it.
The beautiful part of the movement is people will never know. The back of the case showcases the movement with the Batman logo. I love how the Batman logo stays put 100% of the time right side up vs. some other pieces I have where the movement itself would have the logo on the rotor that spins.
Lastly in closing if you’re on the fence about a $300 Fossil watch, I get it - it’s a lot of money for a Fossil watch. It’s worth it. After seeing some feedback on social media and articles from proper watch review sites stating that movie themed watches are childish, I felt that maybe my decision was a hastily made mistake. All of that changed however when I had the watch in hand and felt the heftiness. Also don’t forget the joy of the unboxing - cannot stress that enough!
As a 40+ year old man I’m happy I made the splurge and I wouldn’t hesitate to wear this piece.
That being said two things I wish this set had:
A women’s version. Lot of Batman fans out there and a 43mm watch is huge for some fan girls out there.
The display base needs a glass or at least a clear lid. The finish of the base and the watch will attract dust and fingerprints. I’ll be building or finding a clear cover to place over the watch to keep it clean and brilliant.
Check out the LE1142 on Fossil.com now
If the Riddler is more your speed - check out LE1141 on Fossil.com
The First Collaboration - Fossil & Batman Watches
Imagine my surprise and delight when an email from Fossil pops up saying their newest collaboration is celebrating Batman Day on September 26. Let’s roll some footage from the very first Batman/Fossil collaboration in 1989 and possibly the first collaboration ever based on the catalogs here in the office.
National Batman Day. Did you know this was a thing because I did not? Outside of Talk Like A Pirate Day on September 19 – my knowledge of national days goes awry. Imagine my surprise and delight when an email from Fossil pops up saying their newest collaboration is celebrating Batman Day on September 26. I have no inside information on what this collaboration is going to look like, but let’s roll some footage from the very first Batman/Fossil collaboration in 1989 and possibly the first collaboration ever based on the catalogs here in the office.
Important to note there are many, many of these superhero watches out there and I certainly don’t know them all. Some Batman/Fossil and Superman/Fossil watches were exclusive to Warner Brothers Studios stores & theme parks and never placed for sale on Fossil.com or in any catalogs printed over the years. I could write a Buzzfeed listicle on the number of pieces I’ve been emailed about asking questions on the number of pieces actually made – certainly a very long list for another day! Meantime please enjoy some 1989 goodness from one of my favorite catalogs and accompanying price guide. $22 for Batman/Fossil watches in 1989 — those were the days!!!!!
The pictures above came from the 1989 Fall Catalog and accompanying Price Guide (2 separate books). The catalog is a beautiful 32 page full color 12”x9”.
Southwest Airlines Limited Edition Retro Pilot Chronograph Watch
Collaborations have been done in the past with Fossil and we’ve covered our fair share of them. The latest collaboration is one that pushes all the right buttons for our household: Southwest Airlines, Retro-Pilot Series, Aviation theme, Limited Edition and of course a Fossil product!
Southwest Airlines and Fossil Watches what do they have in common?
Spoiler Alert: Dallas!
Collaborations have been done in the past with Fossil and we’ve covered our fair share of them. The latest collaboration is one that pushes all the right buttons for our household: Southwest Airlines, Retro-Pilot Series, Aviation theme, Limited Edition and of course a Fossil product!
Before we dive into the product, wanted to give a shout out for our love of Southwest Airlines. Mrs. Underground Fossil Collectors Club and I have been loyal Southwest frequent fliers since we started dating in 1999 and did the long-distance thing while in college. $69 roundtrip flights to St. Louis from Cleveland was a line item on the old budget back then. Nowadays this family of 4 enjoys flying Southwest and the 2 free checked bags is a nice bonus when coming back from the land of Disney and a recent hiking trip in Utah – thanks Southwest!
In 2021 Southwest is officially 50 years old and once the Instagram post of this collaboration was hinted at way back in June – we knew we had to show our love and make the purchase. The following post is only going to cover the LE1132 men’s version because the LE1138 was sold out before we could purchase one to review. Sorry ladies!!!
The timeless design of chronograph watches with the three sub-dials pushed to the left side of the face is one of the first designs that hooked us. Add to that the skyward pointing 12-hour marker on an aviation themed chronograph and you have now just embarked on a lifelong collecting journey. So many to choose from including Defenders, Retro-Pilots, Speedways and more. However, this Southwest/Fossil collaboration is limited to only 1971 pieces in honor of the year Southwest was founded.
First thing you’ll notice most likely with this watch besides it already being sold out is the color blue. There is a lot of blue here and it’s on brand with Southwest. The 44mm case houses an all blue face and its gorgeous. The leather strap is blue too and something very unique is the straps are all made with repurposed airline seats – we should add here cleaned & repurposed airline seats. Southwest fans will notice the blue, yellow and red hints throughout the face include the dials and secondhand. Look at the at crown while you’re at it
Something we don’t normally cover or care about is the back of the case. Southwest’s logo/insignia is proudly featured on the back of the case in enamel – LUV it
Packaging is up next and as expected it is amazing. The tin, the paperwork, the little details that you let know this is a collectible piece and tied to something special is one thing Fossil always does right and the LE1132 is no exception. I do wish better care was given when these collectible pieces ship off to customers – my tin came dented and the paper card inside is a bit pushed in and almost chewed up in the corners. Similar feedback was left on Fossil’s site – collectors are a particular crew and we notice everything!
Being sold out already is a sad reality for this piece. Some of the 1971 pieces are already selling (not listed for) on eBay for over $500USD. The good news here for Fossil fans is that this piece is related to the newly re-leased Retro-Pilot series on Fossil.com. Sure the Southwest branding isn’t there and the faces are a little different, but the case and the size (and the aviation theme) are all intact. Recently a Hybrid version appeared on Fossil.com, it truly is a great time to be alive.
Fossil Southwest Collaboration Link (SOLD OUT)
https://www.fossil.com/en-us/products/southwest-airlines-limited-edition-retro-pilot-chronograph-blue-leather-watch/LE1132.html
Retro-Pilot Series
https://www.fossil.com/en-us/products/retro-pilot-chronograph-brown-leather-watch/FS5832.html
A Doubly Rare Fossil Collectors Club Collaboration
Many years ago we had posed a question about the rarest “official” limited edition piece from Fossil. Over the years there has many comments and even a few emails about it, but today we have a winner in the watch category with a run of…..
Many years ago we had posed a question about the rarest “official” limited edition piece from Fossil.
https://www.undergroundfossilcollectors.club/blog/2010/2/15/whats-the-rarest-fossil-collectable.html
Over the years there has many comments and even a few emails about it, but today we have a winner in the watch category with a run of 75 pieces - Space Jam Tune Squad Limited Edition Box Set
LE1128SET
At $500USD it is a little too rich for my suburban dad blood, but it looks like the 75 pieces sold out in days and it is nice to see a Fossil Collectors Club collaboration again! Here’s to many more.
And if you are curious, the previous contender for the most rare Fossil watch belongs to the Grant Sapphire which was limited to 254 pieces. More can be found here:
Colorful & Mysterious Fossil Speedways from 2003
Long time Fossil fans will remember the Speedway line of Fossil watches. We’ve posted about our love for Speedways for many years now and some of the similarities to some of our favorite Defender DF watches. Today we present to you a Speedway mystery set from 2003.
Long time Fossil fans will remember the Speedway line of Fossil watches. We’ve posted about our love for Speedways for many years now and some of the similarities to some of our favorite Defender DF watches. Today we present to you a Speedway mystery set from 2003.
Why is this set of pieces a mystery? Glad you asked – you’re always so inquisitive! Thank you.
Plain and simple: We can’t find any record of these anywhere.
Like anything else it is quite the juggle to work full-time at a J-O-B and yet manage the premier Fossil collectors’ site all from the same small office. Catalogs, newsletters, promotional materials and other mediums litter the office and over the years copious amounts of Speedway materials have been revealed and yet these 3 watches below are nowhere to be found. Not only is there no information on these watches, they are gorgeous works of art.
3 known colorways exist:
Black Speedway: FS-2973
Red Speedway: FS-2974
Blue Speedway: FS-2975
Could there be others?????
Enter now the collector thrill of the hunt. 2 of the 3 have been obtained and it wasn’t easy or quick.
The Red FS-2974 came from Germany on a classified site.
The Blue FS-2975 recently was listed on eBay and made its way from Italy to Cleveland.
The black colorway is a picture grabbed from Google Images many, many years ago from a watch forum in Germany. Given that the 3 watches are confirmed from Europe – it could be as simple as a European only release. We do have some European catalogs from that time period, keyword is some.
Both the FS-2974 & FS-2975 came with the stainless steel bracelet despite the Blue FS-2975 sporting a very well-worn leather Michael Kors strap. There are various pictures of the FS-2973 on Google Images and all photos picture the watch with a black leather 22mm strap.
A Miyota 0S10 quartz movement lives in each watch.
There you have it! A Speedway mystery that has stumped the experts for many years now.
Fossil Limited Editions You May Have Missed – The Explorer LE1002
Next up in our path of highlighting some of the lesser known limited-edition pieces that Fossil released is another gem from 2010 – The Explorer. Fossil fans will remember that our last visit we covered the LE1001 and keeping collectors happy we’re moving to the next in line (in order!) the LE1002.
Next up in our journey of highlighting some of the lesser known limited-edition pieces that Fossil released is another gem from 2010 – The Explorer. Fossil fans will remember that our last visit we covered the LE1001 and keeping collectors happy we’re moving to the next in line (in order!) the LE1002. All of these so far are part of the Vintage Expedition series, which was more of a marketing campaign vs. anything you’ll see written on the item or packaging.
The packaging is the same as other pieces in this era including the canvas box and the information card. A little less detail about the watch is included this time around vs. other limited-editions of the era.
Initial impressions of this watch are always the interchangeable toprings which includes a vintage compass design with cardinal points, brushed smooth metal and my favorite – the paratrooper crystal grid. Certainly not something unique these days, but for 2010 this was and is the first thing I recall when seeing this limited-edition piece (which I bought new!)
The watch itself is huge at 47MM and matched with one of the interchangeable toprings and the canteen crown tends to attract a lot of attention because this is a lot of watch on a wrist. The price of looking good does hurt however due to the crown enjoying to dig into my hand when typing on a keyboard or really doing anything else when bending the left wrist.
One other detail is the beefiness of the strap. I really miss this era of straps, quality thick leather that felt durable and secure
look at that beefy strap!
A few additional things of note for this piece.
The watch features a Miyota 2115 Japanese quartz movement.
The LE1002 was limited to 5000 pieces
The bezels can spin, but not always secure
Features a Super Lume, but not nearly as big & bright as Enduro.
Fossil Limited Editions You May Have Missed – The Enduro LE1006
In the first of a new series we are going to begin highlighting some of the limited-edition pieces that Fossil put out that aren’t as popular, maybe rarer and certainly not the limited editions we typically highlight here. Oddly enough today’s entry comes from 2010 which is the year we started the Underground Fossil Collectors Club.
In the first of a new series we are going to begin highlighting some of the limited-edition pieces that Fossil put out that aren’t as popular, maybe rarer and certainly not the limited editions we typically highlight here. Oddly enough today’s entry comes from 2010 which is the year we started the Underground Fossil Collectors Club.
In 2010 Fossil released 2 limited edition Enduro pieces – the LE1001 and the LE1006. Why the model numbers aren’t sequential will infuriate some of our collector friends, but all these years later it is what it is. The LE1001 was the black colorway and the LE1006 is the blue colorway and the topic of our conversation today. Besides the difference in dial colors, the LE1001 was limited to 5000 pieces and the LE1006 was very limited to 1500 pieces.
First let’s cover the packaging. You’ll see in future posts that there were quite a few Fossil limited editions during this era that featured the “canvas box”. Nothing special, but certainly unique and in line with the Fossil expedition theme starting around 2010. One tidbit I never knew was the card actually comes out and it’s double-sided to include some information about the watch. Could also be a good place to hide things….hmmm
The watch is a rare 200m/20 ATM water resistance from Fossil and as such is heavy. Weighing in at 7.5 ounces with the stainless bracelet, this is one of the more heavier Fossils in the collection. The case size is 46MM. Add the size of the case with the date magnifier and this watch will definitely hit the doorframe.
The Enduro LE1006 came complete with a special 22mm silicone strap that was only available in this set. Strap in this set is unused still with tags. What is missing from this set is the tool to change the straps, 2010 was before Fossil had the easy change straps.
A few additional things of note for this piece.
The watch features a Miyota 2315 Japanese quartz movement.
Speaking of 2010 there is absolutely no way on this LE1006 that indicates the year it was made. Every other Fossil watch minus the very early ones has a numbering system that will tell the owner what year their watch was made. If it wasn’t for the internet and some old catalogs we have, it would have been a guessing game.
Yes the bezel spins!
Super Lume. It’s literally in the title of the watch and what review wouldn’t be complete without showing off a very large picture of the super lume!
A new Hybrid HR FTW7019 and updated review
Love them or hate them, smartwatches are here to stay. I’ve typically shied away from posting about them too much because we all love traditional watches, but these hybrid watches from Fossil really do press all the buttons! I’ve enjoyed quite a few of the Q series from years past and now I’m on my second in the Hybrid HR series – moral of the story they look like traditional watches, but have smart features without looking like a tablet on your wrist!
Love them or hate them, smartwatches are here to stay. I’ve typically shied away from posting about them too much because we all love traditional watches, but these hybrid watches from Fossil really do press all the buttons as of late. I’ve enjoyed quite a few of the Q series from years past and now I’m on my second in the Hybrid HR series: moral of the story they look like traditional watches, but have smart features without looking like a tablet on your wrist!
Last year I reviewed a Hybrid HR Collider FTW008 when they first launched. My immediate attraction to the HR series was the battery life plain and simple. Features were lacking at the time as I highlighted in the very thorough review, but I was assured that improvements were coming from our friends at Fossil. Fast forward a year later and Fossil really has kept the updates coming and the few complaints I had with the earlier software has been solved. Even today as I write up this article I noticed a new iOS version has launched with a face gallery and some new updates to the watch in 4.6.0!
https://www.fossil.smartwatchstations.com/releases/4.6.0?locale=en
At the time of my initial review my biggest complaints were not being able to change the face with a custom picture (FIXED), the fitness tracking for cycling (FIXED), not all the apps I use were supported (FIXED). The one complaint I didn’t include in the review was the look of the watch, while it does look like a traditional watch it wasn’t in the style that I normally wear……I don’t have to say it, but I will anyways – I’m a fan of military/aviation style watches!
Let’s introduce Latitude, a new series from Fossil that mysteriously appeared on their website and then disappeared and then reappeared with some traditional & hybrid HR models not that long ago. I saw the FTW7019 and right away thought its time for an upgrade to my Collider. Merry Christmas to me (in November).
Right away you can see the styling differences between the 2. The Collider is 42mm and the Latitude is 50mm! Collider really looks small next to its cousin. You will notice the similarities in the interface however, that hasn’t changed with these new models as both of them were running the same firmware.
Earlier in November amidst all the sales & emails, Fossil unleashed a plethora of new models in the HR line. While the technology and interface changes with every update and it’s the same across the devices, the main point in my review is the upgrade in available styles including some for the ladies. Mrs. Fossil Underground Collectors Club is already eyeing a few of the ladies models for Christmas 2020.
I’m looking forward to exploring the updates more in the coming weeks and really looking forward to sporting the latest HR Hybrid with a design that I really enjoy. I even joined a dedicated Facebook group for HR Hybrid owners and learned a few tips and tricks and have gotten some fun background images.
For now enjoy this picture of my new favorite hybrid watch playing my favorite song of all time!
I always wondered if in Australia they sing “I Bless the Rains UP in Africa”
Fossil FSL Watches - European Catalog
FSL for those of you who don’t know stands for Fossil Sport Line and was marketed as a new generation of sports watches that offered extreme performance with an unusual combination of materials and unconventional looks! Fossil did use the terms unusual & unconventional in their marketing materials and it’s something we won’t see again.
Recently unearthed in the archives is a Fossil Europe catalog specifically highlighting the FSL line of watches. FSL for those of you who don’t know stands for Fossil Sport Line and was marketed as a new generation of sports watches that offered extreme performance with an unusual combination of materials and unconventional looks! Fossil did use the terms unusual & unconventional in their marketing materials and it’s something we won’t see again.
Materials used were a removable shock absorber, silicone coated calf leather, polyurethane and nylon. The unique item about FSL (besides marketing terms) was FSL was a sponsor of many sporting events including Germany Cups supporting in-line skating and skateboarding in 1996, 1997 and 1998, which is about the time this catalog came out!
Enjoy and find this catalog permanently in the Catalog Scans section of our site.
