Fossil Trench Watch LE1040 - Another Limited Edition You May Have Missed
The Fossil Trench LE1040 watch is our next submission in the ongoing series of limited editions you may have missed. With a run of 1054 pieces and a retail price at $225 this piece most certainly blew past many collector’s radar when launched in 2015. Over the years Fossil has released several trench style watches, but this is the only “official” piece and let’s discuss.
The Fossil Trench LE1040 watch is our next submission in the ongoing series of limited editions you may have missed. With a run of 1054 pieces and a retail price at $225 this piece most certainly blew past many collector’s radar when launched in 2015. Over the years Fossil has released several trench style watches, but this is the only “official” piece and let’s discuss.
Trench watch history is fascinating and with just a quick search online you can find photos and clubs dedicated to these earliest of watches. Trench watches are easy to spot with their steel guard cases covering the dial to protect from scratches and/or cracking. Fossil has done numerous trench style watches over the years, but this is the only one called a trench watch on the watch itself and also in the materials related to the watch – all other similar watches that Fossil has produced they’ve identified as Paratrooper starting in 1987.
See below for a quick history lesson spanning 1987 - 2009.
FUN FACT: PT nomenclature in Model number for Paratrooper in ALL Fossil early pieces.
1988 Pop-Top Paratrooper pieces PT-20 (gold case) and PT-21(silver case).
March 1991 is the last of the Paratrooper pieces – PT7420 and PT7421
More recently we saw the Paratrooper style watch brought back in 2009 with the FS4474 and FS4473. These were re-releases of previous Paratrooper watches of the 1980’s brought back in a series called REISSUES as part of Fossil’s 25th anniversary. I have both of these in my collection for the time being – both feature a 45mm case and an odd crown location for those odd lefties.
Now onto the Trench watch from 2015. Lots of great limited pieces during this age and the Trench watch certainly is an acquired taste that got a lot of mixed reviews when I posted it on Facebook a few weeks ago. I bought this in 2015 at an outlet store for much less than retail which always tells me that these weren’t popular and instead of sitting on the shelf they hit the outlet stores (remember those!)
The case comes in at 43mm, which is large, but not dinner plate large. The movement is a simple quartz movement with a large plastic spacer inside — certainly the watch looks quality and durable, but the insides not so much. I have had to send it back to Fossil twice for repairs over the years, but with something this unique and cool I don’t mind it.
What I like most about this limited edition and several other similar offerings back in the mid 2010’s is the versatility of the limited editions. Don’t like the stainless steel grill on the face? Take it off. Don’t like the leather strap, swap it out with a nylon fabric strap. The packaging of this piece has ALWAYS been on display in my Fossil cabinet because it is very elegant as compared to the fabric/canvas boxes from earlier limited editions. As far as durability, the stainless grill is worn during war times at the office and I like to joke at work that special days at work require the Trench Watch to survive corporate life and all the urgent emails and expectations.
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.
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:
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 RETURN BACK TO THE OFFICIAL COLLECTORS CLUB
Howdy Fossil Fans!
Today is a red letter date in the history of Fossil collectors - after 21 years the official Fossil Collectors Club has relaunched from Fossil. Yes, you read that right, it’s 2019 and Fossil is relaunching the Fossil Collectors Club. How did this happen? Cue the flashback….
I’ve been collecting Fossil watches since 1996. I would find watches on eBay, Craigslist, garage sales, resale shops and always find a little flyer or brochure in the tins talking about the Fossil Collectors Club. The short lived Collectors Club ended in 1998 and there was NOTHING online about it and zero community around it. In those dark years I would collect & gather any materials I possibly could find from Fossil including newsletters, brochures, catalogs, web archives and anything else.
Sometime in 2009, I decided I had enough Fossil content and frustration with the lack of community that I had enough to start the site www.fossilcollectorsclub.com
The site was launched with the hopes of bringing Fossil collectors together AND re-igniting the Fossil Collectors Club from Fossil HQ themselves vs. just a passionate Fossil fan from Cleveland. I had the URL, Facebook group, Flickr page setup and probably a few other sites all linking back into this site to bring people together who collect (not buy & resell) these fine timepieces & collectibles. I’ve had some communication & one awesome trip to Fossil headquarters over the years to discuss history & various product lines, but no mention of ever re-launching the Fossil Collectors Club came up until just a few weeks ago.
And that brings us to modern day….
Starting today (March 25, 2019) the www.fossilcollectorsclub.com will be redirecting over to Fossil’s official Collectors Club page and eventually be owned by Fossil altogether. On this page you’ll have the ability to read about Fossil’s new Collectors Club, the Archival Series of Limited Editions and signup! Please signup!
For the fans I’ve acquired over the years, our little fan site will always be located here:
http://www.undergroundfossilcollectors.club
In the coming weeks & months, you’ll see some changes in this site’s identity and branding. I’m super excited and can’t say now how this fan site fits into the Fossil ecosphere, but please remember this is all still coming from one passionate fan from Cleveland and not Fossil. The overall identify and future main URL is currently in the works, but I’ve been assured that we have a home in the future now that the Collectors Club is back in action!
So here’s to a new generation of Fossil Collectors Club starting in 2019! I’m very proud of the community we’ve built here & on Facebook. Now a little blurb about the OFFICIAL FOSSIL COLLECTORS CLUB that was recently announced at Baselworld:
A tribute to more than three decades of design, this curation of limited editions celebrates Fossil's innovative spirit. Rediscover our beloved past styles with the reissues of the Archival Series, or explore our collaborative exclusives with the Curator Series. Welcome to the only club where Fossil fanatics can continue collecting one-of-a-kind accessories for years to come.
More to come obviously stay tuned to Fossil, Fossil Collectors Club and this site for the latest!
Here’s to the new www.fossilcollectorsclub.com
Oh those Limited Editions! The Modern Machine LE1030
Taking a short break from our journey through the Fossil Times newsletters, let’s discuss collector’s lore – Limited Editions! We love limited editions and like a fine automobile or in my case a clean pair of sneakers we enjoy sporting them on special occasions.
The Modern Machine Assembly LE1030 released in 2014 was a very limited run of 654 pieces. I’ve only just obtained one recently because these sold out fast at 495USD and rarely have come up for sale since. The reviews of the design and packaging have been discussed and envied for years now and I finally have one in my possession! Description from the booklet because I can’t say it better than Fossil:
A stylish watch set that harkens back to the aeronautic industrial era of the 1940s. Fossil’s Limited-Edition Modern Machine can be disassembled using multiple interchanging machined parts that reassemble into two very distinctive time-measuring instruments. Mix the bezel, band or even the watch center core for a new look, for a total of 32 different time-telling combinations. Its double 316L stainless steel shell is both robust and shock absorbent, with water-resistance of up to 100 meters, and the dial faces are designed with luminescent hands and markers to be read in low light or night. Along with its wristwatch combinations, the Modern Machine set features an optional field timer for everyday field carry. Packaged in a Limited-Edition gift box, this tough yet timeless set comes complete with four interchangeable batteries, one topstitched leather belt strap and one Zulu-inspired military weave strap with matching hardware, as well as a hefty three-row plated stainless steel solid bracelet. This sleek and modern set is all the wearer will need to complement any wardrobe choice. Limited to 654.
Limited Editions are the essential piece for any Fossil collector and we’ve seen all sorts of Limited-Edition collectors over the years. Some only collect Disney or Superman or other TV characters, while some like the sports releases (Nolan Ryan!) I tend to collect the military/field collections with the snazzy packaging and the LE1030 has been high on my list for almost 5 years now. The elegant leather box with the grey felt lining and presentation of the interchangeable bezels is beautiful. Some of these bezels aren’t found anywhere else and don’t get me started on the fonts – it’s a real treasure.
The watch is out there.....
As you all know Fossil released a lot of limited edition watches in the nineties that had tie-ins to television, movies and music among other things (I'm still holding my breath for a Nintendo themed Fossil watch). Some of these are very collectible and others are just okay.
Going over some scans I came across a scan from the Fossil Times for an X-Files Limited Edition watch and thought what a timely post given that the X-Files is returning to television TOMORROW! I couldn't be more excited to see Mulder and Scully after 13 years.
The scan below is for the first limited edition X-Files watch from May 1997 for pieces LI-1633 and LI-1634. The watch retailed for $75. Later there was more limited edition X-Files runs of watches LI-1672 & LI-1673 with a more limited number of pieces and I wouldn't doubt there's more pieces out there, the truth is out there.......
"Join Mulder and Scully in their search for the truth with this 10,000 piece Limited Edition watch. Each watch features a matte silver case with a numbered caseback and a silver X-Files dial with a raised logo. Packaged in a silver cylinder tin with the “X” logo on top, the watch also comes with a cool silver X-Files key chain. A Certificate of Authenticity comes in each package, ensuring that your watch is no impostor. Available in May at a store near you! Also available X-Files Sterling Silver Limited Edition LI-1634."
.....the watch is out there.
We have a Fossil World Recorder Holder in our midst....
If you haven't been over to the Facebook page in awhile, I encourage you to check it out. We've had quite a bit of activity lately from who I am calling, "Fossil's biggest fan". He has been posting pictures on Facebook of items that I had clue existed. I've gotten his permission and I'm reposting some of his pictures of his collection below. Included in the gallery is a local newspaper article in German that states Heino was or is still a World Record Holder for Fossil collectibles with over 1000 pieces in his collection! A translated version is below the images.
Highlights of the gallery for me include catalog pages of merchandise you could order from Fossil. Including a glass display gas pump! The organization of his collection is amazing and has given a few of us collectors some display ideas. More pictures are forthcoming as Heino takes more. Enjoy!
“My room is almost a little museum!“
The Guinness-book makes it official: Heino is the world biggest Fossil-Item-Collector
In the year 1995 Heino S. has discovered the brand Fossil for himself and since then he collects everything to the Texas watchmaker.
He's always been a fan of the USA of the 50s, so he came to Fossil. The Texan watch manufacturer specializes exactly to this style and now produces also sunglasses, leather goods, jewelry and clothing. In a glass case in “Dornbirner Messepark” (a shopping-center in Dornbirn, Austria) for the first time he has seen Decoration Materials of Fossil: "That appealed to me immediately." And already the passion was aroused. "By the time a lot has accumulated," admits the 26 -year-old. But by contact with Fossil Europe he realized that but still some missing him and he went specifically to look for the small and large decorative jewels. Most of his collectibles he could wheedle various shopkeepers with more or less effort. His favorite piece, a glass case, a U.S. gas pump modeled, he was able to save from Salzburg before disposal.
About 1000 pieces
Currently contains its recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records collection more than 1000 pieces: “My room is almost a small museum" Fortunately, the company Fossil produces more and more, so there is for Heino always news to collect. So he tries via the Internet to get to the popular parts. But the fossil collectors are sown rather rare. Anyone who wants to report to exchange purposes or for interest in please contact: fredq(@)gmx.at
The beginning
I bought my first Fossil watch in 1996 and starting collecting Fossil watches and Fossil memorabilia around 2000. I’ve noticed quite a bit of Fossil collection chatter out there on the Web and lately I seem to keep running into the same people on eBay bidding on the same items I am.
From what I can see no real site exists where Fossil collectors can socialize online. I hope www.undergroundfossilcollectors.club becomes the Fossil collection hub with lots of input from various collectors.