Terry Moss 1/15/24 Terry Moss 1/15/24

The Highs and Low of 2023 in My Fossil Watch Collecting Adventures

As we start another year and begin the planning process for new content and some much-needed updates to the site, I would like to highlight a few of my highs and a low from 2023.

Early in 2023 we broke the news about 6 Solar Defenders that seemingly launched out of nowhere. I swallowed my pride and did a review based on specs and photos from Fossil’s website and God forbid even other watch blogs because I didn’t have a physical watch in my hands. Happy to report that as of today I’ve got 2 of the 6 in my possession, the FS5974 and the FS5977. Members of the unofficial Fossil Collectors Club posted on FB that they found other models at the few remaining Fossil Outlet shops around the country, all with rave reviews for quality at the price point.

The FS5977 paired with the green olive band is just about perfect in my opinion. It feels like the graduated version of the old Defenders that I fell in love with years ago. The 46mm case is not normally a size most would go to, but I have to say it seems smaller and very lightweight compared to other larger watches in my collection. However, I will be upgrading the strap in the coming months because these show wear quickly and I already I have some threads hanging from it. So far no issues with the solar movement and I have been happy with the accuracy and the overall look of this piece. Pictured below is the new Defender alongside his DE cousin from 1995.

Sadly, my FS5974 stopped working in October after only 4 months of service. I had assumed it needed a charge since I’m in Ohio where the sun graces us occasionally, but after a few days in the window sill nothing was happening. I sent the watch to Metro (Fossil’s official repair) and I was told it need a movement. Combine that with labor and shipping, Metro sent me a repair request for $61.56! A four-month-old watch and already needed a repair and since it was a gift Fossil wouldn’t honor the warranty. First time in many years I was left disappointed in this brand. I obviously declined the repair, left an honest comment that we shouldn’t have to have this conversation about a 4-month-old watch and paying for a repair. This was my big loss in 2023.

The Heritage series is another launch that I was happy to review last year and in March I did a review of the ME3224 and compared it to some of my Swiss pieces. When the original Swiss Made line launched I had always wanted the FSW1001, the black automatic with the stainless bracelet. Soon after the Heritage series launched I had my eyes on the ME3223, which can we all admit is the same watch sans the swiss made movement. I made the purchase over the holidays and I can’t say enough about the look and feel of this piece. Since I already had the ME3224 with the painful (to me) butterfly clasp, I swapped out the bracelet immediately for a sport strap from one of my Fossil Bullhead pieces. This watch now gives me all the 60’s vibes as I race around town in my Honda Pilot.

Last pieces I wanted to cover were the new Fossil Blue GMT watches. The FS5991 was my summer watch of choice at the beach and now when I wear it or see it, I think summer. I was able to score the Oasis Silicone colorway, model FS5992 before it disappeared into obscurity from Fossil’s sites (including watchstation.com). I still haven’t worn it yet because the bezel doesn’t exactly line up at 12:00 and it drives me CRAZY! Regardless maybe this is my beach watch for summer 2024. I was glad Fossil started making more GMT pieces and promoting them along with other dive watches. As of this post on January 14, 2024 – the US Fossil homepage proudly features the FS6036, the black colorway with a black silicone strap. I’ll be watching the many, many Fossil sales to see when/if this one gets discounted because it will be added to my collection in 2024.

Since this is a collector’s site, I'd be remiss to mention some of the limited-edition collaboration pieces that launched in 2023. We all love the collaborations from the 90’s and I frequently post about them and collectors on Facebook still talk about them all these years later. Disney and Star Wars come to mind – both 2023 collaborations that were also done way back in the 90’s. Same with Barbie, what’s old is new again and we’re here for it.

Thanks to some feedback from fellow collectors, I’ll be posting more content around collaborations in 2024. I miss the relationship I had with Fossil where I could review these watches in my hands along with specs sheets and marketing materials and then give reviews based on a collector’s point of view at the time of launch. Going forward I’ll have a standard template for reviews of these watches as they launch – it’ll be a great record of information for collectors 30 years from now.

Fossil does a great job at highlighting their collaborations & limited editions here: https://www.fossil.com/en-us/collectors-club/

2024 here we go!

Terry Moss 9/6/23 Terry Moss 9/6/23

Additional Fossil GMT Watches Discovered - Collect Them All!

Highlighted in a previous article were 4 known GMT watches and since then I’ve discovered a few more and coincidentally Fossil has released more. GMT for the win! One of the newly discovered watches could be categorized as World Time and not GMT, but I am including in this exclusive catalog.

While we’re posting this a little late, there is something about Father’s Day and watches that go together like coffee and donuts. As a purveyor of fine Fossil pieces, I always plan on purging a few from my collection for a much better price in June than almost any other month except the holiday season (which is quickly approaching). The profit from a few watches allows me to purchase new Fossil pieces including a new GMT and I have to say I’m in love. Also, oddly enough the search engine traffic leading to our little collectors site exploded in June with terms such as Fossil GMT and GMT watches…..interesting, very interesting.

Before we dig into the watches, I do want to highlight that this article is an addition to an older post on Fossil GMT watches from September 2020 - https://www.undergroundfossilcollectors.club/blog/fossil-gmt-watches

Highlighted in the previous article were 4 known watches and since then I’ve discovered a few more and coincidentally Fossil has released more. GMT for the win! One of the newly discovered watches could be categorized as World Time and not GMT, but I am including in this exclusive catalog. One watch I am not including came out in 2006, it was called LED Dual Time BQ-9279. Since it has a digital element, it’s cheating and not a proper movement. We have to draw a line somewhere.

Listing from newest to oldest, lets dig in with some photos and some review notes on the ones I own.

Just launched in September 2023 and honestly sparked a reminder that I had this post in draft is a black silicone FB model FS6036. It is a sharp new colorway from a full line of FB GMT models pictured below that came out earlier in the summer of 2023. All of the new releases are 46mm and while that might too large for some, I really cannot tell — Fossil did a phenomenal job in making a larger timepiece not seem as large.

My summer watch of 2023 has been the blue dial cousin of the FS6036, pictured below is the very durable and gorgeous FS5991. I cannot say enough good things about this watch — it has been on 3 beaches, many theme parks and even a few camping trips this summer. I will fondly look at this watch and think summer for years to come, it’s very sharp and just the right weight. I really think Fossil hit a home run with this new series and looking forward to yes you guessed it, collecting them all.

Launched alongside the blue FS5991 were 2 other GMT models. One is a gold tone stainless model and the other is a very summery silicone strap model. Pictured below are the 2 models. The Gold-Tone is FS5990 and the Oasis Silicone Watch is FS5992.

Continuing our journey backwards is a Limited Edition Fossil Blue GMT Stainless Steel Watch LE1156 which was released in 2022. In life I have many regrets and not purchasing this watch on an epic Fossil sale is one of those — sadly I do not own the granddaddy of the Fossil Blue GMT Series (yet), but a full review will be available once I do! Coming in at 42mm it is a little smaller than the new pieces, but I’ve been assured by a fellow collector that the sizing feels proper and just right. The case seems to be similar to other quartz versions in the FB series, but I can’t be certain until I get one of the 1056 pieces produced in my hands!

If you are keeping track we now have 9 total GMT watches that have been discovered. Now comes the fun part of showing for the first time in years 1 additional piece from yesteryear making the grand total to 10.

In 2011 Fossil launched the CH2741 and called it the Multi-Time Black Dial Sport Watch. Whatever you call it, it has World Time on the dial and features a GMT movement.

Having an original 2011 catalog that featured this watch it was interesting to see the original price at $145 and here is the marketing description of the watch:

We created this sporty watch with the traveller in mind. Keep track of your local time while simultaneously tracking a secondary destination in military time. A rotating internal dial ring showing world cities can be used to determine the time anywhere in the world. Features include easily readable dial indicators, a matte stainless steel case, and a comfortable black silicone strap.

Obviously this is a very unique watch, I’ve never seen another one like it with the case back actually holding the movement in as well the strap! Watch is also huge at 52mm. Unlike the new GMT models this 52mm feels very large and it’s quite distracting on my wrist.

BONUS - If you are reading this you deserve a bonus picture of the BQ-9279 from 2006. It’s from the Blue Series and could be a considered a very distant relative of the new Fossil Blue GMT Series with a digital element to the movement.

Terry Moss 5/1/23 Terry Moss 5/1/23

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.

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.

Terry Moss 12/13/22 Terry Moss 12/13/22

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.

Terry Moss 3/7/22 Terry Moss 3/7/22

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

Terry Moss 9/6/21 Terry Moss 9/6/21

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!

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

Terry Moss 7/12/21 Terry Moss 7/12/21

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

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:

https://fossilcreativestudio.tumblr.com/post/70222238206/fossil-grant-sapphire-limited-edition-online

Terry Moss 5/10/21 Terry Moss 5/10/21

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

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.

Terry Moss 2/21/21 Terry Moss 2/21/21

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 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!

Terry Moss 12/20/20 Terry Moss 12/20/20

Fossil Times, I Was Abducted by Aliens Volume 5, Issue 3

Let’s end this year with one of the largest issues of the Fossil Times. It just so happens to be next on our mission to publish all the Fossil Times online. No need to buy one on eBay for $40, read away and enjoy the witty commentary on what could be the largest edition (in size): Volume 5, Issue 3 otherwise known as the Pink Panther edition.

Greetings Fossil Fans! Let’s end this year with one of the largest issues of the Fossil Times. It just so happens to be next on our journey to publish all the Fossil Times online. No need to buy one on eBay for $40! Read away and enjoy the witty commentary on what could be the largest edition (in size): Volume 5, Issue 3 otherwise known as the Pink Panther edition.

The cover image is most striking and contrary to popular belief the image and story have nothing to do with a certain limited edition watch and everything to do with the Advance-o-Matic ordering program that was introduced in Q2. In fact, if this issue had a theme it’s Advance-o-Matic which let’s be honest is a letdown considering how good the cover image is. It’s a funny story nonetheless.

We revisit a few watches mentioned last quarter including the LI-2003 Big Date limited edition and a new Snoopy limited-edition Pocket Watch including a dog dish!

Something we never cover are the Beatles limited edition watches and this issue announces the LI-1651 and LI-1650, which are the third releases of Beatles limited edition watches. What is cool about this set was that the watch and packaging looked just like the famous album cover. I honestly see this set from time to time and think it’s much older than September 1998 – another example of Fossil doing vintage right!

Star Wars! I remember being in a Fossil store and seeing this limited edition set during the holidays in 1998, I distinctly remember seeing R2D2’s head being twisted off and seeing the watch and I thought what a great way to use that droid! Going into 2021 this might be the limited edition set I seek out to buy and display. Like most limited edition sets of the time, there were 2 version gold & silver. Gold was LI-1666 and 500 pieces were available and Silver was LI-1665 and 3000 pieces were available.

I lovingly called this newsletter the Pink Panther edition and that’s because 4 of the 8 pages are dedicated to a Pink Panther poster. Not really a desirable or favored limited edition set amongst collectors, this set includes the standing Pink Panther which I always liked. It is one thing to have a cool watch in a collectible tin, but when you add figurines or display pieces that’s when collectors go nuts. There is something for everyone!

Lastly what is missing from this newsletter is calling out of collectors and their collections! Where is the love for the collectors that littered their homes with Fossil wares? Oh well – one more issue to go in our journey!

Full PDF Found here - Volume 5 Issue 3