Cobalt Blue Ceramic Fossil Watches
Now that summer is here and we’re getting out and about a little more, I’m finding that the trusty LE1098 in cobalt blue makes it way around town with us and as always, its fun being in the Fossil Collector’s Club – for this particular watch I’m number 330 out of 954 and Mrs. Underground Fossil Collectors Blue is 364 out of 954.
Greetings quarantined friends! As we’ve sat at home for the past 8, 9, 10 weeks (or maybe more), there has been a few watches in our workspace crying out for show & tell. The brightest of them all wins today and that is the Limited Edition Blue Ceramic Watches….yes 2 watches! Both Mr. & Mrs. Underground Fossil Collectors Club have been sporting similar watches these past few weeks at home – something about the cobalt blue made us happy during those drab days and now heading into summer we’re enjoying the colors even more.
Ceramic watches have several misconceptions and you’ll be pleased to know these watches are durable, very much scratch resistant and this cobalt blue will never fade. There is no paint on these watches which when you look at the watch is really a feat. These colors POP!
Ladies first – the limited edition is LE1097 and categorized in the Carlie Archival Series, which is a fantastic series that Mrs. Underground Fossil Collectors Club has a few other in her collection. The LE1097 has a 38MM case and honestly, she was a little hesitant to wear it because she thought it was too big for her little wrist. However, I beg to differ and she agrees – this is a great statement piece and the silver bits on the lugs really set it off.
The men’s limited edition is LE1098 and categorized in the Forrester Archival Series with a nice big face at 46MM. Being a limited edition it comes in the famous Fossil packaging and the LE1098 doesn’t disappoint – everything is in cobalt blue except the little foam insert to keep the watch safe during shipping – otherwise this is blue overload.
Now that summer is here and we’re getting out and about a little more, I’m finding that the trusty LE1098 in cobalt blue makes it way around town with us and as always, its fun being in the Fossil Collector’s Club – for this particular watch I’m number 330 out of 954 and Mrs. Underground Fossil Collectors Blue is 364 out of 954.
Fossil Solar Watches and Sustainability Initiatives
To celebrate 50 years of Earth Day, Fossil has released a new Limited Edition Solar Watch! For Fossil fans you must be thinking hasn’t Fossil done solar before? The answer is yes, yes they have! But before we dig into the past, let’s talk about the future.
To celebrate 50 years of Earth Day, Fossil has released a new Limited Edition Solar Watch! For Fossil fans you must be thinking hasn’t Fossil done solar before? The answer is yes, yes they have! But before we dig into the past, let’s talk about the future.
By 2025 Fossil Group has a goal to design and produce 100% of their products to meet their pro-planet criteria. What exactly is their pro-planet criteria? Here some highlights:
100% primary packaging recyclable and/or reusable by 2025. Are tins recyclable? They sure are reusable!
Reduce water consumption for leather tanning by 45%
Eliminate virgin plastics across their supply chain
There are 2 pages where you can read more and I would encourage you to do so. It’s refreshing to see a corporation setup these kinds of goals & initiatives and not post about their bottom line or some financial goal like doubling their revenue by 2025.
Okay let’s talk about the watch! Like most of the new limited editions being released we have a men’s and a women’s version. Mrs. Fossil UndergroundCollectorsClub is really excited that Fossil is making some for the ladies now and not just her collector husband. Both models, the LE1112 and LE1113 are limited to 1754 pieces each. That’s a nice high number to kick off the sustainability initiatives and that’s 3508 new trees planted via EcoMatcher who is planting trees for every one of these watches sold.
The first indication that Fossil is up to something different was the packaging with the word SOLAR right on the front. The packaging as always is gorgeous and completely recyclable, but as with most collectors we’ll be saving this one for years to come.
The colorful array of straps is the next item you’ll notice. Five straps are made with a total of 16 plastic bottles (16oz). You wouldn’t be able to tell they are made from plastic bottles and as for the bright colors – wow!
The watch itself is much sharper in person that I had expected when I first saw it online. It’s extremely light too which is a nice change of pace for the warmer summer months. A full charge of the watch can last up to 4 months! Honestly in wearing it around the quarantined house for the past few days, you don’t even notice it’s a solar watch, has a different movement, etc – a nice light and seemingly durable 42mm watch that is helping save the environment. Grab one today!
https://www.fossil.com/en-us/products/limited-edition-solar-watch-box-set/LE1113.html
https://www.fossil.com/en-us/products/limited-edition-solar-watch-box-set/LE1112.html
Now what would a post be on the Underground Fossil Collectors Club without a little shout out to the past? We’ve posted about limited-edition Fossil Solar watches in the past – there were 4 of them and each of them had a visible solar panel in the face of the watch. That technology is long gone for watches and it certainly didn’t last 4 months on a single charge! Unlike other watches in the new Fossil Collectors Club there isn’t a strong connection to the heritage of the short-lived Fossil Solar from the 90’s, but we are excited what else Fossil has up their sleeve as we all make our way to 2025.
Fun Fact: If you are interested in solar watches and sustainability check out a Fossil Group owned brand: One Eleven Watches. A little taste of Fossil Group’s future might be there.
Stay Safe and Travel Light - Fossil Fans!
Let's talk about the new Fossil Blue
A few months ago Fossil reintroduced Fossil Blue with the FB series starting with FB-01. Immediately we were in love and even better they had women’s watches too - the late 90’s were back and we’re onboard (and so was Mrs. Underground Fossil Collectors Club)
In the past we have covered Fossil Blue when Fossil launched the Cory Richards Blue Smartwatch way back in 2017. Ah the good old days!
A few months ago Fossil reintroduced Fossil Blue with the FB series starting with FB-01. Immediately we were in love and even better they had women’s watches too - the late 90’s were back and we’re onboard (and so was Mrs. Underground Fossil Collectors Club)
Currently in the collection we are sporting 2 FB-01 men’s watches and already eyeing up the FB-02 pieces.
A FS5652 along with it’s blacked-out Limited Edition counterpart LE1090
While they have the look of a dive watch you must know that the bezel doesn’t rotate and while not a deal breaker to most of us, it does seem to come up a lot in reviews. Overall we love this look and look forward to bringing more in the collection. A solid looking watch for less $100 that has some water resistance is always a plus. The bracelet on the stainless models is solid too and overall a nice overall weight that doesn’t feel cheap or flimsy.
The LE1090 is a blacked-out version complete with a black crocodile strap. Have I ever mentioned that black is my happy color? Worth repeating is that we love limited editions and having one of 654 in black is a moment of pride and we wear it with pride! Always a sucker too for packaging & nice collateral is how the LE1090 came.
Coming into 2020 we saw the launch of 2 new FB watches, the FB-02 and the Hybrid Smartwatch HR version of the FB-01 (you have to get a FTW Hybrid HR Smartwatch) and while neither one exists in the collection (yet), one can’t help but see some similarities to our old friend the Defender compared to the new FB-02. In fact when the FB-02 was first launched, I had a few members of our Facebook page reach out and say “did you see this?”
Here’s the new FB-02 (FS5687) compared to one of our favorite Defenders DE-1544. I am very curious to see how it compares in size and feel. 48mm is fairly large!
Below pictured is a 42mm compared to our Defender DE-1544
Welcome back Fossil Blue we are glad to see you and we’ve missed you! Way to make a re-entrance!
Love Every Minute With A Limited Edition Jacqueline - LE1096
This Jacqueline limited-edition watch is part of the Curator Series. Limited to 1154 pieces, this one is lucky #65 and with the gold case and white face, Mrs. Underground Fossil Collectors Club has been wearing it all week and absolutely loves it.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
This might be a first, but let’s highlight a woman’s limited edition watch! We’re so excited to talk about this one and Mrs. Underground Fossil Collectors Club was glad to receive it on this special day. Watches, flowers and dinner for Valentine’s Day has always been our tradition and this year we welcomed a limited-edition Jacqueline into our family!
This Jacqueline limited-edition watch is part of the Curator Series. Limited to 1154 pieces, this one is lucky #65 and with the gold case and white face, Mrs. Underground Fossil Collectors Club has been wearing it all week and absolutely loves it.
Mrs. Underground Fossil Collectors Club sporting her LE1096
As collectors we really like these themed limited edition pieces. The new Jacqueline adorning lips and a pink strap are going to be in the rotation quite often throughout the year.
And this is for the fellas — if you are late buying your special lady a Valentine's Day gift, I would recommend running to your local Fossil store (or online and pray for overnight shipping) and get this beautiful watch. Right now Fossil has 30% - you’re welcome!
More limited editions - Neon Forrester Watches
Maybe it’s a nudge to the 90’s (30 years ago) or maybe Fossil knows that bright colors are in this year, but Fossil has started off with 4 neon additions to the Forrester collection. Each one of these pieces is a Limited Edition in the Curator Series and comes with a unique nylon strap to match.
Maybe it’s a nudge to the 90’s (30 years ago) or maybe Fossil knows that bright colors are in this year, but Fossil has started off with 4 neon additions to the Forrester collection. Each one of these pieces is a Limited Edition in the Curator Series and comes with a unique nylon strap to match.
Something worth highlighting and a question that comes in often to our little community is what is the difference between Archival Series and the Curator Series. From Fossil’s site, “The Curator Series is a collaborative collection of watches fueled by a creative class of artists, interior designers, innovative icons and Fossil designers”. The way I see it as it’s a creative take on existing watches whereas the Archival Series are new takes on old designs.
Regardless how you define it, these are Limited Editions and we love talking about limited watches. Each of these pieces has a run of 654, which is low for recent runs and comes in a vintage long form tin.
Pictured below are 3 of the 4 pieces launched late last year. LE1086, LE1087 and LE1088 – not pictures is the LE1089 which has a sea-foam green face right out of the 50’s or 90’s and now the 2020’s. Also included is a previously mentioned Forrester watch to showcase the size of the face and color differences. We are loving these and loving the Forrester series.
Fossil Starmaster Limited Editions – it still lights up!
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
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.
A review of the Fossil HR Collider Hybrid - FTW7008
A Fossil Hybrid smartwatch that goes 2 weeks without charging? I had to investigate for myself and almost 2 weeks ago it came delivered to my house
A Fossil Hybrid smartwatch that goes 2 weeks without charging? I had to investigate for myself and almost 2 weeks ago it came delivered to my house. I don’t normally due full reviews, but this watch was something I got excited about as soon as I saw the launch content and knew I had to share my experiences with the collector community because like it or not Fossil is a technology company too (and we love that)
Okay let’s dig in!
The look
To casual onlookers there isn’t anything at first glance to tell you that it is a smartwatch. The case is 13mm thick and 42mm in diameter and by any accounts a normal watch size these days without being a dinner plate on your wrist. The display for the smart features is very Pebble-ish…and if you don’t know what that is, it’s something called e-ink, which is very low energy similar to the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite. I found the display to be really dark most of the time, but the watch has a backlight feature with 2 taps on the screen. The 2 taps didn’t always work for me and sometimes I had to give it some pressure on the taps to get the light to appear.
The watch hands sit above the display and sometimes they get in the way of reading the display. I do some cardio (against my will) and it seemed like every time I did cardio the hands were blocking the timer – Fossil incorporated a really nice feature that allows the hands to move (or clap) at the quick flick of the wrist which allows you to see the display and in my case see the timer so I know how much longer before I could stop exercising!
The presets
There are many features and customizations you can include on this watch, but be warned it’s nowhere near as robust as other smartwatches including those from Fossil and that is by design. This isn’t a watch for a fitness buff or someone who wants to do everything including paying for coffee from their phone. Features at a high level offered currently (as of November 24, 2019) are:
For the Face
Current Temperature
Steps
Second Timezone
Heart Rate
Day-Date
Chance of Rain
Active Minutes
For the Pushers
Workout Mode
Wellness Dashboard
Stopwatch
Past Notification
Music Control
Timer
Weather
You can change the presets anytime and the face of the watch too. I experimented with them all and wanted to provide a few notes that I would want to know if I were buying this watch.
I found the steps were a mixed bag. I went on a few walks with other pedometers and multiple phones and the numbers were all very close to the watch within a few steps sometimes and other times the HR Hybrid was way over the actual amounts. I also enjoyed waking up and seeing that somehow in the night I took 76 steps.
I am addicted to the Heart Rate feature. It is on continuously and I found it very interesting how certain food (or drinks) or dreaded conference calls really sent my heart rate up.
The notifications from third party apps are weak and I’ve seen some reviews really hurting this watch for the notifications available to you. For someone who looks at several monitors all day for work I’ve never been a fan of having yet another screen to see my emails on, so I really didn’t care that not all apps are supported (yet). I found that I was constantly doing double duty however to monitor my watch for emails and then checking my phone for messages/alerts for other apps. I went ahead and actually shut off all the app notifications syncing with the watch and simply used it for incoming calls & texts. You can change this at any time and I’m sure while traveling I will open it up again to other apps.
The notifications also cause quite a vibration on your wrist that is very noticeable, which I like. I do wish there was a way to set the number of vibrations especially for emails coming in.
Workout mode was a feature I was most excited about. I like seeing my heart rate, timer and knowing that watch is smart enough to know I’m running vs. using an elliptical machine. My cardio of choice is always cycling and whether indoors on a trainer or outside in the real world, the workout mode doesn’t include any cycling options! At the moment there are simple options for workout, treadmill, weights, run and elliptical. If you are fitness buff, this watch isn’t for you at this time, but I imagine after some updates and new versions the technology will be on par with other smart watches around the fitness component.
Move alerts – this is by far one of my favorite features and probably the simplest. Sitting is the new cancer and every 40 minutes if the watch sensed I didn’t move I would get an alert. I decided right away that I would get up and walk around the office every 40 minutes (or sooner) to avoid getting dinged by the watch – just a game I played.
Companion App
Unlike the Explorist smartwatches and others from Fossil that sync with the Wear OS app, the HR Hybrid uses a Fossil branded companion app available in the appstores. The syncing between watch and phone was flawless every time – I never had an issue. The app is basic at most with some settings & customizations that you can change in realtime on your device. I found that I would sync all the time just to see the dashboard populate with the latest numbers. Screenshots below showcase some of the elements of the dashboard.
My only real complaint of the software is that in order to save any changes to the watch I had to turn location settings on to always (on iOS). I don’t do that for any other app on my device and even if I left the location settings to only when using, Fossil still required me to change it to always to save the changes. Not a huge issue and I would go back in and change my settings preferences after I saved the presets on my watch.
Battery Life
If you hate charging any devices on a regular basis, then the Fossil HR Hybrid is for you. I love testing claims especially around numbers and this watch is TRUE to advertising from Fossil. I found on average I lost 5-7% battery life after a full day of emails, calls, 4000-5000 steps a day and 30 minutes of cardio. The battery life appears on the app after each sync - everyday I was amazed that I still had majority of the power left.
In Conclusion
I maybe heavily biased to Fossil, but hear me out. The Fossil HR Collider watch could not have been launched at a better time for me. I’ve crossed over into my 40’s this year and after several doctor’s appointments I’ve been told to move more and that I need to monitor my heart rate. I’m no fitness buff and I’ve had a few fitness bands in the past, a few different Fossil Q Hybrids and even currently own a Gen 4 Explorist smartwatch from Fossil. Whether it’s due to charging frequencies or the look of the smartwatch - neither of these have been something in my regular routine.
Knowing that Fossil has introduced a very traditional looking watch with fantastic battery life and that more updates and third party app support is coming is enough for me to stay tuned and keep the Fossil HR Collider in my rotation.
Fossil.com - All current Hybrid Watches including HR Hybrids
Fossil Forrester Series and Limited Box Set
Let’s talk about Fossil Forrester series. There is something familiar about this new series like an old map or a welcome sign to your favorite park. Fossil nailed it with the concept and the branding.
Allow us to set the stage…...we are National Park junkies, the concept, the history, the beauty and the branding. State Parks are on the list too — there is something timeless about some of them and reminds us going camping in that 9 passenger station wagon from the 80’s. In a different life a career as a park ranger could have been on the list, maybe it still is. Also if you’re like us — take a review of the Wilderness Lodge at Walt Disney World. On a recent vacation I found myself is awe of the branding and the colors — really felt like an upscale lodge from yesteryear.
Where are we going with this? Let’s talk about Fossil Forrester series. There is something familiar about this new series like an old map or a welcome sign to your favorite park. Fossil nailed it with the concept and the branding. Every new Forrester that is released looks familiar (in a good way) and honestly calls out to take that camping or hiking trip - it is Fall btw, the best time of year to hike.
Here at the Underground Fossil Collectors Club, we’ve been sporting the Forrester LE1083 box set. Always a fan of changing straps that fit our mood — this latest Limited Edition has a 42mm case with 3 straps. Fossil Tin Collectors take note….the tin is a standout in this box set and very well done, so get it now! The latest Limited Edition is only 554 pieces and with the holidays coming and the low price of $119, these will go fast. Get it here on Fossil.com
Fossil Defender back again and limited
Today we find ourselves with the latest addition to the Fossil Archival Series: The Defender. Did we mention it’s also a Limited-Edition Defender? Let’s make this official – today we are proud to welcome the first Fossil Defender to be included in the limited-edition club!
Time travel with us to almost a year ago when we saw the launch of the Fossil Archival Series with the release of the modern take of the 90’s mood watch – those things went fast! So fast, that I didn’t even get one and one could say with sure certainty that its success changed the roadmap for Fossil to release more of these retro releases.
Today we find ourselves with the latest addition to the Fossil Archival Series: The Defender. Did we mention it’s also a Limited-Edition Defender? Let’s make this official – today we are proud to welcome the first Fossil Defender to be included in the limited-edition club! Launched officially today this Defender has a run of 854 watches and these will go fast! Folks on our Fossil Collector’s Club Facebook group are talking about it and buying them up already.
Let’s talk about the watch & packaging first and then bear with us we’ll geek out at the end for all you Defender fans.
Many of us in the collecting world are obsessed with packaging. Fossil historically has the most fun and sometimes most thoughtful packaging on limited edition items and other special releases. The LE1062 comes in a steamer trunk replica leather presentation box with the Defender logo embossed on the top of the box.
The Defender comes with interchangeable bezels that rotate off & on easily. For long time fans of Fossil, you’ll find some similarities to the old Fossil LE1002: The Explorer, which features interchangeable bezels too in limited edition packaging. Our newest Defender also features a leather & nylon field strap --- so you’ve got options to make your Defender, your Defender!
Here’s where we geek out on this watch. We love Fossil Defenders here at the Underground Fossil Collector’s Club – this site and community was built on people looking for Defenders. The original Defender line was DE and launched in 1995. Unlike more recent Defenders this latest addition is a tribute to those original Defenders.
Did you notice the logo on the face? That logo ceased to exist with the last of the original Defenders, the DE-1544 and was not featured on any future Defender releases except for advertising pieces.
Did you notice the crown position? Only 2 other Defenders ever had the 4:00 crown position – DE-1526 & DE-1527.
Lastly do you see the similarities! The LE-1062 is a modern take on DE-1527 with a larger case, but unfortunately, it’s not an automatic (aut-o-matic). Also unlike its predecessor which was rated at 200m, this new addition is only rated at 30m, which is “splash resistant”, so don’t take your new Defender swimming!
Fossil Defender DE-1527 and the newest Defender LE-1062
Overall this latest addition to the Archival Series is a much-needed win for us Fossil fans. Could they have done a few things better like the movement and water resistance? Sure, they could have, but that’s really not the point of these throwback designs from yesteryear. Fossil has a long history of military/aviation pieces and limited-edition collections that come in at an affordable price point and the new Defender is the perfect combination of each with a price at $255.
Welcome back Defender! Available now on Fossil.com
A Fossil intern is running the show - Design Major II
The August 2019 drop is a part two of the Curator Series….called the Design Major II. If you remember last year we had a similar drop of an intern designed watch – the Design Major, which had a similar color scheme but a much lower production number of 554 pieces.
Another month and we have another new limited-edition Fossil watch to talk about. What a great time to be alive.
Years past we haven’t spent a lot of time or attention on newer Fossil pieces beyond the limited-edition pieces that are now hard to find (anyone have a LE-1015 or LE-1027). The relaunch of the new “official” Fossil Collectors Club is keeping us busy checking the website and staying in touch with all the latest news & drops and this brings us to August.
The August 2019 drop is a part two of the Curator Series….called the Design Major II. If you remember last year we had a similar drop of an intern designed watch – the Design Major, which had a similar color scheme but a much lower production number of 554 pieces. If you think about the concept for a minute it is a pretty impressive feat that a company as large as Fossil gives the design reigns to an intern to design a watch. We’re sure there has to be some supervision and approvals in place, but what if there wasn’t….think about the possibilities…..or maybe not, that might be scary! Fossil does actively recruit interns and if you are interested, please visit - https://www.fossilgroup.com/careers/find-your-dream-job/internships/
The Design Major II is marketed as the ultimate everyday watch and we wanted to test it thoroughly before posting about it because what good is a review or a post without wearing it first? The watch arrived on July 26th and in that time it has been on 2 camping trips, a river rafting trip and it went 120mph on the Top Thrill Dragster at Cedar Point….which is near home base for the Underground Fossil Collectors Club. Pleased to say that after one month of wear it’s still in the regular rotation – the case is definitely huge at 46mm and might not be for everyone, but the comments and looks received have been noticeable including a trip to the Honda dealership where the dealer couldn’t stop looking at the watch and finally I had to tell him about it and where he could buy one! (advertising by word of mouth is still a thing).
Black is my happy color and I’m pleased that so many of the limited releases have black faces which makes for an easy purchase. The font of the numerals on the face are brilliant and really make the watch stand out on a somewhat busy face. I’d say Fossil has another winner and let’s give Mr. Cho a job!
The watch is currently available on Fossil.com and retails for $165. Get it now before all 1254 pieces are gone!
The Design Major II retails for $165 and is limited to 1254 pieces