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

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!