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.
Fossil GMT Watches – they do exist!
Let me be the first to tell you that Fossil GMT watches do exist and currently there are 2 of them for sale on Fossil.com in limited quantities. In the past 20 years or so there have been 2 others in the Fossil catalog available to all. We can’t wait to uncover these other 2 older GMT models and show what series they were a part of, but first we must discuss the latest ones!
Let me be the first to tell you that Fossil GMT watches do exist and currently there are 2 of them for sale on Fossil.com in limited quantities. In the past 20 years or so there have been at least 2 others in the Fossil catalog available to all. We can’t wait to uncover these other 2 older GMT models and show what series they were a part of, but first we must discuss the latest ones!
Before we dive in, if you don’t know what a GMT movement it’s okay. I won’t go into details on this post because we normally don’t go into watch nerd stuff around movements & accuracy like other watch sites. Below find a few links on the GMT movement put in plain English that allows you to learn - I always thought the history and use case was fascinating and would have loved to use them as a pilot on Pan Am in a different life and to have Fossil offer a GMT options brings a smile to my face.
Fossil FB series is really, really and okay one more time really growing on us. FB for those who haven’t figured it out yet stands for Fossil Blue (yeah!) The FB series is really encapsulating the vintage 60’s/70’s diver vibe and as such have released 2 GMT diver watches rated at 200M and both are limited editions. Fossil FB-GMT Silicone LE1107 and Fossil FB-GMT Titanium LE1100 are currently for sale on Fossil.com.
I’ve been road testing the silicone model LE1107 for almost 2 months now and it’s been camping, canoeing, mountain biking, swimming and surfing (or trying to surf) in the ocean. It’s durable, it’s light and comfortable. All these extracurricular activities haven’t affected the crystal or the case at all, everything is clear and no markings or scratches – a great watch for those of us who enjoy being active. The silicone strap however does attract sunscreen and after 2 months it’s got white spots that do come off with some scrubbing – but I’m a weird and like the patina on the strap.
The Titanium LE1100 model was quite a surprise when I received it. Harkening to the titanium watches from Fossil in the past, which I never owned I was shocked at how light this model is and even more shocked that his silicone brother is actually lighter (by .4 ounces!). The LE1100 is quite a dressier piece – you really could wear it work every day and then in the evenings party with its active brother the silicone LE1107. The color of the blue on the bottom half of the dial really stands out with the titanium color of the bracelet – the few times I’ve worn this watch you can see people’s eyes go right to it and since all we can see is people’s eyes in 2020 (thanks COVID), it made an impression on me that people do notice watches…which means I need more!
You can’t see it, but I’m wearing a suit in my home office with this piece!
When we discuss limited editions we always have to talk about the packaging. The FB-GMTs are no exception, both have similar packaging with only a slight variation to match the colors of the LE1100. The Pelican style case is a nice touch and similar to some limited editions of the past.
Okay let’s get into some history!
Series of watches are fun to collect and be a part of…… Defenders obviously have been our favorites for years, but there also lives many others in the Fossil world including Road Trip, Airmaster, Curator, Speedway and others. It’s no coincidence that the latest GMT watches are found in the newly revived Fossil Blue series and the earlier models were found in the DF Defender line and the short-lived Swiss line…..3 of our favorite series past and present!
The DF-5002 is the first 24-hour movement watch that I could find in the Fossil archives. It was part of the Starboard series in the DF line. Other models in this line retailed for $350USD, not quite sure what the original price was, but know it was high! The 24-hour movement is unique because you can’t adjust it, you adjust the hour hand of the movement to go back or ahead of what GMT is set at. Unique compared to any other GMT watches I own.
The FSW7006 Swiss FS-5 is the other previous GMT watch from Fossil. This is one of the few Fossil Swiss not in my personal collection because it was very limited and expensive $895 at its release. Either way it’s part of an exclusive GMT club within the Fossil world.
Welcome to the exclusive club of Fossil GMT watches, LE1100 and LE1107! I know all of you like clubs and limited editions, feel free to join us!
Limited Edition FB-GMT Dual Time Titanium Watch LE1100 - 954 produced
Limited Edition FB-GMT Dual-Time Black Silicone Watch LE1107
Fossil Times, Collectors Have A Big Date with Fossil
Greetings Fossil Fans. We’re emerging out of quarantine here and as such have emerged another copy of the Fossil Times….this time it’s the 2nd quarter edition of the 1998 Fossil Times.
Greetings Fossil Fans. We’re emerging out of quarantine here and as such have emerged another copy of the Fossil Times….this time it’s the 2nd quarter edition of the 1998 Fossil Times. We’re missing the 1st quarter edition of the Fossil Times so please reach out if you might have it. Pretty please????
First thing first – this issue is HUGE. I won’t cover everything, but definitely read everything in these images, there is a lot of good content and even some new things that fans might not know.
Okay onto the content. Let’s talk the LE 2003, I have never seen one of these! It was a limited edition just for the Collectors Club members outside of the 1998 Fossil Collectors Club kits – 1998 if you recall had the limited-edition pocket watch, but this 1998 collector’s only watch had the biggest date window yet (as of 1998). Any Fossil fans out there have this piece? Would love to see it - Contact Us
Secondly – in all my years collecting Fossil goodies, I didn’t know they had boxer shorts. 22 years later still seeing new things. Any Fossil underwear collectors out there? A challenge was posted on our Facebook page to see if anyone has any of these boxers…something odd, something fun – living the dream!
I love learning about the Collectors Club Events that I never attended. Looks like by 1998 things were winding down with only a few of these in the diary, but look at that content! Fossil artwork will be up for bid along with snacks, games, prizes and I’m sure much more. Postcards were mailed out; did you get yours?
The Snoopy Collectors Watch is another one of those limited editions that I’m always chasing. Mrs. Underground Fossil Collectors Club is a big time Snoopy fan and this particular Snoopy watch LE1639 or LE1640 is the first and the best Snoopy limited watch from Fossil. Fossil Times really had a nice Snoopy spread in this issue and the watch came with a doghouse bank, that’s swell!
The last item of note I wanted to highlight is Advance-o-Matic. Much like the boxer shorts, I didn’t know about this short-lived program that let Collectors Club members reach out to Fossil to reserve a VERY LOW number of upcoming limited edition watches. Reading the steps for how to reserve your VERY LOW number watch is the most 90’s thing ever because now we would just use an app or even a special email address. Oh those 90’s!
Enjoy Volume 5, Issue 2 of the Fossil Times and as always what happened to Greg Faddis and his three-foot tall Fossil iron globe?
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!
10 years later – a retrospective
10 years into the Underground Fossil Collectors Club, what can you look forward to in the coming months & years? I’m glad you asked.
Years of buying old Fossil watches on eBay and getting those little inserts about the Fossil Collectors Club I was left to wonder did I miss it. Did it ever exist? There was nothing online about the Collectors Club – no Google Images, no Facebook posts, no social media and besides archive.org there was nothing!
I took it upon myself to start the trend (because I’m a trendsetter) and on a cold snowy Cleveland, Ohio evening on Feb 10, 2010 I re-launched the Fossil Collectors Club.
10 YEARS AGO!
Within a few months of launching the site, I already had been in contact with collectors from all over the world who were excited to share their knowledge and their collections with me! After one year of very regular posts, I changed the format of the site from being less of a blog to more of a library of knowledge regarding Fossil watches and advertising.
So….after 3 site redesigns, 2 different URLs, 109 blog posts, 2 trips to Fossil HQ, many emails, a few beers in person with people from all over the place and a lot of failed social media attempts, I’d say the site & community of collectors has been a continued success.
We have steady readership on this site as well as on Facebook – the numbers don’t lie and I’ve always been amazed that people still read things over 140 characters, leave comments and reach out to me with questions or updates.
some of my collection - proudly displayed
10 years later what’s different? Whelp I’m glad you asked. First and foremost, Fossil re-launched the Fossil Collectors Club officially back in March 2019!!!!! We were ecstatic to see the emails, the marketing promotions and a slew of brand-new Limited Editions & Series that have kept us busy. There’s a Limited Edition Fossil Defender….that is a big deal!
In 10 years, I have a learned a lot about watches, watch culture & Fossil history. I thought I was the Fossil expert and some of our members/readers have proved me wrong! The knowledge base you have on hand when passionate collectors unite is a thing of beauty. At this point in my career I can look at any Fossil watch and based on the logo or style just about tell you the year of the piece and then prove it by showing a catalog page from January 1994…yeah I know it’s AMAZING!
What can you look forward to in the coming months & years? Again, I’m glad you asked.
A lot more catalogs and scans. I have a fine collection of collateral and I need to scan it in and share it!
Coverage of the official Fossil Collectors Club including Limited Editions, Curator Series & Archival Series releases.
More reviews! Recently we reviewed the FTW7008 HR Collider Hybrid watch and the feedback has been fantastic and we’re looking forward to reviewing more watches old and new.
Women’s watches!
Updated Limited Edition checklists & Series Guides.
As always reach out to me if you have any questions, comments, or just want to chat Fossil.
Contact Me
some of my Defenders and Speedway merch on display.
Fossil Times – Shaken Not Stirred
We’re winding down 1997 with a timely throwback to the last Fossil Times of 1997 Volume 4 Issue 4 and yes, we are still waiting on Issue 2 to magically appear. Bathroom monkeys get on it!
We’re winding down 1997 with a timely throwback to the last Fossil Times of 1997 Volume 4 Issue 4 and yes, we are still waiting on Issue 2 to magically appear. Bathroom monkeys get on it!
Cover image is part one in the James Bond 007 Series with part two coming in 1998. The article here officially launching LI-1623 and LI-1624 is one of the more stranger articles found in the Fossil Times archives so please do enjoy! The LI-1623 and LI-1624 in recent months has really skyrocketed in value with some crazy eBay sellers asking $500, but more completed sales are seeing them in the $150-$250 range, wow!
The next 2 pages are really unique and help solidify the fun & uniqueness of collecting Fossil advertising merch. Recognition is given here for awards won for some of the iconic Fossil pieces including those oil can tins and that Fossil wrapped bus from 1997 – yes we posted about our love for that bus almost 10 years ago! We would love some pictures.
The 1998 Collectors Club Kit was also announced…did Fossil know 1998 would be the last year? Sad to see it announced knowing what we know now, but fear not we still have 3-4 Fossil Times left to post and at the rate we’re going we’ll have them posted by 2022.
The last 2 things worth highlighting are the lost Starmaster with the barnacles on it. Reminds us of the GameBoy on display at the Nintendo World Store in NYC. These older Fossil are amazing – most of the ones I have from the time period still work, so it’s no wonder this Starmaster went through hell and still works!
Enjoy the last of 1997 and get ready for 1998 and as always, Mr. Kikuchi where are you and congrats btw!
