Fossil Brand History And Its Watches

While Fossil started off in the business of selling watches in 1984, it wasn't long before they had expanded into the large, multifunctional business that they are now. Today Fossil is a designer and builder of clothing and accessories.

Yes, Fossil started in 1984 under the auspices of Overseas Products International. At the time, their primary stock was fashion watches with a retro look. In 1992, they broke into the leather goods market and with that started their line of Relic watches.

Staying in line with what they did best, watches, in 2001, Fossil obtained the business Zodiac, a Swiss brand that had been in business since 1882. With the purchase, Fossil was able to furnish a higher end stock to their customers. The purchase also allowed Fossil to originate a Swiss presence. Once purchased, Fossil decided to retool the whole line of products to reflect a retro contemporary 1970s style watch that was on the higher end of the market.

Fossil Brand History And Its Watches

Having the Zodiac brand, a brand founded in 1882 by Ariste Calame in Le Locle, Switzerland, was a boost for Fossil. Zodiac was an old and trusted name. Although the name wasn't registered until 1908, it wasn't long before the brand was known for its quality. Zodiac launched its first flat pocket watch to the group in 1928 and used the unique Zodiac calibre 1617 movement. In 1930, Zodiac again in all its innovation produced the first automated sports watch. This was followed by the beloved Zodiac Autographic. This watch was self-winding with a power maintain gauge, an unbreakable crystal, a radium dial and was water and shock resistant. The Autographic was the legal watch of the Swiss Federal Railways.

In 1953, Zodiac then designed a 'divers watch' - it was called the Sea Wolf. This was followed by the Super Sea Wolf. The watch had a patented crown/stem theory and improved case back designed which could withstand water pressure of up to 750 meters.

In 1960, the Zodiac brand watch became notorious for odd reasons due to the Zodiac killer who used the watch's cross-circle symbol.

By October of 2001, Fossil acquired worldwide proprietary to the Zodiac brand. In 2002, the new Zodiac line was introduced at the Basel Watch Show in Switzerland.

Enjoying the success of high-end watches, Fossil acquired an additional one Swiss watch business by the name of Michele.

Michele brand watches began in the 1940s by Belgium watchmaker Maurice Barouh. His son Jack Barouh succeeded him. The watch brand was named after Jack's first child, Michele.

Its signature crown feature is the Mw logo in black and scarlet, deeply grooved sides and numeric marks. With three generations of fine Swiss watchmakers behind the helm of Michele, the brand speedily became known for its quality, designed with expertise.

Moving forward, Fossil prolonged to focus on the watch industry. In 2009, the business collaborated with designer Philippe Starck to create the Starck collection. The variety features ultra-modern designs and unique movement.

Today, Fossil has numerous brands and designs that it commerce and distributes. They comprise Burberry, Dkny, Emporio Armani, Columbia Sportswear, Diesel, Frank Gehry, Philippe Starck, Michael Kors, Callaway Golf, Davis Cup, Marc Jacobs and Adidas.

Even with all this, the business will always be known for its designer watches that so many population have come to love.

michael kors womens watches white