When Black History Month arrives on the calendar, we’re used to seeing all manner of companies pushing out platitudes and trying to capitalize on the month. This has not really impacted the watch world (in terms of behavior), but this year, Fossil actually did something for the month, and it’s something that should have a positive effect.
For this collaboration, they got together with Dallas-based Jeremy Biggers to come up with this collection. For the watch, they started with the Fossil Neutra Minimalist to come up with a 500-piece limited edition. The caseback is etched and enamel-filled, and the entirety of the watch, from the dial to it’s nylon strap reflect the iconic colors of the Pan-African flag. For each of these $140 watches sold, the full proceeds are being donated to Diversity in Design.
Along with the watch, Fossil is releasing a gold-tone stainless steel necklace that is engraved with the names of Harriet Tubman, Frederick Douglass, and Sojourner Truth – a solid reminder of these pillars who fought so hard. While it does not appear that the $50 necklace is limited, all of the proceeds are still intended to go to Diversity in Design as well.
All in all, this collection is a welcome addition to their “Make Time For Good” initiatives, and I applaud Fossil for pledging the proceeds from these designs to an organization working to increase representation within the design space. In other words, while some companies just want to release a few tweets, Fossil is standing up and putting some weight behind their words. fossil.com
