Introducing: Fossil Heritage Men's collection

Last week, we had some reviews on some very nice – and very high-end – watches. While those are great in their own right, many of us aren’t going to be splashing out on five-figure watches in the near future. We’ve all no-doubt got our favorite small independent brands we gravitate towards, but if you want something with a known “name” (either for yourself or as a gift), Fossil is no doubt a brand that comes to mind. Many of us started with their more fashion-oriented quartz watches found in a department store, but don’t sleep on their automatics. For instance, like those found in the Fossil Heritage Men’s collection.

Now, to be fair, the Fossil Heritage Men’s collection is more of a fashion-oriented design, given the large 43mm case. That should make the dial quite easily readable, though the smaller date window is inboard a good bit (showing how much smaller the movement is, actually). In terms of the dial design, it’s a fairly traditional look, mostly indices with the 12 and 6 o’clock positions having numerals, done up in a font that’s reminiscent of a certain Italian dive watch brand.

The case shape is full of gentle curves, from the rounded sides from crystal to caseback, to the lugs that curve down to put the strap (or bracelet) connection at the same plane as the caseback. The caseback is exhibition, allowing you to see the automatic movement. Will this movement be up to the same standards that, say, Zodiac (who is part of the Fossil group) has? Probably not; then again, you’re hitting a lower price point here as well, so that’s to be expected. Still, some of the design and manufacturing no doubt trickles down.

As you can see from the photos, there are four variations of the Fossil Heritage Men’s collection. Two are on leather straps (which is where the rose gold-tone case appears), and two are on the bracelet. On the strap, you’re looking at $280, while the bracelet comes in at $300. So, not a huge price difference – we say go for the one that fits your style, or of the person you’re buying it for. Check them all out, of course, directly at fossil.com