The adage “everything old is new again” is prevalent, well, just about everywhere. Movies are being remade like crazy, car designs are back from the past, and of course the watch companies like to dive into their back catalog as well. Many of these show up in higher-end watch brands, and so it’s not like we’re able to necessarily go out and pick up a new version of a watch we liked “back in the day”. Unless, that is, you’re a Fossil collector. In that case, this reissue of the Fossil Defender is for you.
The Fossil Defender is a watch that, to look at it, you’d have problems classifying it. Is it a dive watch? Is it a field watch? Well, lucky you, you don’t have to decide. You see, the watch comes with three different bezels – two dive inspired (one steel, one aluminum) and one for land (a compass bezel). If that interchangeability weren’t enough, you also have two different straps that come along for the the ride – a green NATO, and then a rubber-backed brown leather.
What this means is that the Fossil Defender can adjust it’s look for whatever it is you might be doing – or simply how you want the watch to look. With a 42mm steel case, the watch should be up for whatever. This limited-edition reissue is available now for $255 which nets you – along with the bezels, strap, and watch head – a leather case (to store all the bits and pieces) embossed with the original Defender logo.
While I can’t say I remember the Fossil Defender from what it was originally released in the 90’s, this is the sort of reissue that I can get behind. It’s affordable, it’s versatile, and it tugs on those same nostalgic threads. I’m sure there’s plenty of folks out there who remember this from the original (either having had one, or had wanted one) that will snap these up. Frankly, I wouldn’t mind seeing more brands coming up with user-swappable bezels, would you? fossil.com
