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15 Best Fossil Watches for Men With Classic and Modern Taste

Beau Hayhoe
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Image used with permission by copyright holder

A Fossil watch is the epitome of what an American brand is all about: innovation, style, and uniqueness. The right Fossil watch can last and last, looking great and adding to any ensemble with which you wear it. Trust us on that. These traits have been front and center since the brand’s inception in 1984, and the Texas-based fashion manufacturer and fourth-biggest watchmaker in the world continues to impress by creating products with great design and high-quality craftsmanship at prices even men of modest means can afford.

If you’re not familiar with Fossil, the brand vends everything from watches and bags to jewelry and accessories for people from all walks of life. Those who are accustomed will tell you Fossil got its start and expanded its reach by its ability to assemble fashionable watches with a retro look. Thankfully, nothing has changed.

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A Fossil watch is still one of the best affordable timepieces you can find, but selecting the right one can be challenging. Although many include similar specifications, the best Fossil watches are offered in an array of designs that don different watch casings, separate strap materials, specific functions for different lifestyles, and so on. We bored into the collection and dug out the best Fossil watches for men based on function and style. Here’s what we excavated.

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For deals on Fossil watches and other style essentials, check out our picks for the absolute best watches for men on the market. Oh, and if you want one of the best men’s smart watches, we’ve got plenty of picks for you in that category, too.

Best Watch for Daily Wear: Fossil Everett Three-Hand Date Stainless Steel Watch

Fossil Everett Three-Hand Date Stainless Steel Watch
Fossil

The excellent thing about Fossil watches is that the iconic brand offers up so much by way of versatility and reliable style. Take the humble, hard-working stainless steel watch. The silhouette itself is beloved by everyone from James Bond to Steve McQueen, but you needn’t blow your budget in the process: You can get an affordable stainless steel watch from Fossil right now.

Details:

  • Movement type: Quartz
  • Case size: 42mm
  • Strap material: Stainless steel
  • Water resistance: 5 ATM

Best Watch for Outdoor Adventures: Fossil Mega Machine Black Stainless Steel Chronograph

Fossil Mega Machine Chronograph
Fossil

Bold style and dependable performance are the name of the game with this tactically inspired, highly durable stainless steel chronograph from an iconic brand. Consider this the kind of watch to wear when you want low-key style and tough-as-nails reliability all day and all night long.

Details:

  • Movement type: Chronograph
  • Case size: 50mm
  • Strap material: Stainless steel
  • Water resistance: 10 ATM

Best Leather Watch: Fossil Forrester Chronograph Amber Leather Watch

Fossil Forrester Chronograph Amber Leather Watch
Fossil

Fossil specializes in making chronograph watches, among other styles, that give you plenty of bang for your buck as far as both classic style and cool functionality are concerned. The Forrester Chronograph is just the latest and greatest to enter your watch rotation, with a handsome contrasting amber leather strap and black dial, plus a 46mm case diameter for maximum durability.

Details:

  • Movement type: Chronograph
  • Case size: 46mm
  • Strap material: Leather
  • Water resistance: 5 ATM

Best Watch for the Tech Geek: Fossil HR Latitude Hybrid Smartwatch

Fossil HR Latitude Hybrid Smartwatch
Fossil

Fossil has never been a company to rest on its laurels, and that’s certainly the case with the innovative and groundbreaking line of smartwatches from the brand. In this instance, the term “hybrid smartwatch” is a very apt way to straddle the line between next-gen functionality and next-level style, and we appreciate Fossil all the more for that.

Details:

  • Case size: 50mm
  • Notifications: Alarm clock, app alerts, calendar alerts, email, social media, etc.
  • Functions: Activity tracker, music control, customizable buttons, heart rate tracking
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth Smart enabled
  • Compatibility: Android 5.0+, iOS 12.0+

Best Watch for Retro Style: Fossil FB-01 Three-Hand Date Stainless Steel Watch

Fossil Stainless Steel Gold-Tone Watch
Fossil

Add some throwback flair to your watch collection at a very agreeable price with this visually striking, cool-as-heck stainless steel gold-tone watch. We love the contrast between the green dial and the gold-tone hardware, and we think you’ll feel the same way.

Details:

  • Movement type: Quartz
  • Case size: 42mm
  • Strap material: Stainless steel
  • Water resistance: 10 ATM

Best Watch for Urban Exploration: Fossil Garrett Chronograph Brown Leather Watch

Fossil Garrett Chronograph Leather Watch
Fossil

The perfect blend of rugged good looks and long-lasting timekeeping performance is well within your reach if you pick up this iconic, darn-near-unstoppable chronograph watch, featuring an oversized case and that crucial bit of contrast between the strap and the dial. Not too shabby, if you ask us.

Details:

  • Movement type: Chronograph
  • Case size: 44mm
  • Strap material: Leather
  • Water resistance: 10 ATM

Best Classic-Yet-Modern Watch: Fossil Gen 5 Smartwatch The Carlyle HR Watch

Fossil Gen 5 Smartwatch The Carlyle HR Watch
Image used with permission by copyright holder

The Gen 5 Smartwatch embodies the Fossil brand to a T. Not only does it flaunt a refreshing, sleek design, but its innovative technology supplies touchscreen capability, increased storage capacity, and three battery modes (default, extended, and time only) so you can extend the battery multiple days. In lieu of its smartwatch capacity, the battery does drain fairly quickly, so make sure you cycle through the battery modes appropriately if you plan on using all the gadgets.

Details:

  • Case size: 44mm
  • Notifications: Text, email, social media, alarms, etc.
  • Functions: Heart rate tracking, GPS, Google Pay, swim-proof
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth Smart enabled
  • Compatibility: Android OS 6.0+ and iOS 10.0+

Best Minimal Watch: Fossil The Minimalist Slim Three-Hand Light Brown Leather Watch

Image used with permission by copyright holder

This minimalistic timepiece is one of our favorite Fossil watches for a few reasons. First, the watch dons a vintage refined style that looks great dressed up or down, and you get to choose from 17 different colorways for added personalization. It also features a simple three-hand watch face and a slim case design that fits comfortably on the wrist. If you’re looking for an everyday watch, this should be on your radar.

Details:

  • Movement type: Quartz
  • Case size: 44mm
  • Strap material: Leather
  • Water resistance: 5 ATM

Best Dress Watch: Fossil Neutra Chronograph Brown Leather Watch

Fossil Neutra Leather Chronograph
Fossil

Sharp, slick style is the name of the game with this handsome and refined brown leather chronograph from Fossil. Wear it with a breezy polo and linen trousers for dressy spring style, and rest easy knowing that it’s giving you plenty of style points for an excellent price. Can’t go wrong with one of the best watches for men at a standout price point, to say the least.

Details:

  • Movement type: Quartz chronograph
  • Case size: 44mm
  • Strap material: Leather
  • Water resistance: 5 ATM

Other Fossil Watches We Love

Fossil Hybrid Smartwatch HR Collider Dark Brown Leather

Image used with permission by copyright holder

If the Gen 5 Smartwatch caught your eye but you’re looking for a bit more flair, the Fossil hybrid smartwatch offers the perfect balance. The line is offered in four versatile colors that are perfect for adding a sense of sophistication to your daily appearance and an always-on digital display dial for all your smartwatch needs, from fitness and heart rate tracking to the day’s date and weather. The hybrid watch also holds a charge for up to two weeks.

Details:

  • Notifications: Text, email, social media, alarms, etc.
  • Case size: 42mm
  • Functions: Heart rate tracking, personalized dial, activity tracking
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth Smart enabled
  • Compatibility: Android 5.0+ and iOS 10.0+

Fossil Bronson Twist Smoke Stainless Steel Watch

Fossil Bronson Twist Stainless Steel Watch
Fossil

We couldn’t be more impressed by how rugged and eye-catching this stainless steel watch from Fossil happens to be. It’s rugged and yet intricate style at its finest, the kind of oversized and visually striking watch to wear with a classic T-shirt and indigo jeans for spring excursions (or simply for beers at your favorite brewery). Well done, Fossil.

Details:

  • Movement type: Mechanical twist
  • Case size: 50mm
  • Strap material: Stainless steel
  • Water resistance: 5 ATM

Fossil Townsman Chronograph Amber Leather Watch

Fossil Townsman Leather Chronograph
Fossil

The Townsman line of watches from Fossil toes the line quite nicely between refined style and functionality, which is crucial. After all, your watch has got to be legible and accurate as well as crisply designed. The Townsman Chronograph checks all the right boxes in that regard. Wear it with a lightweight navy cotton blazer, a crisp oxford shirt, and tan chinos for spring business casual style.

Details:

  • Movement type: Quartz chronograph
  • Case size: 44mm
  • Strap material: Leather
  • Water resistance: 5 ATM

Fossil Townsman Automatic Dark Brown Leather Watch

Fossil Townsman Automatic Dark Brown Leather Watch
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Another Townsman watch, and with good reason. We believe this silhouette takes the cake for best-looking choice among the best Fossil watches, flaunting a polished vintage appearance highlighted by a black case with an amber crystal lens, Roman numeral markings, and a visible skeleton dial. No matter where you are, this timepiece will conform with confidence.

Details:

  • Movement type: Mechanical automatic
  • Case size: 44mm
  • Strap material: Leather
  • Water resistance: 5 ATM

Fossil Machine Three-Hand Date Stainless Steel Watch

Fossil Machine Three-Hand Date Stainless Steel Watch
Image used with permission by copyright holder

For Fossil, the Machine collection is the ultimate masculine requisite. It boasts a simple understated-yet-oversized stainless steel case that’s as durable as it gets. The silver and blue color combination is flexible for pairing with your daily suits or as a casual wardrobe accent, with Fossil adding a nice finishing touch with a textured bezel.

Details:

  • Movement type: Quartz
  • Case size: 42mm
  • Strap material: Stainless steel
  • Water resistance: 5 ATM

Fossil Dean Chronograph Stainless Steel Watch

Fossil Dean Chronograph Stainless Steel Watch
Image used with permission by copyright holder

The Dean chronograph watch is another classic and durable pick from the storied watchmakers, except this design features a more elegant gold and silver colorway that will hold up for every occasion. It offers a clean, legible dial that includes a date display as well as stopwatch minute and second hands. The hour and minute hands also light up to make for easy time-telling even when the sun goes down.

Details:

  • Movement type: Quartz chronograph
  • Case size: 45mm
  • Strap material: Stainless steel
  • Water resistance: 5 ATM

If none of these timepieces tickles your fancy, check out our guide to the best watches under $200, under $500, and under $1,000. We’ve also got picks for the best smartwatches, dive watches, field watches, tactical watches, skeleton watches, and more as well as favorites from trusted brands like Casio, Seiko, and Timex.

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Beau Hayhoe
Beau Hayhoe
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Beau Hayhoe is a freelance men's style writer, consultant and PR pro based in Brooklyn. Beau's menswear and gear writing has…
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