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Fossil Watches Raise The Bar

By Cator Sparks Published August 6, 2021

It takes a lot to get us out of bed for a business breakfast but hearing that Fossil is launching a luxury line had us curious.

Hosted by Hal Rubenstein he immediately eliminated the elephant in the room. “Nobody needs a watch!” he shouted as he held up his iPhone. Yet with men more interested in looking good these days, accessories sales are on the rise and as Hal deadpanned, “owning one watch is like owning one pair of shoes, it’s just stupid.”

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Most know Fossil as that mall brand that has some pretty cool looking watches, but the brand is ready to take their image to the next level; so this season Fossil launched a collection of Swiss made watches ranging from $695 to $995. Far from mall prices yet still a good buy for a luxury watch. Since the brand already makes watches for the likes of DKNY, Michael Kors, Diesel and recently Karl Lagerfeld, they figured why not promote their own name and quality?

The collection features automatic watches and chronographs in classically designed five-piece case construction. There are also day-date timepieces, the swankiest form of timekeeping. The styles feature either a full-grain genuine leather strap or a stainless steel bracelet.

Other attributes you can point out to your envious friends include:

Double-domed sapphire crystal – allowing for distortion free viewing

Curved hands that mirror the curved dial for graceful movement

The five-piece case construction which offers perfect angles and elegant lines

That tax refund will be here before you know it.

Former Former Digital Trends Contributor, The Manual

Cator Sparks was the Editor-in-Chief of The Manual from its launch in 2012 until 2018. Previously, Cator was covering…

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Fashion & Style

Breitling unveils updated Superocean Heritage with Hawaiian surf inspiration

Wave rider: Breitling's superocean heritage update celebrates hawaiian surf heritage with kelly slater

Breitling superocean sea watch

Breitling refreshes its Superocean Heritage collection for the first time since 2017, introducing updated sizes, the new B31 manufacture movement, and a limited edition created in collaboration with surfing legend Kelly Slater. This revision balances vintage 1950s style with modern elegance and pays tribute to Hawaiian surf culture through special partnerships.

The Superocean Heritage line originally launched in 1957 as Breitling’s dive watch, combining stylish design with underwater capability. Early models like the Ref. 1004 time-only and Ref. 807 chronograph featured spear and arrow hands, anodized rotating bezels, and compact proportions—appealing to those who valued both aesthetics and function.

Fashion & Style

G-Shock’s original DW-5000c gets mighty full metal reissue

Steel evolution: G-shock's full metal 5000 series celebrates iconic dw-5000c heritage

Casio G-shock original product shot

G-Shock highlights its heritage with the 5000 Series Full-Metal GMW-B5000D-1C, a watch that reinterprets the groundbreaking 1983 DW-5000C. This new release blends the classic styling with updated materials and technology, marking an evolution for the brand’s core design.
The original DW-5000C nearly faded into obscurity but was ahead of its time. It gained traction with younger skaters and surfers, especially after being featured on American television. Today, it’s considered an icon among watch enthusiasts and everyday carry fans, establishing G-Shock’s reputation for toughness and practical utility.
The GMW-B5000D-1C is the first Full Metal model to feature the original’s signature red, blue, and yellow accents—each color carrying meaning: red for “the passion to take on challenges,” blue for “excellent water resistance,” and yellow for “outstanding shock resistance.” Previous Full Metal versions used different color schemes, so this release is especially significant for longtime G-Shock fans.
The construction is a major upgrade from the original’s resin case and rubber strap. The GMW-B5000D-1C uses a stainless steel case and linked bracelet, making it more durable and long-lasting while retaining the iconic look that made the DW-5000C famous.
Modern features include a Tough Solar quartz movement, replacing the old lithium battery and drawing power from sunlight. Bluetooth connectivity allows the watch to sync with a smartphone for easier control and enhanced functionality, bringing the 1980s design into the digital age.
Despite these updates, the essential G-Shock principles remain, especially the shock resistance that first set the brand apart. The GMW-B5000D-1C captures the original spirit, honoring it with new technology and improved durability.
Alongside this release, G-Shock also introduces the GM-B2100SD-1C, which applies the same color theme to the first Full Metal watch’s round case. This two-part launch demonstrates G-Shock’s commitment to honoring its roots while exploring new expressions within the Full Metal series.
The GMW-B5000D-1C is featured on G-Shock’s website, though pricing and availability details have not yet been announced. The timing suggests a focus on collectors and fans seeking a piece of G-Shock history, now reimagined with premium materials and modern features.
This release illustrates how classic designs can evolve through new materials and technology, preserving the core qualities that made them legendary and appealing to both longtime G-Shock enthusiasts and newcomers discovering the brand’s origins.

Fashion & Style

Chopard honors Sir Stirling Moss with Mille Miglia limited edition

Racing heritage: Chopard's stirling moss tribute and gts upgrade showcase lucent steel excellence

Chopard Mille Miglia press shot

Chopard honors racing driver Sir Stirling Moss with a Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph. At the same time, the brand updates its popular GTS Power Control with a new in-house movement. Both watches, released in 2025, use Chopard's Lucent Steel alloy, which is known for having the whitest, brightest steel finish in fine watchmaking.
The Stirling Moss tribute watch recognizes the Mercedes-Benz driver whose 722 300 SLR made racing history. The 40.5mm chronograph features a brass dial with a silver opaline finish, recalling the matte silver of Moss's "Silver Arrows" era Mercedes-Benz. Only 70 pieces exist, each individually numbered and priced at $10,800. The watch comes with a period-appropriate racing strap, featuring large punched holes and matching stitching.
Despite the high price, Chopard equips the chronograph with an ETA 2892 base movement rather than one of its own calibers. The movement is 3.75mm thick, runs at 4Hz, and offers a 54-hour power reserve. It is also COSC certified. Some collectors might expect an in-house movement at this price, but the 2892 is known for its reliable engineering, and many enthusiasts prefer it over alternatives like the 7750.
The Mille Miglia GTS Power Control 2025 Race Edition is even more appealing, as it finally receives Chopard's in-house 01.02-M movement. This caliber, measuring 28.8mm wide and 4.95mm thick, features cutouts reminiscent of cooling vents and uses color schemes inspired by car engines. It provides a 60-hour power reserve via a rotor with multiple openings.
A technical review notes, "This movement provides a big upgrade for the MM GTS, and it offers much movement for the price." The 43mm case houses a galvanized salmon dial with a circular satin finish. Grade X1 Super-LumiNova, with a black tint, creates a distinctive look against the salmon background during the day.
The GTS is priced at $7,630, with only 250 pieces available. It offers strong value, considering the in-house movement and Lucent Steel construction. The power reserve display, located between 8 and 10 o'clock, is styled like a car fuel gauge, reinforcing its appeal to car enthusiasts through practical design elements.
Both watches demonstrate Chopard's dedication to automotive history. They show how different approaches—tribute chronographs and technical upgrades—can appeal to various collector tastes. The Lucent Steel construction ensures both models display Chopard's renowned bright finish, which must be seen in person to fully appreciate.
The contrast in pricing and features makes the GTS Power Control especially attractive for enthusiasts seeking the quality of an in-house movement at a more accessible price.