
Fossil likes to keep their watch collections exciting and is constantly reinventing their designs to keep up with style and cultural trends. The brand is so popular because the watches are very fashion forward; capturing key trends such as the layered look or the ceramic strap look for example but remain true to the unique raw Fossil style and quality.
To really inject a style shake up, Fossil have also teamed up with iconic designer Philippe Starck who has created a superb range of watches for the brand, all of which are great examples of dynamic innovation and have a minimal and futuristic aesthetic.
Philippe Starck is quite the legendary designer and his work ranges from laying out restaurants and hotels to designing chairs and toothbrushes. The designer looks at everyday objects and likes to play around with funky designs and turn them into a w
ork of art. His recent collaboration with Fossil has led to a collection of sleek watches that have a typical Starck architectural influence.
The Philippe Starck watch collection comprises of a range of digital and analogue watches for Fossil and experiments with a minimal and elegant look with a hint of futuristic styling. The new and exclusive Philippe Starck O Ring Digi watch is a new addition and has a sleek stainless steel bracelet strap with the focal point being an LCD dial – the central section of the dial is open to create ring effect. The exclusive Palidrome PH6000 is incredibly streamlined and minimal with a white leather strap and a white Starck dial with barely any detailing. This is definitely a striking watch and a conversation piece! The new unisex Glitz Digi is a beautiful watch with a white rubber strap and a diamante embellished case to add some glitz and glamour. The dial has a multi module digital display. This watch is also available in black.
The Philip
pe Starck watches are a great addition to the collection and definitely add something completely unique; Fossil likes to use the influence of architecture within their designs and Starck was the perfect designer choice as his work typically turns everyday objects into statements. His fascination with architecture has been a strong influence in the design of the Fossil watches as each and every one is sleek and streamlined and experiments with colours to add definition. His minimal yet effective watch designs are incredibly striking and are of course timelessly stylish as they are unique to Starck’s inspiration.
The History of Zodiac Watches
Zodiac watches were originally founded by Ariste Calame of Le Locle in Switzerland. Watch making was a family tradition as Calame’s father was also a watch maker. Wanting to follow in his father’s footsteps Calame set up his own watch workshop in 1882 but had the ambition of creating a timepiece which was original and dynamic. He believed that high quality control and managing all design through to production and even choosing the tools by which the watch would be crafted was the key to achieve this objective. Zodiac was then properly established in 1908 after Calame designed and made his first pocket watch. The first flat pocket watch was launched to the public in 1928 and used the unique Zodiac calibre 1617 movement.
Made for Every Adventure
The Zodiac brand is defined as a sports brand but the watches are perhaps more predominantly a sportsman’s watch with various military features and functions. The watches are also highly stylish and trendy but have an underlying elite and classic aesthetic. The Zodiac brand believes their watches are stated yet also understated depending on how the wearer wants to wear and use them. Zodiac watches are made specifically to endure physical activity and are popular among those who enjoy adventure and the great outdoors. There are a range of Zodiac watches for many activities. In 1930, the brand designed and produced the first automatic sports watch and then produced the popular Zodiac Autographic watch. The advertisement of the Autographic back in 1955 described it as ‘The world’s most modern watch.’ The timepiece was self-winding with a power reserve gauge, an unbreakable crystal, a radium dial, and was also water and shock resistant. Indeed this was quite revolutionary back in that era! It then soon renowned for its high functions and thus became the official watch of the Swiss Federal Railways.
Zodiac Watches Through the Times
Zodiac watches have certainly gone the distance having existed for over 120 years but 2001 marked a significant change for the brand when it was bought by Fossil, one of the watch manufacturing giants. This was a positive move however as Fossil have helped modernise and adapt the brand according to what costumers want today. The Zodiac brand has an extensive timeline and the
watches launched throughout the years reflect the development in technology and you can really see how the designs have become more style focused. The modern range of Zodiac watches offer all the benefits of a modern aesthetic and look very sharp and slick whilst of course remaining functional. The new ZO9004 men’s watch is a new exclusive Zodiac design and is a highly elite watch with Swiss Automatic movement and sapphire crystals. This watch has a strong and fearless aesthetic with a caoutcholic rubber strap and marine grade stainless steel case. Other exciting styles to look for include the ZO6700 and the ZO6701, both of which have a chunky look and materials including sapphire and mineral crystals all of which ensure high quality durability whilst on the go.
Zodiac is a brand that really has progressed throughout the years and has a superb reputation recognised for its exquisite high quality and unique style. Paying intrinsic attention to craftsmanship, Zodiac watches are a prime example of innovation and are continually improving the styles and designs, providing customers with the ultimate watch.
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The creator of Zodiac watches was Ariste Calame who originated from of Le Locle in Switzerland. Calame’s family were renowned for designing and making quality timepieces and Calame then established his own workshop in 1882. The young designer held a burning ambition to create the most innovative Swiss timepiece in the world which he then achieved by incorporating extreme quality control into his work. Zodiac was soon born.
In 1930, Calame’s company produced the first automatic sports watch which is a very early version of the famous Zodiac Autographic. The Autographic was self-winding with a power reserve gauge, had an unbreakable crystal, a radium dial, seventeen jewels and was both water and shock resistant. It soon became the official watch of the Swiss Federal Railways.
Zodiac watches are aimed at individuals who like to live life on the edge have a sense of adventure. The brand features a fantastic collection of sports orientated timepieces including sailing watches, diving watches and pilot watches. Today’s Zodiac watches feature bold colours, high-quality sapphire and mineral crystals and accurate Swiss quartz movements.
Zodiac watches are the ultimate in high quality which is exactly how Calame aimed to design them back in the early 1900’s. Although Zodiac watches have now existed for over 120 years, the new millennium marked a new beginning for these fine Swiss watches when the company was purchased by Fossil who have injected some modern design and new concepts. The end result is a collection of watches that maintain their original values but boast a revamped hint of contemporary design. Durable, functional and exceptionally stylish!
Click here to visit our Zodiac Watches section
Tags:Fossil are perhaps best known for the quirky tins in which their branded wristwear is sold. These novel tins have created a buzz for Fossil since the company began repackaging their watches in 1989 – to such an extent that they almost threaten to overshadow the wristwear itself. The tins have become highly collectible and are traded in markets and antique shops around the world. The graphic design teams that create them have won countless awards and there’s even been a coffee table book published in the humble tin’s honour.
All this for a watch?! What is clear is that when you buy a Fossil watch you are entering into the history books and at the same time acquiring your very own collectible product from the get go!
Fossil watches have a vintage, irreverent style – designed with creativity and humour which extends throughout their collections. The company’s tag line is “What vintage are you?” pointing to the fact that the brand have a timepiece to suit everybody’s style and taste.
Not just a pretty (watch) face, or the sum of their tins (sorry!), Fossil have been approached by
a number of big name luxury brands to create licensed watch lines for them. These include Adidas, Burberry, Diesel, DKNY, Armani, Michael Kors and Marc by Marc Jacob, all of whom Fossil now design, manufacture and distribute for. It is very apparent therefore that Fossil’s own watches are made by the very best in the business and are of the highest quality. This is further backed up by celebrity designer collaborations. Fossil’s current partnership with Philippe Starck, a media darling and the visionary designer who transformed major hotels across the globe is a coup for the brand and just goes to show how innovative and appealing Fossil watches really are.
Click here to visit our Fossil Watches section
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