Fossil
Fossil Group · United States
Fossil is an American watch and accessories brand founded in 1984 by Tom Kartsotis and the flagship of the Nasdaq-listed Fossil Group in Richardson, Texas. The group makes its own brands and licensed watches for fashion houses. It has been restructuring since 2024 under chief executive Franco Fogliato, including an exit from smartwatches and a 2025 debt restructuring.
| Founded | 1984 |
|---|---|
| Founder | Tom Kartsotis |
| Owner | Fossil Group (Nasdaq: FOSL) |
| Headquarters | Richardson, Texas, United States |
| Chief executive | Franco Fogliato (since 2024) |
| Revenue | 1.14 billion US dollars (2024, group) |
| Website | fossil.com |
What is Fossil?
Fossil sells watches, jewellery, bags, wallets and accessories at mid-market prices. The brand belongs to Fossil Group, which also owns Skagen, Michele, Relic and Zodiac, and has long produced licensed watches and jewellery for fashion brands such as Michael Kors, Emporio Armani, Armani Exchange, Diesel and DKNY.
History
Tom Kartsotis founded the company in 1984 as Overseas Products International, based on an idea from his brother Kosta. Fossil built its business on affordable, design-led fashion watches and expanded into leather goods and licensing. In 2015 it bought the wearables company Misfit for 260 million US dollars and became a major producer of hybrid and touchscreen smartwatches.
In September 2024 the board appointed Franco Fogliato, previously head of Salomon, as chief executive, succeeding Kosta Kartsotis. Earlier in 2024 the group announced its exit from the smartwatch business. Wikipedia reports 2024 revenue of 1.14 billion US dollars with a net loss of 102.7 million US dollars, and a UK restructuring plan in October 2025 under which the US business used Chapter 15 proceedings.
Products and positioning
Fossil is a mid-market accessories brand. Its range includes:
- Analogue and automatic watches, including the Fossil Twist movements
- Watch straps and limited editions
- Handbags, men's bags and wallets
- Jewellery collections
Business model and distribution
The group sells through department stores and other wholesale accounts, its own stores, which numbered 248 in 2024, and e-commerce. Design is partly based in Biel, Switzerland, with manufacturing in China and distribution centres in the United States, Germany and Asia. Licensing for fashion brands has been a significant part of the business.
Why it matters
Fossil's history traces the rise and decline of the fashion watch, the disruption caused by smartwatches and the challenges of a wholesale-dependent model. Its turnaround is a closely watched case for mid-market accessories companies.
Frequently asked questions
Who owns Fossil?
Fossil is the flagship brand of Fossil Group, a public company listed on Nasdaq and based in Richardson, Texas. The group also owns Skagen, Michele, Relic and Zodiac.
Does Fossil still make smartwatches?
No. Fossil Group announced in January 2024 that it was exiting the smartwatch business. It continues to sell analogue watches, jewellery and leather goods.