Fossil Vs Michael Kors: Too Same or Just Pricey?

Do you ever feel torn between two fashion choices, wondering which one will give you the perfect look? Well, when it comes to watches, Fossil and Michael Kors are two brands that are often compared. In a world where smartwatches have taken over, traditional watches still hold their own charm.

If you're like many people who prefer a classic timepiece, you might be wondering which brand to choose. Fear not! Let's explore the world of Fossil Watches vs Michael Kors together and help you find the perfect watch to fit your style.

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Fossil and Michael Kors are both fashion brands to an extent but what Michael Kors has to offer is indeed more elite and luxurious than Fossil's options.

The Great Fossil

Fossil is an American Fashion design brand that established itself on the global stage by exporting retro-like watches. In 1984, when the brothers Tom and Kosta formed Fossil, it wasn’t meant to become the Fashion Statement, it is today. So a lot has changed by now. The prime essence of their identity – success – remains an integral part of the company to this day.

Today Fossil Group is a billion-dollar empire that’s been on a steady rise in various factions providing safe heaven to brands and businesses from all over the globe. They are not confined to the narrow scale of vision of Fossil of the 80s. As of 2023, Fossil designs, create, and market watches, smartwatches, leather goods, and jewelry line in over 200+ nations across the globe.

The Beautiful Michael Kors

Founded by Michael David Kors in 1981, Capri Holding (formerly Michael Kors Holdings Limited) is a fashion company known for its charge in fashion icons of the last 40 years. Although primarily a designer brand Michael Kors delved into watchmaking in the early 2000s with the help of none other than Fossil Group.

It’s been 41 years today since the inception of the brand, but it is not a surprise to see annual revenue figures hitting the 5 billion dollar mark. Despite the extravagant image that personifies the tag of Michael Kors, each year sees, thousands shift their focus toward the brand with a will to spend heaps on its line of luxury products, including but not limited to watches, handbags, clothes, and shoes.

Fossil Watches Vs Michael Kors: Same Piece Of A Cloth?

What many fail to understand is Fossil is a different entity from the Fossil Group Inc. Michael Kors isn’t associated with the subsidiary that is responsible for manufacturing Fossil Watches but rather the group that owns it.

In 2004 an agreement was signed that legally allowed the liberty of Fossil Group to design Michael Kors watches. By 2014 it was resigned again with further expansion on sections and an agreement of 10 years expiry.

Therefore, it is not a miracle that Fossil and Michael Kors watches share similarities. Even though they hold the name of different brands, Fossil Group is ultimately responsible for either of them.

“So it is fruitless to compare when they are almost similar?”

No.

It is true that Fossil Group holds power over both of the brands. We can’t bear forgetting Fossil and Michael Kors are the product of different situations. Just because a deal is signed that grants Fossil Group creative freedom, it doesn’t mean Michael Kors is the exact copy of it.

“So there are differences between the two?”

Yes.

Fossil Watches vs Michael Kors isn’t an idiotic debate, it holds value, and we are determined to find the answer within it. As mentioned before, from the superficial POV, it might seem the line between the two is blurry, yet there is far too much to miss.

Design Of Two Greats

It would be ironic for two designer brands to make their products grey and basic. Can you imagine a Fossil watch that is not attractive or a Michael Kors smartwatch not able to make your eyes glow? THE WHOLE SELLING POINT BEHIND THE TWO IS THEIR DESIGN.

And that is why both have their trademark way of handling creative lines.

Fossil puts particular emphasis on variation. When you’re at the Fossil store looking through the glass to choose your next watch, your mind wouldn’t be contemplating just one or two options. There would be hundreds that might seem ideal.

On the other hand, Michael Kors relies on exclusivity. It is not the same as Rolex, but a bit more tentative. There aren’t many watches or smartwatch lines in the market with the initial Michael Kors. So if you want to buy a Michael Kors watch, you might not have hundreds of choices. It should be more than enough.

Before we proceed further, a point should be made regarding the above-written note: While at this point scope of our discussion is caged within the perimeter of ‘design,’ Fossil and Michael Kors exercise their ways in various ways.

However, for now, let’s focus on only various facets associated with DESIGN.

Material

Since both of them falls under the same banner, you would find Fossil and Michael Kors watches are usually made of the following:

  • Stainless Steel
  • Leather
  • Mineral Crystal Glass (Screen)
  • Sapphire (Dial)

However, on average, what is seen as a theme of time is that Michael Kor’s watch ages better than its Fossil counterpart.

Straps & Bands

Unlike the material, there is variation within the design of straps and material (stainless steel and silicone) that is used to make it. Michael Kors straps can be heavy to some. Perhaps even bulky too. You might not find them comfortable to wear, whereas Fossil works on comfort. Although both of them have a beautiful collection that is flexible and soft in texture (Michael Kors – More), they might come at a price that might not be in everyone’s range.

Watch Faces & Dial

It is hard to beat Michael Kors when it comes to watch faces. You get hundreds of options to choose from, and that is something Fossil fails to catch up to. Of course, since both use Google Wear OS, you would get the chance to customize your Fossil smartwatch too. It’s just not the same. Which might be fine, Michael Kors watches are known to be heavy and tacky. So it levels the playing ground.

“What about Dial?”

As mentioned above, Sapphire and Mineral Crystal Glass are usually used to make up the front of a dial (Fossil owns multiple lines, so there could be a difference). There is not much to debate around it here. It’s just safe to say either of them would be quality enough.

Features From This World

If you were to look up the definition of ‘Features’ in the English Language, it would probably be a distinctive attribute or aspect of something.’ In essence, it makes sense, especially for today’s smart devices. They are beaming with features.

Fossil and Michael Kors Watches aren’t different.

Fossil believes in a hybrid model for its products. They take inspiration from different sources to create what is unique. In comparison, Michael Kors relies on the bold embrace of their culture. They are not afraid to take a risk that might or might not work around.

Operating System

While the market is saturated with OS for smartwatches, what Fossil and Michael Kors uses is called Google Wear OS, and it is not the best thing about them. However, Fossil has its GEN 5 model more optimized, so if it were a competition, it would’ve won it easily.

Hardware

If we were to compare flagship models from both brands (Fossil Gen 5 & Michael Kors Access Gen 5), we would see a sea of similarities.

  • They both have 1GB RAM.
  • Both are integrated with 8GB internal Storage.
  • Both of them are certified to be resistant to water and dust.
  • They both have a hoard of fitness trackers to keep you on track.
  • As mentioned above, both of them are powered by OLED screens.
  • Both of them run on Snapdragon 3100.
  • In the case of conventional watches, Japanese Miyato Quartz is used by both companies for movement.

However, some differences make the tale more interesting:

  • Michael Kor’s smartwatch is better at tolerating water.
  • There is no Always On functionality on the Michael Kors smartwatch.
  • Michael Kors watches are known for poor Quartz quality compared to Fossil.

Software

Since both use the same OS, the functionality is pretty much the same. Fossil does have a better share of first-party applications to enrich the UI. In retrospect, maybe it is OK, or at least OK to understand, Michael Kors – despite the riches – is not the ace smartwatch maker.

Battery Better Of Two?

From our test, it appeared that both Fossil and Michal Kors watches could, from a full charge, last for a day – at best. The online community seems to think Fossil might not be the one to go for in the context of battery power.

Customer Support Is Important

Fossil and Michael Kors understand the value of their customers and therefore aim to provide better support through various channels.

“And how do they do that?”

Well, both of their watches come with a two-year warranty. Although, under certain circumstances, it might not be enough to claim it. Particularly with Michael Kors products, their customer service does happen to suffer at times.

Note: What Warranty Might Not Cover The Following Areas

  • Crystal
  • Battery
  • Casing
  • Strap

Pricing Makes Difference

Fossils are known for the affordability of their creation. Despite the extravaganza they aim to imitate, Fossil realizes not everyone can afford high-end watches. Therefore it is not a surprise to no one they have lines like RELIC to make their watches accessible to a wide range.

If you want to buy a Fossil watch, you can get one, even for as low as $50!

As for Michael Kors, they are primarily a fashion brand. They don’t want to imitate the extravagant. They are extravagant. Either way, it would be a little hard for you to find a Michael Kors watch or smartwatch for cheap.

It wouldn’t be like Rolex or Tag Heuer – expansive.

But expansive.

Companies Identity

When I was researching the topic, I came across something I didn’t see coming. Or at least I didn’t see many talking about it. As we have discussed before in our other posts here, the identity of a brand is quite impotent to its success in the long run. When there is something that we can channel to drive a certain image of a company, it helps a lot to reach the goals.

And we have seen that happening!

Apple. Microsoft. Amazon. Nike. Tesla.

All of these companies have a story that resonates with their aim to achieve success in their field. Their stories are not identical. Even if they had the same obstacles, at the time, their identities were iconic.

Fossil and Michael Kors might not have the fame or even legacy of Apple and Co they do have an identity that speaks for themselves.

Fossil: Retro Novelty

Formed in 1984, Fossil began with the mission to work around Retro watches. Even in the early years when nothing was set in stone, the brand was known for liking 40s-styled watches that could aid in leveraging the middle class of Texas. It was not a mere coincidence that it was nostalgia that aided in making Fossil’s name.

Of course, once a path to betterment became clear, the company hopped on it to ride the wave. It is hard to deny there were no plans. Fossils always had a plan. Today they collaborate with brands, not for the sake of it but to elevate their status. The hierarchy above understands to truly transformed into a timeless brand of timepieces. They would’ve to create a legacy based on their identity.

Because that’s what people would remember!

Not what you are.

But what you were.

Michael Kors: Boldly Gracious

Unlike its competing partner, Michael Kors had a shaky start that didn’t see steady success with time. You have to applaud their efforts to establish themselves as one of the best in a short period. It is not easy for Fashion Designer brands to become a global entity, yet here we are with Michael Kors stores in 150+ countries worldwide.

“What happened? What is their secret?”

Two words: Gracious Equality.

Michael Kors has always been known for holding the flag to bear betterment for famine fashion. In 1997 it was to no one surprise when its founder Michael David Kors won the honor of becoming the first women’s ready-to-wear designer for the French House Celine.

“So their identity resolves around glory to feminism?”

No.

Their identity resolves around equality dipped in gracious essence. It is for everyone. They are for everyone. Michael Kors doesn’t produce beautiful things because they are beautiful, but to present beauty in everything that cannot present itself.

Mirrored Reality

If you recall, I told you I found something while researching. Well, it was that Fossil and Michael Kors, even before they sat down to sign up, had somewhat of a mirrored path to their success.

Fossil began as Watchmakers.

Michael Kors began as Fashion Designer.

Four decades later…

Fossil is Watchmaker as well as Fashion Designers.

Michael Kors is a Fashion designer as well as Watchmaker.

I know it is not uncommon to see Fashion design brands cross the path and enter the alienated plain…

It is fun to think about it.

Closing Thoughts: What’s Next?

Like every debate based on wants and not needs choosing any option is not the world. You would be happy with either of them. However, even if the question of Fossil Watches vs Michael Kors keeps you occupied, I’d like to create the following circumstance.

If you hold Fashion over Function: Michael Kors is the one for you.

If you hold Function over Fashion with comprising on both ends: Fossil is the one for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

No. Michael Kors and Fossil are different entities. However, due to the signed contract, Fossil Group Inc (Not a subsidiary of Fossil) has a license to create Michal Kors watches.

If you mean Michael Kors by MK, the answer would be Fossil. While the same group makes them with little difference in specifications, Fossil smartwatches are better optimized, better priced, and hold far more value in the smartwatch community.

Yes and No. Fossil owns a subsidiary in Switzerland. Their primary production happens all around the globe, most prominently in China.

Relic is an affordable line of watches introduced by Fossil.

Ezhan Javed

CMO At Chronoat

“What am I if not the words I write?” is something I’ve asked myself quite often. So, I feel it is my duty being CMO at Chronoat to not only write to inform but inspire.

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