Whenever we talk about premium smartwatches there is no way to avoid talking about Fossil or Michael Kors brands. Not a lot of users are aware of the iconic and unique history of these two brands in fact some wonder are these brands the same.
To answer questions like these we decided to write this Fossil Vs Michael Kors comparison to give users like you more clarity on the subject.
Fossil Vs Michael Kors
Quick navigation:
- Background Of Both The Brands
- Are Fossil And Michael Kors Watches The Same?
- Fossil Vs Michael Kors Smartwatches
- Fossil Gen 5 Carlyle Vs MK Access Gen 5 Lexington
- Verdict
- FAQs
Background Of Both The Brands
1. Fossil
The company was founded in 1984 by an entrepreneur named Tom Kartsotis who was inspired by his brother’s suggestion to import moderately priced fashion watches from the east and sell it for profit. Thus Tom Kartsotis went to Hong Kong ordered 1500 watches and then sold those watches in Dallas department stores.
The company adopted retro designs for its watches. And, it became an instant hit among users who wanted watches reminiscent of the watches worn in the early 1900s. The company targeted middle and upper-middle-class consumers with its watches. Then in the late 1990s company diversified its portfolio and started making wallets, bags, handbags, and more.
Furthermore, Fossil introduced the brand Relic aimed towards consumers looking for an affordable alternative to Fossil. Fast forward to today Fossil owns several well-known brands like swiss brand Zodiac, Skagen, Misfit, and Fossil Swiss.
Besides that, the company also owns the license to design, manufacture, and distribute watches of several brands like Diesel, Michael Kors, and various 0ther well-known brands.
2. Michael Kors
Michael Kors who is the founder of the brand “Michael Kors” is a well-known American fashion designer. He started his women’s collection in 1981 and had his first fashion show in 1984. Michael Kors propelled into the spotlight and went on to become a celebrity fashion designer. So it should come as no surprise that he launched the Michael Kors brand that catapulted into the mainstream like a wildfire.
In fact, former first lady Michelle Obama is also a big fan of Michael Kors designs as she has been spotted rocking several Michael Kors designs on more than one occasion.
While it’s true that Michael Kors designs are popular but he faced several challenges during the early days from bankruptcy to the closing down of stores that sold his designs. Eventually, he won by letting his work speak for himself and got investment from another firm LYMH that helped Michael Kors making the brand it is today.
Fast forward to 2021, apart from dresses Michael Kors makes watches, jewelry, shoes, handbags, and other fashion accessories. However, their handbags have been particularly popular among women and that’s also where the brand finds the most success.
Talking about some of Michael Kors’s awards and accolades, he is the youngest recipient of the Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award and also earned the womenswear designer of the year award by CFDA in 1999. Also, later on, the Michael Kors brand went on to become the official lifestyle partner Mclaren-Honda Formula one team in 2016.
Verdict:
It’s clear that both the brands are competing in the affordable luxury segment instead of high-end luxury where brands like Gucci, Louis Vuitton are competing.
However, that doesn’t mean Fossil and Michael Kors provide cheap or sub-par products, in fact, it’s the opposite as you get good quality designer luxury products for the price.
Are Fossil And Michael Kors Watches The Same?
The answer to that question is both yes and no and let us tell you why.
First, let’s discuss the arguments for why both the Fossil and Michael Kors watches are the same. Not a lot of watch enthusiasts know this but in 2004 Fossil signed an agreement with Michael Kors that allowed them to design, develop and sell watches under Michael Kors’s brand name. Moreover, in 2010 Fossil also started making jewelry under the Michael Kors brand.
Currently, Fossil has the right to make jewelry, watches as well as smartwatches under Michael Kors brand name until 2024. That’s why most of their smartwatches share almost identical specifications.
However, we would like to argue that they are not the same because the design and looks of watches from both brands are different. Also, Michael Kors watches are usually inspired by luxury whereas Fossil likes to make retro-looking watches.
Another factor that makes them different from each other is price. Compared to Fossil, Michael Kors watches are more expensive because of the brand name and recognition of Michael Kors brand name.
Fossil Vs Michael Kors Smartwatches
It isn’t far-fetched to say that smartwatches have become the norm these days. Using them you can make wireless payments using Google Pay, listen to music on the smartwatch, track your fitness activities, and a lot more. That’s why both Michael Kors and Fossil have also diversified into making smartwatches.
So we would be comparing a watch from both brands to get better clarity whether Michael Kors and Fossil smartwatches are similar or different.
Fossil Smartwatches
Fossil is no stranger to smartwatches in fact it launched its first smartwatch Fossil Wrist PDA running on Palm OS way back in 2003. However, today Fossil makes smartwatches that are powered by Wear OS which offers smart features like notifications sync, the ability to make and receive calls, a built-in GPS in the watch for hiking and outdoor activities, etc.
Apart from that, Fossil also makes expensive and affordable hybrid smartwatches so users who don’t want a full-fledged smartwatch can go with that.
Michael Kors Smartwatches
Michael Kors is no stranger to smartwatches themselves and hardcore Kors enthusiasts love them. And that’s why there is an entire portfolio of Michael Kors smartwatches for men and women.
Fossil started out as a watch brand and ventured into other segments and Michael kors on the other hand began as a fashion brand and later ventured into watches. However, that doesn’t mean Michael Kors watches are of poor quality in any way.
Fossil Gen 5 Carlyle Vs MK Access Gen 5 Lexington
To get a perspective of what’s the best Fossil and MK has to offer let’s take a look at the best watches they have to offer.
Fossil Gen 5 Carlyle
Fossil Gen 5 is the latest flagship watch from Fossil and it is running on Wear OS by Google just like all the previous generation Fossil smartwatches. However, there are many Wear OS watches available in the market but what sets this one apart is its stylish alluring looks. This is not just another smartwatch, it’s also a fashion accessory that will get you praises every time you wear it.
Most people think that smartwatches made by lifestyle brands like Fossil might lack in the features department but let us assure it’s a fully-featured smartwatch. It comes with heart rate tracking that measures your heart beats per minute so whether you are working out or resting it can keep track of your heartbeat 24/7.
Apart from that, you can track distance ran, calories burned, steps taken, and more with the watch as it comes with fitness tracking. Moreover, Fossil Gen 5 Carlyle comes with Google Assistant so you can use your voice to set a reminder, save notes, make a call, or message someone simply using your voice.
The watch is compatible with both iOS and Android devices. Simply install the Fossil Smartwatch app on your phone to enable notification sync, read text and emails, and use the device to its fullest potential. Furthermore, the watch also has 8 GB of onboard storage so you can install all the apps you need from the Play Store.
Another great feature of the watch is the ability to pick up and make calls to anyone using the mic and speaker available on the watch. And, if you might be wondering that does the watch lags or not so let us assure you it doesn’t as it is powered by Snapdragon 3100 processor.
Michael Kors Access Gen 5 Lexington
If you like bracelet watches then Michael Kors might just have the perfect smartwatch for you. Presenting Michael Kors Access Gen 5 Lexington, an elegant-looking timepiece perfect for any occasion from weddings to high profile meetings.
The watch is not only good-looking but also comes with some impressive hardware. It features a super AMOLED display that increases watch readability without taking a toll on the battery. Moreover, the watch is powered by Snapdragon 3100 which ensures a smooth user experience.
The smartwatch comes with NFC so you can do contactless payments at any NFC-enabled merchant like Starbucks, Target, and so on. Apart from that, you can navigate anywhere without needing your smartphone as it comes with built-in GPS. It also has a heart rate tracker which can help in monitoring heartbeat per minute 24*7.
Also, you can go for recreational swimming wearing this watch as it water-resistant up to 30m.
The only shortcoming of the watch is like all the Wear OS smartwatches it offers almost 1-day battery life on heavy usage which can be let down for some. However, the watch also comes with rapid charging and you can charge the watch to 80% within an hour.
Fossil Gen 5 Vs Michael Kors Lexington Verdict
Both the watches are very similar with only a few minor distinctions. First talking about the similarities, both the watch feature same identical software and hardware feature making them almost the same.
- Both sport a Snapdragon 3100 processor
- Runs on Wear OS and have access to Play Store
- Comes with a dedicated heart rate tracker
- NFC for contactless payments
- Both have a Super AMOLED screen
Despite the similarity, Michael Kors watches are more expensive than Fossil smartwatches as it is a well-known luxury brand. And, the reason for that is Michael Kors is more popular because of its handbags, dresses, and jewelry.
Still, there is no difference between watches from both these brands when it comes to performance and in the end, it all boils down to personal taste and preference.
FAQs
Are Fossil And Michael Kors Watches The Same?
No, both have their own unique brand and identity but Fossil has the license to design, produce and distribute Michael Kors watches. So in the quality department, they are more or less the same.
Is Michael Kors A Fossil Brand?
No, Michael Kors is a separate brand, however, Fossil has the license to produce jewelry and watches under Michael Kors branding till 2024. So all the watches you buy that bear the brand name Michael Kors are designed, developed, and sold by Fossil.
Is Fossil A Luxury Brand?
No, Fossil is not a luxury brand as they make products targeted towards middle and upper-middle-class consumers. Correct examples for the luxury brands will be Gucci, Armani, Rolex, and so on.
Is Michael Kors A Luxury Brand?
Yes, Michael Kors is a luxury brand and that's why their handbags and dresses despite being expensive are adored by women all over the world.
Is Michael Kors Watch Worth The Money?
If you are looking for beautiful jewelry that also happens to be a watch then yes definitely but when talking about watch enthusiasts or collectors they will not prefer Michael Kors watches.
