Relic watches are the brainchild of the famous Fossil Group. They have been making timepieces that offer a balance of quality and value since 1984. When other watchmakers were still producing classic designs, Fossil opted to listen to current fashion tastes and create modern timepieces that quickly became highly sought after.
Fossil watches do a good job at appealing to wider audiences and can be found on the wrist of collectors and casual watch enthusiasts alike. Relic watches also have an enviable position in the market of looking more expensive than they are.
Relic Watches History
It seems that trends and money make Fossil tick, and in the favorable economic times of the 1980s that meant many households had disposable incomes. Thus creating a booming interest in luxury watches.
Things didn’t work as expected straight away, though. Fossil Watches were initially priced too high, causing potential buyers to opt for more affordable options. To counter this, the Fossil Group chose to create the Relic brand to reach a broader market. The designs were similar to their early timepieces but created with cheaper materials to sell them at more affordable prices. Even to the untrained eye of a novice watch-lover, the similarities are easy to spot.
Overall, Fossil and Relic are similar to the likes of Rolex and its sister company Tudor. One has a higher quality of components that increases the price. Still, they both enjoy a reputation for making quality timepieces.
Relic Watches Overview
Design
Similar to that of Fossil, Relic watches boast a modern look and are designed in the US. The watches can range from sporty to sophisticated with a number of different styles and watch faces to suit every need.
The Garrett Quartz Stainless Steel Sport Watch, for example, has three sub-dials that allow the wearer to track the 24 hour time and the calendar date.
Construction of the watches
Although timepieces made by the Fossil Group are predominantly made in China, Relic watches are sturdier than you might expect. Some of their sporty range features casing and bands coated in gunmetal, adding a blend of durability and style.
Choose from various styles that have features like water resistance up to 50 meters, self-winding, or automatic. These watches can cater to most tastes.
Lifespan
Relic watches are not known for their longevity. Although it is possible to get a few years out of some models, it is better to be more conservative if wearing a Relic watch every day. For most models, it is sensible to expect a lifespan of 1 – 2 years.
Price
The affordable price tag of Relic watches appeals to many consumers. Many of their watches can be purchased for less than $100. However, like many other brands, Relic still has a ‘top shelf’ collection ranging up to $200.
After Sales Service
If you need to repair or service a Relic watch, you can contact the company directly. Once the warranty has expired, expect to pay up to $18.50 for the battery and $45 for repairs. This doesn’t include shipping (depending on where you purchase the watch), but it is an affordable way of extending the life of a favorite watch.
Warranty
Relic’s 12-month functionality warranty is somewhat reassuring, as some models are more robust than others. This warranty does not cover exterior coating, just the working components.
Relic Watches Review
In this section, we are going to explore the best Relic watches available.
Relic by Fossil Casual Analog Display
Best for casual and formal crossover
One of the most popular Relic watches, the Stainless Analog Quartz is an affordable and casual option. This watch doesn’t look out of place when worn with a suit or with a sweater and jeans. Despite its minimalist design, it catches the eye with a full-sized blue mineralized crystal face, 3-hand analog display, and date window. Any watch wearer likes to feel a bit of weight on their wrist, which is why its stainless steel case gives it a sturdy feel, complemented by a stiff, perforated black silicone band.
The hands are luminous, which is a nice touch for a watch of this price, and it offers Swiss-quartz movement and water resistance up to 50 meters. However, it is not well suited to diving or snorkeling, so forget about taking this for a proper swim.
Neat extras include the 3-hand analog display and date window, topping off what is a great entry-level watch for your collection.
Pros
- Affordable
- Luminous hands
- Swiss-quartz movement
- Water-resistant up to 50m
- Sleek design
Cons
- The band can be a little stiff
Relic by Fossil Men’s Everet Quartz Metal Sport Watch
Best for style options
You can’t help but appreciate the look of the Everet Relic as the gunmetal band adds to the overall style and gives it a nice weight on the wrist. The clock face itself has a modern appeal and is available in a blueish-grey, green, and even gold-looking orange to suit various tastes. Make sure to choose a style that flatters the colors you wear most.
The Everet is water-resistant up to 30 meters which isn’t as deep as other models and doesn’t enjoy a reputation for being the most robust. It’s best to keep this watch out of the water when possible. Otherwise, you may risk damaging the Swiss-quartz movement, although it does come with a 12-month warranty.
All in all, this Relic watch has a masculine look, and you may enjoy hearing the watch’s movements, although be aware of the limitations.
Pros
- Stylish look
- Good weight on the wrist
- Multiple clock face colors are available
- Date window; day window; calendar
Cons
- Not suitable for swimming or showering
Relic Men’s Quartz Stainless Steel and Leather Casual Watch
Best budget pick
The pick of Relic’s dress watches for men is available in various styles and can be picked up for under $50. It’s easy to appreciate the blue watch face and genuine brown leather band combination that gives this watch a sophisticated edge. But certain touches set it apart from other Relics, like the crystal detail at twelve o’clock.
The Steel and Leather watch is also a very practical timepiece. The durable mineral crystal protects it from scratches, and luminous hands help to tell the time in low light conditions. A sturdy stainless steel case gives it a robust feel despite being a lightweight watch, and it can be worn in the shower thanks to its 50m of water resistance. Although to preserve the longevity of the leather we would not recommend this.
With the Swiss-quartz movement, it is a reliable timepiece and has a stylish appeal that looks more expensive than it is. Although some elements don’t feel as luxurious, this does an excellent job of looking smart on the wrist without forcing you to break the bank.
Pros
- Genuine brown leather band
- Mineral crystal protects it from scratches
- Stainless steel case
- 50m water resistance
- Very affordable
Cons
- Some prefer their dress watches a bit thinner
Relic by Fossil Men’s Damon Automatic Stainless Steel Dress Watch
Best affordable eyecatching watch
With no watch face, the Damon Relic has a skeleton dial for a modern look, especially with the black crocodile leather band. Speaking of the band, it looks good but does have a cheap feel; you are getting what you pay for here.
If you are looking for an affordable self-powered watch, the Damon is a reasonably appealing option. You may need to reset the time when you haven’t used it for a couple of days, but it gives it the feel of a high-end timepiece.
It is water-resistant up to 50 meters, but you’re not going to want to submerge it for long. With a case size of 50mm, it is a good-sized watch for those who want something on the wrist that will turn a few heads.
Pros
- Affordable
- Self-powered
- Modern skeleton dial look
Cons
- The band feels a little cheap
Final Verdict: Are Relic Watches Worth It?
It depends on what you are looking for, but Relic watches are affordable and acceptable for everyday wear.
The price point is what makes them so desirable, and there is plenty to like about some of their designs. The bigger the timepiece, the cheaper it tends to feel, try the dress watch range for the safest options.
FAQs About Relic Watches
Who makes Relic watches?
The Fossil Group makes several timepiece brands, including Relic watches. They also make timepieces, belts, wallets, clothes, and other fashion items.
What’s an average Relic watch price?
Expect to pay between $100 and $200 for a decent Relic watch, although they are available for under $50.
Are Relic If watches good?
Relic watches are known as “Plan B” watches for a reason. They are affordable, can look great but are prone to breaking within a couple of years.
Why did Fossil create the Relic brand?
The Fossil Group realized that their initial watches of the 1980s were unaffordable for many. They created Relic Watches as a way of entering a new market, where their timepieces catered for every budget.