Relic watches are the brainchild of the famous Fossil group. They’ve been making watches that strike a balance between quality and value since 1984. When other watchmakers were still producing classic models, Fossil chose to listen to current fashion tastes and create modern timepieces that quickly became highly sought after. .

Fossil watches do a good job of appealing to a wider audience and can be found on the wrists of collectors and casual watch enthusiasts. Relic watches also hold an enviable position in the market by looking more expensive than they are.

History of relic watches

It seems trends and money make Fossil tick, and in the good economic times of the 1980s, that meant many households had disposable income. Thus creating a growing interest in luxury watches.

Things didn’t go as planned right away, however. Fossil watches were initially too expensive, prompting potential buyers to opt for more affordable options. To counter this, the Fossil group chose to create the Relic brand to reach a wider market. The designs were similar to their first watches but created with less expensive materials to sell them at more affordable prices. Even to the untrained eye of a novice watch enthusiast, the similarities are easy to spot.

Overall, Fossil and Relic are similar to Rolex and its sister company Tudor. We have a higher quality of the components which increases the price. Yet they both have a reputation for making quality watches.

Overview of Relic watches

Design

Similar to Fossil, Relic watches have a modern look and are designed in the USA. Watches can range from sporty to sophisticated with a number of different styles and dials to suit every need.

the Garrett Quartz Stainless Steel Sports Watch, for example, has three sub-dials that allow the wearer to track the 24-hour time and calendar date.

Construction of watches

Although watches made by the Fossil Group are mostly made in China, Relic watches are tougher than you might think. Some of their sporty lines feature gunmetal coated cases and bracelets, adding a mix of durability and style.

Choose from different styles that have features such as water resistance up to 50 meters, self-winding or self-winding. These watches can cater to most tastes.

Lifetime

Relic watches are not known for their longevity. While it’s possible to squeeze a few years out of some models, it pays to be more conservative if you wear a Relic watch every day. For most models, it is reasonable to expect a lifespan of 1-2 years.

Price

The affordable price of Relic watches appeals to many consumers. Many of their watches can be had for less than $100. However, like many other brands, Relic still has a “premium” collection up to $200.

After sales service

If you need a Relic watch repaired or serviced, you can contact the company directly. Once the warranty expires, expect to pay up to $18.50 for the battery and $45 for repairs. It doesn’t include shipping (depending on where you buy the watch), but it’s an affordable way to extend the life of a favorite timepiece.

guarantee

Relic’s 12-month feature guarantee is somewhat reassuring, as some models are sturdier than others. This warranty does not cover the exterior coating, only the functional components.

Review of relic watches

In this section, we are going to explore the best Relic watches available.

Relic by Fossil Casual Analog Display

Ideal for casual and formal crossings

One of the most popular Relic watches, the stainless steel 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-size blue mineralized crystal dial, 3-hand analog display and date window. Any watch wearer likes to feel a little weight on their wrist, so its stainless steel case gives it a sturdy feel, complemented by a stiff, perforated black silicone strap.

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 for diving or snorkeling, so forget about taking it for a good swim.

Neat extras include the 3-hand analog display and date window, completing what is a great entry-level watch for your collection.

Advantages

• Affordable
• Luminous hands
• Swiss quartz movement
• Waterproof up to 50m
• Elegant design

The inconvenients

• Band can be a bit stiff

Relic by Fossil Everet Men’s Quartz Metal Sport Watch

Great for styling options

You can’t help but appreciate the look of the Everet Relic as the bronze strap adds to the overall style and gives it a nice weight on the wrist. The dial itself has a modern appeal and comes in a bluish gray orange, green and even gold to suit all tastes. Be sure to choose a style that flatters the colors you wear the most.

The Everet is waterproof to 30 meters, which isn’t as deep as other models and doesn’t have a reputation for being the toughest. It is best to keep this watch out of water when possible. Otherwise, you risk damaging the Swiss quartz movement, although it comes with a 12-month warranty.

Overall, this Relic watch has a masculine look and you might enjoy hearing the movements of the watch, but be aware of the limitations.

Advantages

• Stylish look
• Good weight on the wrist
• Multiple clock face colors are available
• Date window; day window; calendar

The inconvenients

• Not suitable for swimming or showering

Relic Men’s Quartz Stainless Steel and Leather Casual Watch

Best Budget Pick

Relic’s selection of men’s dress watches come in a variety of styles and can be had for less than $50. It’s easy to appreciate the combination of the blue dial and the brown genuine leather strap that gives this watch a sophisticated edge. But some touches set it apart from other Relics, like the crystal detail at noon.

The Steel and Leather watch is also a very practical timepiece. The durable mineral crystal protects it from scratches and the luminous hands help tell the time in low light conditions. A sturdy stainless steel casing gives it a sturdy feel despite its light weight, and it can be worn in the shower thanks to its 50m water resistance. Although to preserve the longevity of the leather, we do not recommend it.

With the Swiss quartz movement, it’s a reliable watch and has a sleek appeal that looks more expensive than it is. While some of the elements don’t feel quite as luxurious, it does a great job of looking smart on the wrist without forcing you to break the bank.

Advantages

• Genuine brown leather strap
• Mineral crystal protects it from scratches
• Stainless steel case
• 50m water resistance
• Very affordable

The inconvenients

• Some prefer their dress watches a little thinner

Relic by Fossil Damon Automatic Stainless Steel Men’s Watch

Best affordable eye-catching watch

Without a watch face, the Damon Relic has a skeleton dial for a modern look, especially with the black crocodile leather strap. Speaking of the band, it looks good but has a cheap feel; you get what you pay for here.

If you’re looking for an affordable self-powered watch, the Damon is a reasonably attractive option. You may need to reset the time when you haven’t used it for a few days, but it gives it the feel of a high-end watch.

It’s waterproof to 50 meters, but you won’t want to submerge it for long. With a case size of 50mm, this is a good sized watch for those who want something on the wrist that will turn a few heads.

Advantages

• Affordable
• Self-powered
• Modern Skeleton Dial

The inconvenients

• Band feels a bit cheap

Final Verdict: Are Relic Watches Worth It?

It depends on what you’re looking for, but Relic watches are affordable and acceptable for everyday wear.

The price is what makes them so desirable, and there’s a lot to love about some of their designs. The larger the watch the less expensive it tends to be, try the dress watch range for the safest options.

Relic Watch FAQs

Who makes Relic watches?

The Fossil Group manufactures several brands of watches, including Relic watches. They also make watches, belts, wallets, clothes and other fashion items.

What is the average price of a Relic watch?

Expect to pay between $100 and $200 for a decent Relic watch, though it’s available for less than $50.

Are Relic If watches any good?

Relic watches are known as “Plan B” watches for a reason. They are affordable, can be beautiful but tend to break within a few years.

Why did Fossil create the Relic brand?

The Fossil Group realized that their first watches from the 1980s were unaffordable for many. They created Relic Watches as a way to enter a new market, where their watches catered to all budgets.