Competition in the connected watch market has intensified over the years, especially among models running Wear OS. We can significantly cite the example of Samsung, which left Tizen in favor of Google’s operating system with the Galaxy Watch 4 in August 2021, but also the arrival of Google in this market with its Pixel Watch. Components that are undoubtedly at the core of Fossil’s decision, which chooses to leave the connected watch market today, eight years after the launch of the first model of its kind, then under Android Wear.
Fossil exits the smartwatch market
In late 2023, 9to5Mac returned to the fossil in a worrying blog post. After offering discounts of more than 50% during Black Friday and the year-end holidays, the brand has withdrawn its latest generation of connected watches, the Fossil Gen 6, from its website. We no longer find any of these models for sale at Fossil France. The connected watch segment is now limited to an armada of bracelets.
The Verge finally got the hang of the story. Jeff Boyer, Fossil’s executive vice president and chief operating officer, told American media: “As the smartwatch landscape has evolved significantly over the past few years, we have made a strategic decision to exit the smartwatch business”. Understand that Fossil is struggling to make its connected businesses profitable, as evidenced by its latest financial results. In its report published in November 2023, we can note that the sponsor of the decision adopted now: “Sales of Fossil products fell 14% at constant exchange rates, reflecting a modest contraction in the traditional watch market and more significant declines in the smartwatch and leather market.”.
Jeff Boyer confirmed that the Fossil Group has decided to redirect its resources “To support its core strengths and key areas of its business”. Thus it promotes the design and distribution of watches, jewelry and traditional leather goods, whether “Under its own brands and licensed brands”.
The Fossil Gen 6, Gen 6 Hybrid, Gen 6 Wellness and Gen 6 Hybrid Wellness will thus be the brand’s latest connected watch models. Finally, let’s remember what Jeff Boyer wants to reassure the latest buyers of his connected devices: Fossil will continue to monitor Wear OS’s software. “In the next few years”.
