Fossil Wrist Watches

Discount Fossil WristWatches

Fossil Watches

Richardson, Texas: April 9, 2003 - Fossil, Inc. (NASDAQ: FOSL) a leader and innovator in watch design, development and fashion accessories has announced a partnership with Microsoft to develop a fashionable new collection of watches incorporating Microsoft Smart Personal Objects Technology (SPOT).

The new Fossil watch, powered by SPOT, and available this fall in three branded versions, will enable users to receive and display timely, customized Web content at the convenient flick of a wrist.
The watch will provide consumers with convenient, instant access to personalized Web information and services – including news, weather, sports, stock quotes, instant messaging, and more. With the easy-to-use configuration Web page, users select the content they desire. Once selected, the content is broadcast over a new radio receiver solution developed by Microsoft and beamed conveniently to the watch.

“The SPOT watch is an important addition to Fossil’s growing tech division and a great innovation for the watch industry,” says Donald Brewer, Fossil’s Vice President of Technology. “Not only is it an impressive timepiece, it provides wearable, instant access to the wireless information our customers want and use in their daily lives.”

As announced by Microsoft Chairman and chief software architect Bill Gates in his keynote address at the 2003 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, SPOT based wrist wear will be low-power, low-cost and better at performing core functions, such as auto-time adjustment based on location and customizable watch faces, with SPOT enhanced, easy-to-use software.

“A leader in its category, Fossil brings a level of expertise to the design, development and marketing of watches,” says Bill Mitchell, founder and General Manager of the SPOT initiative at Microsoft. “Fossil and its associated brands brings SPOT to consumers that are hip, fashionable and young.”

Fossil plans to launch the new SPOT watch initially in three branded versions: the company’s new ABACUS™ tech brand targeting the electronics channel, the Philippe STARCK with FOSSIL® , a collection of watches designed by the well known French designer Philippe Starck, and FOSSIL®. All versions of the watches powered by SPOT are scheduled to ship for fall 2003, pricing to be determined.