Behind the Dial: An AMA with Fossil’s Lead Watch Designers

How Is A Watch Made? A Look Into Our World

At Fossil, we’ve spent over four decades obsessed with the fine details of timekeeping. Whether you’re a seasoned watch collector hunting for your next automatic movement or a first-time enthusiast looking to build an everyday wrist rotation, understanding what goes into a timepiece changes how you wear it. To give you an insider’s look, we sat down with two of our top watch designers: Ryan White, Senior Creative Director, and Revere Griffin, Associate Creative Director. We gathered your most-asked questions about watchmaking craftsmanship, design trends, and watch collecting—here is what they had to say.

Q: What was your first watch?

Ryan: Fossil Blue moonphase multi-function, Gray dial bracelet. It was a High school graduation gift.

Revere: My first watch was, of course, a Fossil watch. My twin brother and I grew up in rural Indiana, and back then you had to have a Fossil watch. We lived nowhere near a mall, so for our 14th birthday we picked out matching Fossil Blue watches from an Eastbay mail-order catalog.

Q: Describe the process of designing a watch from concept to launch.

Ryan: It always starts with a story. From there we sketch ideas, build prototypes, refine every detail, and work closely with engineering and our manufacturing partners until every element feels intentional. It's a long process, but getting the details right is what makes a great watch.

Q: What's the first thing you sketch when starting a new design?

Ryan: Usually the overall silhouette. The proportions of the case define the personality of the watch, and everything else is built around that.

Revere: I almost always start with the side profile, specifically the crown side of the case. If I can create an interesting silhouette from that angle, the rest of the watch usually falls into place. I like to establish the architecture of the case before diving into the finer details of the dial.

Q: Outside of watchmaking, where do you like to draw inspiration from?

Ryan: Architecture, furniture, automobiles, graphic design, and art. Especially Mid-Century Modern. Great design principles translate across every discipline.

Revere: I spend most of my time studying trends within the watch industry, but I draw just as much inspiration from menswear, furniture, and interior design. Watches tend to evolve more slowly than other areas of design, so broader shifts in style and culture often appear there first. Paying attention to those changes helps me understand not just where watch design is today, but where it's headed next.

Q: What tips do you have for someone trying to start a watch collection?

Ryan: Buy what you genuinely love, not what everyone else is buying. A collection should tell your story, not someone else's.

Revere: Try on as many watches as you can. Every watch wears differently, and spending time with them in person is the fastest way to learn what you actually enjoy. Don't be afraid to ask questions while you're browsing. Most sales associates genuinely enjoy talking about watches and can introduce you to styles or brands you may not have considered. Even if you're not ready to buy, you'll walk away with a much better understanding of what fits your taste.

Q: How do you decide between an automatic or quartz watch?

Revere: Both have their place—it really comes down to what you value. A mechanical watch is an emotional object. There's something special about wearing a tiny machine powered by springs, gears, and the motion of your own wrist. It's a blend of engineering, craftsmanship, and self-expression that can last for generations with proper care. Quartz is the practical choice. It's thinner, more accurate, more affordable, and incredibly reliable. If you want a watch that's ready to go every day with almost no maintenance, quartz is hard to beat.

Q: What watch details should people pay more attention to when shopping?

Ryan: Pay attention to the proportions, finishing, and how the watch wears on your wrist. Those details have a much bigger impact than specs alone.

Revere: Pay attention to how the case and bracelet come together. It's easy to design a beautiful dial or an interesting case, but the end link is what ties those elements together. When that transition feels seamless, it's usually a sign that every part of the watch has been thoughtfully considered.

Q: What is your current favorite Fossil watch?

Ryan: Right now, it's the new collection we've been working on, launching soon. It represents everything we're striving for. Thoughtful design, premium materials, and a timeless aesthetic inspired by Mid-Century Modern design.

Revere: Everett is probably my favorite. It sits right at the intersection of sport and dress, making it one of the most versatile watches we make. I especially love its architectural case and the way the integrated bracelet flows around the wrist, creating interesting views from every angle.

Q: What are you most excited about when it comes to future watch design? Any trends you're seeing?

Ryan: I'm excited to see watches becoming more unique again. I think the growth of vintage watch collecting has shown people that the best designs have real personality and aren't trying to follow trends. Today, people are looking for thoughtful design, lasting quality, and watches with a story to tell. To me, authenticity and timelessness are becoming the new luxury.

Revere: For most of my career, the industry has been dominated by oversized sport watches, especially dive watches. That's beginning to change. There's a growing focus on comfort, wearability, and thoughtful proportions instead of chasing bigger sizes or more extreme specifications. I think that shift opens the door to more creative design. We're seeing renewed interest in dressier silhouettes, gender-neutral sizing, and watches that prioritize distinctive design over technical one-upmanship.

Never Miss A Beat

From Mid-Century Modern inspiration to the resurgence of classic dress silhouettes, the world of watch design is constantly evolving. Don't miss out on what our creative teams are crafting next. Head to the bottom of the page and sign up for Fossil emails today to receive updates on new arrivals, special collections, and insider access.