Fossil’s Big Tic Is Back—and Ready for the Global Stage

Chronologically speaking, the 1990s are three decades behind us. Sartorially speaking, they’re very much of the moment. Just ask Gen Z, whose love for ’90s fashion is evident in everything from the generation-spanning obsession over Carolyn Bessette Kennedy’s minimalist style to the ubiquity of crop tops and cargo pants.

In the watch world, where “neo-vintage” timepieces—vintage models from the 1990s and early 2000s, from brands such as Audemars Piguet, Breguet, and Daniel Roth—are having a real moment, the latest proof of the decade’s staying power comes by way of Fossil, which in February relaunched its classic Big Tic watch with a series of limited-edition Y2K Big Tic styles. The ana-digi model, introduced in 1999, now boasts “bolder graphics, novel animations, and contemporary case designs,” according to the company.

World Flags Big Tic Brazil in 40 mm steel case, $180; Fossil

This week, Fossil rolled out another version of the Big Tic revival just in time for soccer’s biggest event, the World Cup. The World Flags Big Tic collection, which debuted on April 6, features nine country-inspired designs that emphasize the Big Tic’s signature animated seconds display. Among them are a Stars and Stripes edition that could easily double as a patriotic keepsake, a green-and-yellow Brazil tribute, and a crisp white model with red accents honoring Great Britain.

World Flags Big Tic Great Britain in 40 mm steel case, $180; Fossil

Each watch measures 40 mm and is housed in a steel case paired with a brightly colored silicone strap. In addition to the national teams cited above, the collection includes tributes to Argentina, Canada, France, Germany, Mexico, and Spain.

Priced at $180, the fan-friendly models are positioned as accessible and fun. Best of all, they’re the perfect cross-generational gifts. Boomers will appreciate them as tokens of nostalgia and Gen Z will treasure them as commemorative treasures of time well spent. Win-win all around.

Top: World Flags Big Tic USA in 40 mm steel case, $180; Fossil