Fossil’s long journey in the Wear OS smartwatch market has officially come to an end. Once a cornerstone of Google’s wearable ecosystem, Fossil struggled to maintain relevance amid fierce competition and shifting market dynamics. The final chapter of this story unfolded with the quiet removal of the Citizen CZ Smart Gen 2, the last Wear OS smartwatch tied to Fossil, from sale.
A Brief Legacy of Ambition and Challenges
Fossil was a key player in the early days of Google’s Wear OS platform, investing heavily and even partnering with Citizen in 2018 to diversify its offerings. Despite the ambition, Fossil failed to gain significant market share. The transition to the revamped Wear OS in 2023 presented additional challenges, and by January 2024, Fossil announced it was exiting the Wear OS market altogether, ceasing production and sales of its smartwatches.
Throughout 2024, Fossil liquidated most of its smartwatch inventory during heavily discounted sales, with prices dropping as low as $80. However, one model lingered: the Citizen CZ Smart Gen 2, a product of the Fossil-Citizen collaboration.
| Web Stories: Cybersecurity Tips To Stay Safe in 2025 |
| Web Stories: Essential Tips For Success In Virtual Learning And Online Classes |
| Web Stories |
The Tumultuous Life of the Citizen CZ Smart Gen 2
Launched in 2023, the Citizen CZ Smart Gen 2 came in two variations—Sport and Casual Unisex. The smartwatch introduced some innovative fitness features, but its rollout was plagued by issues that forced Citizen to temporarily withdraw it from the market. Despite its troubled launch, the CZ Smart Gen 2 remained available on Citizen’s website, deeply discounted, well into late 2024.
As of January 2025, the CZ Smart Gen 2 has quietly disappeared from Citizen’s online store. Archived snapshots from late December 2024 show the watch listed alongside Citizen’s hybrid models, but those listings have since been removed.
A Changing Landscape for Wear OS
With the exit of Fossil and traditional watch brands like Citizen, Wear OS has entered a new phase of growth, led by tech companies like Google and Samsung. The Pixel Watch and Galaxy Watch series have become the flagships of the platform, delivering features and performance that resonate with modern users. Brands like Mobvoi and OnePlus are also contributing to the ecosystem, ensuring a diverse range of devices.
The departure of legacy watchmakers may mark the end of an era, but it also signifies a shift in Wear OS’s trajectory. The platform, now driven by smartphone manufacturers, is evolving faster than ever, cementing its position in the competitive wearable market.
Closing the Book on Fossil’s Wear OS Journey
The removal of the Citizen CZ Smart Gen 2 marks the definitive conclusion of Fossil’s efforts in the smartwatch space. While Fossil’s ambitions with Wear OS ultimately fell short, its contributions helped shape the early days of the platform. As Wear OS continues to grow under new leadership, the legacy of Fossil’s involvement will remain a chapter in the history of wearable tech.
