If your inner 90s kid has a soft spot for comic books and mechanical watches, Fossil’s latest release might catch your eye. The brand has launched a new Marvel collection featuring two of the most recognizable heroes on the roster: Spider-Man and The Incredible Hulk. 

The Incredible Hulk Edition: Loud and Green

The Hulk watch makes a big entrance. Coming in at a chunky 45mm, it features a stainless steel case with the green giant literally bursting through the open-worked dial. Fossil leaned heavily into the classic green and purple color palette, carrying those shades through to the silicone and nylon strap.  

It’s bold, it’s loud, and it honestly looks like something Bruce Banner would accidentally break during a temper tantrum.

The Spider-Man Edition: Caught in a Web?

On the other side of the ring, we have the Spider-Man edition. This one takes inspiration from the darker 1990s comic-book era, featuring a 42mm black stainless steel case. It has a gradient dial with dimensional webbing stretching across the crystal and down onto the leather strap.  

However, I have a bone to pick with this one. While I appreciate the stealthy, moody vibe, I think the Spider-Man model is missing a bezel with interesting details. Looking at the smooth black case, I just feel like something is missing in terms of overall design. A textured bezel or some web-engraved details around the edge would have really tied the whole look together. Right now, it feels just a little too quiet for a superhero who never stops talking.

What I Love: Mechanics and Presentation

Where this collection really shines—and where I have to give Fossil serious credit—is the execution of the hardware and the presentation.

 The Movement: I really like the fact that they chose an automatic movement for these two models. A Japanese automatic movement powers both watches, visible through the partially skeletonized dials and display casebacks. Putting a mechanical heart inside a comic-book watch elevates it from a basic novelty item to a proper collector’s piece.  

 The Packaging: I genuinely like Fossil’s limited-edition watches because they pay great attention to packaging and details. In my opinion, they have some of the most beautiful packaging for limited-edition watches on the market.

Both of these pieces arrive in custom, comic-book-style boxes featuring archival Marvel cover art. Each watch is also individually numbered and includes a collectible lapel pin of The Hulk facing off against Spider-Man.  

The Verdict

The Spider-Man vs. The Hulk collection is a fun, nostalgic release. While I wish the Spider-Man watch had a bit more punch on the exterior, the inclusion of automatic movements and Fossil’s top-tier packaging make these a solid pickup for Marvel fans. Just make sure you have the wrist size to handle the Hulk.

At a retail price of around €449 for both version, they are priced above casual novelty territory, but the execution justifies it.  

So, pick your fighter.