Fossil Smartwatches Reviews

by Incrediblyhannah

My fossil hybrid HR watch is gorgeous and I love that I get some smart watch utility with a normal-looking timepiece. However, it’s wild to me that I can’t get notifications from the Apple iOS reminders app. It’s not a supported app.

Additionally, I can’t get my text messages delivered to my watch unless my settings allow the full message to display on my phone screen when it’s locked (I just want to know that XYZ person texted me, I don’t want anyone who picks up my phone to be able to read the messages I have received.) it’s fine that I can’t read the full message on my phone if the setting is not to display on my phone, but to be unable to get any notification at all unless the message previews are turned on for my phone is ridiculous.

This lack of utility without compromising security is a real problem and if I’d known FossilSmartwatches /system would struggle so much, I’m not sure i would have paid the >$200 for this watch.

by Jun Yin

I have a hybrid smartwatch HR for a few month now. The watch works great and provides all functions that I just need including notifications, activity tracking, find my phone, and long battery life.

But recently FossilSmartwatches stopped working. It is always stuck on about 90% syncing progress for a few minutes and crashes. I noticed longer syncing time a while ago but it could still get through to finish the sync. Now it cannot any more. The notifications still work but I can’t change the settings now, because while syncing, FossilSmartwatches loses response on UI.

I think the sync function has at least two problems. First, the sync actually has almost done at 90% because I can see the data like steps has been updated on the UI. I don’t know why it crashes and cannot just finish there.

The second problem is that the sync operation should be implemented in the background, but not freeze the UI. I don’t care too much about the sync but sometimes I want to change settings. Now because the sync cannot be finished, nothing in FossilSmartwatches works anymore. I hope FossilSmartwatches can be updated to resolve these issues.

by Johnathan125

I got the fossil Garrett hybrid as a Christmas gift! I’m a watch fanatic, as a first time user of a hybrid or smart watch of any kind I thought this was awesome! It held the “old” timeless look of the watch while having the moderen day functions of a smart watch. It worked for a month and I would get on FossilSmartwatches a couple times a day and track my steps then in the morning track my sleep schedule. Then about a week ago the watch wouldn’t sync to FossilSmartwatches , however I was still getting vibrations from notifications I have programed into the watch. The watch was still connected via Bluetooth to my phone but refused to sync with FossilSmartwatches and after countless times talking to people on customer support they didn’t have a clue and would throw me around to “higher up professionals” to help with the issue, and still nothing but after some research come to find out that many people have/had this issue as far back as 2 years ago. Therefore this is an on going issue that has not been addressed. And I’m highly disappointed with fossil.

by Hahsbfnidjs

I love the software on this watch. I have a few problems though. First of this watch has the same type of screen as a kindle so it can stay on all the time. Sounds cool right? But when I bring it outside for an hour of sunlight for the next month my watch would have screen burn in issues. Another issue I have is that I woke up this morning and my watch face is gone. I tried syncing it again but it won’t sync and the no connection to phone pop up on the bottom of the watch is popping on and off. I have a xr and I have tried Turing off Bluetooth and then I tried resetting the watch but nothing is working. The time on my watch isn’t even correct anymore. But when this watch is working, which is about 60 percent off the time, it’s absolutely amazing. I especially love the music controls and how sleek and easy they are to work. If you are wondering about battery life, even when it’s not working the best, I get about 2-3 weeks of life from it. But the last thing I have to say is that FossilSmartwatches frustrates me. I have no problem seeing my fitness stuff, but when I go into customization it glitches out. It’s so hard to customize my watch now. And the connect challenge is a great idea, but I don’t know anyone who has a Fossil Hybrid, but if I did it would be a great idea. Overall is a great first try by Fossil but needs a lot of work. Software is great, hardware is not.

by Sky12brianna

Every few weeks, FossilSmartwatches refuses to sync data with my watch and suddenly drops it. The notifications still work, so it often takes me a while to notice. At that point a month of data is missing, which is the whole reason I was interested in this watch. Thankfully, each time this has happened I have eventually been able to get the watch to sync again and restore the missing stats by essentially playing with it for a half hour—turning my phone on and off, turning Bluetooth on and off, removing it from my Bluetooth menu so that FossilSmartwatches prompts me to add it again, etc. However, this has been very frustrating. FossilSmartwatches has also permanently shown a low battery sign after the first time I replaced it, which means it gives me no indication of the actual battery life and I have to guess at when that really needs to be changed. This watch would be a much better purchase if FossilSmartwatches were more cooperative. It doesn’t seem to be very well integrated.

by EMans247

Lost a star for me. I’ve had this watch over a year and a half now with little app updates. Still can’t look at sleep statistics closer (such as a slider that depicts at what time something occurred), still can’t delete/edit sleep logs, still can’t delete workout logs... I really don’t like how FossilSmartwatches can auto sense and log workouts now. Terrible idea if I can’t delete them. Apparently I used a rowing machine for 5 minutes while still in bed this morning........
These are some extremely basic things. Hopefully we see these improvements soon cause I am loosing interest and find myself recommending it less and less. So much great potential too!

by Rilke G

I love the new update of FossilSmartwatches. It looks much more modern and has a lot more features that I like. However, the old version of FossilSmartwatches would automatically set notifications to "do not disturb" when I turned on "do not disturb" for my phone. Now I have to manually go into FossilSmartwatches and turn it off and on. I do NOT want my watch to vibrate while I'm trying to sleep!!!!!!! And I never remember to turn notifications back on in the morning in FossilSmartwatches , because who the hell would think to do that, which results in me missing important phone calls and texts. Please get rid of this stupid "feature" or at least make it possible to disable the separate "do not disturb" option so it will sync with phone settings like it used to.

by Alby724

I’ve wanted to get into smart watches in the last year but have not had chance to buy (plus they are expensive still, for me). I decided to give Fossil Hybrid Watch a try - as an introductions to smart watches. So far - I love it! Its simple and provides me with the information I need to stay notified. FossilSmartwatches itself is simple, aesthetically pleasing, and intuitive. The only improvement I would add the watch is to include more options for notifications on the Hybrid watch. For ex: I am not allowed to adjust my watch to notify me whenever I receive an iMessage. I can adjust it to notify when a specific person on my contacts writes to me, but no general messages (however, I am allowed to include all messages from Whatsapp so it is a slight gripe). Anyway, I would recommend a Fossil smartwatch to anyone seeking a clean looking watch with minimal features (or anyone looking to breakaway from the Samsung/Apple)

by Skflfnemdlf

The whole point of the hybrid watch is that it has some “smart” functionalities that can be set and tracked with FossilSmartwatches . I would like to see a wider variety of smart functions. It also tends to be quite buggy. I love the music control option, but I often find my phone randomly starts playing music, and since the last update the music control doesn’t work at all. It also seems that the step and sleep tracking is pretty inaccurate. I was really hoping the hybrid watch and app would work well, but there’s still a few things that need to be worked out.

EDIT: Apprciate the developer response and fix to the bugs, the music function works again. Still would love additional functionalities, but I’m happy that FossilSmartwatches gets updated to make sure things are working.

by Jaredhmt

After over a year of use, I am happy with all the improvements that have come out! The next major feature I would love is better integration with Apple health (exporting runs and other workouts) and integration with other apps like Strava.

I’m loving my new hybrid watch. However, I think there are some features that could improve the watch experience.
One thing I would like to see is Siri Shortcuts integration for stuff like switching watch faces. Saying something like ‘I’m gonna workout’ to Siri would switch to my workout watch face with health stats and access to my workout and music controls via the buttons.
I’m excited to see the changes that are in the pipeline.

by Mkeekee

I down graded the rating from 5 stars to 4. After I wrote my review, the watch/app started having a mind of its own. It is not tracking my sleep correctly at all. The main function I care about tracking. It is still fine, and I try to check it every day, but frustrating. I have had this watch over a year. I wanted a smart watch that looked like a regular watch. I wish I had thought about the second hand, though. (The first app was horrible, this started at about a 2.5 stars, but now I do highly recommend it! The new feature of being able to track your own goal is handy (if you want to use it). But I use it to track my sleep as it is irregular. So, yes...worth it!

by Lucy Anh1

I like hybrid watches because I don't want everything that comes with a regular smart watch. Fossil's app, as-is, performs well. I've never had issues with synchronization of information, the application of customizations has gone off without a hitch, and in short FossilSmartwatches does what it advertises it will. I'd like the ability to change recorded stats though. For example sometimes I read in bed (never mind the online opinions that tell me not to), but my watch will record has sleeping. Similarly sometimes I pause my workout (when im setting up for something else for example) but will forget to resume. Otherwise great app.

by Jana MH

I had an Apple Watch but didn’t like some features and wanted something less connected to my phone. At first I thought having an Apple Watch would meals me less dependent on my phone but I found it extremely intrusive. I gave it away. Then, I tied the Fossil and I LOVE it! I can chose to get notifications or not. I can set alarms and notifications and it tracks my sleep which I love but the best part is I NEVER HAVE TO TAKE IT OFF TO CHARGE IT every night (or every other night). I go FOUR MONTHS or more on a battery. This is the best!

by Rattlerabbit

I’m a bit old school, don’t really like the tech these days. Resistant, you could say. But I, like most, am leashed to my cell phone. With a family, and career. I need to be connected. I wanted a watch with hands and minutes and numbers like the old days. While shopping the fossil site. This watch caught my attention. Simply with classic style and primitive low key posture. Then as I read further I saw it was a smart watch! DANG, I thought.. I just wanted a plain classic watch. Well after getting it because of its beauty. I went ahead and paired it to my phone. WOW! I love it! It’s given me freedom I forgot we had. And the ‘Ring my phone” feature is BRILLIANT!!! For a busy guy like me, it’s been a fantastic distraction! I’ll never get stuck in an unwanted conversation again! “Oh, excuse me, I gotta take this call!” We’ll catch up later! Steve out!

by JulieA14

So far I am loving this watch. Wanted a watch that looked like a watch (not a mini phone) and acted like a watch (not a mini phone) but that had the functionality of a smart watch...just the few things I needed. I don’t need another phone! It alerts me when I’ve received a text message or have a phone call from the people I’ve selected, so I don’t feel the need to be always attached to my phone and can discreetly attend to them and it tracks fitness and sleep. App has been easy to use and I’ve gotten lots of compliments on how it looks...bc it just looks like an attractive watch!

by Judy_Wolf

The hybrid smartwatch and fossil app are a perfect fit for anyone who wants to stay conscientious of their activity level without announcing to everyone that you’re wearing a fitness tracker! It pairs easily with my iphone. The alarms are wonderful for waking gently or reminders during the day. I love also that the bands are easily changeable. I have several different colors to match whatever I’m wearing. Also, I have some of the buttons programmed to control the music or podcasts on my phone which is very convenient! I’m very pleased with this. I’ve had it for a year or so and owned a fitbit and a jawbone previously. If you’re on the fence, give it a try!

by Itybityredhead

The Charter hybrid watch is exactly what I’ve wanted since smart watches became a thing. I don’t want a phone on my wrist, but I do want the ability to see if a notification warrants my full attention or if it’s just something that can wait until I have a moment. I’m a mom of 3 and have a small business that depends on social media interaction, so I’ve been feeling overwhelmed with watching every buzz in case it’s a potential client. Now, I know if it’s just my last text convo replying “ok” or whatever.

FossilSmartwatches has been smooth, my phone doesn’t seem any slower or down battery. I dunno what exactly FossilSmartwatches should do, but I haven’t run into problems.

by Rosaphilimine

I bought the fossil hybrid HR with the hopes of being notified of my emails phone calls and text messages. I have an iPhone 7 Plus, yes it’s a little bit behind, but I like my phone. I cannot figure out why my regular iPhone text messages are not being received on my watch. When I try to customize my notifications the option of my text messages from my iPhone is not there. I’m very busy during the day I need the ability to see if my text messages are important or not important as I am a working mom who needs to know if there’s an emergency that I have to attend to. All the other bells and whistle‘s are nice but not what I bought the watch for.

by Alexander Lynn

The if FossilSmartwatches could make it so this watch could display your next turn and the street name on navigation it would be fantastic. A simple arrow at the top of the screen pointing left, right, straight, or U-turn would be great. The street name could go right at the bottom. That would be fantastic. To make it perfect showing a distance counter that updates every 15 second would also be fantastic. It could display the new distance every minute if several miles remain, and update quicker as the next turn occurs. Other than that some more customization of the circles in some watch faces would be nice. Orbit for example cannot be changed at all.

by Jason Shaver

I had no idea about these hybrids but I’m so glad I wandered into the Fossil store last week. I have a Garmin that I’ve worn for years but it’s bulky and I no longer need all that capability. I wanted something small yet smart but Fitbits are too wide for my narrow wrist. This watch is so stylish, plus it tracks my steps, which is what I wanted. Another of my favorite features is that the watch allows you to create alerts for up to 12 contacts who call or text. This is done via a Bluetooth connection to your cell. So, for example, if the watch vibrates and the hands go to 1:00, I know it’s my oldest son. Who knew a cute watch could be smart like that?! I’m like a kid in a candy store with this. Definitely recommend!

by Beaustopher

My iPhone automatically goes to “Do Not Disturb” mode from 11PM-8AM each night. The old version of FossilSmartwatches recognized this and would not vibrate during those hours. With the new version, it has a (pointless) separate setting outside the iPhone’s native settings. So if I forget to manually turn on “Do Not Disturb” INSIDE FossilSmartwatches , and get a text in the middle of the night (friends in different time zones, for example) it wakes me up as I also use the watch for sleep tracking. This is a useless setting that didn’t used to be part of FossilSmartwatches . Please get rid of it, or at least give the option for the watch to mirror the iPhone’s native “Do Not Disturb “ settings. It’s EXTREMELY annoying. Outside of the new UI, I have hated the new version of FossilSmartwatches. Tons of bugs and problems with literal months between releases and simple bugfixes. Would love to give this five stars again someday.

by Rxagjuv

I’ve had a fossil Smartwatch for years. I’ve loved it. Been my favorite fossil purchases and I’ve been buying Fossil products since they sold clothes!!
I have two watches that look like normal watches without all the fancy stuff, just the vibrations and button options.
Ever since the Apple software update (iOS 11) though there is NO REASON to have this watch.
Normally, if you get a notification your watch will vibrate.
However, now ONLY IF YOU HAVE YOUR NOTIFICATIONS TO “PREVIEW ALWAYS” do you get any vibration on your phone.

So if you like any sense of privacy and you don’t want your messages being displayed on your Apple home screen for the world to see then don’t bother with this watch.

I used to get a notification buzz with the notification setting of “preview - never”
Now Fossil hasn’t fixed it so that you can have privacy on your messages, they want people to be able to see your messages on your home screen apparently.

Fix it Fossil, my privacy is important to me and I should have my watch vibrate and let me know if incoming messages and calls WITHOUT having “Preview - Always” on.

Don’t bother getting this watch!

by E33414

I have had my hybrid since last year, and up until the latest app update, I have nothing but rave reviews. But, since the update, I have had nothing but problems.
#1- I lost a whole week of data after FossilSmartwatches update.
#2- I got my battery replaced at the Fossil store & had to reinstall FossilSmartwatches . After reinstallation, ALL of my information is gone.
#3- Just to add insult to injury, FossilSmartwatches is still sending me messages that my battery is dead 13 hours after I had it replaced!!!
This is unsatisfactory and will not be using any more Fossil products. I have supported you guys for many years, but you just dealt me a huge loss, asI was using my information for a yearly fitness challenge with my company. Almost a whole year down the drain......😤

by Tt_d

I love my HR Watch, and FossilSmartwatches is useful.

However, there seems to be problems with the memory of FossilSmartwatches :

It does not remember all my data through the weeks (I have it since last December), and only basic numbers remain while my heart diagram, exercises heart beat, etc. disappear.

I love the new function which let you change the watch face by an image. But when I get back to FossilSmartwatches , it does not remember the image, so if I want to adjust the image, I have to choose it again.

It does not remember my settings, such as which contacts are my favorites, which apps can send notifications to my watch, etc.

Besides, I would love to be able to delete some of the data which I find inaccurate, just like with my Health app on my iPhone.

Further, I usually take naps during the noon, but only in 2-3 occasions that FossilSmartwatches register this sleep data. So I think the accurate of the sleeping monitor should be improved.

In general, it seems FOSSIL needs some serious improvements for FossilSmartwatches to be fully satisfactory! Keep it up, fix these bugs, allow more apps to use the notification, and FossilSmartwatches will be a 5 star to me!