Expert review Fossil Gen 6 Hybrid
The Fossil Gen 6 Hybrid is no longer available
The Fossil Gen 6 Hybrid is no longer being sold. Are you looking for a Fossil smartwatch? View newer models, such as the Fossil Gen 6 Display.
First impression of the Fossil Gen 6 Hybrid
The new Fossil look stylish in the box. It looks just like an analog watch, but it's thicker than regular watches. The Milanese watch strap matches with anything. It's pretty heavy, but I'm testing the large 45mm version right now. My wrist has a 14cm circumference, so a smaller 41mm would fit better. The packaging comes with a cable that I can connect to my computer.
Sleek design
It stands out that the Fossil Gen 6 Hybrid looks just like an analog watch. That's because it has real hands. But I can still see my data and messages on the screen. I think a hybrid watch like this Fossil matches my daily clothes better. The Fossil Gen 6 Hybrid is available in 2 sizes in each 2 colors. The 41mm version is best for a smaller wrist. You can choose the rose gold watch case with a black watch strap or with a rose gold steel watch strap. The 45mm version is available with a black or brown watch strap.
Health and sports functions
With the Fossil Gen 6, I can measure my heart rate the whole day, and now also my SpO2 level. This indicated the oxygen level in my blood. A high value indicates my health is fine. I can also set health goals, so I walk enough. In addition, I can see how many calories I've burned. That's useful if I want to eat an extra snack. The app allows me to see all my data at a glance. With the Fossil, you can't choose from many sports profiles, but only from a few standard sports. The metal watch strap isn't very comfortable when you exercise either.
Smart functions
It's very useful that the Fossil Gen 6 Hybrid allows me to receive messages on my wrist. I can scroll down and read them. Afterwards, I can decide to reply right away on my phone. I do notice that I can't be too far from my phone to stay connected. I can control the music via my wrist. This way, I don't have to take my phone out of my pocket to skip a song. The Fossil also has a voice assistant via Alexa, but this is in English. That's why I don't use that function often.
Long battery life
A large advantage of the Fossil Gen 6 Hybrid is the long battery life. I've tested it for a week and it's not even close to empty. This means that I can simply keep my watch on while I sleep. Because I wear the hybrid watch a lot, I can constantly check my health data. That way, they're very accurate.
Conclusion
I think the Fossil Gen 6 Hybrid is an ideal watch if you want to track basic data without too many complicated functions. If I set up my health goal, I encourage myself to exercise. To track your sports performance accurately, this Hybrid watch is less suitable. It's still useful when you want to see how many active calories you've burned and what your heartrate was during the training. I find these smart functions very useful. They show exactly what I want without distracting me.
