Without a shadow of doubt, Fossil watches are some of the most stylish and affordable timepieces on the market today.
Since its foundation in 1984, the popular American brand has been constantly pushing the boundaries of watch design, and its collections now include some truly unique and eye-catching pieces.
Fossil offers a great variety of watch types – whether you’re looking for a casual everyday watch, something a little more special for a night out, or a feature-packed smartwatch, Fossil has something to suit everyone’s taste.
While the head-turning design of Fossil is unquestionable, the question that arises is: are these watches durable?
One of the most important factors contributing to a watch’s durability is its ability to withstand water damage.
So…
Are Fossil Watches Waterproof?
Many folks who are just beginning their journey as watch enthusiasts wrongly think that a thing such as a waterproof watch even exists.
The truth is, no watch is 100% waterproof – whether we’re talking about a ten-dollar Chinese timepiece or a 6-figure Rolex.
It just hasn’t been invented yet, and it doesn’t look like it will change anytime soon!
However…
Most Fossil Watches Are Water-Resistant
People contemplating the purchase of a Fossil watch will want to know if they’re suitable for swimming and other water-based activities.
The simple answer is that, while most Fossil watches are not designed to be worn while swimming or diving, most of them can withstand splash and rainwater without any problem.
Some models are even equipped with features such as a stopwatch and countdown timer, which can be useful for swimmers and those who love a dive.
That said, it’s always best to check the individual product listing for each Fossil watch, as some models are more water-resistant than others.
Generally speaking, the more expensive the watch, the better its water resistance is likely to be.
So, while Fossil watches may not be suitable for all water activities, they should definitely be able to stand up to the rigors of everyday life.
Does It Mean All Fossil Watches Are Water-Resistant?
The good news is, as things stand, all Fossil watches without an exception are water-resistant to some degree.
The bad news is, that the definition of water resistance is a bit vague, and it can be confusing to understand what each rating means in real-world terms.
So, what does water-resistant mean on watches?
Here’s a quick rundown of the most common water resistance ratings that you’ll find on Fossil watches, and what they actually mean:
- 30M/3ATM: These watches can withstand splashes of water, rain, and sweat but are not designed for swimming or diving.
- 50M/5ATM: These watches can be worn while swimming in shallow water but are not suitable for snorkeling. Okay for showers as well.
- 100M/10ATM: These watches can be worn while swimming and snorkeling.
At the moment, the 100M/10ATM rating is the highest you’ll find on any Fossil watch.
So, if you’re looking for a watch that you can take for professional diving trips, you’ll need to look elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below find some common questions related to the subject of Fossil watches’ waterproofness (or the lack of it).
Can I wear my Fossil watch in the shower?
For a watch to be safely worn during a shower, its water resistance rating needs to be at least 5 ATM / 50m / 164 feet.
Anything below that rating (many Fossil watches are water-resistant only to 30m) and you’re asking for trouble.
Can Fossil watches go in the water?
Yes, depending on the type of activity you want to do in the water, and the specific Fossil watch model you own.
For instance, most Fossil watches can withstand rain, sweat, and splashes without any problem.
However, if you want to take your Fossil watch for a swim, you’ll need to make sure it has a water resistance rating of at least 50M / 5 ATM.
And for snorkeling, you need to target timepieces with a water resistance of 100M / 10 ATM or higher.
Is Fossil Automatic watch-resistant?
Yes, all Fossil watches in the Automatic collection can withstand immersion in water. Most of the time, the rating for these timepieces is 5ATM / 50m.
Can I shower with my Fossil Gen 5 watch?
Fossil Gen 5 is one of the best-selling smartwatches in the brand’s offer but, unfortunately, it isn’t a bright idea to take it in the shower with you.
The reason is that, even though Fossil Gen 5 is water-resistant (30m / 3 ATM), it isn’t designed to be used in wet environments such as the shower. At best, it can withstand accidental splashes and rain.
So, if you want to keep your Fossil Gen 5 smartwatch in good shape for as long as possible, it’s best to avoid exposing it to water at all.
Conclusion
To sum things up, none of Fossil’s watches – or watches from any other brand for that matter – are truly waterproof.
However, depending on the model, Fossil watches can be water-resistant to different degrees, with some models able to withstand swimming and snorkeling, while others are only suitable for everyday activities such as rain, sweat, or accidental splashes.
Fossil is more of a fashion than sports watch brand so we shouldn’t expect their watches to be as comfortable in the water as, say, a Casio G-Shock, or professional dive watches from brands like Seiko or Citizen.
