So yes, I may be, just may be, a bit of a watch hoarder. I still have about 20 old dumb watches in my drawer that I just can't bear to part with, despite the fact that I've worn nothing but smart watches (yes, watchES) for over six years now. I've had about five full-on Android smart watches, and now have (yikes!) about eight or nine hybrids. I thought that that excessive smart and smarter watch collection puts me in good stead to review this watch, and also give some information about the hybrid versus smartwatch thing.
So, this is a hybrid watch, meaning that it looks just like a regular old-fashioned watch most of the time. It has three buttons on the side which you can program (and change whenever you'd like) on the accompanying app. I usually have mine set so that the top one shows you notifications, the middle one the date, and the bottom one turns on and off the music (or podcast, or whatever) that is playing on my phone. The way the notifications work is that you set it up, for example, so that the hands will point to 1 on the watch every time I get a notification from my wife. You can also include notifications from apps (I have different numbers set for ebay notifications, my doorbell app, other contacts, etc.). So, while there is no display to actually READ the notification, it will buzz your wrist every so often, you can see where the notification is coming from, and can then know whether or not you want to take out your phone. It does work well for turning on and off music (I ride a motorcycle, and it's particularly useful there), without having to scroll through screens on a real smart watch. You can also program the buttons to do things like finding your phone, or telling you when you will arrive at a saved destination (work, home).
I've gone to using the hybrids about 80% of the time, and using my "real" smart watches the rest. Your usage may vary, and it may be the relative novelty of these things that have hooked me. But I DO like the way the look way better than even my fancy Huawei watch (which is pretty styling), and I usually don't miss all the functionality of the true smart watches most of the time. However, if I'm working in my shop and don't want to have to take my phone out at all, I'll put on a true smart watch so I can actually see my notifications, etc.
I own (yes, I know) hybrids from Skagen (a division of Fossil), Timex, Emporio Armani, Chaps, and Fossil (these). These fossil commuters are the ones i like best, though all are pretty nice. They have a more substantial, slightly heavier feel than the Skagens, and the numbers and such are a bit more readable (though with my 50-something eyes, the date numbers are next to useless without glasses). The app is great and intuitive, and they just look great on my wrist (a normal to smallish man's wrist, I'd say). I have it in three different finishes, and the fourth is on the way!!!!
Hope this is helpful, and please like my review if, well, you liked it!
Customers also viewed these products
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
Reviews with images
Second time is the charm
This is the second time I got this watch. I had trouble syncing this to the first app. The first watch I sent back even after talking to tech support. Ended up buying another Hybrid from Fossil the Nate. I had a better time with the Nate but it has smaller complications and I am getting a bit farsighted and really wanted the Commuter for the larger complication. Was having the same exact problems with the app and syncing so I tried to delete the app and reload it. To my surprise there was a newer version of the app entirely that downloaded synced just fine first try. Works much better with the two watches and this watch is working great and I love it so far. Band is just the right stiffness for me. watch is comfortable on my wrist. The complication is much easier to read than the Nate. As far as activity tracking I am not impressed with Fossil Hybrids. Pretty limited. The new application seems much improved in layout and ability to now sync with the Commuter however it has lost the ability to set alarms. I can press the plus to add an alarm set it and do everything but give it an name and without a name I can't save it (See Screenshot). I expect this bug will be addressed in a update soon however seems like a short lived over site. Overall I am happy with the perchance this time and am happy with the look and feel of this watch.
Top reviews from other countries
Nishant
Stylish watch
Reviewed in India on April 9, 2023
Nishant
Reviewed in India on April 9, 2023
Images in this review
miguel angel gonzalez moreno
Excelente reloj 10 de 10
Reviewed in Mexico on September 9, 2019