Introduction
This manual provides comprehensive instructions for the Fossil Gen 3 Explorist Smartwatch, model FTW4004. Designed to keep you connected wherever the road takes you, this smartwatch offers customizable features, notifications, and automatic activity tracking from hiking trails to the gym. Please read this manual thoroughly to ensure proper use and maintenance of your device.
Image: Front view of the Fossil Gen 3 Explorist Smartwatch, showing the digital display with time, date, steps, and a calendar reminder. The watch has a blue casing and a brown leather strap.
Setup
Initial Charging
Before first use, fully charge your Fossil Gen 3 Explorist Smartwatch. The device comes with an inductive charging magnet.
- Connect the inductive charging magnet (included) to a USB power source (e.g., computer USB port or a 1.5V USB adapter).
- Place your Fossil Q smartwatch onto the charging magnet. Ensure proper alignment for charging to begin.
- Allow the watch to charge until the battery indicator shows a full charge. A full charge typically takes approximately 2.5 hours from 20% to 100%.
Image: The Fossil Gen 3 Explorist Smartwatch, its charging cable, and the product packaging, including the quick start guide and warranty information.
Pairing with Your Smartphone
Your smartwatch uses Bluetooth technology to connect to your phone. For full functionality, pair it with a compatible smartphone.
- Download the Wear OS by Google app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android).
- Open the Wear OS app on your smartphone and follow the on-screen instructions to begin pairing.
- On your Fossil Gen 3 Explorist, select your preferred language and accept the terms and conditions.
- A pairing code will appear on both your watch and phone. Confirm that the codes match and proceed with pairing.
- Once paired, the watch will sync with your phone, and you can begin customizing settings and receiving notifications.
Operating Your Smartwatch
Display and Touchscreen Functionality
The Fossil Gen 3 Explorist features a full-round display with touchscreen capabilities. Navigate through menus, select apps, and interact with notifications by tapping, swiping, and long-pressing on the screen.
Button Functions
The watch includes three physical buttons for quick access to features:
- Crown Button (Middle): Press to access the app drawer or return to the watch face. Rotate to scroll through lists and notifications.
- Top Button: Customizable shortcut. Default may be fitness tracking or a frequently used app.
- Bottom Button: Customizable shortcut. Default may be Google Assistant or another frequently used app.
Image: Side view of the Fossil Gen 3 Explorist Smartwatch, highlighting the three physical buttons on the right side of the watch casing.
Notifications
Receive notifications for texts, calls, emails, and app updates directly on your watch. Swipe down from the watch face to view recent notifications. You can interact with notifications, such as replying to messages (Android only) or dismissing alerts.
Activity Tracking
The smartwatch automatically tracks your daily activity, including steps taken, distance covered, and calories burned. This data automatically syncs to your phone via the Wear OS app, allowing you to monitor your fitness progress.
Music Control
Control music playback on your smartphone directly from your watch. Access your favorite music player and manage tracks, volume, and playback status.
Voice Commands
Utilize the built-in microphone and speaker to perform various tasks using voice commands (Voice compatibility with Android OS 4.3+ only). Activate Google Assistant by pressing the designated button or saying "Ok Google" when the screen is active.
Maintenance and Care
Cleaning
- Wipe the watch case and screen with a soft, lint-free cloth.
- For leather straps, avoid prolonged exposure to water and direct sunlight. Clean with a damp cloth and mild soap if necessary, then air dry.
- For metal straps, use a soft brush to remove dirt from crevices.
Water Resistance
The Fossil Gen 3 Explorist is rated IP67 water resistant. This means it is protected against dust and can withstand immersion in water up to 1 meter for up to 30 minutes. It is suitable for everyday use and splashes, but not recommended for swimming or showering.
Battery Life
The estimated battery life is 24 hours, based on usage. To optimize battery life:
- Adjust screen brightness.
- Limit background app refresh.
- Turn off "Always-on screen" feature.
- Disable unnecessary notifications.
Troubleshooting
| Issue | Possible Cause / Solution |
|---|---|
| Watch not turning on / unresponsive | Ensure the watch is fully charged. Perform a hard reset by holding the crown button for approximately 15 seconds until the Fossil logo appears. |
| Poor battery life | Battery life varies with usage. Reduce screen brightness, disable "Always-on screen," limit notifications, and close unused apps. Initial setup and updates can consume more battery. Allow a few charge cycles for optimal performance. |
| Cannot pair with phone | Ensure Bluetooth is enabled on both devices. Restart both the watch and phone. Make sure the Wear OS app is updated to the latest version. Forget the device in your phone's Bluetooth settings and try pairing again. |
| Notifications not appearing | Check notification settings in the Wear OS app on your phone. Ensure the watch is connected via Bluetooth. Verify that the phone's notification permissions are granted to the Wear OS app. |
| Watch feels slow or sluggish | Ensure all watch apps and the Wear OS are updated. Restart the watch. Limit the number of active apps or complex watch faces. |
Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model Number | FTW4004 |
| Brand | Fossil |
| Material | Stainless steel |
| Dimensions (LxWxH) | 10 x 10 x 8 Centimeters |
| Item Weight | 249 g |
| Batteries | 1 Lithium Ion battery (included) |
| Water Resistance | IP67 |
| Interchangeable Compatibility | 22mm straps |
| Manufacturer | FOSSIL INDIA PVT LTD |
| First Available Date | 24 September 2017 |
Warranty and Support
Warranty Information
This product typically comes with a 1-year manufacturer's warranty. Please refer to the warranty card included in your product packaging for specific terms and conditions, including coverage details and how to make a claim.
Customer Support
For technical assistance, troubleshooting, or warranty claims, please contact Fossil customer support. You can find contact information on the official Fossil website or through the documentation provided with your watch.
For additional resources and FAQs, visit the official Fossil support page or the Wear OS by Google support page.
