Introduction
This manual provides essential information for the setup, operation, and maintenance of your Fossil Gen 3 Q Explorist Smartwatch, model FTW4005. This device combines a sleek design with advanced smartwatch functionality, featuring a digital display, a rotating crown for navigation, and a comfortable silicone strap. Please read this guide thoroughly to ensure optimal performance and longevity of your device.
Product Overview
Components

Image Description: Front view of the Fossil Gen 3 Q Explorist Smartwatch, displaying the digital black dial with time, date, step count, and a calendar notification. The watch features a round case and a black silicone strap.

Image Description: Side view of the Fossil Gen 3 Q Explorist Smartwatch, highlighting the rotating crown and two customizable push-buttons on the right side of the watch case.

Image Description: Rear view of the Fossil Gen 3 Q Explorist Smartwatch, showing the sensor array for health tracking and the magnetic charging contacts.
Controls
- Rotating Crown: Used for navigating menus, scrolling through notifications, and adjusting settings.
- Push-Buttons: Two customizable buttons for quick access to frequently used apps or functions.
- Touchscreen Display: Primary interface for interacting with the watch, including tapping, swiping, and holding.
Setup
Initial Charging
Before first use, fully charge your smartwatch. Connect the included magnetic charging cable to the charging contacts on the back of the watch and to a USB power source. A full charge typically takes approximately 3 hours.

Image Description: The Fossil Gen 3 Q Explorist Smartwatch displayed with its magnetic charging cable and accompanying user manuals, indicating the contents of the product packaging.
Powering On/Off
- To Power On: Press and hold the rotating crown until the Fossil logo appears.
- To Power Off: Swipe down from the top of the watch face, tap the gear icon for settings, then navigate to System > Power Off.
Pairing with Your Smartphone
- Ensure your smartphone is running Android OS 4.4+ (excluding Go edition) or iOS 9.3+.
- Download and install the Wear OS by Google app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
- Open the Wear OS by Google app on your smartphone and follow the on-screen instructions to pair your watch. Ensure Bluetooth is enabled on both devices.
- Accept all pairing requests and permissions on both your watch and smartphone.
Operating Instructions
Navigation
- Swipe Down: Access quick settings and notifications.
- Swipe Up: View notifications.
- Swipe Left/Right: Access tiles (widgets) like weather, agenda, or heart rate.
- Press Crown: Return to the watch face or open the app drawer.
- Rotate Crown: Scroll through lists and notifications.
Notifications
Your smartwatch displays notifications from your paired smartphone. Swipe up from the watch face to view them. Tap a notification to expand it, or swipe left/right to dismiss.
Apps
Press the rotating crown to open the app drawer. Tap an app icon to launch it. Additional apps can be downloaded via the Google Play Store on your watch.
Maintenance
Cleaning
Regularly clean your watch and strap with a soft, damp cloth. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials. Ensure the watch is dry before charging.
Strap Care
The silicone strap is durable but can be cleaned with mild soap and water. For leather straps, avoid prolonged exposure to water and direct sunlight.
Troubleshooting
Watch Not Powering On
Ensure the watch is fully charged. Connect it to the charger for at least 30 minutes before attempting to power it on again.
Connectivity Issues
Verify Bluetooth is enabled on both your watch and smartphone. Restart both devices and attempt to re-pair them through the Wear OS by Google app. Ensure the Wear OS by Google app is running in the background on your smartphone.
Short Battery Life
Battery life can vary based on usage. Reduce screen brightness, disable always-on display, limit background app refresh, and turn off unnecessary notifications to extend battery life. Ensure all system and app updates are complete, as pending updates can consume significant power.
Specifications
- Brand: Fossil
- Model Number: FTW4005
- Series: Fossil Q Explorist
- Color: Black
- Display Size: 46 Millimetres
- Operating System: Android (Wear OS by Google)
- Connectivity: Bluetooth, 802.11b Wi-Fi
- Battery Type: Lithium Polymer (rechargeable)
- Item Weight: 318 g
- First Available: 26 November 2017
Warranty and Support
Warranty Information
Your Fossil Gen 3 Q Explorist Smartwatch comes with a 2-year limited warranty from the date of purchase, covering manufacturing defects. Please retain your proof of purchase for warranty claims.
Customer Support
For further assistance, troubleshooting, or warranty claims, please visit the official Fossil support website or contact their customer service. You can find more information and support resources at www.fossil.com.





