Fossil ME3171

Fossil Townsman Automatic Watch ME3171 User Manual

Model: ME3171

Introduction

This manual provides essential information for the proper use and care of your Fossil Townsman Automatic Analog White Dial Leather Men's Watch, model ME3171. Please read these instructions carefully to ensure optimal performance and longevity of your timepiece.

Fossil Townsman Automatic Watch ME3171, front view with model details.

Front view of the Fossil Townsman Automatic Watch ME3171, highlighting its 44mm case, white dial, skeleton sub-eye, automatic movement, and navy leather strap.

Product Overview

The Fossil Townsman ME3171 is an automatic watch featuring a 44mm stainless steel case, a white dial with Roman numeral markers, a 24-hour sub-dial, a seconds sub-dial, and a visible skeleton movement. It is equipped with a blue leather strap and is water-resistant up to 50 meters.

Fossil Townsman ME3171 watch with callouts for features like 24-hour dial, Roman numerals, seconds dial, and automatic movement.

Detailed view of the watch dial highlighting key features such as the 24-hour dial, Roman numeral markers, seconds dial, and the automatic movement that works with hand movement and requires no battery.

Setup

Initial Winding and Time Setting

Your Fossil Townsman ME3171 is an automatic watch, meaning it is powered by the motion of your wrist. It does not require a battery. For initial setup or if the watch has stopped due to lack of movement:

  1. Manual Winding: Gently rotate the crown (located on the right side of the watch case) clockwise approximately 20-30 times. This will provide enough power reserve to start the watch.
  2. Setting the Time: Pull the crown out to the furthest position. Rotate the crown clockwise or counter-clockwise to set the hour and minute hands to the correct time. Push the crown back in to its original position to start the watch.
Side view of Fossil Townsman watch showing the crown.

Side view of the watch, illustrating the position of the crown for winding and time setting.

Adjusting the Leather Strap

The watch comes with a genuine leather strap with a tang buckle closure. To adjust the fit:

  1. Insert the pin of the buckle into the desired hole on the strap for a comfortable fit.
  2. Ensure the watch is snug but not too tight on your wrist to allow for proper movement and comfort.
Back view of Fossil Townsman watch showing the leather strap and buckle.

Rear view of the watch, showing the leather strap and tang buckle for adjustment.

Operating the Watch

Automatic Movement

The watch is powered by an automatic mechanical movement. This means it winds itself through the natural motion of your arm. When worn daily, the watch should maintain its power reserve. If the watch is not worn for an extended period (typically 36-40 hours), it may stop and require manual winding as described in the "Setup" section.

Back view of Fossil Townsman watch showing the automatic movement through the transparent case back.

Transparent case back revealing the intricate automatic movement of the watch.

Water Resistance

This watch has a water resistance rating of 50 meters (5 ATM). This means it is suitable for short periods of recreational swimming, showering, or washing hands. It is not suitable for diving, snorkeling, or high-impact water sports. Always ensure the crown is fully pushed in before any contact with water.

Note: Leather straps are generally not designed for prolonged water exposure and may degrade if frequently wet.

Maintenance

Cleaning

  • Wipe the watch case and crystal with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth regularly to remove dust and fingerprints.
  • For the leather strap, avoid harsh chemicals. If it gets wet, allow it to air dry naturally, away from direct heat or sunlight.

Storage

When not wearing the watch, store it in a cool, dry place, preferably in its original box or a watch case, to protect it from dust and scratches. If storing for an extended period, consider a watch winder to keep the automatic movement running and lubricated.

Avoiding Magnetic Fields

Automatic watches can be affected by strong magnetic fields, which may cause them to run inaccurately. Keep your watch away from strong magnets found in speakers, refrigerators, and certain electronic devices.

Troubleshooting

  • Watch Not Running: If the watch has stopped, it likely needs to be wound. Manually wind the crown 20-30 times or wear the watch for several hours to build up the power reserve.
  • Inaccurate Timekeeping: Automatic watches are mechanical and may not be as precise as quartz watches. A deviation of +/- 15-30 seconds per day is generally considered acceptable. If the deviation is significantly higher, or if the watch stops frequently despite regular wear, it may require servicing.
  • Condensation Under Crystal: If you notice condensation under the watch crystal, this indicates moisture ingress. Stop using the watch immediately and seek professional service to prevent further damage to the movement.

Specifications

FeatureDetail
Model NumberME3171
Display TypeAnalog
Movement TypeAutomatic
Case MaterialStainless Steel
Case Diameter44 Millimetres
Case Thickness11 Millimetres
Band MaterialLeather
Band Width22 Millimetres
Band ColourBlue
Dial ColourWhite
Crystal MaterialMineral Glass
Water Resistance Depth50 Metres (5 ATM)
Clasp TypeTang Buckle
Item Weight82 Grams
Country of OriginChina
Fossil Townsman watch with height and length dimensions indicated.

Image showing the approximate dimensions of the watch case: 50mm height and 45mm length.

Warranty and Support

Warranty Information

Your Fossil Townsman Automatic Watch ME3171 comes with a 2-year manufacturer warranty from the date of purchase. This warranty covers manufacturing defects under normal use.

To avail warranty services:

  • Register your product online at https://www.fossilcare.com/registration/.
  • Present your original bill copy or invoice at an authorized Fossil service center. A warranty card and stamp are not mandatory for online purchases.

Customer Support

For any service-related inquiries or feedback, please contact Fossil India customer support:

Manufacturer Contact Information: Fossil India Pvt Ltd Khata Khatoni No-147/150 Min, Village-Tipra Barotiwala Teh- Nalagarh Distt.-Solan (H.P) - 174103

© 2024 Fossil. All rights reserved. Information subject to change without notice.

Ask a question about this manual

Ask about setup, troubleshooting, compatibility, parts, safety, or missing instructions. Manuals+ will review the question and use this page’s manual context to help answer it.