Fossil Q Accomplice review

As hybrid smartwatches go, the Fossil Q Accomplice is a good one, though it doesn't exactly break a great deal of new ground.

This is a watch that proves a screen and a rechargeable battery are not prerequisites for the inclusion of smart and useful functions. Its stylish, high-quality design really work in its favour and the lengthy battery life is great for those overwhelmed by the number of devices they have to charge every day.

Cross compatibility with iOS and Android is, of course, always a welcome feature. Though the Accomplice's hybrid nature means it's not quite as accomplished as a fully-fledged smartwatch in terms of the features it can offer, it does the basics well.

However, the lack of tools to remove the watch's links is an inconvenience and is likely to prove annoying for those who purchase the watch online and don't live near a Fossil store. Weak haptic feedback is also somewhat problematic as there's little point to receiving notifications if you don't actually notice that you're receiving them. 

Who's it for?

If you're used to wearing a traditional fashionable watch but you're intrigued by the idea of smartwatch capabilities, the Fossil Q Accomplice is a good way to test the waters. 

It offers the basic benefits of remotely controlling your smartphone and receiving notifications without forcing you to sacrifice the style and lengthy battery life of a traditional watch. 

If you find yourself less than enamored with the smart features you can always revert back to having a perfectly nice watch, no money wasted.

Should I buy it?

Looking for an affordable stylish hybrid watch that has the most basic smart functions and a long lasting battery? Then this is the option for you. 

As far as design goes, it's attractive with a good range of color options and it should be a nice fit for most wrists. If, however, you're looking for something slightly smaller then you might want to look towards Skagen's new compact hybrids which look just as good and come in at a similar price but have a much smaller 36mm case.  

If you're looking for a fully-fledged smartwatch or fitness tracker, you won't find it here. Basic notifications, limited remote controls and step counting are the Fossil Q Accomplice's forte and those looking for more would be better served looking towards devices that support Android Wear 2.0.

You should buy this watch if you’re not interested in heavy-duty fitness functions and are simply looking for something elegant and simple that will keep you connected to your phone without having to constantly look at it, this is an elegant and simple solution.

First reviewed: November 2017