Review of the Fossil Machine Men’s Watch FS5251SET
When it comes to wristwatches that blend style, functionality, and durability, Fossil has established itself as a leading brand, and the Fossil Machine Men’s Watch FS5251SET is a prime example of this commitment. This watch, which was introduced in 2016, boasts a sophisticated design alongside a host of practical features that make it suitable for any occasion, from casual outings to formal events.
Design and Aesthetics
The Fossil Machine FS5251SET features a round case made of stainless steel, with a case diameter of 42 millimeters and a thickness of 12 millimeters, making it a robust yet stylish piece. The black dial is beautifully contrasted with brown and cream accents, creating an elegant appearance that draws the eye. The hardened mineral crystal lens is not only scratch-resistant but also enhances the watch’s overall durability.
One of the standout features is the genuine leather band, which comes in a dark brown color. With a band width of 22 millimeters and a length of 9.75 inches, it provides a comfortable fit for most wrist sizes. The adjustable buckle closure ensures a secure fit, making it suitable for any activity, whether you’re in a boardroom or out for a night on the town. The watch is also interchangeable with all 22mm Fossil watch straps, offering added versatility for those who like to mix and match.
Functionality
The Fossil Machine FS5251SET is not only visually appealing but also functional. It features a quartz movement that guarantees precision timekeeping. The analog display includes three subdials for tracking minutes, seconds, and a 24-hour time format, along with a date window that adds to its practicality. The chronograph function serves as a stopwatch, making it useful for timing events or activities.
Water Resistance
With a water resistance depth of 165 feet (50 meters), this watch is suitable for recreational swimming and showering, but it’s important to note that it is not designed for diving or snorkeling. The watch’s water resistance adds to its versatility, allowing it to withstand everyday conditions without worry.
User Experience
The watch has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from users. Many have praised its stunning design and quality craftsmanship. One user described it as a “Goldilocks watch,” noting that everything about it feels “just right.” From the packaging to the watch’s weight, which strikes a balance between feeling substantial yet comfortable, the user experience is commendable. Fossil is known for its thoughtful packaging, and this watch comes in a sturdy tin container with a foam insert that protects it during shipping.
The watch’s presentation is also appealing, making it an excellent gift option. One reviewer shared that they purchased it as a Christmas gift and that their husband loves it. The combination of the watch and the included leather bracelet further enhances its value, providing a complete look that is both stylish and comfortable.
Limitations
While the watch has many merits, it is not without its drawbacks. A few users have noted that the all-black variant can be challenging to read in low light conditions, as the luminosity is not particularly strong. One reviewer pointed out that while it looks great, it can be quite difficult to tell the time unless you are in good lighting. This is an important consideration for those who might need a watch that is easily readable under various lighting conditions.
Conclusion
The Fossil Machine Men’s Watch FS5251SET is an exceptional timepiece that combines style, functionality, and durability. It makes a chic statement on the wrist and is versatile enough to fit into any wardrobe. With its quality craftsmanship, attractive design, and practical features, it is a worthy investment for anyone looking to elevate their watch collection.
Rating: 4.5/5
This watch earns high marks for its aesthetic appeal, reliable functionality, and overall user satisfaction, while the minor readability issue in low light conditions prevents it from receiving a perfect score. Nevertheless, it remains a highly recommended choice for both watch enthusiasts and casual users alike.
Daniel Pérez Alonso –
Fossil consistently impresses, with quick shipping.
WillyOne –
I would describe this as a Goldilocks watch—everything about it is “just right.” All Fossil watches come beautifully packaged in either a round or, as in this case, a square tin container filled with firm, dense foam that cradles the watch snugly in a cutout. This container is placed inside a larger shipping box, surrounded by air-pillow padding, ensuring the watch arrives in perfect condition. Upon opening the container, you’ll find a small booklet with instructions for registering the watch with Fossil and guidance on setting the watch functions, date, time, and chronograph. The instructions on their website are top-notch. When you take the watch out of its cozy spot, it still has the original price tag attached to the buckle and a thin protective film covering the watch crystal.
The weight of the watch is just right—it’s substantial enough to convey excellent quality, yet not overly heavy. I’ve worn it daily since it arrived, and it has quickly become the most comfortable watch in my collection. The patterned silicone strap enhances the overall look of the watch; the silicone is extremely flexible and has a softness to it. I typically worry about silicone straps causing wrist perspiration, but so far, that has not been an issue with this one.
The size of the watch is also perfect. While many watches trend towards larger sizes, this one measures 45mm, which feels large but does not overwhelm my slim 7″ wrist. I own several watches ranging from 44mm to 50mm, and they often feel bulky, but this one does not. The relatively slim 12mm thick case contributes to its comfortable fit.
Setting the watch is straightforward. You pull the stem out one position and rotate it until the day before the current date appears, then pull the stem out to the second position to adjust the hands until the date clicks over to the current date. After that, continue rotating the hands to the correct time, ensuring to go past 12 o’clock for PM settings so the date changes correctly at midnight. Compared to my other watches, this one is the easiest to set. The stem’s knob is easy to grasp, and the reassuring clicks when shifting positions are a nice touch. Many watches require more fiddling to adjust, but this one is simple and intuitive.
The chronograph function is effortless to use, and the shiny blue hands on the subdials are easy to read. The large start/stop and reset buttons have a slightly concave design, which enhances the watch’s style and provides positive tactile feedback when pressed. When you hit the reset button, the hand on the seconds dial rotates counterclockwise for every minute measured until it returns to its starting position, which is a unique feature that can take a bit of time depending on the duration measured.
Initially, it was the styling of this watch that caught my eye. The industrial look, with its knurled bezel, large concave buttons, and the blue subdial hands against an overall black face, is striking and attracts attention. I guarantee you’ll receive compliments from strangers who feel compelled to comment on it. All my Fossil watches have proven durable—knock on wood—and I’ve had no quality issues with any of the three I own. Unfortunately, my experience with the one Relic brand watch, which is a more affordable line by Fossil, has not been as positive. However, I highly recommend Fossil, especially this watch.
Stacy Madaras –
I purchased this for my husband for Christmas this year, and he absolutely loves it. Both the watch and bracelet are high quality, very comfortable, and stylish!
Enrique –
Sometimes, simplicity is the most elegant choice.
CHDE –
TL;DR: Affordable and you get what you pay for. The all-black version can be tough to read, and it doesn’t offer good luminosity in low light, even after being in the sun all day. However, it looks great, and if you’re looking for an inexpensive watch that looks good and functions, it’s a decent choice.
I bought this watch solely to pair with a band I already owned. As someone with a sizable watch collection, I enjoy adding unique pieces from time to time, and this was an impulse buy because I thought it would complement a strap I had for another watch.
The watch has an appealing design, but be aware that it’s challenging to read the time in low light. The luminosity is very poor—I’d rate it a 1/10, if not lower. The luminous hands and markers are only briefly visible after being exposed to a bright light for several minutes, and even then, they’re quite dim. That said, the price is low, so it’s somewhat expected. The chronograph function is a bit clunky, but it works for timing seconds with a simple button press to start and stop. However, most people don’t buy chronographs for the timer feature, which is why I see this more as a style piece.
Ignacio Cortés –
High-quality standards in the product’s manufacturing. Received on the date promised by the seller!
Davidson –
Beautiful and unique watch. It really stands out.
John Schroeder –
This watch is absolutely beautiful and functions with remarkable accuracy. Its elegant design reflects quality craftsmanship, not cheap materials. It looks fantastic and operates flawlessly. I highly recommend it.
William Henry –
The color of this watch is unique, and many of my colleagues frequently inquire about it. It also keeps time flawlessly.
Amazon Customer –
As a 17-year-old guy, I recently decided to buy my first watch. I turned to my grandpa for advice since I wasn’t familiar with watch brands. He has several, but his best one is a Fossil.
After spending a few hours over several days researching analog watches, I focused on options in the $20-60 range. Unfortunately, most of these had terrible reviews. A common theme among the cheaper watches was misleading water resistance ratings and low-quality bands, often faux leather or with flimsy pins. They typically didn’t last more than six months.
That led me to think: why spend $40 on a watch that might only last a year when I could invest a bit more for something that lasts longer and looks better?
The metal band on this Fossil watch is really nice in person. Some reviews mentioned it felt heavy, but I didn’t find that to be the case at all, even with my smaller wrist. This is my first watch, so perhaps others were comparing it to lighter models.
Regarding the watch face, some users expressed disappointment with the visibility of the blue accents on the smaller dials, but I haven’t had that issue. When the light hits it just right, the blue accents pop just like in the product pictures. The buttons and crown are discreet, which I appreciate.
I noticed some reviewers were frustrated about needing a new band because the links were too large to adjust. I had a different experience; when I visited my local jeweler, she easily removed links and fine-tuned the fit. There are three adjustable pin spots near the clasp on each side, which helped me achieve the perfect size for my wrist.
In summary, this watch is fantastic. If you’re reading this review, you’re probably considering a purchase. Stop hesitating and just order it! Fossil watches are incredible, and I’m thrilled to have this one as my first.
I may update in a few months to a year about how it holds up, and I’ll try to share some decent pictures too. Definitely a 5/5!
Lilytafoya –
Very beautiful, my husband loved it.