Fossil · Waterproof Fitness Trackers
Fossil Men's Gen 5 Garrett HR Smartwatch
Smartwatch waterproofing may contain PFAS; Fossil discloses nothing.
Smartwatches typically use water-resistant coatings that may contain fluorinated compounds. Fossil provides no public PFAS information for this model. Contact brand for materials transparency.
The safe swap
Withings
Withings BeamO 3-in-1 Health MultiScan
100/100 safety
Same rubric that flunked this product. The swap earned its A.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
Stainless steel case, silicone/polymer band, waterproof coating
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Waterproof / stain-resistant treatment
water-repellent coating treatments have historically used PFAS.
Category baseline
other is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement about PFAS in this product.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
The Fossil Gen 5 Garrett uses a stainless steel case (inert, non-leaching) paired with silicone or elastomer bands. The waterproof coating is the unknown factor: Fossil does not disclose whether it uses Teflon-type coating-based (potentially PFAS-containing) hydrophobic layers or newer alternatives. Silicone itself is generally stable and does not off-gas significantly at body temperature. No lead, cadmium, or ceramic glaze hazards apply to this smartwatch.
The brand's record and disclosure
Fossil has not published transparency reports on PFAS use in electronics or waterproof coatings. The company does not hold third-party certifications (e.g., Cradle to Cradle, TCO) that would restrict PFAS in manufacturing. When contacted by advocacy groups on PFAS policy, Fossil has remained silent. This absence of disclosure is typical in the smartwatch industry but represents a meaningful gap given rising PFAS concern.
How it compares in its category
Most smartwatches (Apple Watch, Garmin, Fitbit) use similar stainless steel and silicone; none routinely disclose waterproof coating chemistry. Fossil's design and materials are mainstream and pose no higher baseline toxicity than competitors. The differentiator is corporate transparency: Apple and Garmin have published broader environmental/chemical policies, while Fossil lags. For wearables, material risk is lower than for cookware or textiles simply because surface contact is brief and external.
If you buy it
Rinse the band regularly with fresh water to remove sweat and debris buildup, which can trap microbes or irritate skin. Do not expose to sustained heat above 60 C (140 F) or prolonged chlorine; silicone remains stable under normal use. Replace the band every 12-18 months if it shows visible wear, discoloration, or odor. If skin irritation develops, try a hypoallergenic replacement band; silicone allergies are rare but possible.
Beyond PFAS: other things we checked
Established hazard classes for this product type, assessed from public information. These never change the PFAS grade; a Likely flag caps the Verdict at “Buy with care.”
PFAS in waterproof coating
Fossil does not disclose coating chemistry. Waterproof electronics typically use Teflon-family coating or hydrophobic resins; PFAS-free alternatives exist but are not standard. Risk is indirect (not ingestion) and low from dermal contact, but bioaccumulation potential warrants caution if worn daily for years.
Silicone band degradation and skin contact
Silicone is non-toxic and does not leach BPA or phthalates. However, degraded or poorly manufactured silicone can harbor bacteria or molds if not dried regularly. No recalls or adverse reports on this model specifically.
Stainless steel nickel content
Stainless steel case may contain 8-12% nickel. Most people tolerate this, but individuals with nickel sensitivity (5-10% of population) may develop contact dermatitis with prolonged skin contact. Barrier creams or nickel-free band substitutes mitigate this.
Battery chemical hazard (internal)
Lithium-ion battery is sealed and not intended for user contact. Risk only materializes if device is damaged or disassembled. Standard e-waste disposal is required at end-of-life.
Microplastics from band wear
Silicone bands shed microparticles over years of friction and sun exposure. Quantity is minimal compared to synthetic textiles, but wearers should replace bands rather than continuing use until disintegration.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 35% confidence. It is not a lab result.
No independent PFAS lab test is on record for this exact product. A lab test could move the score in either direction.
The brand has not made a specific, verifiable PFAS-free statement, so part of this score reflects that missing disclosure rather than a confirmed material.
Formulations and coatings change between production runs. Always check the current label before buying.
Safer alternatives in Waterproof Fitness Trackers
Withings
BeamO 3-in-1 Health MultiScan
Medical-grade stainless steel, plastic housing, medical sensors
Medical device with inherently low PFAS risk profile.
✓Naturally PFAS-free material
Whoop
Peak Health and Fitness Wearable 12-Month Membership
silicone band, electronics, stainless steel hardware
Wearable membership with minimal PFAS risk indicators.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
Whoop
MG Navigator Band
Elastomer band (silicone-based or similar)
Lower concern fitness band, but brand silence on materials limits certainty.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
More waterproof fitness trackers grades
How we score: every product runs through the same public 0–100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.