The Diesel Griffed Gen 6 Smartwatch: A Bold Statement, But Is It Worth the Price?
Smartwatches are often known for their sleek, streamlined designs, but some watchmakers are daring to break the mold. Fossil, a brand renowned for its commitment to both classic and modern aesthetics, has embraced this challenge by bringing the distinctive styling of its various brands to the world of smartwatches. Diesel, known for its bold, aggressive designs, is no exception. Their latest offering, the Diesel Griffed Gen 6, aims to be a statement piece, a smartwatch that combines the functionality of modern technology with the rugged charm of Diesel’s signature style. But is the bold design enough to justify its price tag, and does it live up to the promise of a high-performing smartwatch? We delve into its features, performance, and overall user experience to find out.
Diesel Griffed Gen 6 Smartwatch: Price, Variants, and Design
The Diesel Griffed Gen 6 comes in a single 45mm variant, available in four distinct color options: gunmetal, two-tone, brown, and silver. Each variant features a different strap material – metal link, silicone, leather, and metal respectively, offering a choice to match your personal style. All variants are priced at Rs. 25,995 in India.
While many smartwatches opt for a rectangular screen shape for ease of use, the Diesel Griffed Gen 6 sticks to the classic round screen, giving it a traditional watch feel. This choice, combined with its chunky, bulky build, makes it a far cry from the sleek, lightweight smartwatches offered by competitors like the Apple Watch.
The watch boasts a prominent scrolling dial-button adorned with the Diesel logo, flanked by two more buttons with plastic guards. This, coupled with its considerable thickness, contributes to a noticeable weight. This aggressive design, however, is undeniably the defining characteristic of the Diesel brand, and it is sure to appeal to those who appreciate its bold aesthetic.
Beyond the chunky design, the hardware itself pulls off the Diesel aesthetic with a certain charm. The 45mm dial houses a 1.3-inch screen, making it substantial in size. The watch straps are replaceable, but the gunmetal variant’s metal link strap is a perfect complement to the overall look. Underneath the watch, you’ll find the optical sensors for heart rate and SpO2 tracking, along with a zone for magnetic charging.
The Diesel Griffed Gen 6 is rated for 3ATM water resistance, offering protection from splashes and spills. It is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 4100+ chipset and boasts connectivity features including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and NFC. Running on Wear OS 3, it promises a versatile and user-friendly experience.
Diesel Griffed Gen 6 Smartwatch: Software, Interface, and App
Fossil Group has consistently chosen to power its smartwatches with Google’s Wear OS, and the Diesel Griffed Gen 6 is no exception. This time, however, it comes with a unique twist: the use of a dedicated companion app, Diesel On, instead of the traditional Wear OS app. This custom app provides additional personalization options, including a range of Diesel-themed watch faces and support for Amazon Alexa as the digital assistant.
The Diesel On app is available on both Android and iOS, ensuring compatibility for most users. The smartwatch conveniently links with your Google account for seamless syncing with various Google apps and services. You’ll get the best experience by utilizing the popular Google apps like Keep, Maps, and Fit for health tracking. However, remember that app notifications are synced based on your phone’s notification settings, so apps muted on your phone will not be reflected on the smartwatch.
The core functionality is governed by the Diesel On app, which includes handling notifications, enabling responses from the smartwatch, and placing/receiving calls. Most other functions, such as those requiring Wi-Fi connectivity, can be managed directly on the smartwatch.
Amazon Alexa, integrated into the smartwatch, distinguishes it from most Wear OS devices that rely on Google Assistant. You can set one of the buttons to invoke Alexa, which then connects to your Amazon account, granting you access to the entire Alexa ecosystem. The smartwatch’s speaker provides voice responses, making it a convenient hands-free experience.
While the overall software experience offers a familiar Wear OS foundation, the Diesel On app and the Alexa integration provide a distinct feel compared to other Wear OS devices like the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 series.
Diesel Griffed Gen 6 Smartwatch: Performance and Battery Life
The Diesel Griffed Gen 6 is not positioned as a fitness-centric smartwatch like the Fitbit Versa 4. Rather, it is presented as a fashion-focused accessory, prioritizing style over athletic performance. However, it does possess considerable smartwatch capabilities that justify its price.
With its powerful processor and operating system, the Diesel Griffed Gen 6 runs smoothly for the most part. However, there were instances where the smartwatch experienced lag and sluggishness, especially when downloading multiple apps or receiving a large influx of notifications. This performance is not as fluid as the Galaxy Watch 5, indicating a need for improvement.
Despite its shortcomings, the smartwatch excels in its core duties: delivering notifications, allowing responses from the wrist, and taking calls. The microphone and speaker function remarkably well, enabling clear, concise conversations directly on the smartwatch.
Fitness tracking, on the other hand, is a secondary consideration on this device. The metal strap, not designed for a snug and secure fit, hinders the optimal functioning of the optical sensors. While you may see basic health tracking features like heart rate and SpO2 readings, the accuracy and usefulness are limited in a device not intended for active use. If fitness tracking is a priority, smarter choices would be the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 or Fitbit Versa 4.
The Diesel Griffed Gen 6 boasts an always-on display for viewing the time and basic information without activating the screen. However, this convenience comes at a cost: battery life. With moderate daily use, including an always-on watch face, regular health tracking, and occasional calls, the device lasted for just 12-13 hours on a single charge. Even with minimal use, the battery would typically last less than 24 hours, necessitating frequent charging. While the charging process is relatively fast, having the charger on hand at all times becomes a necessity.
Verdict: A Bold Statement, But Consider the Tradeoffs
The Diesel Griffed Gen 6 is a powerful smartwatch on paper, offering a compelling array of features. However, its unique design and overall aesthetic compromise the user experience in certain areas. Those seeking a stylish accessory that goes beyond a basic watch will appreciate its bold design and smartwatch capabilities. But, if you prioritize a smoother user experience, longer battery life, and accurate fitness tracking, other options are available for a similar price.
Ultimately, the Diesel Griffed Gen 6 is a smartwatch that embraces bold design, promising a stylish statement to complement your wardrobe. It’s not the most feature-rich or performant smartwatch when compared to its competitors, which means you’ll have to weigh the pros and cons before deciding if its unique charm outweighs the tradeoffs.
