Diesel Griffed Gen 6 Smartwatch Review: A Bold Statement On Your Wrist
Smartwatches aren’t typically known for their design flair, but some watchmakers are successfully bridging the gap between technology and traditional aesthetics. Fossil, with its diverse portfolio of brands, is a prime example, bringing iconic styles to the smartwatch world. Diesel, known for its edgy and bold designs, is one such brand under Fossil’s umbrella, and its latest creation, the Diesel Griffed Gen 6, is a testament to this rebellious spirit.
Priced at Rs. 25,995 in India, the Diesel Griffed Gen 6 boasts all the features of a modern smartwatch while retaining its distinctive, rugged look. But does this smartwatch justify the price tag? Let’s dive into the details and find out.
A Bold Design with a Rugged Appeal
While many smartwatches opt for a rectangular screen to emphasize their digital nature, the Diesel Griffed Gen 6 confidently embraces a round dial. But this is no ordinary round smartwatch. Instead of a sleek and minimalist design, the Diesel Gen 6 is big, bulky and unapologetically aggressive, echoing Diesel’s signature style.
This personality is instantly recognizable with its prominent scrolling dial-button featuring the Diesel logo and two additional buttons flanked by plastic guards. The substantial thickness adds to the smartwatch’s overall weight, further enhancing its imposing presence.
Of course, such a bold design requires matching watch faces to truly complete the look, and the Gen 6 delivers with a variety of custom watch faces designed specifically for this smartwatch. The hardware itself successfully carries the Diesel aesthetic, appealing particularly to those who appreciate the brand’s assertive style.
A Blend of Wear OS and Diesel Flair
The Diesel Griffed Gen 6 runs on Google’s Wear OS operating system, but with a Diesel twist. Fossil has integrated custom elements, such as the DieselOn companion app (instead of the standard Wear OS app), a selection of distinctive watch faces, and support for Amazon Alexa as the voice assistant.
Wear OS, known for its compatibility with both Android and iOS devices, seamlessly connects to your Google account, syncing with most of your apps and services, including Google Keep, Google Maps, and Google Fit for comprehensive health tracking. You can also customize notifications from your paired smartphone, allowing you to decide which apps appear on your smartwatch.
More than Just a Stylish Timepiece
The smartwatch’s core functionality and connectivity are managed through the DieselOn app. It handles notifications, enables responses directly from the smartwatch, and manages calls. However, several features, such as Wi-Fi connectivity, can be accessed directly from the device.
A key differentiator is the implementation of Amazon Alexa as the voice assistant instead of the standard Google Assistant. You can assign a button to activate Alexa, allowing access to the entire Amazon ecosystem, voice commands, personalized responses, and functionality via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.
While the core functionality is similar to other Wear OS devices, Diesel’s customisation extends beyond the app. The selection of 14 pre-installed watch faces complements the smartwatch’s aesthetic and includes the ability to customize colors, animations, and complications. Of course, you can always access the Google Play Store for Wear OS to download more watch faces or apps.
A Robust Smartwatch with a Few Shortcomings
Despite the emphasis on style, the Diesel Griffed Gen 6 offers a substantial amount of smartwatch functionality. The Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 4100+ chipset ensures reliable performance for most tasks, although there were instances of slowdowns and lag when downloading multiple apps or receiving numerous notifications simultaneously.
The smartwatch effectively handles calls directly from the wrist, with a clear microphone and speaker that facilitate comfortable calls even in noisy environments. However, the fitness tracking features are more of a checkbox than a standout feature. The metal strap, while aesthetically pleasing, doesn’t provide the snug fit needed for optical sensors to accurately capture data. This makes the smartwatch less than ideal for workout sessions and hinders the effectiveness of fitness tracking.
While the heart rate and SpO2 sensors were reasonably accurate when sitting still, the loose fit made it challenging to get accurate readings during movement. Similarly, step and distance tracking during workouts were inconsistent, demonstrating a 5.5% error margin. Sleep tracking, though functional, was often compromised by the smartwatch’s weight, which made it uncomfortable to wear for extended periods.
Battery Life: A Major Hurdle
The battery life is a significant drawback and prevents the Diesel Griffed Gen 6 from being a truly practical all-day device. With regular use, including an always-on watch face, health tracking, and occasional calls, the battery lasted for approximately 12-13 hours. Even when idle, the device struggled to last for a full 24 hours on a single charge. While charging is quick, it necessitates having a charger readily available.
Verdict: A Bold Timepiece with Room for Improvement
On paper, the Diesel Griffed Gen 6 is a feature-rich smartwatch. However, its striking design and aesthetic come at the expense of some essential aspects of smartwatch functionality, particularly fitness tracking and battery life.
If you prioritize style and brand recognition, the Diesel Griffed Gen 6 is a compelling option, especially if you appreciate the brand’s bold aesthetic. The smartwatch delivers solid functionality, including reliable calls, notifications, and a voice assistant.
However, if you’re looking for a smartwatch primarily for fitness tracking, a device like the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 would be a more suitable choice for its superior accuracy and comfort. For those who value exceptional battery life, the Fitbit Versa 4 provides a longer-lasting experience.
The Diesel Griffed Gen 6 is a statement piece, a smartwatch that makes a bold statement on your wrist. It’s not about blending in; it’s about embracing the Diesel DNA. If you’re looking to make a statement, this stylish smartwatch will undoubtedly be a conversation starter.
