Men's Explorist HR Gen 4 Smartwatch vs Water Resistant Watch Model 8R500 - Men: which is safer?
TomTom Water Resistant Watch Model 8R500 - Men is our pick: better on PFAS and on the overall hazard picture.
Fossil
Men's Explorist HR Gen 4 Smartwatch
PFAS grade
Overall grade
Verdict
Hazard flags
Material
Confidence
PossibleNickel dermal sensitization from stainless steel contact
LikelyBattery and electrical hazard
ReportedSilicone or elastomer band degradation
Our pick
TomTom
Water Resistant Watch Model 8R500 - Men
PFAS grade
Overall grade
Verdict
Hazard flags
Material
Confidence
PossiblePolymer case and band degradation
PossibleBacterial or mold growth in seals and band
Where these two actually differ
- We flag Nickel dermal sensitization from stainless steel contact, Battery and electrical hazard, Silicone or elastomer band degradation and Mineral crystal glass degradation and splinter risk on the Fossil and not on the TomTom.
- We flag Polymer case and band degradation and Bacterial or mold growth in seals and band on the TomTom and not on the Fossil.
- The Fossil is Stainless steel case where the TomTom is On watch case and band, which is most of the difference in these two grades.
- These two are level, close enough that price and fit should decide it rather than our grade.
Both products run through the same public rubric: materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls, plus a beyond-PFAS hazard analysis. Grades are model-based estimates, not lab tests. How grades work →
More waterproof fitness trackers & cases: see the full ranking