Fossil 44mm Grant Sport Chronograph Smoke IP Stainless Steel Men’s Watch (FS5256): Review

The Fossil brand has done an extraordinary job of staying current with their designs over the decades, and in recent years, this world-renowned manufacturer has done more than that– they have created some of the most innovative timepieces for the everyman that one can find on the market.
Brand: Fossil
Type: 44mm Men’s Grant Sport Chronograph Smoke/Grey Ion-Plated Stainless Steel Watch
Model: FS5256
Link: https://www.fossil.com/us/en/products/grant-sport-chronograph-smoke-stainless-steel-watch-sku-fs5256p.html
Size/Specs/Design
A part of Fossil’s “Grant” Collection, the Men’s Grant Sport Chronograph is a very worthwhile watch to review, as many men are looking for watches that they can wear anywhere and can withstand the elements and abuse that daily life offers.
The 44mm case of the Grand Sport is made of a “smoke” or grey IP (ion-plated) stainless steel, which means that this watch is constructed of stainless steel but has been ion-plated to provide the incredible color and another layer of protection to the case and bracelet.
With a main timekeeping dial, as well as three subdials, including a Chronograph feature, this watch is multi-functional and has all of the functions you need and want in a casual, daily-wear timepiece.
Technical Specifications and Features:
- Case Size: 44mm
- Movement: Quartz Chronograph
- Case Material: Stainless Steel, Smoke / Grey Ion-Plated (IP)
- Dial Type: Analog, Chronograph Design
- Hour Markers: Roman Numerals
- Dial Color: Smoke / Grey
- Crystal: Mineral
- Bezel: Fixed
- Bezel Material: Stainless Steel, IP Smoke / Grey
- Band Type: Bracelet
- Band Material: Stainless Steel, IP Smoke / Grey
- Clasp: Fold Over Clasp Closure
- Subdials: 3
- Features and Functions: Chronograph, 60 second subdial, 24 hour subdial, 30 minute subdial, Hour, Minute, Second, Luminous Hour and Minute hands, Seconds Markers around Outer Dial, Roman Numeral Hour Markings, Push Buttons, Protected Crown, Ion-Plated Stainless Steel, Water Resistance, Quartz Chronograph Movement
- Water Resistance: 5 ATM (50 meters / 165 feet)
Power Source
The Grant Sport is a multi-function timepiece with a Chronograph feature. Using a Quartz Chronograph, this movement powers the main hours, minutes, and seconds; as well as the three subdials that appear on this Chronograph.
The Good
It is not difficult to see the many positives of this timepiece. With an extremely durable and attractive ion-plated stainless steel bracelet and 44mm case, this watch has a standard and interchangeable 22mm wide bracelet, which means you can swap the band out anytime.
The main dial is comprised of a smoke or grey dial face that matches the stunning sheen and color of the ion-plated (IP) stainless steel construction of the case and bracelet. The subdials on the dial offer a 60 second subdial, a 24 hour subdial, and a 30 minute subdial. In addition to the main dial hands, which track the hour, minute, and second, this Chronograph has it all.
The Grant Collection by Fossil are created with new materials and modern accents that make them stylish, formal, and casual. Essentially, this Grant timepiece by Fossil is attractive enough to wear formally while remaining durable enough for everyday use.
The crystal protecting the dial is hardened mineral, which is a cost effective way of maintaining a scratch-resistant and crack-proof dial window.
With a bezel that matches the IP smoke / grey of the 44mm case and stainless steel bracelet, the overall look of this Fossil is one of class and sleek sophistication.
The Bad
While it is fully functional, it would be great for this Grant Sport to have a better water resistance. Since this is advertised as a “sport” model, it would stand to reason that a 10 ATM / 100 meter (330 feet) water resistance would be a better option for swimming and outdoor adventuring.
Functionality
The functionality of this timepiece is very accurate, long-lasting, and of true quality, which is something that we have come to expect of Fossil timepieces. From the subdials, main dial, and Chronograph functions and features, the Quartz Chronograph movement does its job with precision.
Another plus to this watch’s functionality is that it is compatible with virtually any 22mm strap or bracelet. If you feel like changing up your look, you can switch out the stainless steel bracelet for a NATO strap, leather strap, a different metallic bracelet, or a silicone / polyurethane band.
The 5 ATM water resistance means that this watch is wearable around household sinks, washing your hands, and even swimming in shallow water. Do not wear this Fossil Grant Sport for snorkeling, scuba diving, or bathing. This water resistance is very functional for daily life and casual wear of a watch in this price range.
The Highlights
The highlights of the Grant Sport is the bold design and functionality of this timepiece. With a beautiful polish of the smoke / grey ion-plated stainless steel case and strap, the similarly smoke / grey of the dial itself gives away to a masculine and uniform design. The Roman Numerals that mark the hours are raised silver stainless steel, which rises above the grey dial and allows the time to come through beautifully.
The subdials at the 3 and 9 o’clock position have raised, concentric circles within them, which adds some texture to the piece. The hour and minute hands of the central/main dial are filled with a luminous material that makes the hands look broad and allow you to read the time with ease during the night.
With a quality Quartz Chronograph movement and a range of seconds and minute markings along the outer rim of the dial and bezel (respectively), this timepiece is extremely classic in design, but has modern materials and color that brings it into the present.
Pricing
The Fossil Men’s 44mm Chronograph Grant Sport Smoke Ion-Plated Stainless Steel Watch (FS5256) retails for around $165.00, but you can get a great deal on it at a variety of online retailers.
Macy’s is selling it for $86.62 (a regular price of $123.75); NYWatchStore is selling this model for $145.80; and Fossil is selling it for its retail price of $165.00. Check out the links below for different purchasing options.
Fossil: https://www.fossil.com/us/en/products/grant-sport-chronograph-smoke-stainless-steel-watch-sku-fs5256p.html
NYWatchStore: http://www.nywatchstore.com/fs5256.html
Macy’s: https://www.macys.com/shop/product/fossil-mens-chronograph-grant-gray-ion-plated-stainless-steel-bracelet-watch-44mm-fs5256?ID=3048874