A new Fossil watch just hit the FCC, but it's probably not the Gen 6

A new Fossil “smartwatch” has made a surprise appearance at the FCC, suggesting the firm has a new wearable device on the way. However, it may not be a smartwatch at all.

The product in question bears the model number UK7-NDW5. The listing confirms it will sport 5 ATM water resistance and Bluetooth connectivity. The FCC didn’t perform tests on LTE, Wi-Fi, or other wireless technologies, suggesting that these are absent from the device.

Is this a new Fossil hybrid watch?

In all likelihood, this seems to be Fossil’s latest hybrid watch platform. The evidence is all there, too. It uses a CR2430 3V battery, the type found in some older Fossil hybrid watches. Although these cells aren’t rechargeable, they provide power for four to six months, according to Fossil documentation. This detail suggests the device won’t have a complex display.

More reading: The best hybrid smartwatches you can buy

The rear design might be a giveaway, too. Its label location explainer depicts an image of the device’s rear. There are no visible heart rate or SpO2 sensors but what appears to be a groove in the center to open the casing for battery replacements.

Fossil launched hybrid watches with the “NDW” prefix before, under Emporio Armani, Misfit, and SKAGEN banners. We don’t believe this could be a follow-up to the e-ink Fossil Hybrid series either, as the two lines’ model numbers don’t line up. The Fossil Hybrid HR, for instance, uses the “FTW” prefix.

It’s a little too early to say precisely what Fossil’s next hybrid watch platform may include in terms of features and design, though. The FCC has locked away key visuals and specs until August 1.

Hybrid watches meld the essential tech of smartwatches into analog shells. If you were hoping that this is the Fossil Gen 6 platform, you’d have to wait a little longer. Nevertheless, if you are in the market for a new hybrid watch, it seems a new Fossil option may be with us soon.