In Netflix's Riverdale series, KJ Apa plays the titular character Archie Andrews—the same redhead as in the Archie comics that the series is based on, but sans freckles and with higher levels of raging hormones. If his character in the show is all about finding that right balance of being his true authentic self, Apa similarly sees the importance of being an individual first. He's a proud Samoan and spends time on expressing himself artistically. The actor has a trio of upcoming movie credits to add to his burgeoning career, including a lead role in a romantic comedy called The Last Summer.
Apa is also a talented musician. He's displayed his chops as Archie on Riverdale, and actually released an EP of guitar instrumentals back in 2011. Oh, and not to mention his surprise guest appearance at DJ Kygo's set for Coachella this year, accompanying a song live on guitar.
It makes sense then that KJ Apa has partnered with Fossil, and is now part of a new campaign that champions creativity and a spirited individuality. The campaign highlights a whole new generation of smartwatches that are packed with additional capabilities yet retain the same Fossil ethos of function and style. The Fossil Q Explorist HR smartwatch that Apa fronts, reflects this sense of freedom of expression. There are more than 20 features packed in its sleek design—including customisable dials and wireless charging—of which three are new updates for this fourth-generation Fossil smartwatch.
Android or iOS? Get notifications from both
That never-ending Android versus iOS debate doesn't matter here. The Fossil Q Explorist HR is compatible across both operating systems and connects with your smartphones via Bluetooth. Every notification that creeps up on you during meetings or holidays, is received by the smartwatch and a gentle buzz will alert you to it. It makes it easier to filter unwanted calls and messages yet keep you in the know of the important one, without having to be attached to your phone like an extra limb.
Keep calm and check your heart rate
The Fossil Q Explorist HR is in-built with a heart-rate tracking function that one can customise to be instantly accessible and visible from the face of the smartwatch, thanks to integrated dial designs that are exclusive to Fossil. Paired together with Google Fit (or other third-party apps at your disposal), whatever exercise you're working out to for the day can be logged, and your heart rate tracked as you go about it. Here's to no more cheating ourselves that we've worked out more than we need to; there's no lying when your heart rate says otherwise.
Untethered GPS
There are plenty of things you can use the Fossil Q Explorist HR for without having your phone on hand (such as playing pre-downloaded music). But the most advantageous is its untethered GPS feature. This means that you can track the distance covered from your runs, weekend hikes, and bike trails—while listening to your workout playlist—without having to wear a smartphone armband.
The Fossil Q Explorist HR smartwatch is priced at SGD469 to 489 and is available at all Fossil stores, selected department stores, and on Zalora.