Apple Watch. Most Expensive worst watch I have owned

[MH01]

I have the stainless steel band and it had unusual wear after wearing about 5 times. I posted about it and many said I was abusing it. Apple quickly gave me a new one and even let me keep the one with the bad wear. The new one came and I found out what causes the wear as the new one had the same symptoms after a few uses. I work from home and never had a problem but on the few days per month that I go to the office, my left wrist would occasionally come off the arm rest and rest on the desk top. The material on the desk top is something like Formica or similar to countertops on starter homes. Sure enough, I had the same wear on the new one as the old one but I caught on fast and only have the beginning markings.

I do not doubt anyone with wear on the lower side of the link band if your wrist rests on anything similar to my work desk. It is not abuse my slight movement or sliding back and forth. It ends up showing dark shadows which is really just a full scratch or running off of the shine look. Not very good!

The link is beautiful elsewhere.

Good post.

These bands are not defective in any way as per your experience. A replacement will be exactly the same if you put it through the same routine. This is relatively easy to scratch SS material, and bottom of watch bands always scratch. You either baby it, being aware not to make contact with surfaces or just use it.

If you bought a SS link or Space black, get Apple care.

 

[JayLenochiniMac]

If you bought a SS link or Space black, get Apple care.

Why? AC+ does not cover cosmetic damage that doesn't otherwise affect the functionality, and any manufacturing defects would be covered under the standard warranty.

 

[MH01]

Why? AC+ does not cover cosmetic damage that doesn't otherwise affect the functionality, and any manufacturing defects would be covered under the standard warranty.

SS scratching is not a manufacturing defect, as per all these pics. If the button is glued on as per this thread, that might be manufacturing.

As for AC + , Cause a broken watch can be fully replaced under AC+ , you get two replacements. And if you use a Apple watch like a real watch without babying it for 2 years, something will break I suspect very hard impacts on the link band will result in damage that will require AC +, its a flimsy band, its durability let to be tested.

 

[Nell]

The OP is from outside the U.S., and I have noticed from the various posts here that customer service tends to be worse in the European Union and elsewhere, despite their excessive customer protection laws.

However, it's quite possible that his poor attitude (reflected in the OP) is what prevents him from getting good customer service in the first place.

My expectation of excellent customer service is very much based on my experience (and that of my friends) in the UK, so within the EU (where we do indeed have better consumer protection laws than many places, though far from excessive in my view). The OP is in Australia though and I have no idea whether things are different there (it's possible) and, as you say, he may have gone into the transaction with a somewhat abrasive manner which, while understandable, is seldom productive in such circumstances.

 

[JayLenochiniMac]

SS scratching is not a manufacturing defect, as per all these pics. If the button is glued on as per this thread, that might be manufacturing.

As for AC + , Cause a broken watch can be fully replaced under AC+ , you get two replacements. And if you use a Apple watch like a real watch without babying it for 2 years, something will break I suspect very hard impacts on the link band will result in damage that will require AC +, its a flimsy band, its durability let to be tested.

Perhaps if you play sport with it, but I doubt it'll break simply from wearing it in the normal manner. Any manufacturing defects would be covered under the standard warranty (extended into the second year if purchased with most CCs).

 

[MH01]

Perhaps if you play sport with it, but I doubt it'll break simply from wearing it in the normal manner. Any manufacturing defects would be covered under the standard warranty (extended into the second year if purchased with most CCs).

Spending that much money, I would buy it just to cover the screen (dropping), or water damage. I use mine in the shower. I might even use it for swimming.

In the past I used to buy cases for my iphones, now I just get AC + and enjoy the form factor, its good not babying a phone.

 

[Roller]

I suspect that is his anger coming through due to not getting the result he wanted from Apple support. It's ludicrous to classify it as the worst watch ever, current smart watches are not very durable compared to mechanical watches. As I said to the OP. You cannot treat the apple link band like a traditional link band, its not built as solid, though looks very nice.

Yep, though I would have expected Apple's link band to be quite durable. I was tempted by its looks, but ended up getting the Sport band because I thought the link band was too expensive. I've since replaced it with a link band that I found on Amazon for around $50. It looks good and has stood up well so far.

 

[JayLenochiniMac]

Spending that much money, I would buy it just to cover the screen (dropping), or water damage. I use mine in the shower. I might even use it for swimming.

In the past I used to buy cases for my iphones, now I just get AC + and enjoy the form factor, its good not babying a phone.

Water damage would be covered under the standard warranty too (they can't prove you took it outside the scope of the IPX7 rating).

There's no way the Watch is as droppable as the iPhone as it's tethered to the wrist so it's not even in the same league.

 

[MH01]

Water damage would be covered under the standard warranty too (they can't prove you took it outside the scope of the IPX7 rating).

There's no way the Watch is as droppable as the iPhone as it's tethered to the wrist so it's not even in the same league.

Look, For me AC + is beneficial, so not going to argue the merits of purchasing a 69 pound insurance policy for a 950 pound watch for 2 years.... no brainer.

If I am going to lie about swimming with it, I might as well step on the watch with AC + and get a new one

Does it matter which is more droppable? all it takes Is one drop or one good whack against a concrete wall etc.

 

[Vanilla Face]

So you're telling me that this member's standard SS link bracelet (pictured below) is not defective and is actually showing normal wear and tear? That's absurd because this member has only worn it 4-5 times and someone even mistook it for Space Black when it's not. Neither my current Apple Link Bracelet nor my previous two link bracelets look anything like this after a number of months. Apple did replace this one so they agreed it was defective.

Yeah. That's normal wear and tear, or abuse depending on how you want to look at it. The band is metal, metal does scratch, those are scratches. This is quite common with any stainless steal band. Its very evident based on the location of the scratches that the wearer was resting, and moving, his wrist on another hard surface. My guess would be at a desk, most likely on a computer. If I drive the side of my car against a brick wall, it'd be scratched too. Apple doesn't make a magic product, it isn't a magic alloy, it's a metal band exhibiting symptoms of of being metal. As far as Apple collecting it, if you pay attention to the forums around product launches, they collect a lot of products that they usually wouldn't when they first come out.

 

[brett_l]

My expectation of excellent customer service is very much based on my experience (and that of my friends) in the UK, so within the EU (where we do indeed have better consumer protection laws than many places, though far from excessive in my view). The OP is in Australia though and I have no idea whether things are different there (it's possible) and, as you say, he may have gone into the transaction with a somewhat abrasive manner which, while understandable, is seldom productive in such circumstances.

For the record, the interaction with Apple re my watch started very amicably.

It took 10 days of inaction and being stalled and given the run around that caused the frustration.

Simple problem, simple remedy.

I never believed for one moment my watch would remain blemish free for an indefinite period if removed from the box.

What I didn't expect was that it would start falling apart with with some minor scuffs most probably due to the exposure of something more abrasive than cotton wool during the course of my daily life. I imagine the marks on my watch are of the order of a few microns deep. I have access to a depth gauge accurate to 4 decimal places. This device is very accurate as it is used to calibrate a surgical laser and I will utilise it to make my own assessment. It is impossible to feel these very superficial blemishes. I will also be having the device evaluated by a qualified jeweller.

I would feel equally betrayed if I was told the the reason for the doors falling off a 3 month old car was due to a stone chip.

 

[Aleks65]

The biggest shock is for the Space Black owners, cause either they accept scratches or.... baby the heck out of their watches, there is no way to repair DLC coating, and you cannot polish them like the silver SS.

That's the thing though, the DLC coating has been awesome and I can't see ANY scratches anywhere (even the clasp area). Granted I've been a daily ( stainless steel / sapphire) watch wearer for at least 6-7 years now and I've passed the "bump it into everything" phase. When I first got my previous watch (Citizen ECO Drive) I was bumping it into everything as I had never really worn a watch on a regular basis and the Saphire crystal definitely helped out a lot but the Stainless Case and clasp did get the expected scratches.

I'm not too informed on the possibilities of DLC but I wonder if black is the only colour option? If they could somehow make it "steel" coloured then it would be pretty awesome for future watches.

 

[maflynn]

OP, while I haven't read every response, from what I can see from your posts, is you're upset at receiving a defective band along with your watch and your treatment by support. If you're unhappy sell (or return if you can) the watch and move on. Clearly you're not happy and I don't think anything will fix that situation other then moving on to a different product.

 

[scottrn0809]

Only 2 months after getting my Stainless Apple watch 42mm with the stainless link bracket (the most expensive watch and watch band I have ever purchased $1479 Au and the most expensive watch sold by Apple with the exception of the models made with Gold) it is falling apart.

I wear this device for a maximum of 8-10 hours per day. Some days not at all.

10 days after speaking to an "Apple customer relations" employee I still have a $1479 paperweight that is falling apart with no resolution in sight.

This same "Apple customer relations" person claims that it appears there is RUST on the stainless steel band and that is the cause of failure. I have supplied this individual with images of the watch band. The fault is clearly visible, so it escapes me as to this individual insists on stalling and aggravating me.

The solution is so ridiculously simple and would do a lot to preserve the relationship with Apple. SEND ME A REPLACEMENT BAND WITH A RETURN SATCHEL AND YOU CAN HAVE YOUR ENGINEERS INSPECT THE FAULTY ONE AT THEIR LESURE FOR AS LONG AS THEY REQURE.

Im no metallurgist but I think it would be fair to say that an obscenely expensive stainless steel watch band that rusts without exposure to water may not in fact be Stainless Steel.

Rust however is not my problem. My problem is that one of the buttons that releases the watch band from my wrist has fallen off. I think these may just be glued on and the glue has failed.

On the upside this is only Stainless Steel, if it had been Gold I would be out of pocket hundreds, possibly thousands of dollars in lost precious metal due to poor design/workmanship.

My local Apple Authorised repairer inspected this unit (at the direction of the "Apple customer relations" employee and their report states in black and white
"We have taken photos of the watch band and emailed them to rgogia@apple.com
We cannot see any obvious indication of abuse".

This evaluation is consistent with what I knew they would find as this product has had very little, very cautious use.

My warning to people based purely on my experience is DO NOT BUY the link bracket. It is the most expensive and least suitable choice for a watch band you intend to wear, it may only be suitable for display in a climate controlled glass cabinet although I am unable to confirm if it would be durable enough for this either.

To date I have owned 4 iPhones, 1 iPod, 2 Macbook Airs, 2 Macbook Pros, 2 iMacs, 6 iPads and never had any issues with any device failing. Each of these devices is still in service and have never had screens or any other part replaced as a result of breakage on my part.

There are some very minor scratches on the band (i would expect this to happen as I do not dress myself in bubble wrap before put the watch on because this is 1. Impractical 2. Never explained to me at time of purchase would be essential for reliable operation).

I have a 23 year old Citizen Stainless Steel watch that cost me about $150. This has been faultless with the exception of a $5 battery about every 3 years.

The fact that this much less expensive old watch has been so durable and has outshone the much more expensive Apple Watch built with the latest technology is a fairly poor endorsement of the quality of the Apple Watch.

Attached is an image of the Apple Watch band with the missing button and an image of the 23 year old Citizen for comparison.

I am generally a fan of Apple products because to date their products and support have been astounding.
I hope the Apple Watch is not an indicator of the new precedent for quality and support to expect in the years to come.

I would be interested to hear from any other people having such a poor experience with this technology giants latest but questionably greatest device.

View attachment 574686 View attachment 574687

some people....

 

[andreyirra]

SO it seems I'm the only one who has impeccable watches after years of use... Go figure. Granted, I have never worn a watch while doing sports and most of my normal work days the most extreme thing I would do would be to open and close my car's door.

 

[BarracksSi]

I've since replaced it with a link band that I found on Amazon for around $50. It looks good and has stood up well so far.

Which bracelet did you get? I've also got the Sport band and already miss using a bracelet like my other watches.

 

[fania123]

1st world problems.

 

[phpmaven]

That's the thing though, the DLC coating has been awesome and I can't see ANY scratches anywhere (even the clasp area). Granted I've been a daily ( stainless steel / sapphire) watch wearer for at least 6-7 years now and I've passed the "bump it into everything" phase. When I first got my previous watch (Citizen ECO Drive) I was bumping it into everything as I had never really worn a watch on a regular basis and the Saphire crystal definitely helped out a lot but the Stainless Case and clasp did get the expected scratches.

I'm not too informed on the possibilities of DLC but I wonder if black is the only colour option? If they could somehow make it "steel" coloured then it would be pretty awesome for future watches.

AFAIK, DLC by it's very nature (it's diamond like CARBON after all) is black or dark gray.

 

[MH01]

That's the thing though, the DLC coating has been awesome and I can't see ANY scratches anywhere (even the clasp area). Granted I've been a daily ( stainless steel / sapphire) watch wearer for at least 6-7 years now and I've passed the "bump it into everything" phase. When I first got my previous watch (Citizen ECO Drive) I was bumping it into everything as I had never really worn a watch on a regular basis and the Saphire crystal definitely helped out a lot but the Stainless Case and clasp did get the expected scratches.

I'm not too informed on the possibilities of DLC but I wonder if black is the only colour option? If they could somehow make it "steel" coloured then it would be pretty awesome for future watches.

Good to know its holding up well. So far after one week I have been impressed with it. Though I have DLC coated watches and hard knocks do result in scratches. Though that adds character to the watch. Only watch I wear without care is ceramic..... well smacking that too hard can result in it cracking, at least it will not scratch

I have only seen black application of DLC on watches, but like yourself have never looked into it.

 

[Nell]

For the record, the interaction with Apple re my watch started very amicably.

It took 10 days of inaction and being stalled and given the run around that caused the frustration.

Simple problem, simple remedy.

I completely understand why it's become incredibly frustrating. I'm not sure what your best option is at this point but clearly you do need to get someone at Apple to understand that your link band has fallen apart after a brief period of normal use and that they need to replace it under warranty. How you achieve that I have no real idea but good luck! I hope it gets properly resolved very soon.

 

[crawler1975]

looks like it's been "abused" .... except for a minor scratch (which is my fault) I have nothing but praise for my watch. It really amazes me how people really go berserk and rant on forums where they can easily go to an apple store / genius bar for them to check it out.

 

[Night Spring]

they can easily go to an apple store / genius bar for them to check it out.

Not everyone lives within traveling distance of an Apole store.

 

[JXShine]

I can understand the OP's frustration. Look at my space black link bracelet. Less than a month in, no abuse whatsoever and this happened.

 

[Arran]

I'm wondering if this a "...I remove my link bracelet without separating the two halves, thereby putting strain on the latch..." issue?

No. I think it's more a, "My hobbies are rolling down rugged mountainsides and being shot from a cannon" sort-of thread

 

[BarracksSi]

Although I enjoyed being able to size a Link Bracelet myself and make it fit properly, I started having reservations as soon as I put its links back together. Maybe I wasn't so far off base after all. Here's an earlier post in another thread:
https://forums.macrumors.com/index.php?posts/21651715/