Back fell out of Apple watch

[vintimus]

I was going to fly to Hawaii for a vacation, but I hear there was a plane crash last year. I'm going to hold off until I hear they resolved that problem.

Not quite the same, but appreciate the smarm nonetheless. It's obviously very unreasonable to wait for a bit to see if something like this was corrected in the series 2, but I can be an unreasonable person sometimes.

 

[Bellaments]

Bummer! You can find a few other posts here. I recall one where they wrote that the back pulled out when they removed the watch from the magnetic charging puck. I think they were sport models.

Out of curiosity does any of the following apply to your situation? Excessive sweating, swimming with the watch, application of lotions, sunscreens, etc. on the wrist where you wear your watch, wearing the watch while working with solvents of any kind (including getting the watch wet with dishwashing suds), unusually harsh operating environments that are either high heat and humidity, unusually cold, etc. ?

I'm just wondering if it's a manufacturing defect in some watches, or if something is dissolving the seals on the back of the watch...

I have definitely sweated a lot in mine since I have owned it, and cleaned it off with a soft cloth damp with water. I'm glad I have AppleCare, although this should be something that is covered regardless of whether or not you purchased additional protection. Please let us know.

I'm so glad to have come across this. I have hypohydrosis due to allergies and live in a very humid area. I've had similar issues before however - it's deeply concerning as this just started to happen before my Apple care runs out.

Also, I had posted this in reply to someone on the Appleboards asking about an upgrade program for the Apple Series 1 watches. I absolutely move Apple never been disappointed - loyal customer for 20 years. Anyhow, I replied that in certain circumstances an upgrade (even if at a cost) would be desirable as one currently doesn't exist. This still isn't my hugest disappointment. I know ways to save and resell on the internet.

The previous poster replied saying that people looking for this expected a free ride. While this might be the case for some, when I had this happen with a fossil watch or a guess watch that was no more than $75, I figured well it lasted a couple years. I paid over $1k! Anyhow, aside from not having the shovel it out attitude as the previous poster, I was advised MY post was removed from the forums and I was welcome to send private/email to Apple through their site with feedback because my reply wasn't technically as associated to the topic. The only difference was I disagreed with the previous poster and primarily my condition of hypohydrosis. Discrimination? Eh...maybe but I pointed out what I felt was the design flaw that concerns me due to the condition. If you notice, the backing of the series 2 watch is inverted and sealed. It doesn't make much sense to keep it on the market but an immediate removal could raise suspicion. The email was just shocking to me and the first time I've ever felt real bummed out at Apple. I'm always one of those that will say they'll release an update to fix this or that and will make excuses even but, one thing was being advised I have no options if this occurs once my AppleCare runs out and another which was much worse IMO removing my post. Now, if the other persons had been removed as well, that would have been different. Instead I feel singled out and suspicious of my favorite company.

 

[tkermit]

This happened to my two year old Sports model when I recently bought and used Apple's magnetic charging dock for the first time... I just glued it back on myself.

I think the charging puck that originally comes with the Watch may have somewhat of a weaker magnet and also makes you slide it off the back of the Watch instead of pulling the Watch away from the magnet.

 

[SDColorado]

This happened to my two year old Sports model when I recently bought and used Apple's magnetic charging dock for the first time... I just glued it back on myself.

I think the charging puck that originally comes with the Watch may have somewhat of a weaker magnet and also makes you slide it off the back of the Watch instead of pulling the Watch away from the magnet.

My wife's wife's watch had the back fall off on Monday. Apple is taking care of it of course. She expects the replacement to arrive at our home today or Friday.

 

[44267547]

My wife's wife's watch had the back fall off on Monday. Apple is taking care of it of course. She expects the replacement to arrive at our home today or Friday.

Was it due to the battery bulging? Or something else unrelated?

 

[SDColorado]

Was it due to the battery bulging? Or something else unrelated?

I wasn’t there for her appointment, but she said they didn’t mention the battery. Only that they had “a more permanent solution now. “ I wish I had more info than that.

 

[44267547]

I wasn’t there for her appointment, but she said they didn’t mention the battery. Only that they had “a more permanent solution now. “ I wish I had more info than that.

Interesting. If you find out more, due share.

 

[SDColorado]

Interesting. If you find out more, due share.

I wonder if the replacement will come with an accompanying work order and diagnostic from her old Watch? If it does, I will be sure to share

 

[seb1230]

I pre-ordered my stainless watch and just before I had it a year the back fell off. After a phone call, Apple replaced it but acted like it was something they never heard of before (I offered to send them threads from their support community). So, that was definitely well over a year ago now and it just happened again! I slide it off the charger after it happened the first time and it's never warm to the touch. I'm so frustrated! I'm going to take it to the store but am wondering if anyone has a guess as to if they'll replace it again, even though it's out of warranty. I'm not sure it's worth the $250 to buy a replacement if this is just going to keep happening to me. I'm interested in any advice!

 

[SDColorado]

I pre-ordered my stainless watch and just before I had it a year the back fell off. After a phone call, Apple replaced it but acted like it was something they never heard of before (I offered to send them threads from their support community). So, that was definitely well over a year ago now and it just happened again! I slide it off the charger after it happened the first time and it's never warm to the touch. I'm so frustrated! I'm going to take it to the store but am wondering if anyone has a guess as to if they'll replace it again, even though it's out of warranty. I'm not sure it's worth the $250 to buy a replacement if this is just going to keep happening to me. I'm interested in any advice!

I am hoping they will. My wife’s was still under Apple Care +, but they didn’t charge her the $69, they just replaced it. I know it’s not the first they have heard of it, I believe there are a couple of different threads on MacRumors as well as on other sites.

 

[44267547]

I pre-ordered my stainless watch and just before I had it a year the back fell off. After a phone call, Apple replaced it but acted like it was something they never heard of before (I offered to send them threads from their support community). So, that was definitely well over a year ago now and it just happened again! I slide it off the charger after it happened the first time and it's never warm to the touch. I'm so frustrated! I'm going to take it to the store but am wondering if anyone has a guess as to if they'll replace it again, even though it's out of warranty. I'm not sure it's worth the $250 to buy a replacement if this is just going to keep happening to me. I'm interested in any advice!

Apple will take care of it. Bottom line is this shouldn't be happening and it's a manufacturing defect. Although they will replace it with another warranty Watch. I'm actually shocked how many Watches on here are experiencing this, and this just from my readings on Macrumors.

 

[Shlooky]

Did this ever happen in series 2 AW's?

 

[seb1230]

UPDATE: I went to the Apple store last night and they are replacing it. They didn't even try to charge me, even though I'm no longer under warranty. They did say that something in the environment is wearing down the adhesive and asked some questions about lotions, etc that I use. They tracked that and said they use it to inform product improvements. The Genius told me multiple times that he wasn't blaming me and I didn't take offense. If they had started by saying they never see this, or it's my fault, then it would've been a different story. I was, as usual, impressed by the service and professionalism.

I pre-ordered my stainless watch and just before I had it a year the back fell off. After a phone call, Apple replaced it but acted like it was something they never heard of before (I offered to send them threads from their support community). So, that was definitely well over a year ago now and it just happened again! I slide it off the charger after it happened the first time and it's never warm to the touch. I'm so frustrated! I'm going to take it to the store but am wondering if anyone has a guess as to if they'll replace it again, even though it's out of warranty. I'm not sure it's worth the $250 to buy a replacement if this is just going to keep happening to me. I'm interested in any advice!

 

[andreyirra]

Happened to me last month. Had Apple Care but didn't try to charge me. As with most people, it felt when removing it from the Watch Dock. It was automatically glued again and couldn't remove it for 2 days in a row. On the third day it happened again and decided to keep it open with a finger so I could take it to the store.

Again,it was hard to reproduce (couldn't drive with a finger stuck in it) but finaly happened with a normal charging cable.

As for causes, I don't know:
-I dont slide it off the dock, I pull it.
-We can reach 40 Celsius degrees in my city although I'm mostly on Air Conditioning, so the sudden change in temperatures could play a part.
-I run with it but never in the day, just nights (less sweat and colder weather).
-Never took it to the beach.

 

[haruhiko]

The back of my first generation watch purchased 2 years ago without Apple Care just fell off last night and I brought it to the Genius Bar today and they offered free repair/replacement without question asked.
[doublepost=1497526410][/doublepost]According to Apple Support staff, the replacement program is only active until 18 June 2017. "Fortunately" mine fell off just days before.

 

[haruhiko]

Update: the replacement Apple Watch arrived today. It is the same model Generation 1 Apple Watch SS 42mm. No luck for me to get the Series 1. Apple should still have a lot of replacement stock for the Gen. 1.

 

[tkermit]

This happened to my two year old Sports model when I recently bought and used Apple's magnetic charging dock for the first time... I just glued it back on myself.

So, as it turns out, this may not have been the greatest idea... a few days ago my Watch suffered from what appears to be fatal water damage after I returned from a particularly sweaty workout. At first the touch screen started exhibiting erratic behavior and became unresponsive (interestingly enough only while it was not connected to the charger), later parts of the screen developed black spots and now finally the screen will only light up for a short moment anymore and the Watch fails to complete the boot-up process. Looks like, for the time being, the Apple Watch experiment has come to an end for me.

 

[haruhiko]

My replacement Gen. 1 SS Watch just came a little less than 2 weeks ago and today when I pulled it out of the charger the back piece fell off again. That's crazy. I can't believe Apple's build quality has dropped to this level. I have multiple Apple gadgets and the Apple Watch is surely the worst among all of them. Like above, my Apple Watch experiment has ended. Tim's team seriously needs to rethink about how to build a watch with screws, not glue.

That's a reason Apple fixes this for free regardless of the AppleCare status. It's because this thing is defective to a very large scale and they can't find any excuse to blame the user.

At this point I don't think any further replacement will fix the problem. FFS my 2008 iMac still works and this watch can't even hold its back together.

 

[44267547]

My replacement Gen. 1 SS Watch just came a little less than 2 weeks ago and today when I pulled it out of the charger the back piece fell off again. That's crazy. I can't believe Apple's build quality has dropped to this level. I have multiple Apple gadgets and the Apple Watch is surely the worst among all of them. Like above, my Apple Watch experiment has ended. Tim's team seriously needs to rethink about how to build a watch with screws, not glue.

Granted, you're having unfortunate luck with Apple products. As I quoted you before in another thread, I think everybody's situation will vary. There's no real metric to measure how many of the millions of the first generation Apple Watch is suffering through this specific issue observed.

And, I have to disagree with you about how the Apple Watch needs to be rebuilt. When you take a device that is small As the Apple Watch is, it's going to require adhesive in certain areas over screws. Especially when you're considering that the chassis is held together all by one piece, with the exception of the display and the rear heart rate sensor. Not to mention, with water resistance, and the adhesive is likely more of an advantage and increasingly needed to further the water resistance over what a screw could guarantee. In the case for the Apple Watch, I think adhesive would create a tighter seal and/or bond to the display/sensors. I don't see a screw being a likely source for the Apple Watch to secure the display and heart rate sensor over adhesive.

As a matter fact, when the Series 2 Apple Watch was manufactured, Apple commented on that they use stronger seals and adhesives to create the 50 m water resistance rating. So adhesives is certainly something to consider with ingress points.

 

[Dualica 01]

My turn... The back of my launch day AW sport stayed on the charger when taking it down
Popped it back on and the watch works as usual. Put it back for charging, back comes off...
Never wore it in water, no excessive sweating. Taking it to our Apple dealer today...

 

[Theydonboi]

And me, Launch day SS Gen 1 watch. Back popped off the other day, seemed to pop back in but still very loose and I'm cautious whenever I remove it the charger. Keeps on locking when it's on wrist and don't really want to play even minimal contact sports wearing it at the moment, lest it completely break.

This is really bad from Apple. I don't have Apple care and I'm in UK. Incredibly frustrating.

 

[Zxxv]

And me, Launch day SS Gen 1 watch. Back popped off the other day, seemed to pop back in but still very loose and I'm cautious whenever I remove it the charger. Keeps on locking when it's on wrist and don't really want to play even minimal contact sports wearing it at the moment, lest it completely break.

This is really bad from Apple. I don't have Apple care and I'm in UK. Incredibly frustrating.

Sale of goods act covers you for upto 6 years after purchase in the UK. Take the watch to an apple store and if they don't help you remind them of the sale of goods act.

 

[Theydonboi]

Took mine to the Apple Store yesterday. First time I've ever had a Genius appointment in over a decade of using Apple's stuff, but relatively impressed. They identified that it was a known fault with the early model so are sorting it for free.

I'm a little perturbed that they're simply going to glue it back, as I'll likely end up back in there in two years time with the same issue. The Genius did suggest that they could replace it with the newer model, which would placate me quite a bit but seems unlikely!

Annoyed to be without the watch though. Had a great streak in the Activity app, which is now squandered.

 

[haruhiko]

Granted, you're having unfortunate luck with Apple products. As I quoted you before in another thread, I think everybody's situation will vary. There's no real metric to measure how many of the millions of the first generation Apple Watch is suffering through this specific issue observed.

And, I have to disagree with you about how the Apple Watch needs to be rebuilt. When you take a device that is small As the Apple Watch is, it's going to require adhesive in certain areas over screws. Especially when you're considering that the chassis is held together all by one piece, with the exception of the display and the rear heart rate sensor. Not to mention, with water resistance, and the adhesive is likely more of an advantage and increasingly needed to further the water resistance over what a screw could guarantee. In the case for the Apple Watch, I think adhesive would create a tighter seal and/or bond to the display/sensors. I don't see a screw being a likely source for the Apple Watch to secure the display and heart rate sensor over adhesive.

As a matter fact, when the Series 2 Apple Watch was manufactured, Apple commented on that they use stronger seals and adhesives to create the 50 m water resistance rating. So adhesives is certainly something to consider with ingress points.

A water resistant watch does not have to glue everything together. Just look at all the mechanical watches out there.

 

[44267547]

A water resistant watch does not have to glue everything together. Just look at all the mechanical watches out there.

But you can't assume it doesn't Need "Glue." A smart Watch and mechanical Watch have completely different internal parts, Ingress points and not to mention, what other smart Watch uses screws entirely to bond the components together? It's a likely a cheaper method as well, Because it's a piece of technology, not a mechanical Watch that requires service after so many years.

Also, a mechanical Watch is designed to be Upgrade or repairable for different mechanical components, where as the Apple Watch Sip Chip (System internal package) is completely bonded by glue/resin. Similarly, even iPads and iPhones use quite a bit of adhesive to hold complements together, which is again likely a cheaper method to build on a mass production level, but also makes the repairability Extrnely difficult.