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Zeos

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Jan 24, 2008
425
25
The round back panel of my Apple Watch (SS 38cm) started detaching from the watch body. It just stuck to the magnetic charger when I picked up the watch this morning, and only a wire kept the watch and panel connected. Now it pops off when I lay it down on the desk, etc. Going to the Genius Bar to get it fixed. Will need to keep it away from water and sweat until then, since I'm pretty sure it has lost its water resistance property.
 

Zeos

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Jan 24, 2008
425
25
Keeps falling off? Pretty sure you're supposed get it fixed the first time it fell off.

What a random comment. The first available GB appt isn't until late this week (apparently others are also booking appts for these expensive, subpar things). So yes, keeps falling off.
 
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BarracksSi

Suspended
Jul 14, 2015
3,902
2,662
FWIW, if mine falls off and it's long out of warranty (even accounting for AC+), I'd probably try gluing it back together myself as long as it's functional.
 

versifiercsvt

macrumors member
Sep 26, 2014
30
2
The round back panel of my Apple Watch (SS 38cm) started detaching from the watch body. It just stuck to the magnetic charger when I picked up the watch this morning, and only a wire kept the watch and panel connected. Now it pops off when I lay it down on the desk, etc. Going to the Genius Bar to get it fixed. Will need to keep it away from water and sweat until then, since I'm pretty sure it has lost its water resistance property.

Any update? Same thing happened to mine(SS38 model too), out of warranty/no applecare. Brought it to Genius Bar...they sent it out for service at no cost. This was on Sunday the 17th. I got the confirmation email that they have sent it out. I haven't gotten an update from them since. Lemme know how it went for you.
 
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versifiercsvt

macrumors member
Sep 26, 2014
30
2
UPDATE: After dropping my watch off at the Apple store on the 17th, I continually checked the repair status page at Apple website. It only showed that my watch was received at the store. Status went unchanged until last night. Watch was diagnosed and replacement was shipped out. It's currently on a UPS truck and out for delivery. ETA is later today. Pleasantly surprised at the turnaround.
 

JayLenochiniMac

macrumors G5
Nov 7, 2007
12,819
2,389
New Sanfrakota
UPDATE: After dropping my watch off at the Apple store on the 17th, I continually checked the repair status page at Apple website. It only showed that my watch was received at the store. Status went unchanged until last night. Watch was diagnosed and replacement was shipped out. It's currently on a UPS truck and out for delivery. ETA is later today. Pleasantly surprised at the turnaround.

Sounds like an improvement. Members were reporting one full week or longer in the beginning.
 

Willy2015

macrumors newbie
May 12, 2015
13
7
Happened to mine. Chatted with Apple. They said it is a known issue and would fix for free. I'm out of warranty but have apple care. They did not invoke app,e care just fixed. I did the express ship. They place an authorization on your CC. I got my new watch the next day sent it back in the shipping box (super easy Apple solution). They got old back in 2 days authorization disappeared from pending on my CC

Super easy
 

versifiercsvt

macrumors member
Sep 26, 2014
30
2
I'd like to know if there's a way to tell if the replacement is a refurbished model or not. I checked that weird Serial Number website and it only shows when it was manufactured plus the specs of the Watch.
 

Julien

macrumors G4
Jun 30, 2007
11,715
5,213
Atlanta
I'd like to know if there's a way to tell if the replacement is a refurbished model or not....
If you can't tell and never know then there is no difference to the end user. Refurbs can actually be better since they are 'hand' inspected/tested. Also either way it is covered by Apple equally.
 
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mzengr

macrumors regular
Nov 11, 2014
135
78
The back on mine fell off on Friday night. I took it in on Saturday morning and got my replacement today.
 

powerbook911

macrumors 68040
Mar 15, 2005
3,890
268
Back fell off my August 2015 SS Black 42mm on Friday night. Bummed out as I had hoped to keep my original serial number and original box from this first edition watch.

Plus, it took me I think 3 total watches to get this perfect one last summer so I'm a bit nervous about the replacement.

I'm traveling next week so it's a while until I can request my Express Replacement (unless they would ship on a Saturday if I did today)?

Looks like heart rate monitor unplugged too. I will try to wear for now.
 

ivantwilliams

Cancelled
Nov 30, 2014
2,060
1,390
The bigger question here is, "What on earth is causing the back to come off...?"

I've been thinking about buying another Apple Watch. But, I don't like the idea of the back just coming off the watch...
 
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powerbook911

macrumors 68040
Mar 15, 2005
3,890
268
The bigger question here is, "What on earth is causing the back to come off...?"

I've been thinking about buying another Apple Watch. But, I don't like the idea of the back just coming off the watch...

If I get one that is as flaw free as this one was cosmetically, most likely I'll have the second gen. before it did it again. A real shame those if you wanted to pull it out from time to time or those that do want to wear it for 2-3 years (no reason not to if you want), and then have that happen after warranty.

Also I found out that connector that unplugged also detected my skin contact so basically I'm wearing it for the time because no messages come in, etc. as it's locked all the time now, but at least it keeps track of my activity despite being locked. No Apple pay either, but again come Tuesday I should be able to order there replacement, fingers crossed I get a good one.
 

JayLenochiniMac

macrumors G5
Nov 7, 2007
12,819
2,389
New Sanfrakota
The bigger question here is, "What on earth is causing the back to come off...?"

I've been thinking about buying another Apple Watch. But, I don't like the idea of the back just coming off the watch...

Defective glue. The vast majority of us, including yourself, haven't had the back come off our AWs so it's simply a small subset of it, as is the case with any random manufacturing defects.
 
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