Coating on sapphire crystal is... rubbing off?

[ijen0311]

So I've had my series 3 for about 2 months (if that) and this has happened. I'm not sure how or why, since nothing out of the ordinary has happened to the watch.

The face is smudgy in the picture because it's the only way you can get a good look at what I'm talking about. Apple chat support wasn't really helpful (they said it's a scratch, which obviously it isn't).

I was hoping to just take it into the store but... no appointments, as usual.

[doublepost=1522204262][/doublepost]Well, I see a few posts from others where this has happened, but not any resolution as to whether it's normal or not.

 

[44267547]

So I've had my series 3 for about 2 months (if that) and this has happened. I'm not sure how or why, since nothing out of the ordinary has happened to the watch.

The face is smudgy in the picture because it's the only way you can get a good look at what I'm talking about. Apple chat support wasn't really helpful (they said it's a scratch, which obviously it isn't).

I was hoping to just take it into the store but... no appointments, as usual.

View attachment 755810 View attachment 755811
[doublepost=1522204262][/doublepost]Well, I see a few posts from others where this has happened, but not any resolution as to whether it's normal or not.

I don’t necessarily think it’s abnormal based off your photos, it just looks like your fingerprints from the oil of your fingers is having a reaction with the oleophobic coating. The oleophobic coating is naturally organic and will wear off over time. But to be entirely sure, I would still make an appointment with Apple.

 

[Julien]

Have you used an alcohol based cleaning pad or solution (like for glasses)?

 

[44267547]

Have you used an alcohol based cleaning pad or solution (like for glasses)?

Others may disagree with you on applying any type of cleaning solution like an alcohol-based Product to remove the smudges, but it has worked for others without causing any harm to the display.

 

[KarimLeVallois]

Others may disagree with you on applying any type of cleaning solution like an alcohol-based Product to remove the smudges, but it has worked for others without causing any harm to the display.

I use just warm water, simple.

 

[44267547]

I use just warm water, simple.

And a good microfiber cloth, usually its problem solved.

 

[Newtons Apple]

I just wipe my BSS with my shirt if it gets dirty and wash it under warm water once a week.

 

[KarimLeVallois]

And a good microfiber cloth, usually its problem solved.

Yep, warm water under the tap, dab with soft flannel and microfibre cloth to buff it.

 

[ijen0311]

Have you used an alcohol based cleaning pad or solution (like for glasses)?

I’ve not cleaned it with anything like that, but I’ve used a microfiber cloth until it fades away. It just comes back a couple days later.

 

[BarracksSi]

I’ve not cleaned it with anything like that, but I’ve used a microfiber cloth until it fades away. It just comes back a couple days later.

Try rinsing it off when you shower and wipe it down with your towel.

Been doing it with mine (first a "series 0" and now a Series 2) and never had any problems.

 

[Julien]

Others may disagree with you on applying any type of cleaning solution like an alcohol-based Product to remove the smudges, but it has worked for others without causing any harm to the display.

I was asking had they because if they did they may have streaked the oleophobic coating.

 

[44267547]

I was asking had they because if they did they may have streaked the oleophobic coating.

This is True, Which Cleaning solutions can certainly streak or cause a separation with the oleophobic coating.

 

[DribbleCastle]

Thanks for posting. I had a similar problem with my Series 4 stainless steel model. The pictures below are when it was fairly "clean". The good news is that I sent it into Apple and they replaced it. I didn't go to the retail store because I figured they were more likely to brush it off as normal. Overall, very happy with the service.

In this photo, you can see the darker interior of the screen where the problem was not present.