Do you swim/shower with your AW?

[Mlrollin91]

I typically shower with my watch every day. Yesterday was the first time I decided to take it for a swim. Everything seems to be working fine, but I was extremely cautious and wouldn't let the watch go below a meter, even for a split second.

 

[MartyCan]

Showered with my original AW yesterday for the first time. Mostly I forgot as I was getting in the shower but then I thought that it's rated for at least that (and I have Apple Care) so why not? Afterwards it was not just fine, it was better. The digital crown was much smoother and easier to use again.

I'd definitely recommend wearing it in the shower at least once in a while. Gunk can build up around the DC and a shower clears it all out.

 

[Mw0103]

Please post some examples of Watch water failures that are not attributed to a manufacture defect.

I've had my watch for about 350 days and have worn it every single one of those days. I have showered with it, rinsed it regularly, and wore it in the pool often last summer (just lounging--not actual swimming). This past week on vacation, this started after a couple of pool days (again, just lounging):

I'd say people swimming with these are taking a risk.

 

[JayLenochiniMac]

I've had my watch for about 350 days and have worn it every single one of those days. I have showered with it, rinsed it regularly, and wore it in the pool often last summer (just lounging--not actual swimming). This past week on vacation, this started after a couple of pool days (again, just lounging):

View attachment 634512

I'd say people swimming with these are taking a risk.

That's still a manufacturing defect, and such defects can strike anytime (the screen going out, speaker stopping working, etc.). It can happen whether or not the user takes it swimming on a regular basis.

 

[Mac 128]

I've had my watch for about 350 days and have worn it every single one of those days. I have showered with it, rinsed it regularly, and wore it in the pool often last summer (just lounging--not actual swimming). This past week on vacation, this started after a couple of pool days (again, just lounging):

View attachment 634512

I'd say people swimming with these are taking a risk.

Yes they are, for no other reason than the watch is GLUED together. At some point the contractions between the outside temperature and internal Heat are going to loosen the glue, assuming it was perfectly adhered to begin with, which is unlikely for every single watch. Likewise for the seals around the openings in the watch. Apple isn't checking every single watch that comes of the line, and hasn't designed them to be manufactured to withstand more than their submersion rating, whether they will or not if perfectly assembled. And age is a factor in any event, so that even if the watch was designed to technically withstand greater water exposure, it wasn't manufactured to do so for any length of time, much less a year or more.

I specifically use the watch for surfing, and have had no problems during several months I used it before I got a catalyst case for it. But I also fully expect it to fail. Apple will replace it, or not. It will be interesting to see what they say when you take it in under warranty because you "haven't exposed it to any more water than washing your hands or rinsing off the Digital Crown as instructed, or getting caught in the rain while jogging". They have to replace a watch with water damage, because it has a rating allowing it to be exposed to water during which a warranty failure could occur. I'm not sure how they would be able to determine the watch was used for swimming, or otherwise exposed to water beyond that recommended by Apple.

But anyone who exposes it to significant water submersion on a regular basis should expect the worst, sooner or later, and be prepared to pay the price.

 

[JayLenochiniMac]

It will be interesting to see what they say when you take it in under warranty because you "haven't exposed it to any more water than washing your hands or rinsing off the Digital Crown as instructed, or getting caught in the rain while jogging". They have to replace a watch with water damage, because it has a rating allowing it to be exposed to water during which a warranty failure could occur. I'm not sure how they would be able to determine the watch was used for swimming, or otherwise exposed to water beyond that recommended by Apple.

It isn't that interesting because Apple have replaced water-damaged AWs under the standard warranty, including those that suffered water ingress from hand washing. They can't determine whether you took it outside the scope of the IPX7 rating, unless you let the cat out of the bag.

 

[BarracksSi]

The only improvement I would love to make to the AW's hardware would be proper mechanically sealed construction, either snapping or screwing parts into place with O-rings and gaskets for water protection.

I don't know if this style of construction is possible in the current form of the AW, though. Maybe snap-on front and back, which can be pretty good -- my Citizen has a snap-on back, I'm guessing, and it's rated for 200 meters.

Even if Apple does warranty replacements, it's a hassle for both Apple and the owner, and it's another repair expense for Apple.

 

[Julien]

I've had my watch for about 350 days and have worn it every single one of those days. I have showered with it, rinsed it regularly, and wore it in the pool often last summer (just lounging--not actual swimming). This past week on vacation, this started after a couple of pool days (again, just lounging):


I'd say people swimming with these are taking a risk.

NOT an example and is probably the most common posted manufacture defect (top right corner crystal glue defect).

 

[bnekic]

I've had my watch for about 350 days and have worn it every single one of those days. I have showered with it, rinsed it regularly, and wore it in the pool often last summer (just lounging--not actual swimming). This past week on vacation, this started after a couple of pool days (again, just lounging):

View attachment 634512

I'd say people swimming with these are taking a risk.

You're exactly right, your watch might be fine for x amount of time doing water activities with it but you're always a risk. Do you really want to take a gamble to see if your watch was made and sealed properly to avoid water damage? I mean if bought AppleCare sure go ahead.

So I'll be heading to the Apple Store today to get my $199 replacement since I'm 2 months out of warranty.

 

[JayLenochiniMac]

You're exactly right, your watch might be fine for x amount of time doing water activities with it but you're always a risk. Do you really want to take a gamble to see if your watch was made and sealed properly to avoid water damage? I mean if bought AppleCare sure go ahead.

So I'll be heading to the Apple Store today to get my $199 replacement since I'm 2 months out of warranty.

Or it can be free if you purchased it using a major credit card that offers extended warranty protection, in which case you file a claim to get reimbursed the $199.

 

[Mac 128]

You're exactly right, your watch might be fine for x amount of time doing water activities with it but you're always a risk. Do you really want to take a gamble to see if your watch was made and sealed properly to avoid water damage? I mean if bought AppleCare sure go ahead.

So I'll be heading to the Apple Store today to get my $199 replacement since I'm 2 months out of warranty.

Or you can look at it this way -- a mid-priced Watch costs about as much as a brake job on my car. So do I want to take that canyon road that is a shortcut on my commute saving me 20 minutes, but cutting my brake life in half, or do I want to take the long way around adding time to my commute but increasing the cost of replacing my brakes?

Those who want to wear their watch in the water take the risk. They get the benefit of use of the watch the way they want and it's either covered by a manufacturing defect during its warranty, or they have to replace it sooner than they would have otherwise had to. The thing is glued together, so the defect could still appear after its out of warranty used exactly as Apple instructs. And frankly, as I've pointed out, since Apple can't really know how the watch was exposed to water, and the watch is warranted against water ingress; to the extent someone is going to use it that way, they should absolutely buy Apple Care + for the money. Or, plan to replace it on a yearly upgrade cycle, and if they get more use than planned, great, if not then just like the early car brake replacement, they got their money's worth.

 

[JayLenochiniMac]

And frankly, as I've pointed out, since Apple can't really know how the watch was exposed to water, and the watch is warranted against water ingress; to the extent someone is going to use it that way, they should absolutely buy Apple Care + for the money. Or, plan to replace it on a yearly upgrade cycle, and if they get more use than planned, great, if not then just like the early car brake replacement, they got their money's worth.

Or you can skip AC+ and purchase it using an Amex card (or equivalent) that mirrors the standard warranty in the 2nd year. Most major credit cards offer this and it's free of charge, especially if you're not worried about accidental damages not covered by the standard warranty.

 

[bnekic]

Or it can be free if you purchased it using a major credit card that offers extended warranty protection, in which case you file a claim to get reimbursed the $199.

I think I used my debit card but I'll be buying the replacement with my Amex. *update* I just checked and I bought the watch with my Barclay Visa. So I'll be filing a claim

 

[JayLenochiniMac]

I think I used my debit card but I'll be buying the replacement with my Amex.

I think replacement AWs carry a 90-day warranty and hence they can only mirror this in months 4-6. From now on, you should use your Amex for all major electronic purchases, including future AWs that you buy retail.

 

[Command]

I've seen a lot of videos of people swimming with the AW and nothing happens. Anyone hear actually swim or shower with it? I basically need it to be splash proof with some light submerging.

This is exactly how I use mine. If it gets wet incidentally, it's fine. I do not try to get it wet (shower, swimming) intentionally however it has taken a direct hit from the hose with the kids. No concerns there. Salt water would certainly kill it, however, as 'water resistant' has no bearing on salt water - that can kill anything. So, I wouldn't wear it to the beach.

 

[JayLenochiniMac]

This is exactly how I use mine. If it gets wet incidentally, it's fine. I do not try to get it wet (shower, swimming) intentionally however it has taken a direct hit from the hose with the kids. No concerns there. Salt water would certainly kill it, however, as 'water resistant' has no bearing on salt water - that can kill anything. So, I wouldn't wear it to the beach.

Correct that the AW isn't rated for salt water, but it's false that "salt water would certainly kill it." A number of members have taken it swimming in the beach with no ill effects.

 

[bnekic]

I think replacement AWs carry a 90-day warranty and hence they can only mirror this in months 4-6. From now on, you should use your Amex for all major electronic purchases, including future AWs that you buy retail.

I just checked and I bought my watch using my Barclay Visa

 

[JayLenochiniMac]

I just checked and I bought my watch using my Barclay Visa

Cool. Check with them to see if it offers extended warranty protection (all Visa Signature cards offer this, but I don't know which Visa card you have). If so, you can file a claim with them to get reimbursed the $199.

 

[Command]

Correct that the AW isn't rated for salt water, but it's false that "salt water would certainly kill it." A number of members have taken it swimming in the beach with no ill effects.

I can appreciate that - the statement comes from my boating experience. Believe me, given time, saltwater is going to kill it. lol. But, yeah - you can swim with it if you wish, it's your dime (or theirs) but I have no doubt it'll deteriorate the o-ring in time. After the seal is broken, it's just as allergic to water as an iPhone.

 

[JayLenochiniMac]

I can appreciate that - the statement comes from my boating experience. Believe me, given time, saltwater is going to kill it. lol. But, yeah - you can swim with it if you wish, it's your dime (or theirs) but I have no doubt it'll deteriorate the o-ring in time. After the seal is broken, it's just as allergic to water as an iPhone.

Well, Mac 128 specifically uses his AW for surfing and it hasn't croaked after all this time.

 

[Mac 128]

I just checked and I bought my watch using my Barclay Visa

While that's good insurance to have, and with Apple Care+ it also adds a third year of coverage beyond what Apple offers, it's also more trouble than it's worth for me. I'd rather pay for Apple Care and be able to walk into an Apple Store anywhere in the world and have them take care of whatever the problem is, without any hassle. If a customer didn't live near an Apple Store then it probably doesn't make much difference as you'll still have to fill out paperwork, and ship the product wherever it needs to go. But you also give up phone support after 90 days.

I can appreciate that - the statement comes from my boating experience. Believe me, given time, saltwater is going to kill it. lol. But, yeah - you can swim with it if you wish, it's your dime (or theirs) but I have no doubt it'll deteriorate the o-ring in time. After the seal is broken, it's just as allergic to water as an iPhone.

Saltwater shouldn't affect it any more than it does a Rolex, given it's essentially made out of all the same materials. However, you're right about the seals, and we have no idea if they are sufficient for that kind of exposure. So, as you say it is a matter of time, the question is how long.

That's why I use the watch in a Catalyst waterproof case now, which seals . But there's been plenty of exposure prior, though I would always make sure to rinse it thoroughly after immersion in salt water, just like I do my surfboard.

But honestly, Apple shouldn't be selling a $17K Edition for which the only difference is the case material. They should manufacture them to compete with comparably priced watches, utilizing materials and assembly practices with sufficient resistance to water ingress, and testing of each individual watch for an iPX8 rating, which they should be able to achieve with this design -- whether they advertise it or not.

 

[JayLenochiniMac]

While that's good insurance to have, and with Apple Care+ it also adds a third year of coverage beyond what Apple offers, it's also more trouble than it's worth for me. I'd rather pay for Apple Care and be able to walk into an Apple Store anywhere in the world and have them take care of whatever the problem is, without any hassle. If a customer didn't live near an Apple Store then it probably doesn't make much difference as you'll still have to fill out paperwork, and ship the product wherever it needs to go. But you also give up phone support after 90 days.

I don't know about VISA/MC, but with Amex, you can file the claim after the fact (walk in, pay the $296 and walk out with the replacement AW, then file the claim to get reimbursed the $296). Amex doesn't always require paperwork when filing the claim over the phone or online. I've replaced my wife's iPhones twice and a couple of other items under Amex's Extended Warranty and they required me to provide paperwork only one of these times. That one time was precisely because I bought both my and my wife's iPhones on the same day and they wanted to make sure the receipt matched up specifically for my wife's phone.

But, yes, AC+ might still be worth it if the customer isn't near an Apple Store (or if they'd rather have the benefits of Express Replacement even when they have access to a local store)

 

[BarracksSi]

I can appreciate that - the statement comes from my boating experience. Believe me, given time, saltwater is going to kill it. lol. But, yeah - you can swim with it if you wish, it's your dime (or theirs) but I have no doubt it'll deteriorate the o-ring in time. After the seal is broken, it's just as allergic to water as an iPhone.

There are O-rings and gaskets around the crown and side button, and I don't know how the rear sensor cover is sealed, but I think the screen's seal is a combination of adhesive and the Force Touch sensor:
https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Apple+Watch+Battery+Replacement/41080#s94840

Yes, it looks like the FT sensor itself is a narrow strip supporting the screen. Much more detail here:
https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Apple+Watch+Force+Touch+Sensor+Replacement/41084

 

[bnekic]

I don't know about VISA/MC, but with Amex, you can file the claim after the fact (walk in, pay the $296 and walk out with the replacement AW, then file the claim to get reimbursed the $296). Amex doesn't always require paperwork when filing the claim over the phone or online. I've replaced my wife's iPhones twice and a couple of other items under Amex's Extended Warranty and they required me to provide paperwork only one of these times. That one time was precisely because I bought both my and my wife's iPhones on the same day and they wanted to make sure the receipt matched up specifically for my wife's phone.

But, yes, AC+ might still be worth it if the customer isn't near an Apple Store (or if they'd rather have the benefits of Express Replacement even when they have access to a local store)

My watch was 2 months out of warranty when the water damage occurred. I went to the Apple Store paid the $199 for a replacement then filed a claim with MasterCard. I uploaded all my supporting documents on their website and the claim was approved in a few days. Really happy with how easy the process was.

 

[Mac 128]

My watch was 2 months out of warranty when the water damage occurred. I went to the Apple Store paid the $199 for a replacement then filed a claim with MasterCard. I uploaded all my supporting documents on their website and the claim was approved in a few days. Really happy with how easy the process was.

Well, your experience certainly sounds easier than I would have imagined it. I would expect individual experience to vary based on card issuer and their policies (both official and unofficial). However, it's still several steps more than I'd care to go to for the cost of Apple Care +, but certainly better than getting stuck with the bill.

Did the card issuer require you to send in the damaged watch? Or did Apple take it from you?