Extended Watch Repairs

[nixiemaiden]

I have a 1st edition watch that was purchased in December of 2015. I haven't done anything weird with it, I haven't dropped it, it is only worn in an office setting so I have never been rough with it or anything. Anyway...the other day I put it on its charger but it wasn't seated correctly so it never charged and when I went to put it on, it was completely dead. No big deal...I put it back on the charger and didn't wear it that day. Then the next day I put it on, I noticed that the screen had become completely separated from the back of the watch:

I did a search of the issue and from what I read, it was a common issue with first gen watches and the specific fix was supposed to be covered for 3 years from the date of purchase. However, when I went to file through Apple, it asked for $220. I contacted Apple support and told them that if it was covered, I wanted it fixed. If it is not covered, I don't want it fixed. He said no problem and started asking all kinds of questions. After a 40 minute conversation asking me all kinds of questions about lotions / sun screens / bug spray, etc. he says I will get an e-mail and once I do what it says in the e-mail, I will be sent a box. The e-mail gave me a link to pay $220! I can't think of why anyone would pay $220 to get this fixed when you can get a refurbished series 3 for $309.

Would I get different results if I went to Best Buy? Or the Apple Store? They are both far away so I don't want to waste my time if they are just going to make me pay to see if it is covered. Also, Best Buy is closer so I would rather go there if possible.

 

[Julien]

Simple, if the battery is swollen it will be covered. Any other reason and it won't be.

 

[nixiemaiden]

Simple, if the battery is swollen it will be covered. Any other reason and it won't be.

Is that something they would be able to determine at Best Buy without me having to pay anything?

 

[ftaok]

Is that something they would be able to determine at Best Buy without me having to pay anything?

I doubt best buy will do anything, unless you bought an extended warranty through them. Go to the Apple store or use the box they sent you. The $220 might be a credit hold (definitely make sure first).

 

[44267547]

Is that something they would be able to determine at Best Buy without me having to pay anything?

Go direct with Apple. You can either send the Watch in via mail to them or if you have a local Apple Store. But your watch has to be sent to a repair depot, where they will send you a refurbished watch, but they do not carry replacements in store.

 

[nixiemaiden]

When I go to make an appointment from Apple's website - it shows Best Buy as the nearest Apple location.

I am pretty sure if I take it to Apple or to Best Buy, they will need to send the watch for repair but my question is if I take it to Best Buy or Apple, will the people there be able to tell that the issue is caused by a swollen battery (defect that should be covered) without needing me to pay up front.

There are a few things that have me really nervous. When I go through the process on Apple's website it makes me agree to terms & conditions but when I click on them to read them, it just throws up an error. And like I said, I only want it fixed if it is not going to cost me anything. The watch is not worth paying to have fixed. How do I guarantee that if they determine the watch is not covered that they just give me back the broken watch and my money?

 

[44267547]

I am pretty sure if I take it to Apple or to Best Buy, they will need to send the watch for repair but my question is if I take it to Best Buy or Apple, will the people there be able to tell that the issue is caused by a swollen battery (defect that should be covered) without needing me to pay up front.

I Can’t speak for Best Buy, but go direct with Apple, as it’s just a better method being that they will ensure the situation is rectified. What they will do, is if you bring your watch to an Apple store, they will assess it, they may not make in an evaluation right there in the store, but they will send it to their watch depot, which they will make the decision if the battery is swollen, if it is, then they will likely issue you a Series one or higher. Apple will not charge you anything upfront until the watch has been diagnosed, which they will notify you. Just as a reminder, Apple does _not_ carry replacement Apple Watches in store, so either way, they would have to send you a new watch via mail to your residence or the Apple store of your choice.

Read this article:

https://www.macrumors.com/2017/04/28/original-apple-watch-repairs-extended/amp/

How do I guarantee that if they determine the watch is not covered that they just give me back the broken watch and my money?

If the the watch is not covered under warranty for whatever reason, they will notify you that they will send the watch back to you, which you can ask them if there would be a charge for anything before you submit your watch for approval ahead of time, but they likely won’t charge you for anything just to assess the watch, unless there is a repair fee to fix the watch, then they will quote you that.