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The Game 161

macrumors Nehalem
Original poster
Dec 15, 2010
31,238
20,481
UK
Just noticed it this morning barely had it 2-3 days..ugh

Not that noticeable on pic though but at the top

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Apple let you take out apple care then make a claim straight away? Might need to get Apple care

Not sure how it’s even happened..maybe the damn cats
 
I can’t see a scratch. That’s the risk one takes with the aluminum watches. Not sure AppleCare will cover scratches.
 
I can't see it at all in that picture. Likely no one will know it's there but you.
Apple wont allow you to make an AppleCare claim on a small scratch. Besides, there's a limit of only two damage claims. Don't waste one on a super minor blemish.
 
I feel U Bro... something U just want your expensive toy to be perfect so that you can show off... My iPad pro got scratches right after a weeks of use.... Since I not able to claim the warranty, I quickly sell off lower price and get a new one.
For so many people returning S5 (battery prob), U might get a refurbished set when U claim Apple care.
 
I feel U Bro... something U just want your expensive toy to be perfect so that you can show off... My iPad pro got scratches right after a weeks of use.... Since I not able to claim the warranty, I quickly sell off lower price and get a new one.
For so many people returning S5 (battery prob), U might get a refurbished set when U claim Apple care.
AppleCare won’t cover a scratch. He can return it for replacement if within the 14 day return period. Otherwise, he can sell it and buy new.
 
It’s not noticeable until you look closer but I think it might have been cat related sadly and wether I had the nike or SS I doubt would have made much difference. If apple care doesn’t cover scratches then I don’t see a big need for apple care as if there will be damage it will be more than likely scratch related. I guess I could use some stuff that I use for my car to make it disappear or make it not noticeable. It’s more for when I plan to sell it will be the issue.

Wasn’t aware applecare doesn’t include for scratches…seems odd if that’s the case.

Seeing as I do have OCD I will just exchange it as I’m within the 14 days and just get a new one and make sure I’m very careful.
 
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Is it in the glass or aluminum? I can't even tell. If on the glass, the SS/Edition models have the sapphire glass that doesn't scratch near as easily. Typically, Apple Care + does not cover scratching unless it's so bad it affects the usability of the device.
 
Is it in the glass or aluminum? I can't even tell. If on the glass, the SS/Edition models have the sapphire glass that doesn't scratch near as easily. Typically, Apple Care + does not cover scratching unless it's so bad it affects the usability of the device.

Yeah it’s in the glass.

I have spoke to apple and will be doing an exchange. If I wasn’t so OCD it wouldn’t be big enough to worry most people but I will always know it’s there. Will certainly make sure my watch is covered up going forward. Sadly a kitten has sharp claws which I’m guessing is what did it.
 
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It’s not noticeable until you look closer but I think it might have been cat related sadly and wether I had the nike or SS I doubt would have made much difference. If apple care doesn’t cover scratches then I don’t see a big need for apple care as if there will be damage it will be more than likely scratch related. I guess I could use some stuff that I use for my car to make it disappear or make it not noticeable. It’s more for when I plan to sell it will be the issue.

Wasn’t aware applecare doesn’t include for scratches…seems odd if that’s the case.

Seeing as I do have OCD I will just exchange it as I’m within the 14 days and just get a new one and make sure I’m very careful.
Speaking from experience scratches on the SS watch will buff. SS is much harder than aluminum so the scratches are micro scratches. That’s why I chose to SS with each upgrade. SS, sapphire screen and AppleCare make for peace of mind. It’s worth the extra cost to me.
 
Yeah it’s in the glass.

I have spoke to apple and will be doing an exchange. If I wasn’t so OCD it wouldn’t be big enough to worry most people but I will always know it’s there. Will certainly make sure my watch is covered up going forward. Sadly a kitten has sharp claws which I’m guessing is what did it.
The problem is that unless you have the sapphire glass, you wiill always live with the risk of scratches. You could send it back and go for a SS instead. Unless you think the trade off of having a Nike is worth risking further scratches.
 
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Speaking from experience scratches on the SS watch will buff. SS is much harder than aluminum so the scratches are micro scratches. That’s why I chose to SS with each upgrade. SS, sapphire screen and AppleCare make for peace of mind. It’s worth the extra cost to me.

Yeah I do get that, I did have the SS but simply couldn’t justify £370 more for the SS.

I have had 3-4 non SS models and had no issues with scratching before and I’m normally careful but least I know how it happened and will make sure to avoid the issue next time.

I upgrade my watches each year as I’m mad so would much rather spend £430 a year instead of £800 plus I do like the nike watch faces.
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The problem is that unless you have the sapphire glass, you wiill always live with the risk of scratches. You could send it back and go for a SS instead. Unless you think the trade off of having a Nike is worth risking further scratches.
Can’t justify the cost of the SS. I have never had this issue before with non SS models I must admit so will take the chance and be more careful this time around. Having a Kitten with sharp claws is the reason I guess. Just need to make sure it’s projected better when she’s climbing around I guess.
 
Five or six years ago, iPhone screens were so hard to scratch that there would be videos of people taking knives and car keys to them and they would remain unmarked. Then Apple made the decision to switch to glass that was more shatter-proof and consequently more susceptible to scratching. It's this Ion-X stuff they use on both the phones and the aluminum Watches.

Of course, having glass that scratches more easily encourages people to buy screen protectors (which Apple sells, at least for the phones) and replace their iDevices more often when they become unsightly. Funny how this works in favor of Apple's bottom line, isn't it?
 
Five or six years ago, iPhone screens were so hard to scratch that there would be videos of people taking knives and car keys to them and they would remain unmarked. Then Apple made the decision to switch to glass that was more shatter-proof and consequently more susceptible to scratching. It's this Ion-X stuff they use on both the phones and the aluminum Watches.

Of course, having glass that scratches more easily encourages people to buy screen protectors (which Apple sells, at least for the phones) and replace their iDevices more often when they become unsightly. Funny how this works in favor of Apple's bottom line, isn't it?
Not so sure. More phones will be replaced if screen is broken than scratched.
 
Not so sure. More phones will be replaced if screen is broken than scratched.

Maybe so. But I think Apple needs to make them both be shatter-resistant and go back to the level of scratch-resistance they had before.
 
Yeah it’s in the glass.

I have spoke to apple and will be doing an exchange. If I wasn’t so OCD it wouldn’t be big enough to worry most people but I will always know it’s there. Will certainly make sure my watch is covered up going forward. Sadly a kitten has sharp claws which I’m guessing is what did it.

I am sorry that you got a scratch within the first few days. That is always tough. You are very fortunate that Apple is being exceptionally kind and taking it back for a scratch that was user-induced. Most businesses would never do this.

In the future, when you eventually induce another blemish on the watch, don't worry about it too much and you will not even notice it after awhile. And I would save the Apple Care claims/replacements until you really need it. But if it bothers you that bad, you could always take a hammer to it and then pay for a replacement under Apple Care, LOL.

Best of luck and enjoy the free replacement.
 
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As I understand, it is a trade-off between scratch resistance and resistance to shatter.

To the OP, I would reconsider purchase options. If it were me, I would spend the money on an Apple Watch option, with a sapphire crystal. It is far less likely to scratch, either at the Watch Face or case. If you cannot manage your OCD, with regard to Apple Watches, then reduced anxiety, the more upscale watches offer is worth it, in my opinion. Alternatively, what about considering upgrading less frequently, to balance costs?

On another note, your, statement about what Apple should cover via AC for the watch, strikes me as unrealistic.

One purchased AC to cover major watch issues like battery replacement, serious screen damage from dropping the watch, significant watch malfunction etc.

While you are in your 14 return period and can and perhaps should return the watch, the lower end watches are far more likely to show damage through daily use that is not covered. If that bothers you, then purchase a SS or edition model.
 
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Can’t justify the cost of the SS. I have never had this issue before with non SS models I must admit so will take the chance and be more careful this time around. Having a Kitten with sharp claws is the reason I guess. Just need to make sure it’s projected better when she’s climbing around I guess.
Sorry to hear you’ve picked up a scratch so quickly, that’s unlucky. I’m with you though, I’d rather have a few tiny scratches on my watch than pay £200-300 more for the stainless model. The Nike faces are the nicest in the range too so it’s worth it just for those.
 
As I understand, it is a trade-off between scratch resistance and resistance to shatter.

To the OP, I would reconsider purchase options. If it were me, I would spend the money on an Apple Watch option, with a sapphire crystal. It is far less likely to scratch, either at the Watch Face or case. If you cannot manage your OCD, with regard to Apple Watches, then reduced anxiety, the more upscale watches offer is worth it, in my opinion. Alternatively, what about considering upgrading less frequently, to balance costs?

On another note, your, statement about what Apple should cover via AC for the watch, strikes me as unrealistic.

One purchased AC to cover major watch issues like battery replacement, serious screen damage from dropping the watch, significant watch malfunction etc.

While you are in your 14 return period and can and perhaps should return the watch, the lower end watches are far more likely to show damage through daily use that is not covered. If that bothers you, then purchase a SS or edition model.
I can see the pros and cons but I’ve never had anything like this happen before on non SS models so i think it’s more of a freak accident thats caused it. Granted SS models will more likely to last longer without scratches but in my experience it has been fine for the most part. If i was past my 14 days then i would likely just lump it as it is not something you notice day to day but once you know it’s there it’s in your mind i guess.
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Sorry to hear you’ve picked up a scratch so quickly, that’s unlucky. I’m with you though, I’d rather have a few tiny scratches on my watch than pay £200-300 more for the stainless model. The Nike faces are the nicest in the range too so it’s worth it just for those.
agreed with the complications now on nike watch faces thats a big plus for me. Hopefully i will be more careful on the replacement.
 
@The Game 161

Never say never. I may be wrong, but I think you have posted about Watch imperfections on other threads. So this obviously stresses you adversely. If my assessment is correct then pick a model, where this is less likely to happen.

if finances are an issue, then purchase SS or Ti, and upgrade less frequently.

For me. I wanted the Ti and will hopefully be able to keto it for the full three year AC duration, to amortize the cost.
 
@The Game 161

Never say never. I may be wrong, but I think you have posted about Watch imperfections on other threads. So this obviously stresses you adversely. If my assessment is correct then pick a model, where this is less likely to happen.

if finances are an issue, then purchase SS or Ti, and upgrade less frequently.

For me. I wanted the Ti and will hopefully be able to keto it for the full three year AC duration, to amortize the cost.
I wouldn’t say finances are an issue it’s just hard to justify paying £370 more for a watch that does the same things...as I said i have had plenty of non SS models and this has happened just this time so hopefully it won’t again. I do like the nike watches better so i think i will be happy with it going forward.
 
Yeah, it happens with the aluminum. I remember when I got a series 0 and babied like crazy. It still showed scratches and I could never figure out how they got there. Very frustrating for sure but I guess that's one of the draws of buying the SS or Edition models.
 
I am sorry that you got a scratch within the first few days. That is always tough. You are very fortunate that Apple is being exceptionally kind and taking it back for a scratch that was user-induced. Most businesses would never do this.

In the future, when you eventually induce another blemish on the watch, don't worry about it too much and you will not even notice it after awhile. And I would save the Apple Care claims/replacements until you really need it. But if it bothers you that bad, you could always take a hammer to it and then pay for a replacement under Apple Care, LOL.

Best of luck and enjoy the free replacement.
It wasn’t the result of Apple generosity. He is within the 14 day return window.
 
Yeah, it happens with the aluminum. I remember when I got a series 0 and babied like crazy. It still showed scratches and I could never figure out how they got there. Very frustrating for sure but I guess that's one of the draws of buying the SS or Edition models.

I think I had 3 very small light scratches on my series 2 after 3 years of constant wear. I have worn expensive watches for years though and become very conscious of not putting my watches in danger. I’d always buy the aluminium as it’s about the right price for a disposable smartwatch IMO.
 
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