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Appwatchgirl

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Jan 11, 2017
2
0
I've only had my Apple Watch Series 2 for 3 months. I've been super cautious with it, the other day I barely tapped it against the corner of a wall at work and there is now a small chip on the bezel (see photo).

I know this wouldn't bother a majority of people, but I saved up months to be able to purchase this watch. And honestly, it really bothers me. How is this supposed to be a 'sport' watch when the lightest bump causes a chip.

I just wanted to know if anyone else with has experienced this? If so, how did it happen and what did you end up doing?

Random FYI: I do have AppleCare
 

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venom600

macrumors 65816
Mar 23, 2003
1,312
1,169
Los Angeles, CA
You bump aluminum against anything and it is going to get chipped or scratched. Go take a look at a used stainless steel Rolex or other high end watch and you'll see the same thing. Applecare will replace it for you for whatever the deductible is, but I suggest you wait until it is almost out of warranty or you damage it further.

I cracked the screen on mine twice before I gave up and got a cover for it like this: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01CQU8ER2/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

It is fairly unobtrusive, but it protects the watch from bumps and scrapes totally.
 
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44267547

Cancelled
Jul 12, 2016
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I would be frustrated too. But unfortunately when you own a watch, it's nearly impossible not to subject to hitting it on something.

Unfortunately, that's how aluminum is. The 7000 series anodized aluminum used on the Apple Watch sport is prone to chipping.

This is one of many reasons I own the stainless steel model, is to avoid reasons like that.

My advice is to try and live with it. If it really bothers you, then explore your options of having replaced or selling it. But I think you'll find out if you purchase another aluminum sport watch, you will ultimately find yourself in the same position again, because like I said before, it's difficult not to subject the watch to any damage.
 
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DeNachtwacht

macrumors member
Aug 2, 2012
71
16
I think the best thing you can do is bringing it to a jeweler or watch specialist and ask if they can somehow repair it. These are the guys that have the experience and I have been suprized in the past by repairments of almost completely damaged watches. But keep in mind: smartwatches are a new territory, also for them...
 

klymr

macrumors 65816
May 16, 2007
1,451
103
Utah
I think the best thing you can do is bringing it to a jeweler or watch specialist and ask if they can somehow repair it. These are the guys that have the experience and I have been suprized in the past by repairments of almost completely damaged watches. But keep in mind: smartwatches are a new territory, also for them...

They most likely won't have a good solution for a repair. I worked in the jewelry industry for nearly 8 years, with a company that has been in business for 120 years. If the watch were steel, it would be an easy repair. Since it is aluminum—and the gold (anodized?) aluminum at that—there likely isn't anything a jeweler can do.
 
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Appwatchgirl

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Jan 11, 2017
2
0
You bump aluminum against anything and it is going to get chipped or scratched. Go take a look at a used stainless steel Rolex or other high end watch and you'll see the same thing. Applecare will replace it for you for whatever the deductible is, but I suggest you wait until it is almost out of warranty or you damage it further.

I cracked the screen on mine twice before I gave up and got a cover for it like this: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01CQU8ER2/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

It is fairly unobtrusive, but it protects the watch from bumps and scrapes totally.


---> Funny, because I purchased a case nearly identical to this. But never put it on due to sweat and moisture getting trapped under.
 

44267547

Cancelled
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They most likely won't have a good solution for a repair. I worked in the jewelry industry for nearly 8 years, with a company that has been in business for 120 years. If the watch were steel, it would be an easy repair. Since it is aluminum—and the gold (anodized?) aluminum at that—there likely isn't anything a jeweler can do.

The Apple Watch 7000 series aluminum is anodized. That said, anytime aluminum is scratched or damaged, because it's such a light metal, it's impossible to repair it.
 
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Ffosse

macrumors 68000
Nov 5, 2012
1,827
652
Bad luck but that will happen with nearly any watch.

I don't want my watch to get a scratch, but I really baby my iPhone; I'd be far more annoyed if I scratched or chipped that.
 
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DeNachtwacht

macrumors member
Aug 2, 2012
71
16
They most likely won't have a good solution for a repair. I worked in the jewelry industry for nearly 8 years, with a company that has been in business for 120 years. If the watch were steel, it would be an easy repair. Since it is aluminum—and the gold (anodized?) aluminum at that—there likely isn't anything a jeweler can do.
The cases for the watch are being sold on Chinese websites with prices from $50 to $75. My guess would be that jewellers can do a perfect job in replacing the dameged one with a new one.
 

44267547

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The cases for the watch are being sold on Chinese websites with prices from $50 to $75. My guess would be that jewellers can do a perfect job in replacing the dameged one with a new one.

I would highly question if those cases are legitimate and genuine Apple Watch sport cases. If they are, then they would need to be the 7000 series aluminum. Not some knock off or third-party casing.
 
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Newtons Apple

Suspended
Mar 12, 2014
22,757
15,254
Jacksonville, Florida
My VP picked up his brand new company vehicle a few days ago and no sooner than he got it on the highway, to return to the office, a rock broke the windshield.

Only 6 miles on the ODO is just bad luck.
 

atlas_0

Suspended
Dec 30, 2016
156
308
I have to say - if this is what's causing concern in your life, you must have it pretty good.

The chip is super tiny. You'll get more of them too. My advice? Quit worrying about it, and instead just plan on getting an AC replacement down the road.

Watches ding, scratch, and acquire marks. It happens, and it's really not a big deal. You have a solution to fix it down the road, but like I said. Wait until there's a lot more damage.
 
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44267547

Cancelled
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I have to say - if this is what's causing concern in your life, you must have it pretty good.

The chip is super tiny. You'll get more of them too. My advice? Quit worrying about it, and instead just plan on getting an AC replacement down the road.

Watches ding, scratch, and acquire marks. It happens, and it's really not a big deal. You have a solution to fix it down the road, but like I said. Wait until there's a lot more damage.

Agreed. Watches and rings are completely exposed to damage. Unless Apple makes a casing for the Watch that's impervious to damage, then there is no way to avoid it.
 
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