Series 2 Digital Crown Stiffness

[4419626]

My Series 0 Space Grey 42mm Sport had a really slick, smooth digital crown movement. There was practically no resistance and it was very comfortable to use.

I picked up a Series 2, also Space Grey 42mm Sport, yesterday and the first thing I noticed right out of the box was that the digital crown feels very stiff. It's as if there's some tension or friction that is slowing it down, especially when making small/fine adjustments.

Can anyone else with a Series 2 AW speak to their experience with the digital crown? Is this a "feature" because of the new waterproofing or could I possibly have a damaged or defective piece? I really miss the smooth action of my old watch and it's a constant bother every time I have to use the crown.

 

[AMTYVLE]

I have the Series 2 42mm Sport; my digital crown is very smooth, almost too smooth. Sounds like a manufacturing issue. If it bothers you, wait until Apple stores have enough stock and go swap it out?

 

[frumpy16]

Mine feels stiffer (more resistance) than my series 0 but smooth. I think it is due to the increased waterproofing and the need for a tighter gasket.

Edit: one suggestion is to rinse the watch under running water while turning the crown. If there is some kind of foreign bit in there it may wash out. I had to do this frequently after running when salt would re-crystallize in the crown assembly.

 

[4419626]

Mine feels stiffer (more resistance) than my series 0 but smooth. I think it is due to the increased waterproofing and the need for a tighter gasket.

Edit: one suggestion is to rinse the watch under running water while turning the crown. If there is some kind of foreign bit in there it may wash out. I had to do this frequently after running when salt would re-crystallize in the crown assembly.

Yeah, that's pretty much what I'm feeling. Resistance, but it's still smooth... it just requires more force to spin than my Series 0 did. I may try to exchange it once just to see if there's any difference. If there isn't, I'll just live with it. I'm just way too aware of how much stiffer it feels compared to my old watch. Hopefully, it won't take long for my brain to adjust to the change and stop thinking about it.

I did try rinsing it as I had to do that with my Series 0 once in a blue moon, but that made no difference.

 

[Nozuka]

You could also go into an Apple Store and test if other AW2 feel the same as yours.

 

[4419626]

Well, I took the watch in and replaced it... there is definitely a lot of variance from watch to watch. My first watch was very stiff and resistant, the display model was very smooth and slick, and my replacement watch is a lot smoother than the 1st, but not nearly as smooth as the display. Also, the replacement's crown doesn't click when you push it in (it's a mushier button action), whereas the first one I had clicked crisply.

I wonder what it is about the manufacturing process that introduces this much difference from watch to watch. I remember my launch day Series 0 last year had an awful crown too.

 

[frumpy16]

Well, I took the watch in and replaced it... there is definitely a lot of variance from watch to watch. My first watch was very stiff and resistant, the display model was very smooth and slick, and my replacement watch is a lot smoother than the 1st, but not nearly as smooth as the display. Also, the replacement's crown doesn't click when you push it in (it's a mushier button action), whereas the first one I had clicked crisply.

I wonder what it is about the manufacturing process that introduces this much difference from watch to watch. I remember my launch day Series 0 last year had an awful crown too.

That's pretty crazy that there is that much variability.