Brand new Apple Watch SE 3 (54 days old) died on its very first pool swim. Is this a factory defect?

• Did you purchase this from Apple or Authorized Apple Seller? If not, you may have been sold a refurbished device where the back case has been opened without you knowing it.
• Did you use the Water Lock feature to eject the water after swimming?

How to use Water Lock and eject water from your Apple Watch - Apple Support

• Did you get AppleCare+ coverage on your Watch?

I understand you are referring to the SE Watch and not the Ultra 3 watch.

Impossible to diagnose this through a forum like this. Your Ultra 3 is covered for 1 year under the standard warranty. You can also add AppleCare+ within 60 days of purchase to extend that to 2 years.

I don't think this issue is common as the Ultra watches are specially designed for activities like snorkeling and scuba. Over time the water seals can degrade but yours is new.

I would arrange for Apple Service. Apple Service and Repair for Apple Watch - Apple Support I am expecting it should be covered under the warranty.

noahwubZ- wrote:

Hey everyone, I bought my Apple Watch SE 3 on April 28, so it’s only about 54 days old. The watch looks totally brand new and doesn't have a cracks or dents on it.

I took it into a standard swimming pool for the very first time today using a swimming app. After a little bit, the Digital Crown started glitching out like it was being clicked over and over again, and then the screen went completely black. Now it won't turn on at all.

Since it's rated for swimming and has zero physical damage, it feels like the factory waterproof seal might have just failed. Has anyone else experienced this with a new watch?

The Apple Watch SE 3 is not "waterproof," but it is highly water-resistant (rated up to 50 meters under ISO standard 22810:2010). This makes it perfectly safe for shallow-water activities like swimming in a pool or the ocean.

My mistake on the watch, SE 3 (not Ultra 3). Still has the same warranty if it was purchased new from Apple.