From my interaction here and on other Apple fan discussion groups, the consensus is that there are different standards. In the US, every Watch owner with similar or other complaint have had their product repaired or replced at the Genius Bar at the Apple Store. Outside the US, there's no such confidence despite statutory laws such as those in Singapore, Australia or the UK which very much do more than standard warranties applicable in the US. In a nutshel, Apple US personally followed up after I escalated it directly via Apple Customer Support in Singapore ('thank you all fine chaps who are handling my case), and when Apple engineers personally reciewed whatever data they could or could not get from the third party service centre in Singapore, said they will allow for it to be replaced., adding after I enquired, that this was without any doubt under the warranty. This does insinuate that QCD Technology (the most established Apple service centre in Singapore) may have staff who operate on their own guidelines, not nexessarily reflectibg Apple's policies or for that matter respecting the statutory rights of the consumer. The loophole used to be that if their technicians claim 'improper use' such as 'unusual force' was applied, it could nullify the warranty. However, what they ignore is that the new laws allow for refunds, replacement and exchange on demand if the customer reasonably is dissatisfied. It's important to note this, as it will involve the Apple premium retailer and not Apple directly. Apple is of course depending on all these parties to be compliant to the laws and best practices related to their warranties and business ethos but this can easily be 'under their radar'. Right now I am awaiting QCD Technology to call me and/or issue a replacement voucher or product. I hope it will turn out well, for everyone. But this has diminished my respect for this particular service centre, but there's no choice. I plan to advocate better and fair practices by these businesses in Singapore after this experience.