The anodized coating on the back of my 42 mm space gray Apple Watch Sport has flaked off. I've had my watch for less than a month. Is this covered by Apple Care?

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Level 1

1 points

The anodized coating on the back of my 42 mm space gray Apple Watch Sport has flaked off. I've had my watch for less than a month. Is this covered by Apple Care?

I received my 42 mm space gray Apple Watch Sport on June 2nd, but did not activate and start wearing it until June 5th. I've worn it daily since then as my primary timepiece. I've used the watch for runs and workouts almost everyday. On June 27th, I noticed that the anodized coating on the back, right where the Apple emblem was etched, has flaked off. The flaking has not spread over the past few days. There is no other cosmetic damage to the watch. I haven't been able to figure out how this happened since that portion of the watch is against my skin and not exposed to hard elements that could cause this. Is this defect covered by Apple Care? If so, what is the fix?

Posted on Jun 30, 2015 4:26 PM

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Answer 1

tdroz

Level 1

26 points

Jul 21, 2015 1:19 PM in response to dpbum75

I have this same problem. I have a 42mm Space Gray Apple Watch Sport that I received from a 1st day order. My apple logo is gone on the back; see the red ring in the photo. I've only cleaned the back with mild LCD cleaner and a micro-fiber cloth. I took it to the Genius Bar on 7/18, and they took it to either repair or replace. I'm assuming they'll replace. I'll update again when I receive my replacement.

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Answer 2

lkrupp

Level 6

16,743 points

Jul 23, 2015 6:41 AM in response to BillFL53

BillFL53 wrote:

I am seeing the same thing in the same place on my watch. Apple Watch Sport, 42mm space gray.

Do you have a question? We’ve already discussed this issue and the way to deal with it.

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Answer 3

Dec 9, 2016 1:19 PM in response to dpbum75

i'm on my third apple watch and it seems like apple is just waiting for my warranty to run out.. I talked to managers and Customer service way more times that i would like.. no one has given me a solution..

well one guy proposed i sell my watch to apple's recycle program for a fraction of what i paid for

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Answer 4

Chyton

Level 1

5 points

Jul 21, 2015 4:29 AM in response to dpbum75

Seems like i'm not the only one.

I got same problem , but on my iPhone 5S , since it's anodized aluminium too. It seems like my sweat that corroded my iphone body , even the sim card tray has exactly same problem (i never dropped my iphone) and at the edge of the iphone , it's all corroded especially lower parts where i usually hold my phone.

Seems like apple wouldn't replace it.

This is why i bought the stainless steel.

PS : i never used iphone case before and my phone often overheating which makes my hands sweat.

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Answer 5

lkrupp

Level 6

16,743 points

Jul 21, 2015 4:24 PM in response to dpbum75

dpbum75 wrote:

I haven't been able to figure out how this happened since that portion of the watch is against my skin and not exposed to hard elements that could cause this.

Possibly a reaction to your skin chemistry but more likely a manufacturing defect. I would think the warranty would cover this.

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Answer 6

dpbum75 Author

Level 1

1 points

Jul 21, 2015 6:36 PM in response to dpbum75

Hey everyone. I apologize for the delayed response. Here is what I did... I spoke to an Apple Care representative who initially stated that it is something that would probably be covered under warranty, but they would have to do a visual inspection before making an official decision. My options were to mail it into Apple Care for inspection and repair/replacement. Unfortunately, that was not an option at the time I spoke with them since I was away from home and could not sign for it upon receipt at my home address. I took my watch to the nearest Apple store as soon as I had an opportunity. The tech determined that it was indeed something that would be covered and they would repair or replace the watch. He could not explained why it occurred, so I can't answer that. My options were to leave it with them for a maximum of 5 days or contact Apple care for a quick swap by mail option. The first option was not feasible since I was still away from home with an unknown loiter time. I have just recently returned home and will be contacting Apple Care to do a swap by mail in which Apple places an $80.00 retainer on your credit card, mails you a replacement, then removes the charge from your credit card upon return of the damaged watch. I will be making this transaction in the very near future. I hope this helps any of you who experienced something similar.

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Answer 7

pug1334

Level 1

24 points

Aug 3, 2015 9:56 PM in response to tdroz

Is the entire back composite (plastic/resin)? The back my stainless steel Apple Watch is ceramic. I had thought it was just the round part with the sensors that was plastic or ceramic. Perhaps the entire back is composite on the Sport model and the finish can't adhere properly? That's not an excuse for that to happen. it's still an expensive item. I've had my watch since mid-May and there's no wear to the back. The stainless steel does need maintenance to remove surface scratches and I use Cape Cod fine metal polishing cloths which do a perfect job (not for aluminum, brushed finishes, or plated surfaces).

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Answer 8

dpbum75 Author

Level 1

1 points

Aug 4, 2015 4:37 PM in response to LarryHN

Thank you for your input. I am well aware that Apple Care is the support entity that would definitively answer the inquiry, but I put it out to the community to see if anyone else ran into the same issue that I did and how it was resolved before contacting Apple Care or the Genius Bar at the Apple Store.

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Answer 9

dpbum75 Author

Level 1

1 points

Aug 4, 2015 4:48 PM in response to dpbum75

Update: As it turned out, I took my watch to my local Apple Store. Using my established case number, they sent my watch into the repair center. The Watch was replaced rather than repaired and returned to me within three days. I've been wearing the new watch for a week now and no similar issues have arisen.

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Answer 10

dpbum75 Author

Level 1

1 points

Aug 4, 2015 4:53 PM in response to pug1334

Thanks for the suggestion for polishing the Apple Watch. I will pass that along to anyone I know with an Apple Watch. FYI: The Apple Watch Sport watch body is aluminum alloy. The space gray has an anodized coating on the aluminum alloy. The sensor on the Apple Watch Sport is made of the same material as on the Apple Watch.

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Answer 11

Ktye

Level 1

8 points

Aug 30, 2015 4:47 PM in response to dpbum75

same here, my sport has peeled off too. Took to the store and they said that's normal and not covered ???. I called apple and they were dumbfounded and told me to send it in so they could look at it. They sent me a over night call tag for it last week. They have had it for over a week now and not seen a thing back from them. My service adviser has contacted enginering to see what's going on, no word as of Sunday 8/30/15

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Answer 12

Badbada

Level 1

8 points

Sep 4, 2015 1:06 AM in response to Ktye

My space gray had the same issues. After about 2 months of heavy use and sweat during exercise, the Apple logo finally flaked off. The rest of the lettering started to deteriorate as well. Dropped it off at my local Apple Store and was completely replaced via warranty as I do not have Apple Care. It took about 3 business days until I was able to pick it up, no questions asked. I'm hoping the replaced version won't have the same issue. If so, I was advised to simply come back for another replacement via warranty.

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Answer 13

Sep 22, 2015 5:20 AM in response to LarryHN

Hi, I got the same issue on my space gray Apple Watch 42 mm.I got it on the first day that the watch was available. I went to a Genius Bar in Laval Quebec and the guy said that I had to send my watch to the US for maximum of 14 days.it's been 12 days today and I just received a notice that Apple is refusing the repair. I still have to hear from the Apple store so I can get my watch back I will let you know once I have an update So it seems that depending on where you live or which Apple Store you go to you get a different outcome My watch is mint besides this peeling.

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Answer 14

Oct 12, 2015 6:48 PM in response to dpbum75

I got the case-mate naked clear case for mine. glad I did cause I think it's the rubbing of everyday use. I use to be in the jewelry business and rubbing is the culprit of most jewelry that is plated in one way or another.

Love the naked case too. it's crystal clear and protects the complete color of the watch.

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Answer 15

dpbum75 Author

Level 1

1 points

Nov 11, 2015 1:10 PM in response to dpbum75

Hey all. I wanted to update y'all on my experience with the space gray Apple Watch Sport. My last post was one week into watch #2. Well, the anodized coating started to flake off watch #2. I considered just sucking it up and keeping the watch regardless of the manufacturer defect, but finally decided to return to my Apple store. After I explained to the tech that this was my second visit for the same reason (2 different watches), it appeared as though we were headed toward the same solution as the first time. The tech even stated that this is a common issue. I don't know if it is isolated to the space gray or if the other Watch Sport colors are experiencing the same defect. I asked the tech if Apple would continue to replace my watch every 2 months for life because I expected the same issue to occur with each watch. When he gave me a strange look, I suggested an alternative solution. I suggested that instead of replacing my space gray Watch Sport, perhaps they can replace it with a space black stainless steel Apple Watch. After conferring with his manager, I was able to upgrade to the space black stainless steel watch. I just had to pay the difference to upgrade from a Sport model to the Watch model. Though it was not money that I wanted to spend, it was a better solution than keeping a watch that would eventually lose its coating, thus its aesthetic appeal. I've had the new stainless steel watch for a couple of weeks now and no problems. If I experience any problems, I will post again.

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