Back of Watch fell off

I purchased mine in 15. My warranty was up in 16, and my Apple care was up in May of 17. The back popped off of mine Mid June. I talked to support who said too bad. Your out of your insurance period, send it in we will tell you what you owe. I was not having that. As the replacement parts are 200+. And if that's the case I would just buy new. I was in the city, and went to a Apple Store who said yeah, the insurance is up, and it would be around 249 to fix. I was like hmm yeah I'm not paying that to fix it. (Thinking I'll just glue it back myself or buy new) I was looking at the 42mm watches when she came back and said that her manager said it's a known problem and manufacturing defect and they would repair it for free.

First of all, I am a big fan of Apple and have invested a lot in Apple products. I am now on my 4th replacement watch because of the same issue. Previously, the Apple reps that I have talked to about my replacements say they have never heard of this problem. I have Apple Care Plus and so far Apple has been great about replacing the watch. Just like almost everyone else, the back comes off when I pull the watch off very gently off of the charger. This time when I called Apple they asked if I use any kind of lotion. I advised that I do use lotions/sprays with SPF (sunscreen) because I have had Melanoma (skin cancer) in the past (I'm okay now but very lucky). I use my watch to work out appx 5-6 days a week. I thought this was ok and even encouraged since their exercise ap has outdoor exercises and I thought it was wise to use a sunscreen since my dermatologist advised I should use this on a daily basis. The rep said he would consult the engineering dept. and after a week the rep called back and I was told that I should not use the lotions/sunscreens/etc., especially behind my watch since this might be contributing to the problem. I was somewhat surprised to hear this response, especially since I advised the rep that I had Melanoma in the past. I was also advised that if I continue to do this, that they might not replace the watch in the future. I love everything else about my Apple watch except this part of the design so I will now use rubbing alcohol on my wrist so I hopefully don't have this problem in the future. But is this really a good answer to what I think is really a design flaw?

I'm not an engineer but I personally believe that they should probably find a glue that will not be affected by the use of lotions/sunscreens/etc. I also think part of the problem is the charger. Again, each time the battery compartment came off was when I was pulling it (very gently) off the charger.

I can't tell you enough how nice the rep was from Apple that I was dealing with. I also think as a general rule that their customer service is beyond reproach. I just thought this response was somewhat surprising.

Never had this problem with my Apple Watch.

Unfortunately it will. I got a replacement watch 8 months ago and now the second watch back came off due to the magnetic charger.

Yeah, this just happened to me. I was shocked, really. Definitely not an Apple-like experience. Of course, I'm well out of warranty. Honestly, I don't think I want to give Apple any more money.

When I took mine into the Apple Store where it was sent off.

I got a new replacement