bob Keenan

Q: SS Apple watch back composite scratches?

My apple watch is 1 month old tomorrow.  I love it.  I have the face of the watch protected with armorsuit screen protector.  The watch is mostly on my wrist or in the charger and no where else.

 

But I have notices that there are all of these fine scratches all over the back composite sensor face.  They are not so bad now but I can imagine that a year from now they could start impacting the sensor readings.

 

I assume the charger might be doing this.  I saw someone post a vid about how to put some thin microfiber cloth on the charger.  I may try that to keep the scratches from getting worse.

 

But can the scratches on the backside be polished off?  And if so how?

Apple Watch

Posted on Jun 23, 2016 9:36 AM

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Q: SS Apple watch back composite scratches?

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  • by Jonathan UK,Apple recommended

    Jonathan UK Jonathan UK Jun 23, 2016 9:49 AM in response to bob Keenan
    Level 7 (30,804 points)
    Apple Watch
    Jun 23, 2016 9:49 AM in response to bob Keenan

    Hi Bob

     

    To ensure that your watch maintains all functionality, Apple does not using recommend polishing it or buffing it with abrasives.

     

    It is also not advisable to place anything between the back of the watch and the charger. (Even accidentally leaving the very thin, original plastic wrap on the charger can cause issues with charging).

     

    To avoid any further scratches, instead clean the back of your watch - and also the charger surface - before charging your watch. When doing so, be sure to follow Apple's instructions for cleaning your watch and the charger (including using a nonabrasive, lint-free cloth).

     

    More information:

    Cleaning and wearing Apple Watch - Apple Support

    https://help.apple.com/watch/#/apd707b42a5e

  • by bob Keenan,

    bob Keenan bob Keenan Jun 23, 2016 10:19 AM in response to Jonathan UK
    Level 1 (30 points)
    Apple Watch
    Jun 23, 2016 10:19 AM in response to Jonathan UK

    Thanks for the fast reply.  The back of my watch is always clean and I checked the charger and it is clean.  I have to assume that the hard surface of the charger is scratching the back of the watch a tiny bit every time I put the watch on the charger or take it off.   They are very fine scratches.   You really cannot see them with the band on.  I only noticed it yesterday when I pulled the bands off to clean them.... and there were all these micro scratches.    I do not believe that this can be a good thing.

  • by Jonathan UK,Apple recommended

    Jonathan UK Jonathan UK Jun 23, 2016 10:30 AM in response to bob Keenan
    Level 7 (30,804 points)
    Apple Watch
    Jun 23, 2016 10:30 AM in response to bob Keenan

    If you are concerned about a potential manufacturing defect, I suggest that you contact Apple Support or make a Genius Bar reservation with a view to having your watch and charger checked under warranty:

     

    Contact - Official Apple Support

    https://twitter.com/applesupport

     

    Keep in mind that (subject to caring for it in accordance with Apple's guidelines) your watch is covered under the Limited Warranty for one year. Should any issues arise with the sensors during that time, you can raise the matter with Apple under the terms of the warranty.

  • by The_Hanging_Tree_112,Helpful

    The_Hanging_Tree_112 The_Hanging_Tree_112 Jun 26, 2016 1:32 PM in response to bob Keenan
    Level 1 (13 points)
    Apple Watch
    Jun 26, 2016 1:32 PM in response to bob Keenan

    Try to use a CD Scratch remover it work on the front, side, and Back of My Apple Watch Stainless Steel. If that does not work, try glass polisher. And as long as it does not breech the magnetic charger/ HR sensors it should be fine

  • by bob Keenan,

    bob Keenan bob Keenan Jun 26, 2016 1:49 PM in response to The_Hanging_Tree_112
    Level 1 (30 points)
    Apple Watch
    Jun 26, 2016 1:49 PM in response to The_Hanging_Tree_112

    I have some NOVUS 3 step scratch removal for plastic or acrylic.  I tried that and nothing happened.   I also keep some polish buffing  wax  (Black, white, and green).  I put some green on a cloth and rubbed... nothing. Then I tried white... nothing,  Then Black.... nothing.  With Black being the strongest buffer.  Then I tried rubbing the black wax on the back of the watch in lots of circular motions.   I got some faint circular micro scratches that tended to make the original scratches less visible.   So then I get this brilliant idea of setting up my dremel tool with a buffing bit.  I put it on slow (which is still really fast).  I rubbed it with a bit of green wax.  After several passes all of the scratches were slowly disappearing.  Did it a few more times and then switched to green.  

     

    The scratches are about 90% gone.  I am sure that the milanese band was causing the scratches in the first place so there will be no new ones.

     

    So I realize that this is a crazy *** thing to do to my new $700+ apple watch.  I could have just set up an apple appt. and maybe they would have replaced it, but probably not as my handling of the band caused it.

     

    I think I was lucky that I did not ruin the watch but...... I did fix the scratches    And I probably removed a few nanometers of composite coating as well 

     

    I am sure the Apple would never recommend doing this.... never.   Not to mention voiding the warranty.