Nipje

Q: Minor scratches on Series 2 SS out of the box

I am very happy that my Series 2 Stainless Steel watch was delivered today! Hope you are all enjoying yours. After some inspection of the watch, however, i noticed very light/minor/hairline scratches on the screen, mainly on the top and bottom of the screen where the curving starts, but also a few in the middle. Again: the scratches are very minor and only visible when shining your iPhone flashlight (or any other bright light) directly on the screen and looking closely in certain angles. It looks like this has happened during production, probably during some polishing routines of the watch or whatever (since the scratches are mainly on the curves of the screen and pointing in the same direction). Really trying to decide what to do about this.. Would some of you SS Series 2 owners be so kind to check this out and let me know what your watch looks like in bright light? Again: it is very hard to see so you need to use your iPhone light or other direct light source. I did read some discussions about the coating which has been applied to the screen (also described in the manual). Some suspect that this coating scratches easily, however i think it is strange that the watch comes scratched out of the box. Especially since this sapphire screen should be very hard to scratch.

Watch Series 2(SS) 42MM (2nd gen), watchOS 3

Posted on Sep 16, 2016 1:43 PM

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Q: Minor scratches on Series 2 SS out of the box

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  • by Kappy,

    Kappy Kappy Sep 16, 2016 1:48 PM in response to Nipje
    Level 10 (271,174 points)
    Desktops
    Sep 16, 2016 1:48 PM in response to Nipje

    Make an appointment at the Apple Genius Bar for service. If needed find an Apple Store - Find a Store - Apple. Take it within 14 days from date of purchase to get it exchanged for one not scratched. We can't help you here, and these forums are not for complaints because Apple is not here. We are all users just like you.

  • by Jonathan UK,Solvedanswer

    Jonathan UK Jonathan UK Sep 20, 2016 2:10 AM in response to Nipje
    Level 7 (34,578 points)
    Apple Watch
    Sep 20, 2016 2:10 AM in response to Nipje

    Hi

     

    If you are concerned about a potential manufacturing defect, contact Apple Support (mail-in service may be available) or make a Genius Bar reservation with a view to having the watch checked and, if appropriate, replaced by Apple:

     

  • by Nipje,

    Nipje Nipje Sep 16, 2016 10:40 PM in response to Nipje
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Apple Watch
    Sep 16, 2016 10:40 PM in response to Nipje

    Thank you for your comments. I will be going to the genius bar to have Apple check the watch out. However, supply is very limited at the moment in the online store so Apple probably will not be able to replace my watch on the spot. Anyway the reason for me asking if anyone would be willing to check out their SS watch is because the display should be nearly impossible to scratch, so it could be that the "scratches" (hard to even call them scratches since they are so hard to see) are some sort of normal and part of the coating which has been applied to the screen. This would save me a trip to the Apple store and give me some peace of mind. Thanks either way!

  • by Jonathan UK,Helpful

    Jonathan UK Jonathan UK Sep 20, 2016 2:10 AM in response to Nipje
    Level 7 (34,578 points)
    Apple Watch
    Sep 20, 2016 2:10 AM in response to Nipje

    It is certainly possible that any scratches are only on or through the fingerprint-resistant, oil repellent coating. It is normal for this coating to wear away under normal use and it can become marked without damaging the screen beneath. Even so, your watch should not have any marks out of the box.

     

    To check whether the marks are scratches of any kind, try gently cleaning the display with a non-abrasive, lint-free cloth (you can also lightly dampen the cloth with fresh water and then dry the display with another such cloth).

     

    More information:

    Cleaning your Apple Watch - Apple Support

  • by Nipje,

    Nipje Nipje Sep 20, 2016 1:55 AM in response to Jonathan UK
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Apple Watch
    Sep 20, 2016 1:55 AM in response to Jonathan UK

    I ended up in the Amsterdam Apple Store to have the Genius Bar review the scratches. They advised me to just return the watch and order a new one. I want to thank you guys for thinking with me! I really hope my next watch will be fine .

  • by Jonathan UK,

    Jonathan UK Jonathan UK Sep 20, 2016 2:02 AM in response to Nipje
    Level 7 (34,578 points)
    Apple Watch
    Sep 20, 2016 2:02 AM in response to Nipje

    You're most welcome!