Apple Watch Scratched in First Month - What Are My Options? Do You Think Dog Claws Could Do This?

gigi16 on 20/11/2023 - 12:50
Last edited 20/11/2023 - 12:52 by 1 other user

TLDR: I've had my Apple Watch S9 (aluminium screen) for less than a month and have scratched it multiple times already. I'm devastated! What are my options now? I have five days left to take out Apple Plus insurance. It's my first time buying fancy tech and clearly I have failed! Options:

  • Email them and say that I'm not happy (unlikely to lead to a good outcome or free repair i presume)
  • Take out Apple Care Plus within the next five days and then make a claim?
  • I've now ordered a screen protector. (too little too late lol)!

More info:

  • I've barely worn it as I've had a two week cold - and yet I am devastated to have scratched the screen about four times (probably on two to three separate occasions).
  • I'm also a mostly bedridden person so my life isn't very vigourous!
  • (I am unwell so it's quite hard for me to read and digest T&Cs).
  • Because it is so new i hadn't brought a screen protector yet - and most people i know don't even buy those and don't get scratches.
  • My brother said there is NO WAY dog claws could scratch the screen (my dogs are about 9 kilos) but handling my dogs is the only thing I can think of!
  • I had the option of buying the titanium and now i regret it!

I know the good people of OzBargain will be best to help me.
Thank you in advance!

Electrical & Electronics Apple Smartwatch

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Comments

  • jv on 20/11/2023 - 12:51

    What Are My Options?

    https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/404258073032

    • gigi16 on 20/11/2023 - 13:16

      Thank you :)

      • LFO on 21/11/2023 - 14:50

        Silvo - the good old silver polishing will do the trick too.

    • HeWhoKnows on 21/11/2023 - 17:21

      OP should have placed a screen protector on it from DAY 1
      Only $5.00 on eBay for combined screen and case protector.

      Still not too late

      • try2bhelpful on 21/11/2023 - 23:54

        I have screen protectors on my phone but I found it too awkward for the watch.

  • AustriaBargain on 20/11/2023 - 12:54
    +1

    The stainless steel, and other premium options, have sapphire screens more resistant to scratches. Exact same internals otherwise though, so aluminium is still a good choice. But if scratches are your concern then the silver stainless steel is the best choice, has the harder glass on it, and the metal isn't coated with a different colour finish so scratches are less visible and can technically be buffed out.

    • gigi16 on 20/11/2023 - 13:16

      thank you very much. :D

    • thrillhouse on 21/11/2023 - 08:34

      Can confirm. I've got a Stainless Steel S7 and I've knocked this thing against some pretty hard surfaces (brick walls etc) and the face looks perfect.
      Conversely, I've had the ceramic screens on previous watches and ultimately did get some scratches on the face.

      Yeah, the Stainless Steel models are more expensive, but I don't think I'll go back to the Aluminium models knowing this.

  • sumyungguy on 20/11/2023 - 12:58

    Absolutely get Applecare+ and make a claim in due course.

    • gigi16 on 20/11/2023 - 13:16

      Thank you so much :D

  • skid on 20/11/2023 - 12:58

    You might not see the scratches after you put on the screen protector as light will reflect off the screen protector. Don't fret.

    • gigi16 on 20/11/2023 - 13:16

      Thank you!

  • franco cozzo on 20/11/2023 - 13:08

    lol….helicoptor glass!!!

    • gigi16 on 20/11/2023 - 13:15

      what is that ? :)

  • tsunamisurfer on 20/11/2023 - 13:13

    Email them and say that I'm not happy (unlikely to lead to a good outcome or free repair i presume)

    Why the F would you email Optus about your level of happiness?

    You scratched it and somehow its Optus' fault?

    • 1st-Amendment on 20/11/2023 - 14:13
      +3

      You scratched it and somehow its Optus' fault?

      Where does it say anything about Optus?

      • LFO on 21/11/2023 - 14:52
        +1

        Doesn't matter.

        It is Optus fault.

        Like yesterday early rain. Optus fault.

        • jv on 22/11/2023 - 00:16

          Has Optus apologised yet for the sonar pulse injuries to the navy divers?

  • lint on 20/11/2023 - 13:19

    Aluminium Apple Watches are very susceptible to scratches, just like a phone screen. It's worth getting a screen protector for them as there are offerings out there that are practically invisible after application, and as a bonus they hide existing scratches pretty well.

    The stainless steel models have sapphire glass which is much more durable.

  • ForkSnorter on 20/11/2023 - 13:20
    +1

    I don't think you can claim scratches. Glass scratches with normal use. It's not a flaw. The device isn't broken.
    For reference, both of the Apple Watches I've used for the past few years have scratches all over them, and I don't even notice.

  • Drakesy on 20/11/2023 - 13:24
    +2

    This is normal wear and tear, "happiness" isn't a claimable item, neither is carelessness.
    All watches are prone to scratches, Apple watches are no different.

    This does sound like a change of mind affair and you're kinda taking the system for a ride.

    If you want a durable watch get a Casio or Timex.

  • coffeeinmyveins on 20/11/2023 - 13:40
    +3

    Email them and say that I'm not happy (unlikely to lead to a good outcome or free repair i presume)

    lol

    Take out Apple Care Plus within the next five days and then make a claim?

    Ah yes, fraud.

    Looks like you have the cheaper version that doesn't have sapphire glass but rather apples "ion x glass" which looks about as scratch resistant as plastic. So yeah, the damage is done, get a screen protector and see if that masks the scratches.

    And evaluate why, after only a few weeks of light use, you've banged it up so much so quickly.

  • Jimothy Wongingtons on 20/11/2023 - 14:07
    +2

    This is amazing

  • djones145 on 20/11/2023 - 14:55

    buy 3d printer
    print apple watch
    place apple watch in safe
    best of both worlds, have apple watch and wont get it scratched

  • brendanm on 20/11/2023 - 17:28

    Oh no, not scratches on the heckin apple watch ©

  • coxjon on 20/11/2023 - 18:23

    You'll learn to change your behaviour over time and watch out for exposed brickwork etc.
    Those first scratches are always nasty but you'll get used to them.

  • try2bhelpful on 20/11/2023 - 19:40

    Who did you buy it from?

    • jv on 22/11/2023 - 00:16

      George.

      • try2bhelpful on 22/11/2023 - 07:04

        If it was Costco you have 90 days to return it.

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