My Band fell apart

[XTTT]

Yesterday, the band split apart, separating near the sensor on the clasp side. It was showing other damage - the black coating had rubbed off from the pads on the side, and it was seeming like it was starting to flex a bit too much near the inside of the face. It didn't seem like failure was imminent, and not necessarily at that location, so I was surprised when it just popped apart while being worn on my wrist.

I purchased my band at a Microsoft store the first day it came out. I'd characterize my usage as regular/normal - I wear it daily, and sleep with it most nights. I don't do any sort of bumps-and-bruises-type activities; I just go for dog walks, hikes, and visits to the gym.

I did purchase Complete (had a feeling something like this might happen), and the store replaced the band. They said they'd seen this failure before after someone had bumped one, although I don't recall bumping mine, but they hadn't seen the black wearing off the pads (I guess they don't follow this forum).

I really enjoy this device, but falling apart after just six months is disappointing, to say the least. I won't be shocked at all if the replacement also fails to last more than six months.

 

[berty6294]

Ah that's the worry part of my band too. It doesnt appear like its going to come apart like your's, but if its going to break, it'll be right there. I know it.

 

[gadgetrants]

You've jinxed me for sure -- I'm probably 3 or 4 weeks right behind you. I noticed a few weeks ago that I can wear it "tighter" as time goes on, and I doubt my wrists are shrinking. I think it's likely shearing and...yeah...*fingers crossed*

OK totally self-interested question but: they gave you a new Band, correct? I haven't checked the fine print on the Complete Care policy, but I'd figured it would be a refurb (assuming they have them). What I'm REALLY wondering is...for those who manage to make it a year before total splittage, could they make a claim for "trading up" to the second gen (seems really unlikely) or perhaps receive a credit toward the second gen (less unlikely). Probably all depends on how much the store manager is in the right mood.

​-Matt

 

[matguard]

Realistically, is anyone's band doing well after 6 months? I have one week in my return window left, but all I hear is that bands are falling apart after 6 months. Are these vocal, extreme examples or the norm? I plan to wear mine daily, run 3-5 times a week for 1-3 hours each time. I also do a fair share of other activities.... Is my band doomed, or do some make it?

I would love to know so that I can return it if necessary. Thanks!

 

[t.mehoves]

Yeah...

That definitely makes me nervous as I am unable to purchase Complete as it was no longer available when I purchased my Band about a week ago.

 

[smatofu]

My band broke on the other side of the clasp (the outer clasp).
As I see it now, the reality is that wrist watch parts have to:
- be made out of metal or thick block of plastic/rubber, or
- be replaceable (band).
Any small part made out of plastic, rubber, or fabric is going to fail.

I love my Band!

 

[Nate Silver]

I've worn mine 23/7 (its off about an hour a day for charging) since release date, and the only wear is some scratching of the bezel. Clasp is still fine, rubber fine, connector plate/hr monitor plate not corroded. I average an hour per day working out (cycling, hiking, strength training). I also have a fairly physical job with lots of lifting, throwing, moving packages around etc., and I also wear it doing yard work and gardening. Certainly don't expect it to last forever, and its condition could change quickly, but its holding up well for me so far.

 

[XTTT]

The replacement they gave me was not in a retail box; I didn't ask for the specifics. It looks new, or at least it did - only takes a few minutes to scratch up the bezel and scuff the wristband.

 

[11B1P]

We bought ours at Christmas. My wife tried using the GPS on hers last week and it wouldn't lock in. Got in the replacement and it was a refurb. But, the GPS works!

We wear ours daily. Other than some scuffing on the Band from daily wear, mine is holding up fine. Her original one was holding up fine too.

 

[berty6294]

I can tell you that if you purchased a warranty at best buy, it is a replacement plan. That means you will get the full value of the device back to buy a new one off the shelf. You will be out the cost of the plan and will need to buy it again for the new one as the original was "fulfilled" to get that replacement.

 

[Musicman247]

Mine (bought on launch day and worn daily for 23-22 hours each day) is doing well except for the rubberized paint on the battery humps. One side has completely peeled off, and the other side is wrinkly. Other than that and some minor corrosion on the metal parts it's working perfectly.

 

[Michael Hedman]

Numerous scratches and scuffs as well as the rubberized paint detaching from the batteries on mine. Also noticing corrosion on my recharging grid leading to intermittent charging. Overall, I am very pleased. Looking forward to version two.

 

[Mohamed Abdul]

that looks awful