FENIX 5 Bezel Durability

I recently purchased a Fenix 5 Sapphire in NYC. After a few days of normal usage (running, weightlifting, rowing), the bezel now shows a decent amount of wear. I haven't even been rough with it like I've been with my old Fenix 3 sapphire but the little "scuffs" on the black/black Fenix 5 Sapphire model shows silver underneath. Not that its a huge deal but I thought the new coating on the black model would have been more resistant to wear. Clearly it's not.

I'm tossing up the idea of returning it and picking up a regular non-sapphire grey/black version and I'll add a tempered glass screen protector. Are there:

1. Any of you folks seeing the same issues with the black sapphire watches.
2. Any of you folks that have the grey/black non-sapphire version and can comment on the durability of the bezel?

Kind regards.

I've had the grey/black non sapphire version for about a month and there are zero signs of wear on the bezel.
I've been wearing it all day/everyday.

yep my black sapphire has a silver scratch too, got it 1st week of owning it and only tapped it against living room wall gently. Even though it looks awesome, I would advise people not to get the black. In fact, I would advise people not to get the Fenix 5 at all now.

yep my black sapphire has a silver scratch too, got it 1st week of owning it and only tapped it against living room wall gently. Even though it looks awesome, I would advise people not to get the black. In fact, I would advise people not to get the Fenix 5 at all now.

Because of the poor pace and GPS?

I recently purchased a Fenix 5 Sapphire in NYC. After a few days of normal usage (running, weightlifting, rowing), the bezel now shows a decent amount of wear. I haven't even been rough with it like I've been with my old Fenix 3 sapphire but the little "scuffs" on the black/black Fenix 5 Sapphire model shows silver underneath. Not that its a huge deal but I thought the new coating on the black model would have been more resistant to wear. Clearly it's not.

I'm tossing up the idea of returning it and picking up a regular non-sapphire grey/black version and I'll add a tempered glass screen protector. Are there:

1. Any of you folks seeing the same issues with the black sapphire watches.
2. Any of you folks that have the grey/black non-sapphire version and can comment on the durability of the bezel?

Kind regards.

I don't think you will be able to return it just because you have scuffed the bezel. Presumably the watch has come into contact with a wall or object to cause the abrasions. What do you expect the retailer is going to do with your second hand watch? They obviously can't sell it on as new if it is not in new condition, and the product is not "defective".

I also have the sapphire black F5 but haven't knocked it against anything yet so it still looks shinny and new. I am considering selling it though due to poor GPS and OHR performance, but I can't take it back to the shop for a refund as it's used. I will have to sell it and take the hit. If I had brought it online then I could have returned it within 14 days - my bad.

I've had the grey/black non sapphire version for about a month and there are zero signs of wear on the bezel.
I've been wearing it all day/everyday.

Same here, just over a month of wear 24/7 (sleep with it on) and have been running, swimming, walking with my F5 - zero marks on bezel or the glass.

My Black Sapphire already has two minor scuff on the bezel showing silver underneath. No idea how they go there since I only wear it running and to work (desk job). I tried a black sharpie to touch it up, but it failed miserably. I'll find another solution one of these days.

But yes I agree, the black bezel is obviously very prone to scuff marks. I can't wait to see what happens when I start taking it for hikes and outdoor adventures.

I only just got my F5 sapphire yesterday and I also have a small scuff on the bezel. All I've done is wear it to work (desk job) and back.

Pretty sad that this is the sort of quality you get from Garmin for $700+tax. What's the point of the sapphire display if the rest of the watch can be scratched by... well anything it seems. I can't imagine what this thing look like in a few months or a year. Expensive mistake.

Coming from a sapphire Fenix 3, I was insistent on sapphire Fenix 5.

However, I got 2 of them from Cotsworld, and both boxes had previously been opened and there were scuffs on them from the box!!!

After some research, I preordered a standard Fenix 5. Another reason was because the mineral glass one is slate grey and I want to pair it with the slate grey band.

PS: There is a combo sapphire slate grey pack with the slate grey band, but only from Garmin right now who have a 5-8 week processing time (and will work out much more expensive).

I don't think you will be able to return it just because you have scuffed the bezel. Presumably the watch has come into contact with a wall or object to cause the abrasions. What do you expect the retailer is going to do with your second hand watch? They obviously can't sell it on as new if it is not in new condition, and the product is not "defective".

I also have the sapphire black F5 but haven't knocked it against anything yet so it still looks shinny and new. I am considering selling it though due to poor GPS and OHR performance, but I can't take it back to the shop for a refund as it's used. I will have to sell it and take the hit. If I had brought it online then I could have returned it within 14 days - my bad.

Scott, I can and will return it, don't doubt my ability to do so. I will also pick up the Grey Black based on the kind and honest feedback others have given in this thread.

For the price, i'd expect a better coating. I have automatic Seikos, Magrettes and a few Luminoxes that cost less than 1/2 the price of the F5 Sapphire and deliver a much better finish. I'd also argue that if Garmin intends the watch to be used through it's paces (hiking, skiing, etc), it should have a better quality finish. Obviously you would see wear over time and the amount of wear you would see would be based on the activities you pursue (or accidents :p). However, all i did was run on the treadmill, indoor row and some weightlifting - I'f anything i might have rubbed it against the bench or row cables. Overall, i think that for the price and for the purpose of the watch, the coating on the Fenix 5 Black Sapphire is lacking.

Scott, can you comment some more on the GPS and OHR performance? I haven't ran outside yet but i'm anxious to hear what you and others think.

Thanks,
D.

Coming from a sapphire Fenix 3, I was insistent on sapphire Fenix 5.

However, I got 2 of them from Cotsworld, and both boxes had previously been opened and there were scuffs on them from the box!!!

After some research, I preordered a standard Fenix 5. Another reason was because the mineral glass one is slate grey and I want to pair it with the slate grey band.

PS: There is a combo sapphire slate grey pack with the slate grey band, but only from Garmin right now who have a 5-8 week processing time (and will work out much more expensive).

When i purchased my Fenix 5 Black/Sapphire, i also saw that the box was not sealed by Garmin, but rather with stickers from the vendor. This is fine for me because it came in brand new condition. Sorry to hear about your experience with Cotsworld.