FENIX 5 Bezel Durability

Former Member over 8 years ago

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.

0 scotthunter2 over 8 years ago

One thing to note on this topic is the F5 slate bezel is light years better than the F3/HR bezel both in terms of looks and not showing scratches

I wonder what Apple use for their matt black iPhone 7. I've had one for 6 months without a case and it has no marks at all. I think it might be painted or anodised aluminium.

I'm personally more worried about knocking the plastic lugs as they stick out more.

The F5 is a nice looking watch. You just need to be careful with it and perhaps take it off before any activity that could lead to the watch getting a knock.

0 Former Member over 8 years ago

One thing to note on this topic is the F5 slate bezel is light years better than the F3/HR bezel both in terms of looks and not showing scratches

That is good to know. My prior experience to the F5 Sapphire was the regular F3 Sapphire. Many thanks!

0 Edw4rd over 8 years ago

any good fix for scuff marks on the black bezel? :confused:

0 Former Member over 8 years ago

I have my black/black since 3/28, and use it quite a bit. Lucky so far.
It is normal for a black watch to show the scratches easier than the silver polished ones. I am very carefully remind myself all the time as it is my 1st black watch.

0 webvan over 8 years ago

I wear my Fenix 5 grey/black non-saphire during MTB rides. Had few falls already - not a single, minor scratch on the bezel - see picture from one of such falls :).
BTW - pretty sure it would suffer if I had it mounted on the handlebar.

Pretty impressive that it shows no marks! What's strange is that the slate gray would show no marks with rough usage when the black does with light one. I suppose the gray is not coated but "in the metal"?

0 AndyKumar over 8 years ago

frei IMPASSE

Some interesting thoughts.

I have returned 2 black bezel sapphire fenix 5's due to scratches from the box. Now waiting for my slate grey standard one.

My fenix 3 sapphire (owned for 2 years) does not have a single scratch on the bezel or anywhere else. And I have had a few minor knocks with it!!

0 MalcolmLavery over 8 years ago

any good fix for scuff marks on the black bezel? :confused:

I tried a permanent black pen. but was too black, plus still rubbed off.

0 Former Member over 8 years ago

I have my black/black since 3/28, and use it quite a bit. Lucky so far.
It is normal for a black watch to show the scratches easier than the silver polished ones. I am very carefully remind myself all the time as it is my 1st black watch.

I suppose to some effect this is true but for the price point and the desired functionality of the watch, the coating on the F5 is quite lackluster.

0 MalcolmLavery over 8 years ago

its not good though. Im finding myself lifting my left arm up every time i run past anything, even a little bush :)

0 Former Member over 8 years ago

Had my Black Sapphire for just over a week and so far not a single mark on it. I wear it pretty much 24/7 and only take it off to shower, clean or charge it. I've only had one tap against something that I've noticed and it survived fine. I also have a black Skagen watch which I accidentally dropped on the floor, it smashed the glass and the black bezel and band are now pebble dashed silver. I have no doubt in my mind that the Fenix 5 will be the same given a few knocks. I still like the look of the black though and what will be will be :)