While charging in unusually dim lighting this morning, I noticed hairline cracks on the face of the HR sensor. Panicking, I did some research and found this has happened before to people (like me) who have not damaged the sensor in any way. I have not dropped, smashed, or otherwise done anything to the underside of the watch. It is on my wrist 99% of the time. Sent an email to Garmin support this morning and hope they can address the issue quickly. I love this thing and hate the idea of being without it. ciq.forums.garmin.com/.../1284467.jpg
I use sun screen, bug spray and its attached to that Garmin bike, watch holder for some rides, had it on there for some pretty gnarly root sections. I sweat like a pig at the moment because its hot and humid in Florida. So that's the bug spray, sweat and sun lotion all mixed up and under the watch when I ride with it on my wrist. I wash it daily with just normal soap and water. It sits on my desk, on its back when its charging. Not seen any cracks on sensor.
Never seen any update from Garmin on what they think causes it but I think it would be nice to see something.
D2 Charlie with a cracking OHR. Mine must be one of the first D2 Charlie watches S/N 5CJ000829. I've emailed support to see what the next steps are. ciq.forums.garmin.com/.../1361772.jpg
I called into Garmin support - excellent as it was with my only other support experience. They located my email and image to the support email address and then they asked about which activities the watch was used for, if it was used for swimming and if I used any lotions etc. (yes, sunscreen counts but shouldn't affect it).
Replacement authorized under warranty. Note that US support will do advanced replacement if you ask for it and put up a security deposit. They're not sure of stock levels for the D2 Charlie (system was being slow on their end) but hopefully all should process normally.
Just want to stop by and say thank you to the posters in this thread. After reading this thread I was encouraged to send my severely cracked OHR 5X back to Garmin and from this thread also got the exact info on where and how to do it. Cracking started at about six months and I sent it in right at a year after I got spring training season complete.
Returned a silver pin s/n 54G028865 after answering the questions Garmin asked me back (lotions/bug spray used, how often in pool/ocean etc). Sent it back 6/19 and got a refurb'd silver pin back yesterday. The entire process took one week. Pretty fast which I appreciated.
So so thanks again to the posters here I appreciate the knowledge and direction. Now, if only I had not updated to 9.20 and slowed my new watch down I'd be all set!
Noticed a three or four cracks on my 5x ( Gold pin ) OHR also around the 6 months mark, originally bought from Tiso UK. I contacted Garmin UK by phone and answered a few questions - sub tan cream - body lotions - swimming etc. I returned just the watch as requested and exactly two weeks later I received a brand new sealed box replacement ( Gold pin ). Admittedly my watch that I returned was completely unmarked but I was expecting to receive a refurbished watch. Very pleased with the service from Garmin. It would be nice to think that the cause of the cracking has been sorted. I haven’t seen a 5 plus in the flesh but looking at pics the OHR does look very slightly different.
It's sad. I was hoping that this problem would bypass me. In the sea did not bathe and do not use creams. (The watches were bought in November in Finland, gold contacts S/N 54H084... What is the best way to do: wait for the spread of cracks or wait and contact Garmin?
