Fenix 5 Series OHR Cracking

Kermi - my 5X started cracking at 6 months old - maybe 3 or 4 cracks across the centre. I phoned Garmin UK Customer Service. They asked me a few questions - did I - shower with watch on (no) swim in the sea (no) - swim in the pool (no) - use moisturiser (yes) - use sun screen( yes ) etc etc. After the questions they said they were authorising a replacement and sent emails to confirm the process. The emails explained that it would be a refurbished watch so I was only to return my watch - not the box or the instructions/charging cable. I sent my watch off (insured) and they acknowledged receipt. Exactly two weeks later I received a brand new sealed in the box replacement complete with instructions and charging cable. Whether they didn’t have any refurbished units ready I don’t know but my replacement is definitely new. It still only has the remainder of the original Warranty though now 5 months which I think is fair enough.

I thought you can shower with it on?

Sellis....
Its usually not recommended in the watch industry to be a good idea to weaken the rubber seals with hot water as they expand and let in moisture....also after time of expansion and contraction....water resistance rating of the watch... can become compromised...
All water resistance is tested in cold/ room temperatures.
Maybe they were refering to the heat and the cold cracking the sensor cover gel?!....seems a bit lame lol..
Or maybe shampoo :--)
Glad the watch will be replaced :--)

Continuing status here as the old thread was closed for some reason... https://forums.garmin.com/forum/on-the-trail/wrist-worn/fenix-5x/1284466-5x-sensor-cracks/page7

Replacement had stopped developing extra cracks for a few months, then today I checked it and see at least three new hairline cracks. This is a replacement unit, with recent batch number, and gold pins. Identical failure to the original.

It seems that Garmin never figured out the design flaw. If you get a replacement, it'll likely crack again in a few months. If possible, return it to the store and buy another model. I intend to do just that as soon as I can get to one.ciq.forums.garmin.com/.../1398425.jpg

Same issue (again) with mine, 10 months after beeing replaced due to ohr-cracking. Already sent it back to garmin. I was told i will most probably not receive a brand new one (like the first time this happened) but rather a refurbished one. All models i owned, where "silver-pin-models"

I thought you can shower with it on?

I have been doing that with all my watches rating from WR 30M to 5000M, except on leather strap, with no problem. People has been putting Casio G-Shock in boiling water just for YouTube for years and they remain perfectly fine.

And yes, after a run, I would just shower with the 5X still on the wrist. But I don't shower with boiling hot water, and I don't put the 5X under rapid hot and cool cycle.

Soap / shower gel may be a different story. I am using the ones that doesn't leave residue on watches. And I clean my watches with warn soapy water and soft brush once in a while.

Another thing is pressing buttons when the watch is wet / submerged is a concern. I wouldn't do that unless the manufacturer specifically mention its ok to do so.

Same with my Forerunner 935, silver pins. 4 months of wearing. Already sent two emails (first two weeks ago) to [email][email protected][/email] but did not receive any answer yet. How long have you guys been waiting for the support answer?ciq.forums.garmin.com/.../1399288.jpg

That's not the same type of cracking the 5x has, by the looks of it. It would see that is an impact crack it has a center with cracks splintering out. I'm going to guess Garmin will require you to pay standard replacement cost.

Update - Back from holidays. Just before leaving, Garmin did agree to replace my watch. £11 for the postage to them and a 'new' boxed 5X (gold pins) was delivered a couple of weeks later. After a shaky start the customer service I've known in the past came through. What I have noticed is that my VO2 max has increased slightly on the new watch. Hard to ascertain whether this is can be attributed to the 'clean' sensor or if my fitness is actually improving. I wear an external HRM when running and cycling. Happy 5X user again.

So, the replacement unit I got in April has now developed cracks... seriously annoyed that a £550 watch that is designed for the outdoors but needs to be treated like fine crystal, still has this problem.

Awaiting reply from Garmin!

update: Email received less than 24 hours confirming they will replace it. Awaiting RMA details.

update: Unit posted Friday, arrived Gamrin Monday AM and replacement dispatched Tuesday, arriving Tomorrow.... now to decide if I will keep it or give up on the 5x and flog it...