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Is there an issue with garmin watches in salt water or am I just unlucky?

8780313
over 1 year ago

I've had my fenix 6s since May 2020, wore it daily and used it for cycling, hiking and pool swimming.

I signed up for an open water swimming event, did a couple of swims in fresh water, then last Sunday had a swim in the sea.  When driving home the watch died which was strange as I had charged it and updated it that morning.

When I got home it wouldn't turn on, tried charging it, connecting it to the computer, holding down power button, resetting it, cleaning it basically everything I could find online but no joy watch wouldn't power up.  I contacted garmin support the next day who got me to try things again then confirmed it was unrepairable.  As it was out of warranty I could pay £130 and get a refurbished watch if the same model but I'd rather have a new watch as its something I use regularly and liked the idea of a new one.

While I was deciding what to buy, my mum gave me a loan of her fenix 5s that she never used, it was bought second hand and rarely used.  I went for a swim in the sea, and halfway thru the swim, I noticed it had turned off.  It will turn on while connected to the charger but turns off as soon as I take it off the charger.  Haven't contacted garmin about this, I have no box with serial number and no proof of purchase and it will be well out off warranty.

Has anyone else experienced this? Ive swam twice in the sea and got 2 broken watches, got to be seriously unlucky. Put me off getting another garmin as I would be wanting to use it for open water swimming and it seems maybe they aren't suited to that.

  • 0 over 1 year ago in reply to Pierrotsc

    No started it before going in, then it was covered with my wetsuit

  • 0 over 1 year ago

    I think ocean water definitely affects Garmin watches. Last year when I went to the beach with my family my son entered the ocean with his FR245 and it malfunctioned afterwards. Thankfully we were able to get it back on a few hours later. When I switched from the FR945 to the Fenix 6x I game my son my 945 and he gave my daughter his 245. The 245 works just fine but after that first experiment with ocean water I no longer allow my kids to wear the watches in the ocean. This is weird because down here in Florida we also have salt water pools and we’ve never had any problems with the watches. It’s something specific with ocean water. 

  • 0 over 1 year ago in reply to Tyrese

    I have been wearing Garmin watches for more than 5 years (Forerunner 235, Fenix 5 and 6) using it for surfing and never had problems with ocean water. 

    I just rinse it after each surf

  • 0 over 1 year ago in reply to Tyrese

    Thanks for your reply,  def seems that way. Have just ordered an epix so think I will put it in the dry bag in my float when swimming in the sea.  That way I can still record my distances but should keep the watch safe

  • 0 over 1 year ago in reply to 8780313

    Didn't get a chance to rinse them after use, both broke after first time using in the sea

  • 0 over 1 year ago

    I've got a Fenix 5, or more accurately I should say I'm on my 5th fenix 5, due to constantly having to return them due to rusting charge pins (luckily on the 3rd change the shop gave me a new watch replacement and receipt as Garmin kept sending me refurbished watches, which thus reset my guarantee period). I would say whatever you do, never ever ever take your Fenix anywhere near salt water!!!  My 5th watch, which I changed the week before the guarantee ran out, I treated with kid gloves, i.e. alway rinse with fresh water after a run and dry, never take swimming anymore and never wear in the shower...  for 5 months it was ok, then this week I jumped in the sea for my lunch swim and forgot to remove it.  After a 30 minute swim I realized my error, took it off, and the rear 3rd pin (the one they send the current through to detect if it is worn) was completely rusted.  It is insane that this expensive kit is absolutely not fit for purpose regarding open water swims. 

  • 0 over 1 year ago

    I am on my fourth Garmin Fenix 7 SS, due to seawater exposure, as I am a regular surfer.

    All of the 3 times my watches broke, was after each first surf session. I did rinse them in fresh water every time. They had the same issue. First they powered of. Then when I tried to charge them, they would turn on but get stuck in first loading screen. Tried the support and did reset after reset, but to same result. Funny how the support couldnt come up with an explanation any of the times.. so dissapointing and at least frustrating considering the price and the integrity of the brand. Still using my fourth Fenix 7 today, but I never bring it on a surf, which I initially bought for. 

    I dont know if was because I wore it over my surfsuit or not. Still bring in the shower though and so on.

    Still need to find a watch thats able to withstand seawater and surf!

  • 0 over 1 year ago

    I a using my Fenix 6 regularly in sea water for past 2 years(kiteboarding and swimming), around 100 hours per year - still working without an issue. I don't rinse the watch, but take it shower with me.

  • 0 over 1 year ago

    My Fenix 6s Pro has seen the Mediterranean, North, Baltic and the Andaman Seas and so far no failure. It even survived the Myvatn mineral springs that blackens silver and blonde hair.