charge and plating: what relationship

Copper would be even worse, considering the watch can be used in water, even sea water is allowed. The salts would corroide that in a matter of months.

I guess that is a problem with any kind of exposed metal where sweat can attack it. A redesign of where the charging port is located would be a step in the right direction. Even better make them wireless charging. But then how to connect it to Express. Oh well, I guess we need to get just keep on buying watches to keep the company profits up.

Of course you realize that Garmin will probably NEVER respond to this here,

Good luck.

I see that you understand the problem perfectly.

I think that this plating (linear and fast recharging) also affects the reliability of the gps when this plating is not present.

I've been told garmin doesn't always read the forum, so I'm writing this to reflect.

What happens when you have one pin still gold and another not gold?
Why aren't the pins made entirely of copper instead of plating them?

if the plating lasts 2 years (warranty time) a solid copper pin will last 20 years for sure.

many questions but wireless charging can be the right solution if also combined with cable charging (optional)

Copper is not the solution. It will oxidize/corrode (turns green) very fast with sweat and salts in water, then how will you clean it?

Wear a coppper bracelet or necklace for a couple of weeks and watch your skin turn green also.

Move the port away from skin contact or wireless charging is the way to go.I think redesigning the pins is a lost cause.