18.20/19.18 HR bug still here

Update: I picked up the 165 yesterday. Set the watch up, updated the software, then did a Reset with "Delete Data and Reset Settings", then set the watch up again. Also, of note, if you go into Garmin Connect on your phone, go to you Device(Watch)...System...About. See if you have the same Software Version, WHR Version, and Sensor Hub version. I have SW 19.18, WHR 16.01.02, and Sensor Hub 30.24. Also, of note, I opened up the Connect IQ app on the phone, and there was an update for the Connect IQ app on the watch, set apps to update automatically which they weren't. You never know, an deeply integrated watch app like this could cause issues with older version. Another thing I noticed, I went to go see what my Max HR was set to and how the Zones were calculated. Curiously, it had all 5 zones as 100%-100% and Max HR was set to auto detect but was also at 255, I used the reset at the bottom and it set them correctly and put my known Max HR in, but left auto detect so it could change it. Definitely found that a bit odd. I would think the 265 and 965 should have the same for all this.

It seems accurate so far, no delay locking on for walking and PT (Pilates) activities...I'm used to taking HR at my neck as a swimmer back in the day and it seems spot on (count your pulse for 10 seconds on the watch then multiply by 6). I definitely need to try out higher intensity activities next (I'll be trying Weight Lifting and probably Indoor Cycling) and report back...I'll be swimming with the watch too, but you can't expect accurate WHR with that...hope this helps everyone?

It is a software issue and enough people are experiencing it. I thought WHR was bad already now, but yesterday it even topped the bad results of the last weeks.

Structured training 8x1k - Target pace for the intervals is about 5min, so that should be enough time for the watch to catch up with the heart rate reading.

If you look at the picture, it only captured the first and last interval somehow. All the others in between almost nothing. For some it jumped after I finished the interval. I tightened it, even changed arms once, no difference, the watch just happily floated around 145-150 with no impact of any activity.
Funny enough, during warmp up the heart rate jumped above 150 several times and almost impossible to reduce it (that's why the pace breaks as I was standing still a couple o ftimes). During the workout it was almost impossible to bring my heart rate up (on the watch) no matter how exhausted I really was. I clearly hit >175 but the watch wouldn't show.

BTW, local Garmin Service reached out I should RMA my watch. What is your experience? How long does it take and do they usually replace it for issues like these?

I don't want to send them my watch and be without only to get it back with a statement that it's acting "normal".

i am sure you will not get it back with such a statement from the support. You will just receive another new (refurbished) watch. It is possible that this helps wouldn't expect an improvement in the measured data.
For me the only solution during sports activity is to use external HRM devices.

How long it takes to replace it depends on where you live.

Another interesting example. WHR vs. H10 chest HRM. Constant running activity with no stops.

Out of curiosity, what version of WHR and Sensor Hub have installed on your watch with updates.

download the .fit-file for from garmin web, then open it with fitfileviewer.com - there you can add the second metric that is stored in the fit file.

WHR 16.01.02
Sensor Hub 30.20

Saganist said:

Sensor Hub 30.24

Are you sure? 30.20 is what I have on my 965 with 19.18