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Slow deteriation/cracking of Heart Rate Monitor plastic on back of watch

Former Member
Former Member over 9 years ago
This is weird. The back of my watch is slowly cracking more and more. It started with just a small discoloration then it grew to a crack then it grew even larger. I wear this watch daily since January. It's never been dropped or banged against anything.
When I first noticed the damage I thought maybe try loosening the watch. It's so loose now it easily slides about. That didn't stop the damage, old cracks grew and new cracks formed in previously undamaged areas. I have no idea why and obviously Garmin won't repair this sort of thing so I'm on my own. Is this occurring with anyone else?
I am completely lost. I don't want to spend $150 on a repair just to find out the PH of my sweat is the problem or something else entirely out of my control. I clean the watch with isoprypyl to stop any bacteria growth. Isopropyl alcohol is not usually reactive with plastics but besides a chemical reaction, blunt force, or heat I don't know what else could cause damage like this. I have ruled out heat and blunt force.

Does anyone else regularly clean the watch with alcohol? Do you see damage after 3 months of use?

This is what the damage looked like just 3 months ago:https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B29oSZVf__z2aUh0RjZKQWk5R3M/view?usp=sharing

This is what the damage looks like now: https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B29oSZVf__z2UmQtVlNQTWRBdTQ
  • Former Member
    0 Former Member over 6 years ago
    I have often used spray sunscreen prior of running. The formula contains alcohol, so I believe this was the reason for the cracks that appeared on the back of my Garmin 235. After that, the HR measures became increasingly inaccurate.
    Since the cracks were not deep, I used a fine sandpaper and toothpaste to grind and polish the back of the watch, restoring it to the original appearance. The HR measures are more accurate now.
    If the cracks are deep, I would suggest to buy a Garmin 235 back case replacement that can be found at eBay for $23.95.
    https://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Back-ca...-/253280437538
  • 0 over 6 years ago in reply to Former Member

    The problem with this is Garmin merely replaces watches under warranty and leaves the user with the same issue likely to happen again. We have so many models now with design flaw issues, including cracking heart rate sensors and corroding charging pins. My Fenix 3HR out of warranty now has a cracked heart rate sensor. I tried twice with the Fenix 5S watch but had to give up and opt for a refund of purchase because or corroding charging pins. Just simply saying we can replace is pointless because you are replacing watches with watches that in most cases simply repeat the issue. It is absolutely a farce these models are still on shelves and Garmin provides no real acceptance of the issues. The main motivation is moving units, quietly replacing models under warranty and leaving high and dry customers who slip outside warranty. With the ongoing assault of new product lines, Garmin, and the increasing price tag, we need to see a premium and well-tested product that matches the price. I have completely lost faith in your quality and brand.