Related
This discussion has been locked.
You can no longer post new replies to this discussion. If you have a question you can start a new discussion

Cracks on Forerunner 645 Music body

SaidB
over 6 years ago
Hello garmin users,

I just wanted to highlight some issues I recently discovered on my black645M. I have it since March and had no issues till last week.

When I removed it after a run, the band detached itself and that's when I discovered that the body was cracked where the band pin inserts into the body of the watch
What's worse (if that's possible) is that after inspecting the entire body, I've found that the 3 other holes for the pin were also starting to crack.

I am very cautious with my watch that has never been shocked in any manner. I do switch bands sometimes (official garmin bands) and I'm always careful when doing so.
I don't understand how this piece can be so fragile after only 9 months of not so heavy use, I'm wearing it daily at work and I've been running with it only around 40 times (no swimming).

I've just returned it to the shop as it is still under warranty and I hope that Garmin won't make any trouble to replace it but I'm now afraid that such an expensive piece of gear may not last that long finally... My previous Vivoactive HR died after 9 months also but this time it was after a one sessions at a swimming pool so the water proofing was probably faulty that time.
I can't afford a Fenix Chronos that is full metal nor want to carry such a heavy watch, the F645M is the perfect size for me and has the functions I want in a watch...

I'm adding some pictures of the cracks so you can see what it looks like.

I've seen similar posts for other models but nothing so far for this watch. Has anyone faced that already? ciq.forums.garmin.com/.../1431516.png ciq.forums.garmin.com/.../1431517.jpg
  • 0 over 5 years ago
    With me now, too. Hope Garmin swaps.

    " />">
    " />">
    " />">
    " />">
  • 0 over 5 years ago
    If you've got a crack in the body and it's obviously work-hardening, such as around the strap pins, then Garmin should replace under guarantee without quibble. If they refuse, then you should take them to court. In the UK, this is fairly easy and quick via Money Claim On-Line and many other countries have something similar. Put in a claim for a refund of the full purchase price plus any other expenses you've had as a result.
  • 0 over 5 years ago

    After six months of use my 645m also crashed, in Italy the assistance is in Milan and I went there personally, they were very kind and fast, in less than half an hour I went out with a new watch, it works a lot better than the old, looking at it well is slightly different from an aesthetic point of view, the barometer works better but also the cardio is better, the old man when I passed from the internal to the band left me a hole in the detection, now instead everything is perfect, we hope that it lasts .

  • 0 over 5 years ago

    Just had the plastic crack on the watch where the band pin inserts yesterday.  Bought the 645M at launch so about a year and two months since purchase.  Contacted US support and was offered a free replacement (refurbished), with no questions.  Hoping to get it this week in advance of my half marathon on Sunday. Still loving the 645M after using it daily for training and smart watch functions this past year.

  • Former Member
    0 Former Member over 5 years ago in reply to Former Member

    Same situation, same disappointment.

    The issue is quite common, and someone had the watch repaired for free. I could even think about paying the delivery costs, but i i won't pay 130 € for a defective watch.

    My watch broke while doing stretching, can you believe?

    Whetever, i also tried to contact garmin Usa but with no success.

    So i think i'll give my opinion to many forums so people will take customer service into consideration as well.

    Meanwhile i think i'll look for an alternative...with 130 € there are interesting choices

    René

  • 0 over 5 years ago

    Thanks for the heads up. I just about bought a 645M but this issue changed my mind. I called support and the tech didn't know of any changes to the product that might stop the cracking. Anybody heard if the cracking has been addressed? Or maybe better yet, an updated product with the 245 and 945 new features?

  • 0 over 5 years ago

    My 645 Non-music cracked just after a run over the weekend.  Told by support that it would cost 110 USD for a refurbished unit with 90 warranty.  For a expensive unit, just over a year old, this is outrageous. Im stuck in the middle of training and have to fork over about a third of the cost of the original because of shoddy material and or manufacturing on the part of Garmin.  I have had Garmins going back to the FR60 and never this kind of issue.  Think I look over Polar. 

  • 0 over 5 years ago in reply to Runaway

    But how many people  haven't had this issue? 

  • 0 over 5 years ago in reply to Former Member

    Unbelievable!  I will certainly think twice before getting another Garmin!

  • 0 over 5 years ago in reply to Naval97

    Garmin has refused my request for a replacement.  After a phone call and several emails, I was told the crack was "physical damage" and was not covered. A clear suggestion that something I did caused the problem, rather than their material or quality control.  I can only get a refurbished unit with payment of 116.00 USD.  And only a 90 warranty. 

    After this I got a survey from customer support asking about my experience.  In what can only be described as a reflection of what they consider the intelligence of their customers or an expression of the intelligence of the company, the survey consisted of two emojis.  One with a smiley face and one a frown.

    This experience has soured me to Garmin completely if it wasn't that I was in the middle of training for a marathon, I'd switch to Suunto!

    Bob Canavan