So, my third Apple Watch in about 5 years has died. Series 8 lasted a year, series 3 and 5 both lasted 2 years. I was smart and bought AppleCare for the 8 this time, luckily.
All 3 watches have failed at the side button. Series 3 and 5 the button started to act like it was possessed randomly pressing. This one my side button has popped off.
I work in construction, around drywall, concrete dust and metal shavings a lot. I also am not shy about taking it to the beach and the ocean.
Seems like on the 8 there was aluminum oxidation and fine dust build up behind the button causing it to be hard to press for a while, then whatever pin that holds it on broke, maybe from having to press hard to activate.
I’m curious what other construction workers who use Apple Watch daily in tough environments experiences have been?
Does the ultra have a better sealed button? I was considering upgrading if it is sealed better.
Maybe I should buy an SE for work and just kinda use and abuse them for a a couple years and change it out…
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I would recommend an ultra. The titanium body is actually very strong, and so is the screen. You can add a rugged case on top of it as as well for extra protection
Are you cleaning it daily? Running a bit of water over it and turning the dials and pushing the buttons? Maybe using a rocket blower first to clean off the drywall and dried dirt before adding water?
The ultra may be better, but I still think you’ll need to have additional steps each day for longevity, but it may not help. That’s tough work. But at least good on you for the Apple care!
When my hands get washed at work the watch comes off and gets rinsed off as well. Other than that it lives life with me except when charging.
But where all this build up seems to be happening is a place I can’t really get to, and the area around the button doesn’t seem to have seal on it to prevent the really fine stuff from getting behind it in the first place. unless I used some kind of like waterpic dental tool to clean that gap between the button and the case but I would worry that might be enough to penetrate whatever water resistance the watch has at this point.
WTB Apple Watch with no physical buttons plz.
I’m betting the ultra will be exactly the same as your 8.
Something worth considering if you’re REALLY happy with the Apple ecosystem: buy a used Apple Watch of like series 5-7 for cheap off marketplace (or an SE2) and use it for work, when you get home, swap it for a nicer, non-shitkicked Apple Watch of whatever model. One will always be on your wrist and the other on the charger, and this way you will actually conveniently get sleep metrics as well.
Good idea with picking up a used beater for work. I’ll probably go that route.
Do you have a case on it? Screen protector? Sounds like you’re using it commando. In a construction environment I would recommend some sort of protection.
No case. I used to use a case but I found it only managed to collect more debris than protect it.
Unless there is some kind of otter case or similar that seals it off, which would make it a bit more bulky than I would like.
I just question the dust rating of the button, sure dust won’t kill the watch, but it seems to affect the side button in my case.
If you’re going to abuse 'em, I’d almost suggest using Applecare+ for this exact purpose.
Either buy a second watch for the purpose of work and keep Applecare+ on it (I’m thinking it would set you back $140 a year at most, plus the cost of the watch), or just have 1 watch and replace annually under Applecare+ until you want to pay for an upgrade.