Versa 1 Dead Battery

[MJGG]

My wife's Versa 1 died 'just' outside of the 1 year warranty period.

This is very poor given how long she has had it. What is more shocking is the way it failed.

Since Lipo batteries have a tendency as they age to swell up if you don't provide adequate clearance they will push against other internal components. So what happened to my wife's watch as far as I can see is the lipo swelled up (gassed), which may have been accelerated by the hot and cold conditions we have been in, then pushed the PCBs against the screen which through hot and cold cycles stared to separate from the adhesive seal. This was firstly evident by the condensation visible on the HR sensor (at the time I didn't think much of it) and then by the slightly raised screen on the watch (noticed after failure). In fact it was so bad I actually manage to pull the screen off with my fingernail.

Once opened I could see condensation dripping behind the screen.

My conclusion: The versa 2 released very soon after versa 1 supposedly has an upgraded battery which implies to me the versa 1 was a rushed flawed design. The versa 1 likely did not have enough clearance between internal components and or bad component selection.

I have an original blaze and was extremely disappointed by the lack any software upgrades for a screen lock or guided exercises.

My wife wants a new Fitbit versa but how can we trust a company who keeps on releasing new product and not addressing or supporting the existing range adequately, using vote's as a means to target the largest most active market but missing the details that install quality.

My questions: If I bought a Fitbit versa 2 or 3 today would it last over 1 year? I would expect 3 or more years. Also is 1 year and industry standard acceptable life for a watch?

[Guy_]

In all likelihood the watch lost its waterproofing, allowing water in [which you found] causing the battery to short circuit and overheat, especially if charged when wet inside.

The Versa 1 are not waterproof if worn in hot water or some detergents. The Versa 2 might be better but best to avoid hot water situations.

So as long as you don't get water in them they should last longer than a year, but you could get extended warranty, just in case.

[MJGG]

The versa 1 is ment to be waterproof to 50m and says so on the back.

I am a senior mechanical engineer and the company I have been I working at for 10 years makes marine mechanical and electrical products. A temperature range of 5 to 30 degree C water should not effect the device period. Besides the only water which can cause things to break open is salt water as salt can solidify in small gaps.

This particular watch worked perfectly fine right up until the point it went flat, so it is very unlikely to be a short circuit unless internal to the battery. The water observed in the unit was clustered like condensation and as the battery got very hot on the charger was the most likely/obvious cause of the water. Though it is also possible that as the screen was partly raised this could have allowed a small amount of water or humid air into the unit which was then evaporated by the failed/failing battery; however the condensation was observed on the sensor early in the watches life pointing to the battery not the water being the first failure.

When waterproof electrictronic devices which are marketed for use in the outdoor environment are designed they should be temperature cycled, vibrated, immersed, sprayed and exposed to the sun as part of their design verification, especially if they are made to an industry standard.

If you say a watch is waterproof to 50m then that will not only be at 10 to 20 degrees C and if it is, shame on the company that does it as that would be false advertising especially if they do not clearly publish a operating temperature range.

[Guy_]

@MJGG  you are right it's meant to be waterproof to 50m, but it doesn't last.  Aggravated by hot water over time or just age. Swimming only may be ok for a while, till the seal fails.

[MJGG]

So it is a faultly product then as it was marketed to be suitable for swimming.

[MJGG]

Update:

The watch was replaced via the local store under NZ's Consumer Guaranties Act without question. So at least Fitbit are following local laws which is nice.

[FireCracker1]

The information on the box and or in the instructions (I can’t remember) differ. One said waterproof up to such and such then somewhere else it said not to get it wet. I’ll look for it…