yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Moto 360] Bob Smith42:
I removed the leather band and inspected mine. I installed a metal band for comparison but did not like it, so put back on the leather band. My back is not cracked.

What I learned:

The cause of cracked back is not from pressing the watch down.

Rather the cracked back is caused by pulling the watch away from your wrist. There is a rounded plastic portion of the back that has a sharp edge that hangs out under the strap. When you pull the watch away from your wrist the strap pushes against the sharp edge, and enough pressure will crack the back.

The sharp rounded edge under the strap is entirely non-functional. In my opinion, the sharp edge that presses against strap is a design flaw because it causes cracks in the back.
[Moto 360] v3ngence:
So it seems like the cause would be too tight of a watch strap.

But the real question is who is man enough to take a Dremel to the back of their Moto 360??
[Moto 360] Bob Smith42:
Great question. I thought about it. The material is too brittle. It is beyond my skill capability.

I *would* do it if I could. If anyone demonstrates doing it - I WILL be paying attention.

There are one piece straps that would work if the edges were *shaved* off. One advantage would be a wider variety of straps.

I don't think normally tight straps will crack anything. But, if you catch your watch on something and it pulls tight you could easy crack the back. I'm concerned enough to be really worried. Hmmmm.....
[Moto 360] Andromjb:
Time will tell. But I still do not think the back plate has a design flaw. I'm sure Motorola did it's rounds of testing before releasing this product into the wild.

When people are using third party watch bands and they are having this occur:

At this point the individual is responsible for altering and using a band that is not supported. Damage like this obviously was not intended and is cause by a product not design specifically for the M360.

Clearly Motorola is releasing metal band options soon. Which are obviously designed specifically for the M360.

Now if you are using the supplied leather bands and are having this issue during normal use, then that would be very questionable. Even then, I think there is some foul play here, or subtle word exchange. Only a handful of people are having this issue. I'm sure 90% of them are due to altering the band in some form or just mishandling in general.
[Moto 360] 0.0:
don't worry, I have a very small dent on my silver one. now that very small dent is shinier than the rest of the watch. disappointed, but it is a watch, so things like this will happen sadly :(

you are not alone lol

edit: actually, it's a small dent. crap
[Moto 360] ajbattaglia83:
So I dremeled off the rounded edge. What I found is the rounded edge that sticks out is for aesthetics purposes, as it holds the band up and keeps it from being able to rotate down while on your wrist. In my opinion it makes the watch and band sit flush on top while on your wrist and makes it look thinner. Kind of hard to explain I will post some pics later. Doesn't seem to be a big deal to me feels more sturdy
[Moto 360] tauzins:
my store that i got it from said they woudl just exchange the watch for me since i didnt cause the damage, and that they know i take care of my stuff, so we just gotta wait for another grey model to come in and then i can replace it.
[Moto 360] v3ngence:
Oh do please post a pic if you can, it's ok if it's not perfect it's the back of the watch, and you can sand/smooth it.

Congrats on being first!
[Moto 360] ajbattaglia83:
Here's a couple not sure how they will turn out using the XDA app
[Moto 360] ajbattaglia83:
Delete
[Moto 360] ajbattaglia83:
With a band
[Moto 360] ajbattaglia83:
On the wrist it gives it more of a hockey puck strapped to your wrist kinda look why couldn't they just put a couple lugs on each side...
[Moto 360] v3ngence:
Nice, the cut looks very clean, was the plastic very soft to cut?

I think it looks ok, would be nice if the bands "floated" like stock, but I'd take a non-cracked back over that minor detail any day...
[Moto 360] Lemosine:
if that was me i would mess it up
[Moto 360] maximus96:
what band is that?

did you use the standard cutting disc with the dremel?

thanks

edit: from this shot it looks like there are 2 "layers" of plastic...
[Moto 360] ajbattaglia83:
I used this sanding attachment and gradually took it down to where I wanted then sand by hand to get it straight
[Moto 360] ajbattaglia83:
Its just a cheap Timex band from regular watch
[Moto 360] russwc2:
Cracked Back on Moto 360

I literally got my watch 2 days ago and I'm seeing the little crack in the back of the device. Is Motorola really trying to make customers pay to replace the watch with this defect which is obviously a manufacturing defect? Anyone had any luck getting Motorola to replace the device? I have not tried to even remove or mess with the watch band whatsoever.

Also does anyone know if this even effects the watch or if its even a big deal?
[Moto 360] v3ngence:
All the other cracks came from the strap area... I've never seen one on the side like that :eek:
[Moto 360] russwc2:
Moto 360 Cracked Back

I know, I think it's a defect in the hardware, I'm going to try to get a replacement I guess. Like I said I never even tried to switch the band, I actually like the look of the watch as is. Anyone know if this effects the watch in any way or the best way to go about getting a replacement if I ordered it through the Google Play Store?
[Moto 360] miguelrodas:
Take it to motorola on their twitter account, that's what I did. They finally sent me a replacement one without saying much. No RMA, no asking for credit card info and no instructions on where to send the defective one back. I've been trying to reach them so I can send the old one back but haven't heard from them yet so in the meantime I have two watches.
[Moto 360] Ichibahn SLC:
I just tweeted [MENTION=276290]motorola[/MENTION]. Will see what they do.
[Moto 360] russwc2:
Tweeted them earlier hopefully will get a reply at some point.
[Moto 360] tauzins:
yea same here... since the phone agents never called me back and my bestbuy still hasnt gotten any -_-
[Moto 360] PsychDrummer:
That's exactly what I was saying before release. I don't think lugs would have added too much bulk. I think it would have made it look more classic.
[Moto 360] ChrisNee1988:
I'm starting to see 2 tiny lines on one side. Any way to prevent this from spreading?
[Moto 360] v3ngence:
Either glue, dissolve the plastic (acetone or chemical) and let it fuse together, or melt the plastic (heat) and let it fuse together.

All of which are basically impossible to do with a thin plastic back, and your arm would just wear off any glue I think...
[Moto 360] ChrisNee1988:
I wonder if it would help to add padding on the band or plastic to absorb some of the pressure.

I also wonder if it was worsened by a slightly loose fitting band.
[Moto 360] vagelis:
Mine has gotten so bad, I'm holding it with a piece of tape for now....
[Moto 360] ChrisNee1988:
Would tape prevent it from cracking more?
[Moto 360] vagelis:
Nope, but at least it won't just be completely gone.
[Moto 360] Kuchar09:
I'm kinda debating on picking a 360 up after work but this crack its kinda scaring me away. Any word on Motorola changing the back design?
[Moto 360] Bob Smith42:
I was worried too. I fitted and returned the steel pebble band because it clearly was in danger of cracking.

I did not think the leather strap was a big threat. But, after seeing pics of cracks with leather bands like shown in this thread there is good reason to worry about a flawed design. Remember, cracks form by pulling the watch *away* from your wrist - which is inevitable if it gets caught on something.

If the lips were not present, it would be possible to use one piece straps and a whole variety of others. Yet, Motorola's warning about steel bands because of "Bluetooth wireless antenna on the steel casing" might prevent any redesign. They likely want us to use proprietary bands.

I have been extra careful with mine and its fine, so far. I do not expect any redesign before Moto 3x0 v2.
[Moto 360] Kuchar09:
Thanks for the reply! I ended up picking up the last black one available in my area last night and love it so far even tho I'm still trying to figure out how to use it lol.

Only thing I don't like so far is I found a dead/ stuck pixel that can only be noticed on black in full brightness so I'm debating on exchanging it in the future or just living with it.

I plan on keeping the stock strap for now so hopefully I don't have any problems.
[Moto 360] ChrisNee1988:
I put a screen protector on the back to hopefully prevent any more cracking. Anyone else have a solution?
[Moto 360] bignibb:
Does anyone think that smaller wrist people are in more danger of this cracking than say a larger wrist person due to the angle of bend depending on wrist size
[Moto 360] snowwhite007:
Damn u just purchased the steel pebble band as well guess I'll just forget about it
[Moto 360] cbowens:
Those that have experienced a cracked back, where are you wearing the watch? Is it below the wrist joint (further away from the hand) or on/above the wrist joint? Either method is correct for wearing a watch, but wearing on/above the wrist joint puts increased strain on the band and the back, because every time you bend your wrist, you'll put more tension on the watch. I'm curious if those that have the cracked back are also people who tend to wear their watches on/above the wrist joint. I personally wear it below the wrist joint, and (knock on wood) haven't had any issues with crack yet with a pebble steel band on.
[Moto 360] ChrisNee1988:
I think smaller wrists are at risk too. I wear mine below wrist most of the time but sometimes it slips to the wrist. I have some small cracks using the pebble steel band but I'm trying to be more careful with it now
[Moto 360] :
I have been using the pebble steel band since I got the 360 and no cracks for me, I have small wrists and wear the watch with a tiny bit of slack so its free to move slightly instead of tight and flexing. I have seen reports of the cracks with the stock leather band too.... Seems like they need to improve the backing material?
[Moto 360] ChrisNee1988:
Was anyone able to return a cracked watch to best buy?
[Moto 360] Andromjb:
I have small wrists.. I'd say about the same size as MKBHD. I have had zero issues with the back so far... zero signs of cracks (knock on wood). I use stock leather band, waiting for the Moto metal band.

There are very noticeable creases where the band attempts to bend near the back plate lips, stress is clearly indicated. Pics below:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/jxb7o78574dujsz/IMG_20140929_084159.jpg?dl=0

https://www.dropbox.com/s/lnx56hs94tumbgn/IMG_20140929_084224.jpg?dl=0

The lips were designed so the watch would have a more flat appearance on the wrist. Without the lips, I think the watch would pop up or elevate the watch making it look a bit awkward.

I do wonder about the longevity of the adhesive holding the back together with the amount of stress over time. I definitely would of chosen a thicker glass back plate if I was part of the design team, or a different band design altogether.

I bet they will do something different on the next iteration, especially if more cracked units surface.
[Moto 360] Tomelleri:
Same cracks for me

I've been using my Moto 360 for two weeks with the stock leather band, and yesterday I got a Pebble Steel band at Best Buy for $20.

Now a few hours ago today, I noticed two small cracks.

Major disappointment.

As soon as I noticed it, I put the leather band back on.

Trying to decide to take it back to best buy or contact Motorola.

http://tinypic.com/r/b7kjm1/8
[Moto 360] Steve-x:
As others have said it appears the plastic that does stick out under the strap is clearly designed to help the strap stick out from the watch instead of bending straight down. It does give the watch a much better look. At this point it seems like everyone is going to experience the cracks unless they are extremely gentle with the watch. Time will tell but this may be a bigger problem then the battery life which was most peoples initial concern. I would expect Motorola engineers are already looking at the problem but that likely won't help those of us who already have one. All I can think is that sanding the plastic off may be the only solution to prevent the problem, even if it does prevent the watch from sitting nicely on the wrist(and would void your warranty). Or as we all experience cracks we have Motorola replace the watch - probably the best solution but also a real pain.

The only other solution may be the machined insert I have seen others working on which would fit snugly where the existing strap connects and provide new connection point more like a traditional watch. If it fits snugly it may prevent the flexing that cracks the plastic.
[Moto 360] LazyT:
In the official Moto360 forum I don't see any postings about this design flaw.

How about all affected users posting/asking there to force Motorola to react?

I don't have a watch yet, have to wait at least 9 days... :(
[Moto 360] v3ngence:
That one.

They have a year to make a back plate that doesn't crack, or figure out if some were tightened too much, but if not enough crack they'll just ignore it... so make sure you complain and show pictures!

:D
[Moto 360] KidJoe:
Picked up the Black over a week ago, because that was all I could find.

I ordered a Stone Gray as soon as they became availabe on BestBuy.com last week. I arrived yesterday.

I've noticed the Stone leather band is stiffer than the Black. Putting it on/taking it off, its harder to bend. I hear creaks from the watch as the band moves around, that I didn't hear when wearing the black.

I wonder if that will have any impact on cracking or not?
[Moto 360] cbowens:
Since the general consensus seems to be that pressure from the band against the lip of the bottom plastic piece is what causes cracking, I'd imagine that yes, a stiffer band would be more inclined to cause a crack. I have the black model, and while I switched over to a pebble steel band for a bit, I've recently switched back to the black leather band since I find it more comfortable. It was a bit stiff at first, but broke in very quickly, and within a day or so didn't seem to really apply any pressure on the plastic lip.
[Moto 360] fdm91xda:
Hi guys, can I suppose a tought? My idea is that the problem is generated by the bottom of the 360, that's supposed to be not-so-resistant plastic, and from the dimensions of our wrists.

I'll try to explain it better with an image I've done for you:

As you can easily see in this first image, people with a quite big wrist create no contact between leather (or metal) band and the plastic piece

In this image, instead, we can notice how small wrists create a tension between the two things, and if you notice in the images posted by users on the first page there is a crapped one with metal band that you can easily image how probably crapped.

P.S.: sorry for my english

P.P.S.: obviously it's nothing official, only my tought.

sorry cbowens, I red your message just now, and I absolutely agree. As you can see, the images are exactly what you were thinking.
[Moto 360] nartax:
I wonder if it would be possible to grind off some of the plastic below the band to give it a bit more room to pivot down.

[IMG="example"]http://xdaforums.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=2956722&stc=1&d=1412180237[/IMG]
[Moto 360] maximus96:
yes you can, see post #39 and after,

http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=55604605&postcount=39
[Moto 360] fwayfarer:
I probably have thinner wrists than anyone else in this thread. Knock on wood, no issues yet with cracking. My wrist measures a hair over 6 inches circumference, and I keep my strap moderately tight but it is still able to slide 3-4 inches up and down my arm. I do not believe those with cracked devices are because of their wrist or strap tension. Something else must be causing this - specifically third party watch straps IMHO.
[Moto 360] Cntrygynsd:
I respectfully disagree. I've had my watch for 8 days with no modifications whatsoever (I actually like the watch band). I noticed that mine cracked about 3 days ago. I've babied this beauty! I've got smaller than average wrists and I'm betting this has something to do with it as the crack starts where the watch meets the band. IMHO
[Moto 360] fwayfarer:
I respectfully disagree with your disagreement. I do not baby mine and have smacked it into many things, got it stuck on shirts doors etc. No issues. This has to be something people are doing, and speaking on your wrist size is a moot point if you don't measure it. Thanks.
[Moto 360] v3ngence:
I think that's a great idea, I thought 6" circumference sounded big but I'm pretty skinny and my wrist is 7" around...

But my wrist is too small too, I notice the band does touch the plastic, and over time it's made an imprint in the leather so it's obviously causing pressure...
[Moto 360] fwayfarer:
Pictures attached. My strap has a deep groove in it, and as you can see I cinch it down pretty damn tight. I really cannot agree with this being caused by the size of your wrist in any way. I would suspect a bad batch of plastic on some back plates before I would possibly agree with the wrist size or angle of strap theories.

I will have to try to upload other pics later, 256kb file size limit on the forums is ****ing ridiculous in this year of our lord two thousand and fourteen.
[Moto 360] travis.redux@gmail.com:
Watches shouldn't be worn on your wrist directly. They should be worn on the lowest part of your forearm, so there is no tension when you turn your wrist.
[Moto 360] SellswordShev:
Yeah this is the issue, I have small wrists,I wear it lower on my forearm not on the wrist, unlike what some people are claiming as the cause. The back is still starting to crack for me after ~3 weeks of normal use. I don't even wear it particularly tightly, it can slip around if I shake my wrists. Its just a major design flaw, and lack of testing on smaller wrists causing the issue. Of course I'm sure wearing it above the wrist bone or using a rigid metal band exacerbates the issue, but the fact that even normal every day use can cause cracks is unacceptable. I'm waiting to see how large the crack gets (its barely noticeable rightnow) but I will probably end up contacting moto for an exchange.
[Moto 360] osmosizzz:
I'm thinking of calling Motorola for a replacement. I've had the watch for 2 weeks. That doesn't look good

Sent from my OnePlusOne
[Moto 360] aarons6:
im getting these huge impressions in the watch band at the widest point of the inner circle of the back.

its looking like the band is pressing on the back.. im guessing sooner or later it will break at that point.

i wonder what Motorola is going to do to fix this issue..
[Moto 360] v3ngence:
My god, can you think of any reason? Did it get pulled away from your wrist somehow?
[Moto 360] JohnnyHempseed:
Hey guys - I replaced the stock strap with a canvas/leather strap on day one. I have very skinny wrists and tighten the watch down hard. Now, the canvas strap that I use has canvas that the watch sits on, instead of your skin...this seems to allow the watch to sit perfectly, instead of at an odd angle that seem to cause the cracking. I lose the ability to use the heart rate sensor, but I don't really mind. The canvas pulls away from the back for amble room to hold the wireless charger. I got the canvas strap from a ****ty watch I saw in Target - http://m.target.com/p/men-s-mossimo-black-canvas-strap-with-black-dial-watch-brown/-/A-14422676 View attachment 2960974View attachment 2960975View attachment 2960976View attachment 2960977
[Moto 360] tcb4:
Mine has a small crack near the upper left (when wearing the watch, upper right when looking at the back.)

I'm pretty sure I got it out of the box this way (didn't think to check the back before trying it on the first time). All I did today was take it out of the box, try it on, and then set it on the charger. When I picked up the watch awhile later to screw around with it, I noticed the crack seen in the pictures below. I've been wearing it all day debating exchanging it at Best Buy (I don't think they have any atm though.), but I'm worried this will be an issue that will eventually affect all 360's. Anyone else exchange their's at best buy yet?

Edit: Added a better image.
[Moto 360] ChrisNee1988:
I returned mine to best buy and bought a new one. They almost didn't let me return it because I didn't buy the best buy protection plan. But the guy said it was just a minor scratch and let me return it. It wasn't nearly as bad as yours but you didn't have it as long as I did so you might be able to do it.
[Moto 360] nineismine:
Best Buy seems to actively be trying to avoid taking these as returns. I had to try three of them to get mine returned. The first Best Buy I went to told me that Motorola had advised them that they want returns to be sent directly to Motorola and not handled through Best Buy. The manager also told me Motorola said they would honor one return on this issue in total. At the last one I old them that the band was making my arm black and the it had been getting super hot on the charger , I told them that it slightly burned me and then showed them my burn (which didn't exist I was just faking it ) as soon as I started talking heat and burn they just boxed it up and returned it. Good luck!
[Moto 360] kevinlevrone:
I don't think that crack will spread even more. It has already freed the rest of the back from tension.
[Moto 360] nineismine:
does anyone think that this will end up NOT being a problem for everyone who owns this watch at some point? Looking at it closely it seems like just taking the watch off and putting it on will cause a good deal of stress on this area.
[Moto 360] gtg465x:
I've been wearing mine every day for 5 weeks now, I have changed the band twice, and still no cracks. So I don't think this will happen to everyone.
[Moto 360] TurboD:
I purchases mine from Best Buy, 8 days later it had the very beginning of a crack in one of those corners, stock band. Exchanged it today and bought the protection plan. They didn't hassle me at all, swapped it out no problem.
[Moto 360] Locklear308:
That's some weak ass plastic
[Moto 360] Jeshter2000:
Someone with a 3d printer should make a backplate to cover the back. One that clicks on at 4 points of the watch. Thia would be a thing I would buy. Cause it is from harde plastic that what they use...
[Moto 360] madpete:
I dont have any cracks (yet) but I have noticed a "scoring" on the strap where the circular edge on the back is obviously digging in to it.

I have been REALLY careful with the watch, and I'm using the stock leather strap. I'm a bigish guy, but I have girly wrists :eek:

Anyone else noticing this? I'm getting a bit paranoid over it now. :(
[Moto 360] teslabe:
Yes, here is mine and I have a small wrist..... Only have had the watch for a week.
[Moto 360] madpete:
Yes that's it, it's cutting into the strap and mine is the same. I've had my watch 10 days now, the thing that really worries me is that I have been super careful with it and its still marked.
[Moto 360] teslabe:
I went ahead and removed the offending overhang, I have no plans to ever send it back for repair. Now my band doesn't even touch the back,

I hope it's enough....
[Moto 360] madpete:
I wish I had the balls to do that to mine, but I need the warranty intact unfortunately.

Why Motorola didn't release the watch like that to start with (with a flat edge) is beyond me....its fairly obvious it's gonna be an issue.
[Moto 360] Jeshter2000:
You do not need a dremel. You can heat up a knife and meld it... Its nicer IMO..
[Moto 360] brotbuexe:
It's clearly because when you put it on, the watch is pressed more to the arm. Without it it creates a bigger gap on the sides of the watch, at least for small/medium sized wrist.

I would like to see some before after pictures from the front/side when put on. I believe it would look better before.

I guess there was a time they used a glass version of the plate which got skipped for the money. If not, they should have seen it while doing field tests in house.