Built In Obsolescence?

[sandyRoe]

My Garmin watch, with the case and strap moulded from one piece of plastic, is falling to bits. Last week the strap on one side just fell apart. Today a piece near the buckle broke. While they are not the most expensive of watches they're not cheap either.
An example of bad design in action?

[stewey]

Slightly off topic, sandy, but I have just finished posting photos of a watch to the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors in order to gain more information about it. It is a 120 year old RR grade pocket watch in complete working order. In a way, I guess that sort of proves your point:)

[anneasquith]

stewey,,,,,,,,,,,,don't be taking that watch over the fields, !!!!!!! sandy ive never heard of a garmin watch ?

[sandyRoe]

Not only me has a problem with them

http://www.runnersworld.co.uk/forum/gear/garmin-forerunner-110/204249.html

[stewey]

Ann, I have to take it with me so as to ascertain what time the train to take me home will be arriving:)

[craft1948]

I've just sent my watch off to be fixed by the manufacturer.............£164!!

[grasscarp]

I once read that they could make stockings (and I suppose same applies to tights) that could last a lifetime, but there would be no profit in it, so they don't. Probably most of what we buy is made to fall apart in due course nowadays.

[Answerprancer]

The first thing that comes to my mind when I hear the expression "built in obsolescence" is "Apple".

[alexanderd]

Same thing happened to me with a casio watch, the strap fell apart twice. Has to be repaired by Casio and V expensive so I didnt bother the second time. Oh yes and it took 3 weeks to return.

[EDDIE51]

I was told that light bulbs , the old fashioned kind, could be made to last virtually forever barring accidental breakage . Again there would be no profit so they are / were not made.

[sandyRoe]

It is a bit annoying. A watch that's working well going to find itself at the back of a cupboard drawer.

[paddywak]

It applies to most things these days sandy. Years ago we were always getting electrical stuff brought to us for repair and you could get the bits and pieces and fix it. Now a days things come with tamper proof screws or they're sealed in resin and even if you can get in you have a job getting even the most common components.