The outdoor shelf life of your GPS watch could last even longer, thanks to a new repair program from Coros. The California-based smartwatch brand just launched a repair program meant to lengthen the life of its high-tech devices, including watches and bike computers. It’s a welcome option for anyone who has busted a dial or cracked a screen while going hard in the outdoors.
Since athletes using GPS watches tend to be pretty serious about their routines, Coros also says you can expect to receive a refurbished device within a week.
“All Coros devices are built with tough screens and durable cases, and they receive regular firmware updates to ensure they withstand years of intense use,” the brand said in an announcement. “However, in the rare event of damage or functional issues, the new repair service ensures that customers get the maximum longevity and value out of their device.”
Possible repairs include replacing a broken screen, button, or digital dial. A defective battery can also be replaced. In those cases, customers will receive a temporary replacement as soon as they ship their broken device. That applies to all current Coros devices, including the Pace 3, Apex 2 and Apex 2 Pro, Vertix 2S, and the Dura Solar GPS bike computer.
Comparison to the Competition
Coros isn’t the only smartwatch maker offering repairs. Apple also has a repair-and-swap service through AppleCare+, but it seems to cost a bit more. Replacing the battery on an Apple Watch will cost $100, according to the company’s cost estimate calculator.
That same repair ranges from $60 to $90 for Coros, according to its list of repair costs. Fixing a screen, dial, or button costs a bit more, ranging from $80 to $120, depending on the watch.
Garmin also has a repair service for out-of-warranty devices that’s somewhat similar to Coros. It’s also possible to receive a replacement device within 1-3 days “after your return product has been processed.” Garmin does not offer a pricing chart to show how much a given repair will cost, however.
More broadly, Coros has joined a growing movement in the outdoor industry toward boosting the lifespan of products through repair and resale.
Patagonia now sets up shop to fix broken apparel, even from other brands. Last fall, Specialized announced a similar program for bike repairs. Even fishing gear brand Orvis aims to boost sustainability through the repairs of rods and other gear.
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