Introduction
Since there isn't much information out there on how to open up a ScanWatch 1, I'm sharing some of my own findings from disassembling a water-damaged unit I bought on eBay. It had supposedly been "repaired," but after the first shower, condensation appeared under the glass. Here's what I discovered—and how you can open and reseal your ScanWatch if needed.
What you need
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The watch is held together by friction and a thin black seal—there are no screws.
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Insert a thin metal smartphone opener between the metal case and the glass/display side of the watch (not the sensor side).
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Carefully work your way around to loosen the seal.
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Once the watch is open, you’ll see the movement and a small cable connecting the sensor to it.
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This cable uses a connector similar to iPhones and can be released with a plastic spudger.
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Gently pry the connector straight up to avoid damage.
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In this case, the condensation came from the glass above the sensor.
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From the inside, this glass popped out easily—suggesting poor or insufficient glue.
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Clean the glass and sensor area thoroughly with isopropyl alcohol.
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Re-glue the glass using a thin layer of T-8000 adhesive.
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Don’t apply too much glue—it can squeeze onto the sensor surface.
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If your crown is stuck or hard to press, it may be repairable from the inside.
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Add a small drop of penetrating oil (e.g. WD-40 or watchmaker’s oil) to the base of the crown from the inside.
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The battery can be replaced, but it's soldered to the board.
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Requires soldering skills and proper tools.
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Reconnect the sensor cable.
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Make sure the o-ring seal sits completely in the corner of the metal ring
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Snap the glass and ring back in with even pressure. This may require some force.
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Clean any adhesive residue and allow glue to cure if used.
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If the seal isn't seated properly, the watch won't fully close.
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I hope these steps and photos help others trying to repair their ScanWatch Gen 1—especially since Withings doesn't offer much support for teardowns or repairs.
Got better methods or fixes? Add your suggestions in the comments—let’s build this knowledge together.
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6 Guide Comments
Where can I find the saphire glass if its broken?
