Has anyone successfully replaced the Display Flex Cable?

Question

Apple Watch - Original

Announced September 9th, 2014, this device is Apple's first foray into smart wearables. iFixit's repair manuals are applicable to Apple Watch (steel) and Apple Watch Sport (aluminum).

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Katherine @nyreth

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crwdns2931729:0crwdne2931729:0: Kho 15, 2017

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Has anyone successfully replaced the Display Flex Cable?

I know it requires board level soldering. I saw the first two videos of a three part series that seemed pretty good. But alas, I'm not sure the gentleman ever finished the repair, because there isn't a third and final video. It looks relatively straightforward from the point where he left off.

I picked up the watch for a very minimal investment and the cable is inexpensive. So I figured what have I really got to lose?

I'm just curious if anyone has successfully completed this repair? Do you have any advice, if so? Or is there a guide somewhere that I haven't found yet?

Thanks!

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score 2 · Answer 1 · 2017-06-15T12:20:22-07:00

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Scott @scott35006

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crwdns2931729:0crwdne2931729:0: Kho 15, 2017

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hey! Apple has been using this connection style for some time now to save thickness.

I have successfully replaced this type of connection in ipads for their Charge ports, and ipod 5th gen as well,

I have not done this specific replacement, but i beleive the process to be very similar on the watch, just on a smaller scale. if you plan to do this, i suggest a 10X + Microscope. it does require some practice, as it is a specialized skillset.

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Hmm, I don't have one of those. I haven't soldered anything this small before. Mostly I've done stained glass and simple repairs on wiring to battery compartments. I have worked with other tiny things before. (Assembling and doing better quality painting on 28mm miniatures, etc.) I hate to just give up on the watch, but I don't want to ruin it because I was too stubborn either.

I have another Series 1 (the one for repairs is a Series 0) that is in excellent shape but iCloud locked. I guess I could use that one for practice?

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that would be a good idea. the iron tips used in stained glass are usually much larger than the ones used for microsoldering. however, i dont know how fine of work you do with the glass. best of luck, and if you need anything let me know.

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score 0 · Answer 2 · 2018-06-01T07:37:05-07:00

Alejandro Altamirano @ale_tamale_alta

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Fix it all Ale

crwdns2931729:0crwdne2931729:0: Kho 1, 2018

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I am also trying to figure out if it replaceable. I have fixed 3 series 1 38 mm apple watches before and they were simple. The one i was fixing yesterday was very difficult and i got very angry when it did not work. I opened up again and the flex cable was torn just a bit. Please link me to a video that shows how to fix it. I cant find anything! (I dont have much experience with small scale repairs like apple watches)

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