DS3231M Oscillator failure/stopping

Question

I have integrated the DS3231M into my design because of it 5ppm accuracy over time. Works very similar to what I was using in the past, standard RTC with external tuning fork crystal, just much less clock drift over time. However, I have had numerous devices fail in the field because the DS3231M's oscillator stops. The oscillator actually seems to slow down just before it stops completely. When I get it back in the lab I query the chip only to find that the oscillator stop bit is set and I am unable to clear the bit to restart the oscillator, so basically the chip is dead and I have to replace it. I use both main power and battery back-up. I have followed the preferred power sequence when installing the coin cell, which is to power the device with the main power source and then install the coin cell. Has anyone experienced this issue or have any suggestions for something to try? With the chip shortage I had to go to the secondary markets in China to get these chips but this issue even happened with some that I bought from Digikey prior to the shortage. Any suggestions would be very much welcome. Thanks in advance.

Mr.Kristrnsen · Accepted Answer

Have experienced the same problem with the DS3231M. 
 My application runs autonomously in Greenland and after a year, 2 out of 3 DS3231M have failed because the Oscillator is stopped and I have not been able to get it to run again. 
 Have previously used the DS3231SN and never had any problems with it.)

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DS3231M Oscillator failure/stopping