Suunto Vector Wrist Top Computer Watch with Altimeter Barometer Compass and Thermometer
A compass, altimeter and barometer packaged in a waterproof casing, the Suunto Vector is an essential piece of any adventurers toolkit. It has a large, easy-to read display and the control buttons operate even when wearing gloves. The Vector also includes 3 daily alarms, stopwatch, countdown timer, bubble to indicate a level compass and thermometer.
User Ratings and Reviews
3 Stars Suunto Watch
This watch is ok but not as user friendly as I thought it would be.
4 Stars Sunto Vector computer watch
Gret watch, this i smy husbands 3rd. We just keep on buying all the various watches and he collects them, this is his favirate
5 Stars Suunto Vector
This is an excellent watch for anyone doing anything outdoors. From hiking,climbing,to land nav. The Vector’s compass and altimeter are very accurate,(compared the watch w/ my GPS/Tritium compass). The thermometer/barometer feature is a nice “bell and whistle” keeping you apprised of current conditions. Speaking from personal experience, Suunto’s customer service is world class. Example: I had a Suunto product that I had purchased on a recent deployment, after getting back home, I had some problems (moisture in the lens), having lost all of my documentation I feared I’d have to “eat it” on this one. Contacted Suunto via the web, and they gave me step by step intructions on how to return the item. Two weeks later, a brand new(not repaired) one showed up on my doorstep. The vector is without a doubt the best option for the $$. Personal observation: after owning both the grey and black faced Vectors, some may find the grey faced model easier to read, while the black model is more appropriate for military applications.
3 Stars some drawbacks
Received as a corporate gift, and basis of comparison as “outdoor watch” is a G-Shock I purchased
+Extremely comfortable to wear despite large dial
+Fixed barometric “trend” window is neat
+Altimeter very accurate. I calibrate in the morning before heading the slopes and it matches markers exactly.
-Less durable than GShock/More cosmetic wear/scratches easily (face and case)
-Very UNINTUITIVE control. Try to change the units without reading the manual, I challenge you. (for reference i work in the field of technology)
-Weak backlighting
-USELESS temperature gauge is mounted on BACK of the case… thus always registers a ~82*F skin temp. Manual recommends removing watch for 10-15 minutes for ambient temperature reading. Whats the point??
-Buttons have dull feel
I only grab this watch when going hiking and interested in azimuthal direction and elevation. Most of the time I default to Casio as outdoor watch. Actually, since I bought an REI keychain compass&temp gauge, there’s even less need for the Suunto. Based on my personal experience, and Casio’s general reputation for wristwatches, were I to purchase an altimeter watch, I would look at their PATHFINDER series
Just for comparison, some benefits of “upgrading” to Pathfinder:
-instant access to baro/alt/comp feature (instead of cycling through)
-AUTOMATIC backlight option (AutoEL)
-Solar-charged!!! (vs 1 year battery)
-Atomic-clock synchronization (always accurate time)
-Dual time zones w/ multiple preset world cities (now thats a travel watch)
5 Stars The Old Standby…
This is a great ABC watch for dependable use. I have an old Suunto Observer that I bought in 2001 (first year) that finally gave up (albeit it still tells time and I still wear it daily - just the compass and altimeter functions failed). After looking at the Core (and buying and returning two of them because of failure) I choose to use the Vector for mountaineering. It is a great watch. Easy to use (especially if familiar with Suunto’s functions), easy to read, dependable, big screen, etc. These are made in Finland (vs. the Core’s being made in China) and seem to last forever. I am very happy with it (and the price is hard to beat).
