Gorgeous, useful, but terribly expensive |
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| I fell in love with this watch when I tried on the stainless steel version in a local retailer. The only problem with it that I saw at the time was that I didn't want to wear a watch on my arm that was so heavy. Then I found out from the web that there was a lightweight titanium version, but sticker shock initially kept me away. Yet I couldn't get the idea of this watch out of my mind and finally against all reason I ordered the titanium version and am extremely pleased with it. However, the titanium color is not nearly as attractive as the stainless steel. Think about what is more important to you in deciding which model you want: weight or color, and is the diminished weight worth the huge difference in price. For me it is. I've taken this watch out on several hikes and have been as impressed with its built-in altimeter as I have been with my precision, Swiss Thommen that has served me faithfully for 29 years. But, why is this watch so expensive? Folks, I think we are paying for R&D and eventually all models of the watch will be cheaper. That's what we get for being on the lunatic fringe. Anyhow, I studied the manual diligently and was quite dismayed by section 3.6, which explained the effect of air temperature on altitude measurement. It turns out that there is an intrinsic problem associated with any altimeter (probably why my Thommen was always off by 100-200 feet either way at the end of a 4,000 foot climb), stemming from the fact that the outside temperature has a bearing on the reading, because higher temperatures reduce the air pressure, making you think you are higher than you actually are, and vice-versa. Thus every altimeter must be calibrated to a set of certain "standard" temperatures. As long as the outside temperature tracks this standard and the sea level barometric pressure doesn't change, the altimeter will give an accurate reading. But if the temperature varies from this built-in standard, the reading could be hundreds of feet off after a long climb. The manual then presents a table defining Suunto's standard. You can use this table to calculate the actual altitude, given the starting altitude, starting temperature, temperature at the destination, and the watch’s altimeter reading. At first I found the calculation very confusing, and their table presents lower and lower resolution as you increase in altitude. Being a professional software programmer, I worked on understanding this table until I completely figured it out and codified it in a computer program that runs on the PC. Section 3.6 of the manual only tells you how to calculate an actual altitude from a reading from the watch. My program not only does that, but it also calculates what the watch should show, given a known altitude. That also is useful since you will know what altitude reading you need to “hit” before actually reaching your destination. Finally it will generate tables of intermediate values for both unknowns. I'm giving this program away free of charge to anyone who asks for it. So don’t be shy. Ask it via email to me. |
| Frank Paris at Altrec on 12/15/2002 |
For us Batman freaks |
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| This is the perfect watch for both the average outdoor enthusiast and the professional. The menu was a bit difficult to understand, so I still carry it around with me. I also love the feel of the watch. It has a good weight to it, which I prefer. My only complaints are that there is no countdown timer. I feel this is a neccesary feature. I also don't like the fact that you have to cut the wrist band to fit. I use this watch on outer clothing when snow skiing or climbing. So I purchased a second band to accomodate wearing it on jacket sleeves, etc. However these setbacks I can get over. It is a nice watch that you can wear with your suday best or just casual. If you have a Batman fetish as I do, or you just want a good wrist computer then this watch is for you. |
| Anonymous at Altrec on 11/11/2002 |
Suunto Observer |
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| I'm thoroughly impressed with two things: (1) My Suunto Observer and (2) Altrec. This wristtop computer works as flawlessly. The four primary functions work consistently and accurately. The White Mountains of New Hampshire put the altimeter and barometer to the test and it always passed. I love the "Quick" feature button that summarizes your vertical gain and losses for that particular trek. Secondly, Altrec's product information, price match guarantee, and product specialists (i.e. Scott)are committed to excellence. Not only did Altrec send me a Gore-Tex hand band gratis, Scott sent me a hand written card thanking me for my business. WOW. Altrec is a big company with a small company feel. |
| Dave MacKenzie at Altrec on 08/12/2005 |
Excellent for flying, hiking, swimming, diving... |
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| I use this watch for flying a power paraglider. It takes samples every second with incredible accuracy. I use it 24/7 because its an all purpose watch can swim, run, etc. Did a lot of research and this was the only watch that was a decent size for my small wrist and it looks good with a suit or out in the country, had an altimeter and watch (so I can see altitude and time at the same time, has a compass, barometer..nothing beats it |
| It's got all you need at Altrec on 06/08/2006 |
Awesome piece of technology |
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| What I love most about the watch: - Only high-tech watch/alt/baro/therm/compass that doesn't look geeky - Everything you need if you're a hiker - Lightweight of the titanium version What I like least: - The alarm volume is ridiculously low. I failed to wake up the first day I tried it. Basically do NOT assume you can use it as an alarm clock. - High price. But it's worth it, and after extensive research Altrec was the best deal (if you get the 25% off). |
| C. DeMoss at Altrec on 09/25/2005 |
I can finally stop buying new watches |
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| I have owned many different watches over the years, most of the casio pathfinder series, the Timex works. I just could not find a watch that worked as expected and was just a pleasure to wear. That is until I found the Suunto Observer. I bought this watch, even though I felt the price tag was a little high. I soon discovered it to be well worth the high price. Easy to use and looks good. |
| Jason Plett at Altrec on 03/12/2003 |
Excellent tool with alarm being a bit too quiet |
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| Excellent all round tool. I've used it on numerous mountaineering trips and ideally you have a GPS to calibrate its altitude if you want to rely on the data shown. The only concern is the power of alarm ... if your bag does not have a special pocket next to your ear than you will never hear it. Keeping it outside of the bag makes batteries go faster. |
| Oleg Fomenko at Altrec on 05/26/2005 |
The last watch you'll ever own |
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| Excellent watch, oozes quality. The manual could be a bit more in depth, but a few hours on google educated me enough to get the most out of the barometer function. Its the sort of watch that could be the last one you will ever own, so bite the bullet and get the titanium version . You will never look back! |
| stuart at Altrec on 05/16/2005 |
cool but hard to figure out |
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| I have yet to figure out how to factor in the altitude in locking in a true barometer reading for weather purposes - for instance, I live and work in manhattan - going up the elevator in a building lowers my barometric pressure - but the watch does not take the new altitude into account for weather prediction purposes. |
| winjet at Altrec on 12/25/2001 |
Pretty usefull |
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Heavy? I have this titanium version and I have not seen such light watch, Its like a plastic soldier really.
the thing is that is pretty hard to use and if you stay in a place for long time and you keep the watch working as altimeter it will change the altitude although youre not moving. |
| Enrique at Mountain Gear on 04/07/2009 |
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