Consumer Ratings and
Reviews for Suunto Observer TT Wrist-Top Computer Watch with Altimeter, Barometer, and Compass (Titanium)
Rating:
Review: great watch for sitting in my desk drawer
I've had my Observer since 2002. It's been with me from the depths of La Jolla Cove to the heights of Pike's Peak. The functions are all very cool and it's a great looking watch.
HOWEVER: There are many times that the watch has sat in my desk drawer waiting for parts while my G-Shock and Timex IronMan carry the load. Today is one of those times. The Observer's wrist strap breaks every 18-24 months - and that occurs even with preventative maintenance on the band on a weekly basis. The replacement straps cost $40. My straps have broken for the 4th time. So, if you think that a $20/year cost of ownership on top of the price of the watch is a good bargain, then get this watch. If not, then get something that is a one-time investment only and doesn't require a hotline to the Suunto replacement parts store.
Rating:
Review: Solid and reliable
I love this watch! I purchased it sometime back in 2002, and I've worn it almost every day since. It has been a fantastic watch. It looks great in casual wear, and it looks great dressed up. However, being an avid hiker and outdoorsman, I need reliability in the functions advertised with the watch. Overall, my expectations have been met.
The biggest complaint I have with the watch is the compass. It needs to be calibrated often. Further, any tilt of the watch can change the reading on the compass by as much as 10 degrees. Because there is no bubble on the display to make sure the watch is level, it's not reliable for accurate readings. I wouldn't use the compass for more than just a general sense of direction. Also, the compass is highly affected by metal nearby, including the buckle on your belt, or a metal frame pack you might be wearing. For me, the digital compass in this watch is nothing more than a toy, not an instrument.
The barometer, and as a result, the altimeter, have been a bit flaky at times as well. However, this has generally been the exception rather than the rule. I'll notice that my altitude will read substantially higher or lower than what it should be, and when changing profiles to the barometer, I'll see it's quite off from a standard mercury reading. Again though, this hasn't happened much. With the amount of hiking I do, I'm more interested in my rate of ascent and descent anyway, rather than the actual altitude, and it's been spot on in that regard.
The thermometer has been dead on accurate within a degree or two every time I've relied on it. For me, it's been the most outstanding feature of the watch. I've also used the logging capabilities, reading back past climbs and descents, including rates of change. This has been valuable as well. I haven't used the stopwatch much, and find it a bit awkward to use when I do.
I love the weight and size of the watch. I have a friend who owns a Suunto Vector, and the watch is HUGE! Also, it feels light and cheap (although I know better). For me, this watch isn't too big, it fits very well on the wrist, and it has a nice solid weight to it. Some might claim it's too heavy, but I like the feel. Also, it's gotten some great comments from various people, and always sparks a great conversation.
After almost 8 years of owning this watch, I finally sent it in for cleaning and light repairs. I'm confident that I will be wearing this watch for another 8 years. It's easily surpassed all my expectations, and for the $380 I spent on the watch, I've definitely gotten my money's worth out of it. When/if it keels over, I'll likely replace it with another Observer ST.
Other than the compass, and the occasional inaccurate barometer readings, I would recommend this watch to anyone who is looking for a good time piece with similar instrumentation. Now if only Suunto would put out an atomic Observer watch... :)
Rating:
Review: Huge Suunto fan
My first Suunto was a Vector given 10 years ago, and i put it through hell and the buttons finally started to fail, it still told time , but i could not control some of the functions anymore, so it had to be replaced. It's been the best and most relieable watch i have ever owned. I deceided on the black collection because it had the same features with a little bit more style. I love it. Not only is it rugged but, you can also wear it out on the town. Awesome and you can't beat the amazon price!
Rating:
Review: Gary
I returned this Suunto Observer ST Digital Sport Watch 2009 - Stainless-Steelroduct because the ease of use was an 11 on a 1 to 10.
I will never purchase a Suunto again.
Thanks / Gary
Rating:
Review: Good features, poor execution
The watch looks great and has all the features I wanted in a sleek size (for the features it has at least). All the features seemed to work as advertised, though the temperature only works well when you aren't wearing the watch.
I had two reasons for the low review. First, the user interface seems overly complicated. I rarely could figure out how to do anything other then switch screens on this watch without the manual. I've owned other feature full watches before and this was the hardest to use. Second, the band sucks. The first two years I had it the band broke twice and it uses a custom band so you have to pay $$ to get another one, just to have it break again. After the 2nd time it broke I threw it to the back of the drawer in digest. I will not put more money into it.
