 | Suunto Observer SR Wrist-Top Computer Watch with Altimeter, Barometer, Compass |
| List Price: | $329.00 |
| Price: | $223.00 |
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Ships from and sold by Dexclusive
18 new or used available from $180.00
Average customer review:
(33 customer reviews)
Product Description
Observer Sr- Key Features
- Altimeter with altitude log memory
- Barometer with storm alarm and weather trend indicator
- Compass with semi automatic calibration and a digital bearing
- Depth meter
- Multiple watch, date and alarm functions with dual time
- Sunrise/Sunset times for over 400 locations worldwide
- Digital thermometer
Product Details
- Size: Yellow Fabric
- Color: Elastomer
- Brand: Suunto
- Model: SS010660330
- Number of items: 1
- Dimensions: .25" h x 2.00" w x 10.00" l, .3 pounds
Features
- Suunto Observer Sr Collection
- Case Diameter - 40 MM
Customer Reviews
Most helpful customer reviews44 of 46 people found the following review helpful.
Typical Suunto--Cutting edge, well made and quirky methods! By Pruitt Hall
Truly a 'niche' product, the Suunto Observer defies classification. It's a sport watch, make no mistake, but Casio's line (particularly the 'G-Shocks') offer more for the money and MUCH increased battery life. It's several 'instruments' rolled into one, offering barometer, altimeter, compass and thermometer, but in a watch case, and, surprisingly, blending them into an attractive package.
If you're considering this 'wrist computer' (Suunto's term and fairly appropriate) for a 'techno' toy though, save your money. Typical of Suunto's products, it has stellar thinking behind it. Typical also it is cutting edge. However, also typical of products built and produced in Finland, it has an owner's manual that has to be about a 5 to 10 on the readability scale of a 100. Like all Scandinavian products, there is a concerted effort here to use icons whenever possible and it's like you walked into a Russian made helicopter; there may be icons, but you're still going to have to have someone explain it to you! But, like Suunto's diving gauges, one you cross the divide and spend some quality time with the manual, user reviews, internet postings and about 6 to 10 hours playing with it, you WILL have a grin on your face. It's an outstanding piece of technology, but only once you finally understand it.
A few points that may help you:
--I bought the stainless model (there is also a full rubber strap model and a titanium model). Realize it IS NOT a full stainless strap; it's a rubber strap with about 10 pieces of stainless for looks only. However, unlike some reviews posted, I truly LIKE the look and don't feel Suunto was cheesing out by just using stainless 'pieces' instead of a full stainless strap. It fits like a glove, once adjusted. It took me about 30 minutes to fit it perfectly.
--Other reviews give a hit or miss coverage of the DUAL opening latch on the strap. It does have 2 openings, the second is to give additional access if you have large hands/small wrists. One review stated, incorrectly, that the second latch undermines the first latches ability to hold it together tightly. If they would have examined the second latch in more detail, they would see that the primary latch COVERS the second with a gate, preventing it from opening. IN NO WAY does the second latch make this strap less strong. Typical Suunto, well engineered, but poorly documented.
--Carefully read one reviewer's lengthy discussion about how the barometric pressure and altitude settings work. They went into GREAT detail (more than I will here) covering how these two systems are interrelated and connected. Once you finally grasp it, it makes sense. For a summary, just remember this: When in camp, use the barometric setting; it will be very accurate when you do this. When on the trail, use the altitude setting. It's as simple as that.
--Some reviewers stated that the systems (any or all) aren't terribly accurate. WRONG. They are accurate. I've compared the barometer and altimeter to dedicated systems I have and they're very, very close. The compass matches a Brunton transit within a few degrees. Take the time to learn how to use them and they're very handy and very accurate.
--One reviewer stated that the battery life on the Casio's is far superior to the Suunto (even I did at the start of this review). That IS an accurate statement. What they left out though, is that the Suunto has an EASILY replaced battery that doesn't require the back of the watch to come off (Casio's DO require the back to be removed). So it's a toss up. I find on my Casio's that with regular backlight use, they get eaten up pretty quickly too. Realize, Casio only rates their batteries at ONE use of the backlight per day, and who only uses a backlight once a day? On their top rated G-Shock (which I also own) the battery life drops 2 YEARS when you use the backlight just twice a day. I'll take Suunto's approach any day; just use a dime to remove a separate cover for the battery and you're back in business.
--The Suunto has one thing no Casio has--it's stylish. Very European/high tech looking and built like a tank too. Make no mistake, I'll still wear my Casio if I'm diving, because I don't want to scratch the Suunto (kind of crazy isn't it? I'm not concerned about my Suunto dive gauges, lol).
So I'm giving the Suunto four stars; was considering three for the STEEP learning curve, but after I finally 'got it' I was grinning like a Cheshire cat. It is really a fun instrument to play with and truly does offer features in a unique package. Highly recommended, but don't buy it if you aren't willing to spend the time learning its nuances. One last note and one that helped me the most. I was frustrated with Suunto's labels of the buttons and finally adopted Casio's system that I kludged together. This watch has 4 buttons. De-program yourself from thinking of them in Suunto's terms. Use Casio's EXCELLENT system of calling the buttons A,B,C and D. Just make a little cheat sheat that corresponds to A,B,C and D. A is top left, B is top right, C is bottom left and D is bottom right. Once you convert Suunto's system to Casio's, it is SO much easier! Hope this helps someone!
25 of 25 people found the following review helpful.
Stunning piece of electronic wristop hardware... By Jeff Edwards
All I can say is, out of the box, "WOW!" I first saw this watch on a friend who walked by and as it caught my eye, it was obvious that this watch was something quite different. Of course, according to Suunto, it isn't a watch after all. First and foremost, this is a wristop computer, that happens to have the feature of being able to tell time.
I was a bit intimidated by everything this watch can do, but thank heavens after my initial shock at how GOOD it looks, I got down to studying the manual -- and if you ever hope to get ANY practical use out of this device, you are going to HAVE to read it, maybe several times, in order to fully appreciate what it CAN do. Is it absolutely perfect in every way? Nope -- but can you find me a product that IS for the same amount of money that also looks this good? Hardly. The closest would probably be the Triple Sensor Casio Pathfinder -- which DOES come with one really nifty ability that Suunto has yet to incorporate into their wristop computers: solar power. Casio watches are also much cheaper, but if you are going for good quality PLUS good looks, you will do no better than Suunto's Observer. This watch is simply beautiful.
Taking a look at what it can do, it has a Barometer (which also gives you the current temperature -- but keep in mind for best reading, you need to take it off your wrist for about 15 minutes first), an altimeter which under proper circumstances is quite accurate. For those who say it doesn't work at all, keep in mind that it takes readings using the barometric pressure, and if you at first do not calibrate it, you simply will not get a correct reading. Also, keep in mind that as the air pressure can sometimes vary depending upon where you are and the weather conditions you are experiencing, the altimeter CAN vary -- even if you aren't moving at all. This isn't a defect with the watch, if you need to blame someone, have a chat with Mother Nature, because Suunto has no influence in that department. It also has the cool feature of incorporating a digtal compass, which works (when again properly calibrated) from virtually any position on the globe. This feature alone makes the buy worth it.
There have been a few reviewers who are displeased with the Observer's ability to generate an alarm that you can actually HEAR -- and this is one area which Suunto can really improve upon. It is so quiet to be almost non-existent under even fairly quiet conditions. It sounded to me a little like a Palm Pilot alarm going off underneath a pillow -- that was located in a room down the hall. YES, it IS a joke -- but I have other watches that can fill the alarm void, so I only considered this a MINOR problem. If you are interested in purchasing this particular Suunto model and you absolutely NEED a loud alarm, you might be better served with the Casio Pathfinder -- but if you are more concerned with the other incredible feats of electronic gadgetry that the Observer can do, this is DEFINITELY the model for you.
One other tiny note, the extra $$ for the Titanium model just isn't worth it. Because the wrist band is only PARTIALLY metal mixed with elastomer, the weight difference between the Titanium and the Steel version was almost non-existent. The Steel version is virtually identical and (I personally think) looks better than just the elastomer band -- but I realize this is a personal preference, so make sure you are able to compare the models side-by-side before making that purchase -- also keep in mind the elastomer version will be really snug for some guys who have rather large wrists.
All in all, the Observer really IS a stunning piece of electronic hardware that rivals many watches worn by James Bond. Now if only Suunto could fit a tiny laser inside the NEXT version they'd really have a best-seller...
12 of 12 people found the following review helpful.
Cool looking... but definite drawbacks By Amazon Buyer
Bought this watch after my beloved (plastic case) highgear axis finally bit the dust. I've only played with it for a couple of days, but here's my take:
Pros:
1. Really great looking.
The metal case is the perfect size (the other suunto watch-- the vector-- is way too big for me and looks ridiculous) This one looked "right" ad soon as I put it on.
2. Some nice features.
I especially like the compass bearing tracking (keeps you on your bearing by showing the differential). Sweet! it will probably take some time to just learn everything.
3. The band is easily adjusted to fit
No jeweler necessary. It also looks very nice. However, see the caveats below regarding the band...
Cons:
1. No altimter/ barometric graph.
My highgear had a nifty graph which showed the trend over the past couple of hours. No such luck here, only a 3 position arrow sign. It's possible to see the historical barometric pressure, but not graphically.
2. Weather station is crude compared to highgear.
Again, my highgear has neat weather forecasting icons (which were amazingly accurate!). No such luck with the suunto.
3. Don't make a mistake when trimming the band!
Adjusting to fit is quick and easy, but keep in mind you do it by CUTTING segments of the elastomer strap... don't cut too much because there is NO going back! Also, leave some space if you plan to gain weight...
4. Stainless???? Not really.
As mentioned, the band is elastomer with a couple of metal plates on the top. The back of the case is all plastic. Also disturbing is the advice in the manual "the buttons shall not be pressed if exposed to water in any circumstances" Geez!
5. White on black display
Neat looking, but I have to admit, much harder to read than the standard black on white.
With all my whining, you'd think I'd return it... but believe it or not, the looks outweigh the drawbacks (I know, I'm shallow.) Plus I do like the compass features. So overall, I'm sticking with it!
See all 33 customer reviews...
