Suunto Vector Wrist-Top Computer Watch with Altimeter, Barometer, Compass, and Thermometer (Red)

Suunto Vector Wrist-Top Computer Watch with Altimeter, Barometer, Compass, and Thermometer (Red) Review

Suunto Vector Wrist-Top Computer Watch with Altimeter, Barometer, Compass, and Thermometer (Red) Feature

• Watch, altimeter, barometer, and compass in one
• Altimeter with 24-hour memory and logbook
• Bubble level for accurate compass readings
• 3 alarms, stopwatch, and countdown timer
• Stylish design, waterproof to 100 feet

Although the name Wristop Computer may suggest otherwise, Suunto's line of über-watches isn't just for those with a fetish for the latest techno-toys. These rugged time tellers offer a variety of features for outdoor enthusiasts: the Vector watch sports a barometer, altimeter, and compass.

The barometric mode of the Vector displays the current barometric pressure and temperature, as well as recent barometric trends. The trend display can be used for rough weather forecasts if you won't be changing altitude. After we'd made the initial setting, the Vector provided accurate barometric readings compared with the readouts to Internet weather reports for our region.

We did run into a problem with the temperature display of the barometer mode, as it can be affected by body heat. Suunto recommends removing the watch from your wrist for 15 minutes for a more reliable temperature reading--not exactly the handiest of options.

The altimeter, which uses barometric readings to measure altitude, isn't exact, either. And, depending on the weather, we needed to reset the altimeter at least once a day. But it proved useful on local hikes, noting altitude to an accuracy margin of 10 feet after being reset, and also letting us note in the Vector's logbook how quickly we increased or decreased in altitude (the log holds up to 3,800 sets of data).

One of the most useful tools on the Vector is its digital compass. After we'd made an initial calibration (we found that using a watch this powerful requires a lot of tweaks), it kept us headed in the right direction with readouts in both direction and degree. We just had to remember to keep the watch level--holding it at the normal angle for chronometer reading skewed the compass results. And, oh yeah, the Vector keeps time as well. Its time mode displays day and date with 12- or 24-hour time. It also has three daily alarms, a stopwatch, and a countdown timer. Even while you're using its other modes, the Vector shows the current time at the bottom of the display.

The Vector has a bright backlit display and is also waterproof to 100 feet--as long as you don't press any buttons. We didn't take it down that far, but it surfaced without a problem from the bottom of our 12-foot-deep pool. You'll know this large watch is on your wrist, but if you're an avid adventurer who loves techno-gadgets hardy enough for the outdoors, the Vector's for you. It's the timepiece Grizzly Adams would have worn. --J. Curtis

Pros:

• Ruggedly designed--great for the outdoor adventurer
• Compass and altimeter are handy on hikes
• Easy to switch between modes

Cons:

• Large size can be unwieldy on wrist
• Takes a lot of resets

After a decade of travels, adventures and courageous expeditions, the Suunto Vector is still the most legendary of all the Suunto outdoor devices. With technology and durability that can take on the harshest of environments, the unique heritage of Suunto Vector has withstood the test of time.