SUUNTO X-Lander Wrist-Top Computer Watch with Altimeter, Barometer, Compass, and Chronograph

First off, I want to say that the watch itself should be rated 3 - 4 stars, if it wasn't for the awful customer service. If one is looking for a relatively durable watch that provides the time, multiple alarms, temperature, compass headings, altitude, etc. then this watch will do fine. I purchased this watch because I am in the military and wanted a watch that could do all of the above and could be depended upon.So why the one star review? Less than three years after I purchased the X-Lander I had the watch malfunction (It reset itself and then stopped having a display at all.). I sent the watch in to Suunto and they wanted me to pay more than 2/3 the cost of the watch to repair what they call "leakage". Sounded like a design or product flaw to me. I had previously counted on Suunto products for more than 13 years, but the fact that Suunto will not stand by its product has disgusted me. I will not buy any more Suunto products and will highly discourage others from doing so, either.

Still wearing this watch daily and have been for several years. I am very happy with this purchase. I have taken this watch to Iraq several times. I have never had it fail me in any form or fashion. The indiglo lights up only the digits rather than the whole background of the watch. I prefer that. My only complain might be the button configuration/placement. I wear the watch on my left hand and the top right button sometimes gets pressed during movement. This button will cycle from time to altimeter, barometer, and compass. When you look down as that it is 9:98 a clock then you will likely realize that it has made its way to the barometer function. But, a quick glance at the altimeter's 125m may end up badly if you mistake if for the time. I have done this before. I won't lessen the stars for that criticism because it may very well not happen to others and it only happens on occasion and not on a daily basis. When I first got the watch I figured that the band would give out within a year being over in Iraq getting wet with sweat and then drying out in the sun and dust. Nope, still going strong years later.

The watch generally works okay for backpacking and higher altitude hiking (my uses) until it fails. One quirk: The ones I have had always understate the altitude by 100-200 feet after climbing more than a few thousand feet. The error compounds above 10,000 feet even if you adjust the master settings. That I am on watch number five over a 12 years period is the problem: these watches fail sooner rather than later. The plactic that holds the crystal in place will crack and leak under normal use. The watch will get permanently stuck in a setting. The electronics will just go nuts until they fail entirely. Since I have found no better watch brand than Suunto I rely on my Garmin GPS more and more these days. When the one I have dies (and the case is cracking!),that is it.

One week in. I have currently in my arsenal of timepieces: Casio G Shock(s), Aviator, Frogman and one Invicta Dive Watch. The Suunto Vector - fits right in-nicely. Light, durable, appropriately large and bold, easy to use (play with and utilize the functions during the first few days - its an easy transition) and is extremely comfortable (strap is flexible and soft - but feels extremely sturdy). I purchased the Black with Black face (more of a grey face) but it looks very respectable, professional and appropriate. I find the ABC options to be very accurate on the Suunto. The data font is good and easy to read. So far so good. Delivery was fast. I have just ordered the Suunto velcro strap - I do like those - so we'll see how that works; its coming tomorrow. I love this watch and it makes it difficult to want to where any other (if you like watches and these types of watches - sometimes its hard to choose which one to wear). I will report back in a month or so. Great choice for a tactical, rugged, outdoors and/or active lifestyle. I think this will be a good relationship.

Was out hunting and a buddy of mine was showing me his Suunto. Had it for 10 years and never let him down, durable, lots of cool features so I thought I would get one. First one I purchased was the Suunto Mil. Did not like it, sent it back, not because it wasn't awesome but I found it a bit hard to read and a bit hard to navigate the complex functions. I was hoping to use some of its ballistic features but I keep my weather station and ballistic computer when I'm doing any serious shooting anyhow. So sent that one back and got this one, the Vector. Much better if you ask me! Much easier to read, backlight is better (although could still be better), and controls are much easier. Verified altimeter and compass - perfect right out of the box. Light weight but you can tell it is high quality. So far, very nice. Will update after I beat it up for a year or so.

Bulky watchband is a major PITA to remove each day. Watch face is nearly impossible to read in early morning/ dusk/ semi-shaded situations, without using illumination. The illumination itself is VERY weak, which for a military application probably makes sense, but for civilian use, the low illumination is a major drawback.I'm sure the quality of the watch is exceptionally good, but these two features seriously compromise the product itself. If I could return the watch (have had it for more than 30 days), I would do so in a heartbeat and choose another brand and/or model..