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

by Suunto

Product Features

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

Product Description

Amazon.com Review

Although the name Wristop Computer may suggest otherwise, Suunto's line of über-watches aren't just for those with a fetish for the latest in techno-toys. These rugged time tellers offer a variety of features for outdoor enthusiasts, with the Vector watch sporting a barometer, an altimeter, and a 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 making the initial setting, the Vector was able to provide us with rather accurate barometric readings compared to 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 impacted 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 of 10 feet after being reset, and also letting us note how quickly we increased or decreased in altitude in the Vector's logbook (which holds up to 3,800 sets of data).

One of the most useful tools on the Vector is its digital compass--after an initial calibration (we found out 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 features three daily alarms, a stopwatch, and a countdown timer. Even while using the other modes, the Vector displays the current time at the bottom of the display.

The Vector has a nice, 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 definitely 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 your watch. 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

Product Description

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

See all Product Description

Product Details

Product Manual [619kb PDF]

• Product Dimensions: 10 x 2 x 0.5 inches ; 1.9 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B000051SEL
• Item model number: 518K01R
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Liked the watch - watch doesn't like water, October 18, 2002

By 

Jason Quick (Metairie, LA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Suunto Vector Wrist-Top Computer Watch with Altimeter, Barometer, Compass, and Thermometer (Black) (Apparel)

I swear... I didn't push any buttons underwater. If you're going to swim with this watch then don't buy it. It was understood this watch was never meant for SCUBA or serious swimming, but even a few dips in the pool proved this watch is {garbage}. Yes, the compass is handy.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars what the others say it is, November 5, 2003

By 

M. Jones "earwax45" (Sioux City, IA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Suunto Vector Wrist-Top Computer Watch with Altimeter, Barometer, Compass, and Thermometer (Black) (Apparel)

this watch does what the other reviewers say. BUT, don't get it wet. i had mine replaced for $75 after an online complaint to the company. the watch fell into 5 feet of water and was trashed by the water leak. i like the compass, barometer the best. the trend line is helpful on the weather forcasting. the temperature is only good if you take the watch off and leave it on the ground.
besides the compass, it functions the best if you leave it in one place and refer to it daily at your tent...not all that convenient, eh?

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Suunto Rocks!, April 17, 2009

By 

Porkee Peeg (Santa Cruz, California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Suunto Vector Wrist-Top Computer Watch with Altimeter, Barometer, Compass, and Thermometer (Black) (Apparel)

I set my Suunto Vector to Atomic time and it is accurate to the second. After a year it swayed 1/2 second off. Now that's keeping time. Great feel, great watch, great tools. Its doesn't set declination properly but I haven't found a wrist watch that does. Well, not in this price range. The black light effect is great at night too. I bought the watch for accuracy and it hasn't let me down.

I owned my Vector for a year-and-a-half then one day it developed condensation under the faceplate. I removed the battery to see if moisture had collected there too but it was dry. However, the rubber O ring gasket would not fit back around the battery cover as it once did. I then sent the watch to Suunto for warranty repair. Three weeks later I'm notified the watch was repaired and on its way back. Upon opening the box I'm shocked because its not my watch but a brand spanking new Vector!! Now that's service Suunto, you rock!