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First, the user interface seems overly complicated. Second, the band sucks.
After the 2nd time it broke I threw it to the back of the drawer in digest. 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.
The watch looks great and has all the features I wanted in a sleek size (for the features it has at least). I've owned other feature full watches before and this was the hardest to use.
I will not put more money into it. 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.
I rarely could figure out how to do anything other then switch screens on this watch without the manual.
And band replacement is far too difficult compared to other watches. Also, the back is difficult to remove (over the years) compared to other watches (a 1 Yuan coin seems to be the best fit for the slot on the back).The alarm is useless as it simply cannot be heard. I bought this in the Fall of 2003 to be able to have a quick compass/elevation check on unfamiliar trails. A slightly shorter replacement pin (or slightly bending a replacement pin to make it shorter) may be the only practical solution to a replacement problem if you're trying to do this in the field. The product manual is poorly written, which is odd because the Finns have great language skills.So, although I like the watch, the on-going maintenance issues make it less than highly recommended. It handles those tasks well. However, the strap breaks too soon compared to other watches.
It's gotten to the point where a mere movement of my hand will spring it open leaving the watch dangling at an odd angle. The only problem I've had it the strap, rather the clasp keeping the watch band closed. I'm reluctant to shell out the $120 for a new band because all I need is a new clasp. I've had this watch for four years and it's taken a real beating across the world. I've dropped it on tile, concrete, and asphalt from heights up to 10 feet and it still works fine.
The durability of the strap is very poor and Suunto must know it since it is only under warranty for 1 year as opposed to 2 year warranty for the watch. I owned several of these. I haven't found yet whether non-Suunto straps can be adjusted on it.The decision is yours whether it is worth the money. Strap replacement by Suunto out of warranty is almost $100 so you'd better find a better strap after breaking the first time. The watch is works fine for hiking etc. The overall durability of the watch is decent but not rugged enough for intensive outdoor use, and within 1-2 years the strap breaks without any cause (the strap is mostly plastic pierced with holes on all versions- stainless steel or titanium).
The watch looks good too, it has a nice contrast of the stainless and black band and its not too big and does not look very much like a Dive watch or a GPS on your arm. This is the only concern that I have ever had with the watch. It has been a great Watch.
After about 18 months the battery went dead. I noticed today that a battery replacement kit is offered on Amazon for about $9. The battery is supposed to be owner changeable, but I messed up the back trying to get it off and had to send it back for replacement.
I have owned my Observer since late 2005. Keep the instruction book handy at first. I'm going to ensure that it will fit my watch and purchase one for next time.
I initially wanted one of the cheaper, simpler Suuntos, but found this one discounted so for just a little bit more and have never regretted purchasing it instead. Like some other reviewers have noted, the watch does take a little getting used to in mastering the buttons, but it becomes easy with use.
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