I have owned both the titanium and stainless steel Suunto Observer watches for years with no problems. The Suunto Observer is a great looking, dependable watch that has never let me down. It is not huge watch on your wrist like many other outdoor sport watches. I like the mineral crystal face on the Observer for durability instead of plastic that scratches easily used on other watches. All functions of this watch have worked perfect since new. The negative face can be difficult to see in low light conditions but you can use the light button if necessary. I do wish replacement bands were cheaper and wish Suunto would produce an all metal replacement band for this watch.

I absolutely love my Suunto. You can buy the metal band so it looks good in nice clothes, and then easily throw the standard band for using in the backcountry, etc. I must say I don't use the compass much, but I do like the barometer and altimeter. Altimeter does need a lot of re-calibrating if you desire exact readings, but just set it at the start of the day and it will calculate your ascents and descents very accurately plus the # of laps. Barometer is nice since it has arrows of the main time screen that let you know what direction the pressure is going and how extreme. Temp reading is inaccurate any time it is on your wrist for obvious readings, but will read properly after a minute or two or standing alone. I highly reccomend this watch for anyone who wants a great performing watch for the backcountry and the office!

I purchased my Observer in Feb 2007 and have been very pleased overall. The ABC are handy and readily available, though I have noticed the exact values tend to be off by up to 10% against known markers. It is not overwhelming is size or color, so I can wear it to business meetings without recieving strange looks from desk-jockies with the figure of Santa Clause. I have the titanium strap and since I trimmed it to fit my wrist, I have never had a problem since.

However, I do have a complaint about the compass. I understand that each time the battery is replaced, the compass needs to be reset. Unfortunately, I have had to reset it about 10 times, and I have only changed the battery three times. Test your compass before departing on a trip. Checking North doesn't do it. Twice, my North was spot on, East was very close, as was South. West should have ben 270, but instead was around 330. The last 90 degrees read as only 30. Check it prior to departure, but don't trust it beyond a general guide. Pack a standard compass as well. Also, the instructions for resetting the compass are not intuitive, so you may wish to bring a copy of the instructions if you intend on using it in the BC.

I have had this watch for 4 years now, and about every year plan on spending 100 bucks on a new band. For a $$$ watch! The band just breaks at the clasp. I cannot find a replacement band other than Suunto. So spend $400 buck on the watch and plan to spend $400 bucks on bands for 4 years, your cost will be $800, or $200 per year.

I'll make this simple. I love the look of the watch, the features and overall construction. However the contrast of the display against the background made it difficult to see the numbers. I do not think the strap is comfortable considering, it does not seem to totally conform with my wrist. This is due to the clasp, not the strap itself. Like Jason (below), I too own a Breitling and find the strap to be superior.

The watch is handsome, I am always receiving compliments. You pay a premium for this watch regardless of the titanium.

This watch has almost every function you could want in an advanced altimeter. I own the stainless seal version and it has proved to be very durable. I wear this watch daily and have taken it on more than 100 vertical adventures with out getting a single scratch the to face crystal. I mt. bike, ski, camp, and take care of two little kids... so you know what's it's gone through. I've also been amazed how accurate the altimeter, barometer, and thermometer have been. The only drawback to the watch is that the band pooped off at the clasp due to a weak pin, however I've replaced the pin and that hasn't happened since.

What a screw job, a rubber replacement band for the observer for $50.00. I had to replace my band now four times in approx 4 years, for this price, this watch should only be sold in Beverly Hills. I like the time piece, but come on Suunto, who is screwing the customer. This is the worst wrist band I have ever had with any watch I have owned. Well, looks like back to the good ole Timex!!!

The watch looks sharp and has some amazing features, but the band is junk, thin and looks cheap. Maybe I'm spoiled by my Breitling, but I still expect more from a $$ watch. On a positive note I returned it and had a great experience with this site's customer service.

I agree with the previous reviewer: This is a great watch, but the band/clasp lets it down.
I'd avoid the ST and TT models, as these are the ones with the clasps that tend to open accidentally.
Other than that, it really is a great watch, with all the functionality your need, for a good price.

I've had this watch for over 5 years now and I would only recommend it for $200 and below. It's a good watch but I've had problems with it. First, the wrist band sucks! The titanium attachments fall off and the rubber corrodes like a cheap piece of plastic. Second, the alarm is very quiet and will not do anything but act as a reminder for someone who is wide awake. Third, the functions (Barometer, Altimeter, and Compass) are not very precise. They are more like general guide lines to go by. It also requires monthly to quarterly calibration. Oh ya! One more thing. The Mineral Crystal scratches very easily. I had mine replaced with a sapphire crystal at a watch store for $100 and haven't had a scratch since. On a positive note it's battery last forever and warns you when its getting low. I've scuba dived with it and haven't had any problems. Overall this has been a decent watch and a loyal friend but with many flaws.... Update! My wrist band just broke for the second time! Put my hand into my packet and the next thing I know my watch is on the floor. Looks like the rubber just cracked apart. A replacement band is around $100. I'm so fed up with this damn thing I may just retire it. Or maybe I'll just get the cheapest band for it and suck it up. Hope this helps!