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HomeWatchesThe Suunto Vertical: The Ultimate Adventurer's Watch, But at What Price?

The Suunto Vertical: The Ultimate Adventurer's Watch, But at What Price?

Suunto hits hard with its new Vertical smartwatch, a technological gem designed for the most demanding adventurers. But with a price tag exceeding 800 euros, is this watch really essential for the Sunday athlete? Dive into our detailed analysis of this timepiece that promises the moon, but could well leave you wanting more.

A concentrate of technology for extreme adventure

The Suunto Vertical is clearly positioned as a high-end expedition watch:

  • Ultra-precise GPS for tracking hikes and expeditions
  • Multitude of pre-programmed sports activities, including extreme sports
  • Advanced features for route planning
  • Impressive autonomy thanks to solar charging
  • These features make it an ideal choice for seasoned explorers, mountaineers or extreme sports enthusiasts. The watch particularly shines in hostile environments where reliability is crucial.

    A robust but not very adaptable design

    The Suunto Vertical is all about solidity:

  • Ultra-resistant titanium case
  • Protected screen designed to withstand extreme conditions
  • Waterproof up to 100 meters
  • However, this robustness comes at the expense of aesthetics and adaptability:

  • Large size, not suitable for small wrists
  • Low resolution screen and unresponsive interface
  • Limited customization options
  • For a watch in this price range, one might have expected more finesse in the design and user interface.

    Advanced features, but not without flaws

    The Suunto Vertical is packed with features for demanding athletes:

  • Accurate tracking of many outdoor activities
  • In-depth analysis of recovery and training
  • Navigation and route planning functions
  • Unfortunately, some key features are lacking:

  • Unreliable blood oxygen sensor
  • Lack of explanation of some metrics in the application
  • Data synchronization sometimes tedious
  • These imperfections are difficult to accept for a watch of this price, especially when it is intended for use in extreme conditions.

    A commendable eco-responsible approach

    Suunto stands out for its environmental commitment:

  • Manufacturing using 100% renewable energy
  • Product Repairability Policy
  • Carbon offset projects
  • This ethical approach is a real plus, even if it does not in itself justify the high price of the watch.

    Questionable value for money

    With a starting price of 629 euros and potentially exceeding 800 euros, the Suunto Vertical is positioned among the most expensive smartwatches on the market. This positioning raises questions when we consider that:

  • Much cheaper watches offer similar features
  • Some essential functions (oximeter) are unreliable
  • The user interface lacks finesse for this price point
  • For the occasional or even regular athlete, the investment seems difficult to justify.

    Verdict: an exceptional watch for a very targeted audience

    The Suunto Vertical is aimed at a very specific audience:

  • Seasoned explorers and adventurers
  • Extreme sports enthusiasts in hostile environments
  • Users willing to invest in ultra-specialized equipment
  • For these users, the Vertical could be a wise investment despite its high price. For everyone else, there are cheaper and more versatile alternatives on the market.

    The Suunto Vertical stands out as an exceptional watch for the ultimate adventurer, offering advanced features in an ultra-resistant casing. Its eco-friendly approach is also commendable. However, its exorbitant price, its few technical flaws and its lack of versatility make it a niche product. Unless you are a seasoned explorer ready to invest in ultra-specialized equipment, you will probably find what you are looking for in more affordable smartwatches better suited to everyday use. The Suunto Vertical is nevertheless a technological feat that demonstrates the brand's know-how in the field of adventure watches.

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