Utility of compass on Suunto watch

While moving the watch is usable for approximate directions, that's about it. It is also highly suseptible to interference from your pack's contents or even a belt buckle.

I tried to use my Suunto Observer's compass while diving, I ended up having to do the swim of shame after being so far off course that I ran out of air before finding my route back through the reefs. The metal of the gear threw it off 80 degrees even at a full arm's length away.

There was a huge problem two years ago with the compass function of many of Suunto watches and they quietly fixed those who complained about their watch not functioning correctly. Actually, instead of fixing the watches, they outright replaced them because the problem was so vast. With that said, the newest Sunnto's function better than the older versions.

I had an x lander for 8 year and now i use a vector.
the compass is only for back up, it uses a lot of battery power and its hard to use it accuratly.
I feel safer using a 5g silva compass.

Known problem for almost every electronic compass in a watch format on the market. I don't mind an error of a degree or two, but when a small tilt swings the bearing that much – forget it. Makes the compass function in every watch useless imho, period.

Cheers

I have a Suunto Core light Black, as far as the compass function goes I have found it to be accurate if you use it like a standard compass i.e take it off your wrist and hold it nice and level, or better still put it down on level ground. (after all while hiking, whats the hurry).

During some testing I took it out with my Garmin 60scx and it does seem to be accurate.

Cheers

##typo

I also find the digital compass function virtually useless by the interference / tilt problems.

Moreover, these watches are too bulky, so wearing them in your wrist is a mess (imho). I ended up removing the strap and wearing it attached to a neck lanyard or to one of my pack shoulder straps. I find this solution satisfactory: quick access to the watch / altimeter (specially when wearing gloves or shell layers), you can put the watch over a map like a standard compass, better temperature readings (if you use this function), and less weight :-)