Suunto Vertical Romance
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I have a few thoughts and I’m not sure whether to post them here or not, but why not. Regarding Suunto’s direction, which I’ve come to understand through my personal experience switching between the 9 Peak, 9 Peak Pro, Vertical 1, Race, and Vertical 2 models.
I studied architecture, so I have a somewhat deeper and more specific relationship with industrial design and the functionality of things
. Things shouldn’t pretend to be something they’re not, and their shape should be based on what they’re actually used for. And that’s exactly what the first generation of the Suunto Vertical delivered.When I run long trails, often in terrible weather, I need a tool, not a fashion accessory. The original Vertical had rough, almost rugged serrations. That wasn’t just for tactile feedback when pressing the buttons while wearing gloves - it served a very clear function while running. The sharper edges and knurling would perfectly catch the sleeve of my jacket, preventing it from constantly sliding over the watch face when I needed to see the data. It was pure utility; the transflective MIP display literally shone in the sun, and the solar panel - given how energy-efficient it was made perfect sense. I don’t understand why Suunto developed such great solar technology for one model and then ditched it.
I tried the Vertical 2, but I couldn’t stand having it. For me, it went from being a pure “tool watch” to something that just didn’t sit right with me. The designers of the Vertical 2 added a beveled edge to the display and softened the knurling to match the style of the more lifestyle-oriented Race model. The result? The sleeve just slides right over the watch along that smoother edge, and that original, raw practicality is gone.
I thought long and hard about why Suunto abandoned this perfect outdoor concept so quickly. Then it dawned on me that Mikko Ahlström, Suunto’s longtime Head of Design - under whom not only the original Vertical was created - left the company in early 2025 (he now works at IXI) and was replaced by Mu He.
Add to that Mu He’s comments on the Race model (and, by extension, the V2), in which he mentioned that following Suunto’s acquisition by the Chinese company Liesheng, there were “phases of tension and alignment” between the design teams, and the story becomes clear. There was a fierce clash between two worlds - the original Nordic uncompromising spirit and the Asian owners’ pressure for global commercial success, AMOLED displays, and a sleeker “smartwatch” look. Unfortunately, that’s just how business works.
In terms of software, the Vertical 2 naturally appeals to me, and the software is making great strides - faster maps, the flashlight, and smooth performance are fantastic. But in the end, stability, ergonomics, and a solid feel always win out for me.
For me personally, this means one thing. The first-generation Suunto Vertical has become a modern classic for me and quite possibly the last piece of hardware from the “old Finnish school” that was created without compromise. I’m curious to see what the Vertical 3 will bring now that Mikko is no longer with the company, but until then, I’m keeping the first generation…
That’s all
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@martintrail I understand all your points, but for me the understatement look of the Race S has been a huge factor for buying. The look of the original Race and Vertical didn’t appeal to me…
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@2b2bff Thats why some have both
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Race S
Vertical Titanium Solar
Ambit3 Vertical
Eon Core -
I get it. I get you. I also bought the vertical recently based on it’s strong navigational functionality, power efficiency as well as this beautiful(imo), cold and authentic look of the north. I could have gotten the V2 but I didn’t like it as much and the amoled screen was not the selling point for me personaly. That also is the reason why I’ve ordered the race as well because I love the refined simplicity of the titanium version. The design on the Vertical has character and implies consistency and efficiency of use…
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@2b2bff Thats why some have both
.That’s why I have both !!
Waiting for SRs3, I’ll probably go for it and give my SRs to my son.
But the SV1 is still my loving one and the one that I use for all my most demanding races or adventures, for cycling, moutaneering.
SRs is my daily and night watch now, and I mostly use it for short training, road running…
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