I agree with all the complaints on the alarm volume, mine is the same way. I'm somewhat releived that I am not alone with this problem. After several emails to Suunto, I finally received a response concerning this problem. They stated to me that the watch alarm should be heard effectivly when on your wrist. They instructed me that if mine was not performing in this fashion I should contact the service department. I have yet to do this, I will try working through my retailer.