Tale of woe -- I'm doing something wrong

[roadcoach]

I have had the x6hr for some time now. Since 2002 I have returned the watch ELEVEN times for service. I have been thru both models. I have had 2 models of the first watch and three models of the second -- I.e. 5 different serial numbers! Various things go wrong with the watch. Mostly the face turns black. Sometimes the altimeter stops working as well. I swim a lot -- 10 hours a week, and use the watch to keep a record of my heart rate. I AM VERY CAREFULL not to push buttons while I am in the water. I have detailed the history of my problems at epinions under Suunto x6hr if you are interested in a blow by blow description.

I most recently returned the watch because the face went black and the altimeter stopped working. They claimed they were rebuliding my watch. After 8 weeks they sent an X6 not an X6HR back to me.
So much for "rebuliding." I finally got a brand new X6HR back from them. Everytime I have sent the watch in, it has taken at least 5 weeks to get it back. Let's see... 10 times service, times 5 weeks each time = 1 year I have been without this watch.

I love the watch, just wish I could use it more often. I have found that the latest X6HR model with the crystal flush with the top of the watch NEEDS A WATCH GUARD or else the crystal gets all scratched up. I have been using one for the last 5 months. (It did not protect the watch from other systemic problems which required my recent return.)

Update 11/21/07: On 10/15/07 The altimeter registered -9,000 ft, after a recent airplane trip. Nothing else untoward happened to the watch within recent memory before that. The rest of the watch seemed to work properly.

I returned it to Suunto for service. They have a new procedure which makes it far simpler to get service. You just fill out a request form and it generates a FedEX shipping label which has them cover the cost of the shipping. It is tracked and insured.

I did not hear from them for nearly 4 weeks. When I called they told me that the watch was still under warranty and could not be fixed. They said they were sending me a replacement. They shipped me an X3HR worth about $200 less than the X6HR. I then had to return that. I just received my X6HR. So I was without the watch again for another 30 days.
We will see how long this one lasts.

Maybe using the watch so much in a wet environment is the cause of all my problems. Any ideas?

	Suunto Visit SuuntoWatches.com to see Suunto's full line of wrist top computers and compasses.

	Suunto X6 HR - Click for more info Just when you thought a sports watch couldn't get any better, Suunto introduces the X6 HR, X6 HRM and X6-HRT. These are truly the next generation in sports watches, packed with all of the technology that Suunto enthusiasts have been craving. Designed for Cross Sports applications, the X6 writstops are functionally very similar to the Suunto X6 - but with the added benefits of a heart rate monitor.

	Suunto X6 - Click for more info Just when you thought a sports watch couldn't get any better, Suunto introduces the X6 HR, X6 HRM and X6-HRT. These are truly the next generation in sports watches, packed with all of the technology that Suunto enthusiasts have been craving. Designed for Cross Sports applications, the X6 writstops are functionally very similar to the Suunto X6 - but with the added benefits of a heart rate monitor.

	Suunto X3HR - Click for more info The Suunto X3HR is 'the' training watch for the active outdoorsperson. It integrates an altimeter function with a heart rate monitor - to keep a pulse on you and your environment. This unique combo lets you get the most out of your outdoor workouts. The altimeter monitors terrain variations during running, triathlon training, hiking, and mountain or road biking. Weather functions allow you to predict weather changes and plan accordingly. The heart rate monitor gives comprehensive feedback on your performance. The smaller overall size is ideal for men and women who don't like oversized watches and/or have smaller wrists.