Cracking band

[Robertp]

I just wanted to add to the discussion on Observer elastomere bands. I have had my watch about 2 years now, and last week noticed a whole bunch of cracks on the backside of the band. Within a couple of days of noticing these, two of the cracks broke through. I am now holding the whole thing together with duct tape (ironically, the shiny silver tape goes fairly well with the Observer body!). I am going to take the watch back to my retailer and see if the band can be swapped. It's a shame that Suuntowatches.com doesn't ship internationally as replacing the band here in Switzerland will cost much more.

From the number of comments I see here on the band, it looks like there are some serious problems with the elastomere band. Maybe Suunto should consider a recall?

Another question: has anyone actually done the band replacement themselves, or do you really recommend having a professional do it?

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

	Suunto Observer - Click for more info The shock-resistant Suunto Observer is a tool built for outdoor challenges, but its timeless design makes it wearable in any situation. The Observer is 1/3 smaller in both diameter and width than the first generation Suunto Watches (Vector, Altimax, etc). It also features a chronograph, which previously was only offered in the Navitech but is now discontinued.

	Suunto Bands - Click for more info The range of Suunto Core Acessory Straps include the six straps as found on the various Suunto Core wristop computer models as well as three additional straps. All straps are compatible with every Core model, allowing you to custom-tailor your Core to your tastes and needs.

[Krak]

Robertp,
After about 2 years my Observer band began cracking as well. I was able, with much persuasion, to get my band replaced on warranty. I have the Ti. Observer and the cost to replace was about $80.00 Canadian which is why I bitched about it and got it replaced for free. I expect the band to fail in two years from now but probably will not be able to get another one for free since my watch will be over 4 years old. Kind of a drag.

With regard to replacing the band I had two watch stores "try" to replace it with no luck. I ended up doing it myself, which took a lot of patience and a bit of muscle to squeeze the band into its slot. My recommendation: send your watch back to Suunto and get them to replace and install a new band.

Good luck!
krak

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

	Suunto Observer - Click for more info The shock-resistant Suunto Observer is a tool built for outdoor challenges, but its timeless design makes it wearable in any situation. The Observer is 1/3 smaller in both diameter and width than the first generation Suunto Watches (Vector, Altimax, etc). It also features a chronograph, which previously was only offered in the Navitech but is now discontinued.

	Suunto Bands - Click for more info The range of Suunto Core Acessory Straps include the six straps as found on the various Suunto Core wristop computer models as well as three additional straps. All straps are compatible with every Core model, allowing you to custom-tailor your Core to your tastes and needs.

[ABRAHAM]

The observer watch is overpriced and poorly made. I use this watch everyday in the military and it does not take abuse well. I am on my second band and it is cracking after 10 months. The Altimeter is always off, and needs to be reset just about every other day. If I need to reset it with a GPS or another watch, then I really don't need it. For paying over 300.00 dollars I expect more from a watch.

	Suunto X9i - Click for more info Introducing the Suunto X9i - the new and improved version of the Suunto's X9, voted "Best Product of 2004" by Fortune Magazine. Now available in two colors, the X9i combines GPS functionality with an altimeter, barometer, compass, and thermometer ... all these instruments, packed into a single watch.

	Suunto Observer - Click for more info The shock-resistant Suunto Observer is a tool built for outdoor challenges, but its timeless design makes it wearable in any situation. The Observer is 1/3 smaller in both diameter and width than the first generation Suunto Watches (Vector, Altimax, etc). It also features a chronograph, which previously was only offered in the Navitech but is now discontinued.

	Suunto Bands - Click for more info The range of Suunto Core Acessory Straps include the six straps as found on the various Suunto Core wristop computer models as well as three additional straps. All straps are compatible with every Core model, allowing you to custom-tailor your Core to your tastes and needs.