Observer Questions

[beechboy]

Received my Observer SS/SS a month ago and love it. Just a couple of questions. 1. Concerning the issue of water resistance. Has anyone out there actually submerged this thing in water?? I'm kind of hesitant to do so with regards to the pressure sensor. 2. Like Krak in an earlier post I have run across the term "def" when setting the altimeter and barometric pressure. Just what does it mean? I have also run across it when calibrating the pressure sensor (I know the manual says this is a factory setting and should not be done, but curiosity got the better of me when my barometer started acting funky.) 3. Just what are the tolerances concerning the barometer. I have left my watch on my nightstand after setting the barometric pressure and left it alone for up to three days. After that time period I have found that it can be off by as much as .10 in/hg. Is this normal? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

	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.

[Krak]

hey beechboy,
I still do not know what "def" means, however I'm happy that someone else has the same problem, although that's not good news for you.

With regard to submerging the unit I have gone snorkling with it, swimming, and so far no problems (I think)
Just make sure not to push the buttons underwater as you will probably encounter problems.

Once I find out what "def" means I'll forward to you.
cheers,
krak

[Brad]

1) it will do fine in water, just DON'T push the buttons, that will break the seal. I've heard of people hitting a button witht their wrist by accident, but rarely happens, just be aware of it. I've worn my windsurfing a lot and never had a problem. It doesn't mean it's ruined, but you would need to get it refurbished.
2.) "Def" is the factory default which can be used if you do not know a benchmark elevation or barometric pressure off of the weatherchannel.com
3.) The tolerances are as follows. An increase of .05inHg. in the Sea Level barometric pressure will drop your Altimeter 50 feet and vice versa. Generally speaking you can have an accurate Alti/Baro reading or be off as much as 500 ft/.50inHg. This is how all barometric pressure altimeters work.

[obverter]

I found mine was fine in the water, got it pounded around pretty good in the waves, but a note to body surfers: if there's gravel rather than sand below, it won't like it. I've got a nice cluster of dints on the face to prove it.