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The Journey of SUUNTO

In February 2026, the remarkable Finnish outdoor and dive watch brand SUUNTO celebrates its 90th anniversary, marking a significant milestone since its founding in 1936. From its inception, SUUNTO has been at the forefront of innovation in sport watches and dive computers, accompanying countless adventurers through deep seas, vast landscapes, and the world’s tallest peaks. This year, SUUNTO is planning a series of brand showcases and community events around the globe to honor its long-standing pioneering spirit, craftsmanship, design, and the philosophy that "adventure is a mindset."

Origins and Early Beginnings

SUUNTO's history began with inventor Tuomas Vohloinen’s mission to create a more reliable compass able to withstand harsh Nordic conditions. His development of a liquid-filled compass laid the foundation of the brand, characterized by precision, innovation, and profound respect for Finland's rugged natural environment. Even after Vohloinen's passing in 1939, his wife, Eli Vohloinen, continued to uphold these values and played a key role in SUUNTO's initial growth through the 1950s, establishing the legacy that continues today.

The essence of Finnish functionality, quiet confidence, durability, and clarity in design has been woven into every SUUNTO product ever created.

Defined by Adventure and Innovation

Adventure is not solamente defined by extremes; it is shaped by a mindset. The desire to explore further, rise higher, dive deeper, or simply step outside to discover something new is what fuels SUUNTO’s community. SUUNTO earns this trust by standing beside its users at the unknown's doorstep, providing reliable guidance in moments of need. The brand has frequently redefined boundaries in outdoor, endurance sports, and diving technology.

In 1965, SUUNTO's compass was discovered to function accurately underwater, leading to the creation of the first SUUNTO dive compass. Fast forward to 1997, when the 'Suunto Spyder' emerged as the world’s first wristwatch-sized dive computer, integrating robust dive computer features into a compact watch form. The following year saw the launch of 'Suunto Vector,' the world’s first ABC watch, combining altimeter, barometer, and compass, quickly becoming a vital tool for climbers and explorers globally.

SUUNTO was also a pioneer in the GPS wearable field, with early developments like 'Suunto X9' and 'G9' in the early 2000s. The G9, designed for golf, introduced advanced shot tracking capabilities well before GPS golf watches became mainstream.

SUUNTO’s sports intelligence has infused clarity and structure into training and exploration. The worldwide free offline maps integrated into all SUUNTO GPS watches, along with various sports-specific heatmaps, aid athletes in finding safer and more frequented routes. Innovations such as automatic interval detection for swimming and real-time tracking for biathlon skiing and shooting illustrate SUUNTO's commitment to understanding each sport at its core.

SUUNTO has also led the way in physiological analysis, with the release of 'Suunto T6' in 2004 providing real-time training load insights based on heart rate variability (HRV). The brand further developed an early system capable of buffering heart rate data for later synchronization.

Recently, SUUNTO introduced 'ZoneSense,' a groundbreaking real-time exercise intensity guidance based on HRV, eliminating the need for lab testing.

These innovations continue to be shaped by the SUUNTO community. Bringing together the outdoor enthusiasts has always been vital for SUUNTO. Launched in 2002, 'SuuntoSports.com' allowed athletes to track their activities, share insights, and engage in discussions, laying the groundwork for many modern platforms. From the evolution of Movescount AppZone to the current SuuntoPlus Store, SUUNTO has maintained an open platform, collaborating with athletes and developers to shape the next generation of tools.

Looking Ahead to the Next 90 Years

As SUUNTO approaches the next 90 years, it remains committed to advancing navigation, endurance performance, physiological intelligence, and durable materials. Simultaneously, it will focus on reducing environmental impact through responsible operation, process, reparability, and long-lasting product design.

SUUNTO will continue to be a brand of the outdoor community, supported by the mission that "adventure is for everyone" as it works to foster a more inclusive outdoor community that is accessible to more people.

To mark this 90th anniversary, SUUNTO will host pop-up exhibitions, community events, panel discussions, and adventure challenges in major cities around the world. These events will showcase the signature products that have shaped SUUNTO's history, share exploration stories spanning decades, and celebrate the adventurers who continue to forge the brand's future.

For more information, watch the SUUNTO 90 years film and visit the SUUNTO 90 years page as well as learn about SUUNTO's sustainability efforts.

About SUUNTO

Website: SUUNTO

Founded in 1936 by inventor Tuomas Vohloinen, SUUNTO set a new standard for precise navigation through its field compass. This compass, more reliable and stable than any handheld navigation tool of its time, marked the beginning of a product line designed to withstand Finland's challenging natural environment. For nearly a century, Tuomas' innovative spirit has propelled SUUNTO's evolution. From historic dive computers to advanced wrist-mounted altimeters and modern GPS watches, SUUNTO remains a trusted partner for outdoor enthusiasts worldwide. Their mission is to support explorers, athletes, and weekend adventurers, providing them with the tools necessary to dive deep, climb high, and challenge the limits of human capability.