Suunto Core Tactical Outdoor Watch-Black
Technology
Rating
| Rating: | 8.6 / 10 |
| Value for Money | 1.7 / 2 |
| Ease of Use | 1.7 / 2 |
| Weight | 1.7 / 2 |
| Durability | 1.9 / 2 |
| Versatility | 1.6 / 2 |
Suunto Core Tactical Outdoor Watch-Black Review
This review is a bit of a throw back and one that has been on may list to do for a long time. I have owned my Suunto Core for roughly nine years and if I’m honest it is rare I use it these days having upgraded to a full on GPS watch. Having said that over the years Suunto has produced a large range of new models which have come and gone, or been upgraded since I purchased my Suunto CORE. However, this model still remains while others have dropped by the wayside. The Suunto Core sits at the entry level of the Suunto range and has remained there for years and the best way to think about this model is as a barebones sports watch.
First up the body of this watch is a composite material that is relatively lightweight but still robust as sports watches go but physically sits on the larger sizing which is going to be a bit big for users with smaller wrists. Newer models in the Suunto rang will usually come in two seperate sizes with the larger models sitting around the 49mm diameter and a smaller option usually on offer at around 45mm.
Appearance wise the best way to describe the look of this watch is ‘tactical’, is just has a military look about it in the all black colouring. Comfort wise I found this watch to sit on my wrist well although like any watch that has a rubber style of strap my wrist did get a bit clammy in the heat.
The Suunto Core when first released was part of a generation of outdoor watches that had basic functions and very much pre-dated the current crop of outdoor watches that have full-on GPS and fitness capabilities that we are now used to. But is that a bad thing?
The Suunto Core comes with the follow key functions:
- Altimeter
- Barometer
- Compass
- Temperature
- Storm alarm
- Sunrise / sunset
- Depth metre for snorkeling
- Multiple watch, date and time functions
- User-replaceable battery
The thing that is probably most noticeable in the above list of included features is that this watch isn’t rechargeable like most watches on the market these days. In straight time mode the user-replaceable battery will last 12 months and when I use mine for an overseas trip I will usually put in a fresh battery (coin cell CR2032). This means I don’t have to think about it for the duration of the trip or worry about charging my more modern option. The other slightly out-there function is the depth metre for the snorkelers amongst us. This is a function I have never used.
The other features are self explanatory and while it has a compass bezel the electronic bearing on the watch allows too to travel to an identified landmark even if you can’t see it because of the vegetation.
The features this watch comes with aren’t going to stack up against the top-of-the-line models in the Suunto range or from Garmin. But then again you can purchase the Suunto CORE for around AUD $349 RRP, and you can typically find this watch for under $300 compared to over $1,000 for the high-end GPS watches. While this watch was high-end when it was first released, these days it is best aimed at outdoor adventures where you want all the basic information without the full range of bells and whistles.
So if you want a robust adventure watch that is going to wake you up in the morning, and record the relevant trip details without the bells and whistles then this is a great choice.
We like
- About as simple as its gets for an outdoor watch, just the basics
- Lightweight for a sports watch
- Long battery life, user replaceable
- Storm alarm
- Altitude graph
- Easy to use buttons
We don't like
- The basics only, this isn’t a full-on GPS watch
- The branded replacement watch band is expensive but you can source alternatives online far cheaper
- Large watch face no suitable for a smaller sized wrist
Best Uses
A durable long lasting sports watch with a premium on battery life, without all the bells and whistles
Investment
AUD $349.00 RRP
- Please note that you can often find this model for a far cheaper price!
Suunto Core showing band fastened and buttons
Suunto Core face view
Buy one
You can purchase the Suunto Core All Black Watch-Black from Amazon Australia or from Wild Earth
Disclosure: We may earn a small commission, at no additional expense to you, if you click through on the above links and make a purchase. Please note that our affiliations do not influence, in any way, the independence of our reviews. If we don’t like a product, you’ll hear about it from us!
Other Versions
- Suunto produces a wide range of outdoor adventure watches and instruments including compasses
Disclaimer
This review was done with product purchased from a retailer by Australian Hiker
Last updated
22 June 2025