Suunto has once again tightened its belt, rolled up its sleeves and introduced the Vertical 2 – a smartwatch that is not for people who are afraid of dust, mud or heights. With an AMOLED display, a stainless steel or titanium case, over a hundred sports modes and an LED flashlight with SOS function: this watch is not afraid of darkness, silence or your excuses.
Suunto has always been synonymous with durability. It's no coincidence that their watches are worn by people willingly freezing their fingers on mountain ridges. Now they've decided it's time to give ruggedness a pretty face — and they've put a 1.5-inch AMOLED displayThis is the Suunto Vertical 2.
Suunto Vertical 2 It works like a cross between Nordic minimalism and science fiction: a 48.6mm stainless steel or titanium case, buttons that you could use even with gloves on, and a design that screams “I know where I’m going – even if I don’t.”
A battery that won't give up
In a world where smartwatches have shorter battery lives than the average headphone battery, Suunto is showing off impressive numbers with the Suunto Vertical 2: up to 65 hours of continuous tracking and up to 20 days of daily use.
This means you can go trekking in the Himalayas and your Wi-Fi will be gone before your watch. Suunto has a tradition of energy efficiency, and now with the new Ambiq Apollo 510 chip, it has clearly taken it a step further – and with a bit more elegance than before.
A flashlight that sees you before you get lost
LED flashlight with night mode (read: you won't go blind when checking the map in the middle of the night) and SOS function It works almost like a mini flashlight that you always carry with you.
It's not just a gimmick. If your headlamp breaks on a mountain pass in the middle of a storm, Suunto Vertical 2 won't panic – it will flash and remind the world that you exist. This isn't a smart feature, it's a survival feature.
Maps without internet: because the mountains have no signal
Yes, Vertical 2 can also offline map. Don't talk about it, don't ask for Wi-Fi, just have it.
This is one of those rare moments when technology actually does what it promises – and without the cynical fine print. Suunto has clearly heard the criticisms of the previous generation and has improved the navigation even further. The combination of physical buttons and touchscreen allows you to scroll through the map like Indiana Jones with a satellite receiver.
Heartbeat – no drama this time
One of the biggest issues with the previous model was the accuracy of heart rate measurement under high loads. The new optical sensor promises to fix that. If it holds up, Suunto will finally join those who measure their heart rate without improvisation.
An aesthetic that doesn't require Apple minimalism
The Vertical 2 isn't a watch you'd wear under your shirt in a boardroom. It looks like it survived a collision with a glacier—and laughed at it. But that's exactly its charm.
At a time when most watches are trying to be fitness trackers with a personal trainer complex, Suunto remains raw, technical, and proud of it. This is a watch for those who need a partner, not an accessory.
Competition: Garmin, beware
If what Tom's Guide reporters have seen is true, the Suunto Vertical 2 has enough trump cards to threaten even the most popular Garmin models. AMOLED display, offline maps, flashlight and battery - four reasons why Garmin will not be sleeping peacefully for the first time in a long time.
Of course, everything stands or falls in real-world testing. Finnish mountains don't lie, but reviews do.
Conclusion: Suunto Vertical 2
The Suunto Vertical 2 is like a modern-day Viking: steely, simple, rugged, and ready for anything. It's not a watch for everyone – but that's exactly what makes it interesting.
If you prefer to count your steps at the mall, you'll be happier with the Apple Watch. But if you're one of those people who brings back more scratches than photos from vacation, the Suunto Vertical 2 might be the watch that actually understands you.
