Unlike most other smartwatch brands, Suunto actually pre-dates the category… like, by a lot. Founded in 1936, the Finnish outfit actually began as a compass maker, becoming a favorite among artillery officers and professionals, especially during World War II, when it supplied the troops with its M/40 sighting compass.
In the ’60s, Suunto continued its innovation, developing what is largely considered the first dedicated diving compass. But it was in 1998 when the brand dropped its first-ever sports watch, the Vector, which is also the world’s first ABC (Altimeter, Barometer, Compass) outdoor watch for mountaineers. This week, aligning with their 90th anniversary, Suunto recognizes this feat with a limited-edition colorway for the Vertical 2 smartwatch inspired by the original Vector.
Heritage Meets Hardware
The anniversary edition pulls directly from the Vector’s bold yellow-and-black aesthetic — a color scheme that became synonymous with serious mountain gear in the late ’90s. Suunto even threw in a custom watch face that mimics the segmented LCD display of the original. It almost looks like the watch could’ve come out over 25 years ago.
Functionally, this is the same Vertical 2 that launched late last year. You’re getting the 1.5-inch LTPO AMOLED display, dual-band GPS, 115+ sport modes, and that built-in LED flashlight with white, red, and SOS modes. The upgraded optical heart rate sensor sits flush against a redesigned backpanel for better contact, while offline maps and Climb Guidance keep you oriented even without cell service. Battery life is still one of the best around at up to 65 hours in performance GPS mode or a whopping 20 days in daily smartwatch use.
Titanium and Extras
Where the anniversary model separates itself is in the materials and packaging. This is a titanium-only release (the Vertical 2 is usually available in either stainless steel or titanium), which is lightweight and durable. Suunto also bundles it with an MC-2 G Mirror Compass — a callback to the brand’s roots — and a commemorative magnet in a special gift box.
Spec Sheet
Model: Suunto Vertical 2 Limited 90th Anniversary Edition
Case Material: Glass fiber-reinforced polyamide with titanium bezel
Case Size: 49mm
Glass: Sapphire crystal
Display: 1.5″ LTPO AMOLED (466×466)
Battery Life: Up to 65 hours (GPS), 20 days (daily use)
Water Resistance: 100m
GPS: Dual-band (L1+L5)
Storage: 32GB
Strap: Silicone (22mm)
Limited Edition: 1,936 units
Price: $799
Pricing & Availability
The Vertical 2 Limited 90th Anniversary Edition drops March 10 and is capped at 1,936 units — a direct reference to Suunto’s founding year. At $799, it sits at the top of the Vertical 2 lineup, available exclusively through Suunto’s website with free shipping.
Recap
Suunto Vertical 2 90th Anniversary Limited Edition
Suunto’s celebrating 90 years by releasing a limited-edition Vertical 2 in the iconic yellow-and-black colorway of its 1998 Vector watch—the first ABC outdoor watch that basically created the category. Only 1,936 units at $799, dropping March 10 with a heritage compass thrown in the box.
