Suunto M1
The Suunto M1 watch is a very specific product that targets a niche group of runners and other athletes. The watch can function as a simple timepiece for those looking for a sports watch. It also functions as a heart rate training watch. It’s a very basic watch with limited functionality but there are surely some runners out there who want a watch that happens to be this simplistic.
This is not a sports watch for data geeks. The Suunto M1 will instead provide targeted data about a user’s heart rate. It comes bundled with a heart rate strap so there’s no need to purchase it separately. The watch cannot be paired with other devices but it does its one job very well. Easy to use with basic features, the watch is perfect for those who want to declutter their tech lives.
- Quite affordable
- Very accurate device when it comes to tracking heart rate
- Large screen is easy to read
- Watch design is sleek
- Comfortable band can be worn 24/7
- Interface is very easy to use (only 3 buttons)
- Very basic
- Interference can happen if you're working out in a well-populated location
- Cannot upload data to computer
- No backlight
Activities
In essence, it can work well for various activities but it can't actually track them. It will act as a stopwatch and provide heart rate data, but that's about it.
You can use it to track your heart rate and time elapsed during runs. For bike rides, it's a bit more limited since it's not a great idea to check your wrist all the time on a ride. It is water resistant up to 30m so it can be used for swimming but only as a stopwatch.
There's no ability to track laps or lap times. No mention from Suunto whether the heart rate data transmits to the watch in water but it's very unlikely.
Basic Features
Remember, there's no actual tracking (GPS or otherwise) but you can still manage to get information on how long your workout was.
This might be useful for someone who isn't interested in exact data. If you find yourself becoming a perfectionist on your runs, paying a little less attention to exact numbers might actually feel liberating.
Advanced Features
The Suunto M1 calculates these zones with information you provide when you first set up the watch. In addition to seeing info about your heart rate during training, the watch also provides total calorie burn. Keep in mind that to get the functionality of heart rate tracking, you need to wear the included chest strap.
The M1 will also provide audio feedback to let you know if you've reached a certain heart rate zone. You'll hear beeps when you've switched to a different zone altogether.
The watch also features an alarm which alerts you via a beeping sound. And the watch is water resistant up to 30 meters.
Accuracy
Connectivity
If you want to keep that information stored somewhere, you're forced to write it down in a training log.
The watch is also unable to connect to your Smartphone. So you're not able to get any notifications on the device. Some might find this is negative for the M1 but for those who want to unplug it's a nice bonus.
Apps
As mentioned previously, this is a super basic device. It's meant to be used for heart rate training, and it does what it's supposed to and does it really well.
Comfort
That being said, it does not have the ability to track activities 24/7, and it won't provide you with daily heart rate trends like other devices do. But it can definitely be worn all day without needing to be taken off.
Users were happy with the degree of comfort the watch offered.
Style
It's inconspicuous and won't distract from your outfit. It's small enough that it can easily be hidden under a sleeve but there's little reason to conceal it since it really looks quite stylish.
Durability
It has a replaceable battery so the battery life won't be an issue either. It should keep "ticking" away for a long time.
Face
There's no need to squint since the screen is very clear. One problem with this aspect of the watch, though, is the lack of a backlight. This makes the watch a poor option for those who tend to workout in dimly lit conditions.
Band
That's a shame since it limits the styling
Sizes Available
The fit is customizable and can be adjusted using the band. Reviewers did not note any sizing problems. If you do have a smaller than average wrist, it's probably a good idea to visit your local running store to get a sense of the fit on your wrist. The band might fit fine but the watch itself might feel too large to be comfortable for everyday wear.
The watch weighs about 40g overall which is fairly lightweight and should work well for everyday wear.
Ease of Use
It's easy to navigate since there are only three buttons and since it auto-sets your heart rate zones that means you don't have to figure them out for yourself. Many reviewers shared that they picked the Suunto M1 because they wanted to keep tabs on their heart rate after a cardiac event.
The watch won't warn you of problems and isn't a medical device but it might help you pay closer attention to what's going on with your body.
Power Source
For those who are fed up of having to remember to charge devices, the simple M1 provides a break from that particular hassle. You won't forget your watch at home on the charger because it should always be on your wrist ready to go.
Price
It really is a basic device, though, so whether it's a worthwhile buy really depends on your needs in a watch. It provides accurate heart rate readings, allows you to track time elapsed, and acts as a regular timepiece. Is that enough to make it a good purchase?
If you enjoy training using heart rate data and if you don't mind not having a ton of other features, the Suunto M1 is a quality watch.
Accessories
In the M2, the strap is made of a softer material and feels a lot more comfortable against the skin. Some users of the watch complained that sometimes, in cold weather, the heart rate data had issues with transmission to the watch. Some users also reported interference when working out in public places like a very busy gym.
The device is not compatible with other accessories like footpods or bike sensors.
Key Features
- Provides heart rate data and calorie burn
- 3 heart rate zones auto-detected
- Time of day and date display
- 1 alarm
- Water resistant (30m)
- Records up to 15 days of information
Bottom Line
You can wear the watch 24/7 and use it as a regular timepiece. It's affordable and sports a sleek design. The long-lasting battery won't ever need to be charged and replacing it is easy. For someone who wants to keep a close eye on the heart rate metric, the watch does it well and accurately.