Suunto has consistently pushed the boundaries of smartwatch innovation, and its latest dive watch, the Suunto Ocean, marks a significant leap forward from its predecessor, the Suunto D5—a model I’ve personally used and trusted for diving.
Display & Durability: Compact Yet Capable
The Ocean features a 1.43-inch AMOLED display (36mm), which may seem modest compared to bulkier dive computers but delivers crisp readability thanks to its high-definition circular screen and automatic brightness adjustment. In practice, it feels just as functional as my 49mm Apple Watch Ultra 2 underwater.
While all models come with sapphire crystal glass for scratch resistance, the stainless steel case lacks the premium durability of competitors like the titanium-clad Garmin Fenix 8—a worthwhile upgrade for future iterations.
Sustainability: A Greener Dive Watch
Suunto emphasizes eco-conscious production, citing 11.63kg CO₂e emissions for the Ocean—lower than the Apple Watch Ultra 2’s 12kg CO₂e (with Alpine/Trail Loop bands). The company offsets its carbon footprint through reforestation, aligning with its commitment to sustainability.
Dive Performance: Built for Recreation, Limited for Tech Divers
With 95+ activity modes, including sleep and recovery tracking, the Ocean shines as a dedicated dive watch. It supports air, nitrox, and pure oxygen (up to 100%), with configurable gas mixes—though advanced divers may miss rebreather or trimix compatibility.
For freedivers and snorkelers, the Ocean excels, tracking depths up to 60 meters (recreational limits) despite its 100-meter water resistance rating. Suunto could unlock deeper dive tracking via software, maximizing its hardware potential.
Innovative 3D Dive Mapping
A standout feature is the 3D dive profile, leveraging gyroscope data to map your dive path—an industry first. While not flawless in early testing, visualizing a dive in low-visibility conditions is revolutionary, offering unprecedented post-dive analysis.
Battery Life & Charging: A Mixed Bag
The Ocean boasts 40-60 hours of dive tracking and 16 days in smartwatch mode, surpassing the Garmin Descent Mk3i’s 30-hour dive tracking. However, it ships with an outdated USB-A charger—an odd choice in a USB-C-dominated market, especially for a sustainability-focused brand.
Strap & Practicality
Our test unit included a short strap, insufficient for drysuit sleeves and less ideal for thick wetsuits. A longer dive-friendly strap should be included, though the current design works well for everyday wear.
Verdict: A Top-Tier Recreational Dive Watch
After rigorous testing—including scrutiny from my dive club—the Ocean’s vibrant underwater display, robust battery life, and land activity tracking convinced one member to upgrade on the spot.
For recreational divers, the Suunto Ocean strikes an ideal balance of affordability, functionality, and eco-conscious design, making it an easy recommendation. While it has room for refinement (titanium casing, USB-C, advanced gas support), it’s a compelling alternative to the Apple Watch Ultra 2—especially for those prioritizing sustainability.
Rating: 4.5/5
Pros: Brilliant AMOLED display, industry-leading battery life, eco-friendly production, 3D dive mapping.
Cons: No titanium option, USB-A charging, lacks trimix/rebreather support.