Altimeters could not have come into being without the barometer - specifically, the mercury barometer. The Italian physicist who invented it back in the 17th century proved that air had intrinsic pressure. That seemed pretty interesting to some folks, who then wondered if air pressure differed between sea level and mountain tops. Using the mercury barometer they found that, sure enough, it did, and the ability to measure altitude was born.
For Suunto, the wrist altimeter watches became standard in every outdoor performance watch beginning with the Vector. Immediately, outdoor enthusiasts found out how useful it could be. Now, like the barometer, the digital altimeter has become an essential piece of equipment for all kinds of athletes, from skydivers to hikers to cyclists.
Smart and Non-toxic: The Digital Altimeter
Did we mention that today's altimeters do not contain mercury? (It's a good thing, too.) The digital altimeter in Suunto watches and Suunto compass relies upon a sensor to measure the atmospheric pressure. Given that pressure is lower at higher elevations and higher at lower elevations, it's easy to determine whether you're up or down, relatively speaking. The Suunto Core wrist altimeter makes getting this information even easier by automatically switching from altimeter mode when you're moving to barometer mode when you're stationary. That way, you can be certain that the pressure changes you're measuring are due to a shift in altitude rather than the weather itself. They think of everything, don't they? It's just one more reason why we, and so many others, love Suunto.