This time piece rocks with accuracy in the mountains of + or - 10 meters it is very useful for expeditions in unchartered territory.
Short of having maps programmed into it, it can be used in confidence in conjuction with a map to more easily work out where you are located and the compass is beneficial to assist in getting from point A to B.
Coupled with this accuracy its robust design means at can be taken anywhere without damage or breakage.
Additionally the barometer functions assist comprehensively in predicting weather patterns as well as adjustment to altimeter settings.
Their are two quams however with this instrument:
1. The Compass is very sensitive to movements off the horizontal plane i.e accurate readings can only be taken off flat and still locations. Approximate directions can be taken when the watch is on the wrist but the equipment is far more accurate when in its horizontal and still state.
2. When operation occurs in certain weather patterns (e.g Cyclonic and rain depression or Anti-Cyclonic conditions)when the barometer is at both extremes of the pressure scale requires adjustment to reset correct altimeter conditions and hence changing weather conditions will affect the accuracy of the altimeter.
Overall, a fine timepiece for any outdoorsmen who requires accuracy, consistency and reliability. 4 stars

I recently ordered this watch from Amazon as a companion for a LTt Observer to wear in the field. While the Observer is a more updated model they both share very similiar features and ease of operation.

My first recommendation is that you do order this from amazon.com and be wary of the same item offered by "market place sellers". At the time I initially placed the order amazon.com was out and the wait was estimated to be 3 to 5 weeks. Since the item was also offered by another seller in amazon's referral system I placed an order and wound up with the wrong watch; turns out the market place seller didn't carry the black face model. Fortunately amazon got a supply in and shipped my watch within 24 hours....good service. The black face is a little hard to come by.

Now then, to the watch itself. First of all it IS big...but very light; almost as light as the titanium Observer I have. The larger face makes it easier to read and Suunto has apparently gone back to the leather (waterproof) band, which I prefer. Functionally, the watch is a full blown time keeper and (non GPS) navigation system including stop watch/chronometer functions, an accurate altimeter, a barometer and digital compass. Both the compass and the altimeter are as accurate as I've found in analog portable units. The alarms are sufficiently loud (unlike the only chink in the Observer) and my only criticism is that the back light is weak compared to the Observer, but that fault doesn't draw anything away from the 5 star rating. Add the user replaceable battery (Suunto makes a kit that includes the battery, a water/dust seal and a new cap), the intuitive operating system and you have the ultimate back country time piece.

Suunto was the first to offer this type of time piece and, in my opinion, still offers the best. I've used their diving computers and field compasses for years and am a fan of the company's many products. I don't think there's a clunker in the catalog. 5 stars

I collect watches, and I am NOT one to shy away from big watches, and in some cases, the bigger the better. What I really love about the X-Lander is that it is big but also very light-weight. Normally when you see a wrist watch this large you have to exercise your arm quite a bit just to get used to telling time, but not so with the X-Lander. And best of all: it does WAY MORE than just tell time!

Interested in knowing where you are going? How about the current temperature? Are you just the slightest bit interested in what your current altitude may be? GO BUY THIS WATCH! 'Course for those Suunto enthusiasts, this ISN'T a watch, its a Wristop Computer that just so happens to be able to tell time. Unlike the Suunto Observer which is about half the size (and more than a little extra spendy), this baby will do all that and still look great doing it. From the 3 different Suunto models I personally own, I must admit that they make a great wristop computer, or for the picky out there, watch. I mostly use mine to tell simple time, but I must say that as I drive over the mountains up to Montana or over to Oregon and Washington, it IS handy to know a few extra details just by looking down at my wrist. Oh, I almost forgot the barometer! It tracks the barometric pressure and helps you track and even predict the weather! I must say that I haven't been able to figure out the finer points of how to do that just yet, but I AM working on it.

I guess if I HAD to point out one flaw, I would say that the night-glo feature it comes with isn't all that bright, and the alarm could stand to be louder -- but it IS about 5 TIMES more audible than the absolutely embarassing alarm built into the Observer. Other than these minor complaints, I whole-heartedly endorse pretty much everything manufactured by Suunto, and especially the models I own, the X6HR, The Observer and of course the X-Lander. Sylish, multi-functional and quite durable. Choose one of these models and you will no doubt be as satisfied as I am. 5 stars

I bought this watch and found it to be too big. Even though its smaller than earlier models it still takes up too much room on my wrist. Be sure you try one before ordering online. 2 stars

I've had this watch for 2yrs+ now and have just changed the (user serviceable) battery for the first time, as the compass had stopped working. This is to be expected as it uses more power than the other functions (but it does have auto-off in the compass mode after a time to save energy). There is no bubble level on this model as it has a mineral crystal glass instead of the usual plastic. I have knocked this watch so many times against things and there are many surface 'threads' you can see given the right light, but no truly visible damage, like big gouges or cracks like the plastic would show. The logbook feature is a great asset. Based on a rolling record (oldest record deleted when the memory becomes full), the logbook records Altitude and can be set to different sample rates (e.g. depending on whether you are walking, climbing, driving, etc.) and includes a record of greatest height. The logbook cannot be deleted (but as stated records over itself) but the max height can be reset independantly. The backlight is a little dim, but fine to keep your night vision, and the temperature does not compensate for being on or off your wrist (like some Casio models can). For a large watch (you won't lose it!) it is quite lightweight, with an aluminium case and carbon shell it also looks great. The new Ti models do not have the same clarity of display though so I would say stick to this screen size, but maybe get the heart rate monitor (HRM) model if you also exercise (cycle, etc) - it's only a small premium and it *is* a Polar model! I imagine the batteries might last less time due to the HRM receiver, but this at least is user-serviceable (and retains the watches environmental integrity, unlike changing a Casio battery). The only sad thing is the screenprinted/anodised(?) graphics for the points of the compass rose are wearing off - Suunto take note, laser etch/engrave them next time!! Sighting grooves in the bezel would be useful too, for taking bearings, but at least the bezel stays smooth as silk on this model as it has ball bearing detents rather than the friction-based ring the plastic housings have which stiffen up so you can't use them.

A few minor details aside (like a strap not long enough to go over your coat - just get an velcro Animal strap - and the print wearing off, and maybe the price), this is a cracking product, rated up there with the Garmin eTrex Legend GPS :-)

If you want a barometer, altimeter, compass, thermo & HRM in a decent, reliable, user-friendly package, this is it! 4 stars