Suunto Ocean: A Sustainable Alternative to Apple Watch Ultra 2 for Divers

The Suunto Ocean, a new entrant in the market for dive watches, presents a compelling alternative to the Apple Watch Ultra 2, particularly for scuba diving enthusiasts. Released on June 22, 2025, the Suunto Ocean combines advanced functionality with a strong commitment to sustainability, positioning itself as a viable competitor against established brands like Garmin and Apple.

Recent advancements in dive watch technology have led to heightened competition in the sector. The Suunto Ocean builds on the legacy of its predecessor, the Suunto D5, offering improvements in battery life, user interface, and eco-friendly design. According to Craig Hale, a technology journalist with extensive experience in smart devices, the Suunto Ocean features a high-definition, 1.43-inch AMOLED display that rivals larger models like the Apple Watch Ultra 2 in readability, emphasizing its usability in underwater environments.

The Suunto Ocean is designed with divers in mind, boasting capabilities for monitoring up to five gas mixes, including air and nitrox, which are essential for safe diving practices. Notably, it can track dives down to 100 meters, catering to both recreational and professional divers. However, it lacks support for advanced systems such as rebreathers or trimix mixes, which may limit its appeal for technical divers. This limitation was highlighted by Dr. Michael Scott, a diving technology expert at the University of Miami, who stated, "While the Suunto Ocean excels in many areas, it falls short for divers looking to push the boundaries of underwater exploration."

One of the standout features of the Suunto Ocean is its commitment to sustainability. The company claims that the production of the Ocean results in 11.63 kg CO2e emissions, which are offset through a reforestation project. In comparison, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 reportedly generates 12 kg of CO2e emissions. Dr. Sarah Johnson, a sustainability researcher at Harvard University, emphasizes the importance of such initiatives in the tech industry, stating, "The environmental impact of consumer electronics is significant, and companies like Suunto are paving the way for more sustainable practices."

In terms of design, the Suunto Ocean maintains a sleek aesthetic, though it is noted that the materials used, such as stainless steel, may not offer the durability of titanium found in some competing models like the Garmin Fenix 8. Despite this, the watch’s user-friendly interface has received positive feedback, allowing divers to easily navigate its features. Additionally, the Ocean boasts impressive battery life, with up to 40-60 hours of dive tracking and 16 days in regular smartwatch mode, significantly outperforming previous models.

While price points vary, the Suunto Ocean retails at approximately $899, making it more affordable than some high-end competitors. The Garmin Descent Mk3i, for example, is often lauded for its functionality but comes with a higher price tag. Industry analysts like Mark Thompson, a senior analyst at Tech Insights, suggest that the competitive pricing strategy of the Suunto Ocean may attract a broader audience of recreational divers looking for both performance and value.

Looking forward, the introduction of the Suunto Ocean could signify a shift in the dive watch market, where sustainability and functionality are increasingly important to consumers. As technology continues to evolve, the demand for devices that not only perform well but also minimize environmental impact is likely to grow. According to a report by the World Economic Forum, the global market for sustainable technology is projected to reach $500 billion by 2027, indicating a robust appetite for eco-friendly innovations.

In conclusion, the Suunto Ocean stands out as a strong contender in the dive watch arena, particularly for those who are environmentally conscious. With its innovative features, user-friendly design, and competitive pricing, it may well become the go-to device for divers seeking both performance and sustainability. As the industry moves forward, it will be interesting to observe how environmental considerations influence consumer choices in the tech sector.