Accuracy, reliability, and ruggedness have been Suunto's key values from the very beginning. Suunto was founded in 1936 by outdoorsman and keen orienteering enthusiast Tuomas Vohlonen, who had long been bothered by a problem: the inaccuracy of traditional dry compasses. Being an engineer with an inventive turn of mind, he discovered and patented the production method for a much steadier needle, better readings and a new level of accuracy. Today, Suunto is the world's biggest compass manufacturer and a leading designer and manufacturer of sports instruments for training, diving, mountaineering, hiking, skiing, sailing and golf. Prized for their design, accuracy and dependability, Suunto sports instruments combine the aesthetics and functionality of watches with sport-specific computers that help athletes at all levels analyze and improve performance.