Latest Model Named After an Unclimbed Mountain Peak

Suunto's new flagship model, "KAILASH," is named after Mt. Kailash, an independent peak located in the western Tibetan Plateau with an elevation of 6,656 meters. Revered as a sacred mountain since ancient times, its name embodies the spirit of the product's concept, the "7R Mind."

The "7R Mind" product concept for Kailash refers to an adventurous spirit of constant self-reflection, self-improvement, and challenging new endeavors. Kailash was developed as a World Traveler's Watch for individuals who embody this 7R Mind.

Born from a completely new concept, Suunto's "World Traveler's Watch" combines their expertise in digital watches and sports with added value information sought by globally active executives.

By receiving signals from GPS satellites, it not only displays the accurate time anywhere in the world but also shows the distance traveled domestically and internationally, the number of countries visited, and the route taken. Naturally, it is equipped with reliable multi-functional capabilities for outdoor use.

This is the first model in the "World Collection." Following the "Elementum" collection in the luxury watch market in 2009 and the "Essential" collection as the second installment of the luxury line this February, this marks the third release in Suunto's luxury watch collection.

The design was handled by Chief Industrial Designer Timo Yliluoma, who has received numerous prestigious design awards and has previously brought Suunto models such as the Ambit and Essential series to life. We had the opportunity to speak with Mr. Yliluoma, who visited Japan for the launch of this new flagship model.

A Gene Found in One in Five People

—How long have you been with Suunto?

I've been with Suunto for about nine years, and four of those have been as a designer. Initially, while working at Suunto, I also attended university for art and design. Seeing the watch manufacturing process at the company and studying design at university felt like attending two schools simultaneously. My perspective on watches hasn't changed, but I've gained a lot through my studies.

—What were your thoughts when you first heard about the "7R Mind" concept?

I was surprised by the innovative idea. The marketing team studied the "DRD4-7R" allele, discovered in the late 1990s, and for the design, we condensed all elements, including the technology from Suunto's nearly 80-year history. The "7R button" is a symbol of this. It's a special function.

—Suunto's conventional models usually have five buttons, but Kailash has only three on the right side. Was it difficult to reduce the number of buttons while maintaining the same functionality?

Since a simple design was the concept for Kailash, we started by considering "what if there were no buttons at all?" and eventually arrived at three. I believe these buttons are fitting for the "7R Mind" – people who constantly seek new things.

—Could you explain the functions of the buttons?

Pressing the top 7R button allows you to receive information from your smartphone via Bluetooth, displaying news headlines, call alerts, and notifications for incoming emails. The center button shows the straight-line distance and direction to your set home location. The bottom button notifies you of the time and sunrise/sunset times for a registered location. Furthermore, it includes a barometer, altimeter, and electronic compass, along with a pedometer function using motion sensors, making it well-equipped with multi-functional features for outdoor activities.

—Who named the Kailash?

We considered names befitting a flagship model and decided on it as a team.

Achieving a Lightweight 71g for Comfortable Wear

—While GPS is central, what are the other notable functional aspects?

People with the "7R Mind" are aggressive in both their personal and professional lives and travel frequently. We've incorporated functions particularly favored by jet-setters who often travel the world, crossing multiple time zones. Additionally, Kailash includes smart watch-like features. It continuously receives GPS data 24/7, and the battery lasts about a week on a full charge.

—The lightness of the Kailash is also a key feature, isn't it?

We are aware that people who appreciate luxury watches often prefer heavier timepieces. However, for Kailash, we focused on comfortable wearability, achieving a weight of 71g with a fiberglass case and an anti-static strap made of silicone for a pleasant feel. This, too, is a challenge stemming from the "7R Mind" of pursuing new things.

—Do you yourself possess the 7R gene?

Yes, I believe I do (laughs).