I purchased the Ambit 1 Black from REI in March. At that time there was no problem in finding either the silver or the black version of the Ambit 1. I took my back the next month due to the surprise launch of the Ambit 2. When I talked to the retail workers at REI they had no idea about the Ambit 2. So if there is some kind of retail conspiracy it is at a higher level. I don’t think they were trying to keep the Ambit 1 Silver off the shelves either. From what I understand there was much more demand for the black (I don’t have a preference myself).

In general though I think the blame goes to Suunto for giving us a surprise launch of a product. I don’t know of any major successful technology firm that launches products in this manner. If you follow the Apple or Samsung model (it is easy to just copy), you make clients happy by telling them months before the launch that you have a new product. Buyers are happy because they can make an informed decision on getting a discounted old version or buy a new and improved version at the same (in this case) or higher price. Clients are not happy if they get duped. In this case it was Suunto that was doing the duping.

But nevertheless their watches are fabulous and I am still a customer.