Yeah, I haven't found a pocket compass yet that can stand up to long-term pocket duty. On the few that I have tried, the face gets so scratched up that the dial is almost unreadable through the face, or else they develop an annoying bubble (not from freezing temps), or it just doesn't turn freely anymore (not sure why that happens).

I suppose using them as zipper pulls would be gentler, but then I wouldn't be able to easily toss it into my pocket, regardless of what clothes I choose to wear that day.