For your Suunto compass problem, contact the Customer help line. They offer great support and if the problem cannot be fixed, I would not be surprised if they don't send you a new compass.

As for a backup compass, I have tried various brands and models but came to the conclusion that my main compass which is the Suunto M-3D Leader should also be duplicated as my backup compass. These compasses are accurate, well crafted and have survived hundreds of miles of back country adventures in all types of weather conditions.

In the ever unlikely event that I lose either of the M-3D Leader compasses, I also carry a smaller Suunto A-10 compass.

Standard disclaimers apply...