Gym Watch Review: Timex Ironman Triathlon and Casio1-V Gshock

[Dick Jones]

Hi All:

Some not-so-haute gym horology. I originally wrote the below for Amazon but though I'd share here as well.

The Timex Men's T5K608 Ironman Triathlon


The Timex http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...r_mts_prod_img is an absolutely excellent watch in most regards and at just under $30 a great bargain, but overly sensitive buttons were a deal killer for me.

On the positive side

- This is an incredibly comfortable watch to wear. Not only is it super light, but Timex has done a simply brilliant job with the band.
- The numbers are big and easy to read
- The backlighting works well
- The watch looks good
- Having an extra time zone available at the push of a button is a major convenience

However... The buttons are very sensitive and not recessed so if you are active, or wear the watch while sleeping, you may find it switched to a different mode. I've awoken to find the watch showing Japan time and looked down while doing an obstacle course to see the watch had switched itself to a countdown mode.

I wanted to love the Ironman but ended up returning it and getting a Casio Men's DW5600E-1V G-Shock Classic Digital Watch http://www.amazon.com/Casio-DW5600E-...00E-1V+G-Shock, a roughly comparable watch, instead.



The G-Shock is $10 more, lacks the two time zones, has smaller (though perfectly legible numbers) and wasn't as immediately comfortable as the Timex. However, its buttons are recessed and stiff so there is little chance it will put itself into the wrong mode, and I get the sense that it is a generally more solid, shock and wear resistant watch. Much as I liked aspects of the Timex, the Casio is a better watch for me.

[Cesium133]

I own the Timex shown here. I have not experienced the problems as the OP but I will agree that the buttons are easily pushed. However, I like that feature because I often hit the stop watch feature while working out and don't want to fumble around looking for it. All around, it's a great watch for physical activities.