• Skip to content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • About
  • Contact
  • Subscribe
  • New? Start Here!

RunToTheFinish

A Researched Running Blog Designed to Help You

  • Half Marathon Training
  • Nutrition
  • Gear
  • Work Together
  • Shop
  • Blog

Timex Ironman GPS Watch Reviews

9shares

12 years ago I walked in to Wal-Mart as a poor college student looking for a watch to wear as I started running. I found a Timex Ironman watch that did chrono and something about laps.

It was $20; I was sold.

3 years later when I started training for my first marathon I decided it was time to embrace the new fangled GPS technology and my love affair with Garmin was hatched.

Timex wasn’t in the game back then, but they are now. While they have a LONG and fantastic history of durable watches, this is a newer space for them, so I anticipate each subsequent watch to improve.GPS watchesJust because I wasn’t wearing them to run doesn’t mean I stopped buying those Ironman watches. Instead they became my daily watch and I laugh looking back at photos where you can always see one peaking out!

Here are two of the current offerings I’ve been running with that meet both the basic GPS needs and more advanced training. I will admit these are not my preferred running watches due to features and comfort, but that doesn’t mean you might not love them. (Here’s what I usually run with.)

Timex Ironman GPS

Price: $85 {Amazon sale}
Colors: White, Black Teal Timex Ironman

I’ve updated this review to the newer Timex Ironman with a silicone strap because it’s a far superior to the original watch I tested years ago, but remains a good low cost GPS watch option.

  • Super simple
  • Tap screen
  • Pace
  • Speed
  • GPS distance
  • Battery life up to 12 hours on full charge
  • Indiglo night-light with constant on option
  • Interval timer
  • Easy sync with PC
  • Run pace alerts recently added
  • Softer strap (this was my major issue with original models)

This is the type of watch I recommend for those just starting out or even for someone like David.

He wants to know how far he has run, his current pace and distance…that’s it. No more bells, whistles or craziness just the basics. It does however also have a feature for intervals, which is nice because it does allow you to grow with the watch if you start to do more specific training workouts.

The major downside is the hard plastic wrist strap. If that’s not something that bothers you, it’s a great price for a starter watch.

Timex Essential Watch

If I’m talking Timex, I can’t possibly leave out this watch! It’s the absolute most basic watch and what I used for the first 4-5 years of training! Yup, I skipped the GPS and just knew how long I was running, then I would come home and map out the route with MapMyRun to get a distance.basic running watch

This is exactly what I want my athletes to do on days where I ask them to run easy! I don’t want them looking at pace, just go and know for how long.

This watch is BASIC:

  • Current time
  • Timer
  • Countdown

Timex Ironman Run Trainer 2.0 with HRM

It looks like this watch is no longer available and that’s probably not a bad thing. For the price you can get a lot more in other brands. Checkout my best tips for finding the right GPS Watch for you.

Price: $266 {Amazon sale}
Colors: Black or GrayTimex GPS watch review

  • Same baseline features from Easy Trainer
  • Vibrate alert on laps
  • Customizable screens and reverse color display option {pictured above}
  • Water resistant to 50M
  • Auto start/stop option
  • Auto lap based on distance or time
  • Configure intervals on the watch or on Training Peaks
  • Heart Rate monitor

Cool Feature: Nutrition alerts!! Are you one who forgets to drink or skips gels during the race because you are feeling good at the moment?? The Run Trainer has a Nutrition Alert which you can set up to vibrate or beep when it’s time to drink or eat.

PRO: The HR monitor is more reliable than my Garmin. That could be because the strap is new or it’s just better technology. I like the easy to read screens, no fuss, just the data. Quick to set up and getting going. Free online training log provided by Training Peaks <<that’s pretty huge.
{As noted above, I now no longer recommend any watch that uses a chest strap. You get less chafing and other issues from one’s like this that do it through the wrist strap.}

PRO: Quickly finds satellites and has been easy to use just the HRM function when I want to run on the treadmill.

PRO: You have 3 screens to switch between during the run by pressing the display button. You can have up to 3 data fields on each from the following options: Split Time [Total time], Lap Time, Previous Lap Time, Pace, Avg Pace, Lap Pace, Prev Lap Pace, Speed, Avg Speed, Lap Speed, Prev Lap Speed, Heart Rate, Avg HR, Lap HR, Prev Lap HR, Cadence, Cadence HR, Prev Lap Cadence, Distance, Lap Distance
Prev Lap Distance, Altitude, Total Ascent, Total Descent

PRO: Summary data is equal to other watches, allowing you to see a summary of the run along with more specific details like altitude changes and individual lap details.Timex Watch ReviewCON: I would also like to turn off the chime on each mile, but that’s not currently an option. I have also had an issue with the watch resetting each time I plug it in to charge.

CON: It only stores 15 workouts. You have to save a workout to see the summary data and then been consistent with uploading or deleting to always have space available.

CON: On both watches the wrist band is really stiff. Since the watches are smaller, I haven’t had an issue with them chaffing or cutting like older styles, but they could definitely be a little more comfortable.

While this watch does allow you to view speed, making it usable for biking it is mostly designed as a running watch, making the price and features on par with the Garmin 610. Overall I think it lives up to the Timex standard of being a watch that will last for ages and get the job done without a lot of fuss.  I am excited to continue seeing how the brand progresses in this space.

Overall: For the price, I actually think you can probably find a watch with a few more bells and whistles.

Checkout this post on finding what GPS watch is best for your needs >>

Other reviews

Polar RC 3 Watch  — Best for those doing HR Zone training
Garmin 910XT — Best for those doing multi-sport
Epson ProSense 307 – HR through wrist and step tracker
TomTom Sparks  – Plays music through bluetooth
TomTom Cardio – HR through wrist strap

Are you a GPS wearer?

Have you had an Ironman watch?

Other ways to connect with Amanda

Instagram: RunToTheFinish

Facebook: RunToTheFinishRunning_motivation_thumb

Get new posts via BlogLovin

9shares

More Articles You Might Like

  • TomTom Runner Watch ReviewTomTom Runner Watch Review
  • Top 5 GPS Running Watch MistakesTop 5 GPS Running Watch Mistakes
  • 2014 Marathon Must Have List2014 Marathon Must Have List
  • Epson ProSense 307 Review: GPS Multisport WatchEpson ProSense 307 Review: GPS Multisport Watch

Posted by amanda Categories: GPS Watch, review, running gear

Reader Interactions

Primary Sidebar

Join thousands of other crazy runners!

Subscribe for weekly running tips, running news and the inside scoop.

Recent Posts

  • I Tried B12 Shots and Here’s What Happened
  • Running Just as Fast As We Can: Phoenix Half Marathon Review and Race Recap
  • Key to Maintaining Muscle Mass while Marathon Training
  • Slow Cooker Vegetable Lamb Soup
  • Best Running Sports Bras: Support, Chafe Free, Stylish Running

Instagram

Followers:

Follow on Instagram

fitness partners

Once Again Nut Butter2
Please note that affiliate links {such as Amazon} may pop up on RTTF from time to time. They do not cost you anything to use, but are a huge help to support the ongoing content creation process.



My running gear must have list

Footer

Never Miss a Key Running Tip Again

Weekly notes that your body and inbox will love.

About Amanda Brooks

Amanda Brooks is a Certified Personal Trainer, Running Coach and long time distance runner with a passion for every facet of running, which leads her to do more reading, research and running than necessary. Find all the tips, tricks and tools you need from this running coach for your best injury free running. Read More…

Popular Posts on RunToTheFinish

  • 17 Funniest Running Meme’s: Which One’s Do You Relate To?
  • 18 Things I Wish I’d Known Before My First Half Marathon
  • Best Fitness Hashtags on Instagram to Grow Your Following
  • Tips for Shifting to a Plant Based Diet for Meat Lovers
  • 50+ Hilarious to Motivational Race Sign Ideas: Be an Athletic Supporter!
Website written, managed and maintained by Amanda Brooks. I am a certified personal trainer, but any advice should be taken as general information and not a personalized plan. All opinions, tips and reviews are based upon my personal life experience and the experiences of those around me. View my full privacy and review policy.

Copyright © 2019 RunToTheFinish