It never seems to fail. I find the perfect Timex watch, with all the bells and whistles that work for me and it lasts 1 season. (I pushed the indigo light on my watch during a run today and it made a bunch of weird beeps before it croaked completely) I’d like to buy a training watch that will last at least a few seasons. Can anyone recommend a brand that can hold up to the abuse…?
-Steve
Sorry, I’ve had absolutely ZERO problems with the basic, cheap Timex Ironman line of watches. Even if they did break once per season, it would take 7 years to make up for the one Polar S720i that I used (that also broke and leaked water into the face under the metal part).
I currently use the 200 lap ultra model and even push the buttons under water (and have done so for, Oh, say 75,000 meters or so) with absolutely no ill effects. Actually, I 'kinda wish it would die so I can just get something different (typical tri geek mentality) - but it will be a $50 Timex Ironman model 
Casio G-Shock. Not only has it held up to triathlon training, but it’s literally been around the world several times with no problems whatsoever. It doesn’t have all of the training bells and whistles of a 200 lap Timex Ironman, but I highly recommend it for its indestructability.
BH
Any similar rec’s for a watch that is also a HR monitor? No way am I going to lug around one of those fat Polars as a watch! Yet I don’t want to own a regular Timex/Casio sports watch, and then a separate HR monitor, too. Hmmph.
I have one of the original Timex Ironman watches from 1985. It has worked great my entire life (at least since I was in 2nd grade). I have gone through about 5 batteries, but ath is over 20 years.
Wow, I have had this thing for a long time. It took a year off when I got a polar HRM. Some chick stole it at WF last year, so I am back to my Ironman watch.
Timex. Is best.
My Timex keeps better time than my Rolex. $4k is a cheap rolex.
I dig the Timex Ironman watches. My brother has one of the old school IM’s and it still works. Must be 15+ years old. Takes a lickin’ and keeps on tickin’.
Rolex needs to be worn every day otherwise they don’t keep time. I think they make some thing that vibrates to keep them working optimally.
Any similar rec’s for a watch that is also a HR monitor?
I’ve been using an Acumen TZ-Max 100 for the last 4.5 years without a single problem. It’s relatively small so you can comfortably wear it as an everyday watch. My only complaint is the very basic software: it works fine, but it’s not very pretty.
John
I have an oakley that has been fantastic. I’ve had it for 4 years now. Replaced the battery, but its been bullet-proof and I think its better looking than the timex watches
I had a polar 720i that i paid big bucks for and every time i went swimming with it it would fill up with water. Sent it back twice and they sent a new one and had the same problem every time. Customer service was great but the product wasnt. Got an el cheapo sigma sport and it hasnt failed me yet.
i bought my timex off ebay (new) for $8 with no problems. there are hundreds of watch retailers on ebay and you can find good deals on discontinued models.
my only regret was buying the “i-control” model, where you twist a dial around the face instead of pushing buttons. after a run my hands are too sweaty and i can’t change modes.
The Polar’s are bulky, but they aren’t heavy by any means. I have a S710i and don’t mind wearing it at all. It’s similar to my Suunto Vector.
The Timex Ironman watches hold up better than anything else I’ve tried. I did have one make an angry hornet sound and die. I put a new battery in it and it worked again. I also have a 20th Anniversary edition with a stainless steel case. I had a bike crash which sent it hard into the pavement and it works fine.
I have a drawer full of various Timex watches - many of them 10+ years old. I found that some worked very well and have lasted, what seems a very long time. Others have sucombed earlier to problems. I guess when you make as many watch as Timex does( millions) there are bound to be a few bad apples.
Fleck