Workout Watch

[TimmyBoston]

I'm looking for a good tough, digital watch to wear while I'm working out. It also needs to be water resistent so if I do swim or run in the rain it's not ruined.

I've been looking at Casio G-Shock's but still know next to nothing about them. Does anyone have any recommendations out of the G-Shock's?
Or any other products?

Thanks so much

[Dennis]

The G Shock is a very highly rated watch. I don't think you could do better than that for a "beater" work out watch. The only thing else would be a Timex Ironman. Those things last forever I think.

Dennis

[Groundhog]

G-Shock's have a great reputation, but most all their models have historically been a little big for my taste. I'm an average size guy, but most of 'em look ridiculous on me. I've got one of the basic Nike Triaxs that I've had for a few years, and it's a great watch. I wear it running, swimming, playing tennis, even at the beach. I think I bought it about 4 years ago and it just had it's battery replaced last week.
SWMBO wears a ladies Timex Ironman (Ironwoman?) for all the above activities and has been very happy with it.

[Buzz]

I wore Timex Ironman's for years as a workout and general beater watch.

The easy to use stopwatch & timer was nice for running. Seemed to last forever, but cheap enough that I didn't mind tossing it when the time comes.

I like the G-Shock features, but all the models I've tried on are so huge that I never thought it would be comfortable.

For general beater use, I recently replaced my worn out Ironman with a Casio Waveceptor (http://www.casio.com/products/Timepiece/Waveceptor/WV57_Series/). I like the Atomic set feature. It is also smaller than the G-Shock and doesn't look monsterous underneath a casual shirt.

For workouts specifically, I use a Polar F6 heart rate monitor. I like having the HRM feature, but look around at the models and find one you like. I don't find the F6 particularly easy to use.

[ouch]

The G-Shock is a good, usefull knockaround watch, but I've managed to destroy several over the years.

[Suzuki]

+1 on the Ironman.

[TimmyBoston]

I grew up wearing Ironman's and they are a little small for me. Good watches though, but I generally like a very large watch. I think a G-Shock would be a better fit for me. Can anyone recommend a specific model?

I went and looked up some other Ironman's they are getting bigger from the last one I had. I guess I'm still open to all models.

I do like the solar powered features of the G-Shock as I wouldn't even need another battery. But I don't care for the metal bracelet, I'd prefer a rubber strap for a workout watch.

[htownmmm]

I am on my 2nd G-shock and short of blowing it up, you cannot hurt it-unless you allow Joel to 'test' it for you. :wink:


The only reason I have a 2nd is because my 1st disappeared from work one night 8 years ago.

It is big, but if you order online there are models that come in some smaller sizes and different color combos with matching bands.


Marty

[FriscoSoxFan]

Go another route. Get a polar heart rate monitor. They are waterproof as well. You'll be able to check your heart rate and optimize your workout.

You can pick up an entry model at walmart for $40 in the sports section (not the watch section) They are near the exercise mats typically.

[JBHoren]

Go another route. Get a polar heart rate monitor. They are waterproof as well. You'll be able to check your heart rate and optimize your workout.

You can pick up an entry model at walmart for $40 in the sports section (not the watch section) They are near the exercise mats typically.

+2 Polar's entry-level models are inexpensive, as opposed to "cheap"; and, most important (for me), they have LARGE NUMERALS. I hate having to squint my eyes, and/or move my wrist in front of my nose, in order to read the time or my heart-rate.

YMMV (ha-ha -- "If I pass him, I'm running, and he's jogging.")

[RichGem]

I've used Timex Expeditions for gym/travel/beach/general abuse for years. As the slogan goes, "they take a lickin' and keep on tickin'" and are water proof to 300 meters or so. For around $35, you can't go wrong... dual time zone, dual alarm, chrono, count down timer, night light. Highly recommended.

Edit: I've gone through 3 of them since I first started using them and that was only because the previous one got lost. But, aside from batteries and straps, they seem to last forever.

[Tommynick]

The Polar HRM works well and the numbers are big. I have also bought inexpensive watch/monitor combos from nashbar.com who caters to cyclists.

[Mottern Man]

G shock, go for it!:thumbup1:

[daniel]

I've had two G-Shocks. One I lost and the other is sitting in my drawer after being through the last 6 years in the Marine Corps infantry. Tough as nails, but they are a bit big.

[redbike]

I'm a committed Casio watch fan. I wear one on most days and like not having to change it from work to play activities. I agree with the comments above on the G-shock watches being big. My favorite is the Casio W-71, which has a stopwatch, alarm, countdown timer, and is waterproof. Goes for about 20 bucks, though it's an old model and may be hard to find. Pretty slim profile if you don't like the bulk of the G-shocks. Batteries are user replaceable too.

jim

[Thomas]

My daily is a timex Ironman, been using it for 5 years now. You won't go wrong with it.

I have two Polars - RS100 and one other - can't figure those things out. And they beep at me when my HR goes too high. That's inconvenient and annoying. And they have too many buttons. They stay in the drawer, with the VCR that I can't program. :rolleyes:

[Howard Newell]

Another voice of recommendation for the Timex Ironman.

[moses]

But I don't care for the metal bracelet, I'd prefer a rubber strap for a workout watch.

I don't think I could stand a metal bracelet for working out. Although I really never wear a watch at all working out. Personally, over rubber, metal, or leather, I far prefer a fabric velcro strap for athletic activities. I had one on and old Casio digital I wore for kayaking, hiking, etc. for years, and it was much more comfortable when sweating than rubber.

Tough watch too. Banged into more rocks than I can count on the river. And I remember once when it wouldn't stop beeping because of a low battery, one of my friends hurled it across the road, where it bounced down the sidewalk. But it also kept on ticking just fine. Once the battery was replaced, anyway. I lost it after years of wearing the thing. I don't think it ever would have quit.

-Mo

[TimmyBoston]

This may sound odd, but are there any watches with compasses in them?

[johnmw1]

This may sound odd, but are there any watches with compasses in them?


Tim the only one I am aware of is the Tissot T Touch, but I'm sure there would be others, I just don't know about them.

I am still in the market for a watch, and I have been contemplating one of the T Touch classics, I am just unsure how much of a gimmick they may be, and more to the point how accurate.

Cheers
John

http://www.tissot.ch/dyn.php?gs=showrefimage&n=T33_1_328_51.jpg

[Scotty]

I have a Timex which has the digital for the date & day plus the regular or analog hands like a regular watch. I got it at Wally Mart & it came with a black leather band. You can change the digital into hours & minutes, a stopwatch, an alarm, & etc. Plus it has the indiglo light up at night system. :w00t:

[D'Brie]

Nike Triax series is the way to go. Used them for years training for marathons and ultra-marathons. They simply work.

[JohnP]

This may sound odd, but are there any watches with compasses in them?

Tim,
There are quite a few tough watches with compasses in them as well as compasses that attach to a watchband. You can even get watches with built in GPS. Depends on what you want, and how you plan to use it, really.
If you want to go digital, check out the Casio pathfinder series, or just about any of the Suunto wristwatches. Analog (e.g. there is a no kidding magnetic needle that points to north, not just a flux sensor) there are quite a few choices, a froogle search reveals quite a few nice looking options, here... (http://www.google.com/products?q=compass+wristwatch) feel free to refine the search as necessary...
John P.

[drumana]

What about a Polar heart rate monitor? I know they are durable, not sure about water proof, and you can use it as a stopwatch and HRM as well. Polar is prob. the best brand of HRM out there

[[email protected]]

A German wittenhaur, although not athletic specific is one of the toughest watches/bracelet in the world...drop it of a 2 story and it still runs and fits...i love mine with a 20 year battery. I'm 6 years into it.

[TimmyBoston]

I went ahead and ordered a Casio Pathfinder PAW1300. It's a big watch with a compass, altimeter, barometer and thermometer. I figure the next time I get lost it will come in handy.

[Bucnak]

But, the big question, Will it drive you home? LOL, great to here about your purchase, good luck and let us know how it is.

John

[boboakalfb]

I went ahead and ordered a Casio Pathfinder PAW1300. It's a big watch with a compass, altimeter, barometer and thermometer. I figure the next time I get lost it will come in handy.

:lol: Just curious, Tim. Does this happen often?

[TimmyBoston]

:lol: Just curious, Tim. Does this happen often?

I get lost more than 100 normal people combined, it's truly pathetic. I still have some old friends that call me Compass because everytime I went to a party it took me about an hour to find it.

[SRock]

I'm looking for a good tough, digital watch to wear while I'm working out. It also needs to be water resistent so if I do swim or run in the rain it's not ruined.

I've been looking at Casio G-Shock's but still know next to nothing about them. Does anyone have any recommendations out of the G-Shock's?
Or any other products?

Thanks so much

I've been issued G-shocks through the military for that past decade or so. I've never broken one and never had any problems with them. Some are a little big, but most seem OK. I'm not a big guy :lol: at only 5'6" and they look ok.

Great watches.

[scoopster]

I've been issued G-shocks through the military for that past decade or so. I've never broken one and never had any problems with them. Some are a little big, but most seem OK. I'm not a big guy :lol: at only 5'6" and they look ok.

Great watches.


+1 on the G-Shocks. I was never military but work watches pretty hard. I bought a G shock the first year they came out and was very satisfied with the purchase. They have come a long way since then.

To test out my G-shock I did just like the G-shock commercial. I put it on the floor, grabbed a hockey stick and gave it a good slap shot against the (interior) wall of my doorm lobby. It still worked and I was sold on em ever since then.

[SRock]

I grew up wearing Ironman's and they are a little small for me. Good watches though, but I generally like a very large watch. I think a G-Shock would be a better fit for me. Can anyone recommend a specific model?

I went and looked up some other Ironman's they are getting bigger from the last one I had. I guess I'm still open to all models.

I do like the solar powered features of the G-Shock as I wouldn't even need another battery. But I don't care for the metal bracelet, I'd prefer a rubber strap for a workout watch.

There are a ton of options! My current G-Shock is the G-7510-1V that features all of the standard G-Shock options plus a vibrating alarm (great when you don't want to wake the enemy or for startling the hell out of the wife)!!

Here (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Casio-G-SHOCK-G-7500-1VER-Resin-Digital/dp/B000GY74HM) is my current model. I got mine through AAFES for $75 which is much cheaper than it is at the link I provided. I'm sure if you shopped around you could do much better than $100+


G shock, go for it!:thumbup1:

Can't go wrong with the right G-Shock!


This may sound odd, but are there any watches with compasses in them?

Actually yes there are!

Try this (http://www.google.com/search?q=Compass+Watch&sourceid=ie7&rls=com.microsoft:en-US&ie=utf8&oe=utf8)

I actually looked at an Iron man that has an electronic compass in it, but I wanted the vibration alarm on this G-shock for deployment purposes. Sometimes you need to be stealthy and other times it is just plain good manners to quietly wake yourself without waking everyone else who may be sleeping in the same area as you. Also, most of the Ironman models I was looking at looked/felt a little cheap compared to the various G-Shocks available. Suunto and Garmin also offer watches and/or workout Heart Rate monitors with GPS and/or Compass features.

Good luck and happy hunting! I hope this helps!

[rkowalick]

This may sound odd, but are there any watches with compasses in them?

Every watch is a compass. The 24-hour face watches, however, make better compasses.

How to use a watch as a compass (http://www.onebag.com/popups/wcompass.html)

[Bushranger]

Many of my military compatriots that are not issued with them, buy them. They are 'almost' bullet proof.

[waitasecun]

I actually have a g-shock that I dont use if you would like to purchase it.....

[sooper8]

http://www.chronograph.com/store/mli_viewItem.asp?idproduct=2070
Casio's are great value and I have found to be very good watches
Regards
Jem

[Who?]

I got a G-Shock and love it. No as an everyday watch though, lacks a certain style, but it's great for outdoor activities.

[OldSaw]

At the gym where I work out there is one girl that always seems to have a workout watch. Sometimes two instructors are watching her. :wink:

[Stauff]

At the gym where I work out there is one girl that always seems to have a workout watch. Sometimes two instructors are watching her. :wink:

They're checking out her G-...










...Shock. They're cool watches allright.

[OldSaw]

They're checking out her G-...










...Shock. They're cool watches allright.

Oooh... OK. Funny thing is, I didn't see a watch where they were looking. She sure seems to crave the attention though. I'm afraid one of these guys are going to hurt themselves trying to "help" her.

[The Nid Hog]

The military issues G-Shocks these days? What kind? I guess that I was imagining that they were still passing out OD Timex analogs from some giant warehouse somewhere.

[Cmaster03]

Cool thread. I must admit I haven't used a battery powered or Quartz watch of any kind for some years, but a stop watch would be convenient when running and I could use another good beater.

Maybe I need a G-Shock. :wink:

[SRock]

The military issues G-Shocks these days? What kind? I guess that I was imagining that they were still passing out OD Timex analogs from some giant warehouse somewhere.

You know how it goes. Finance troops probably aren't being issued watches but cops, firefighters EOD, Combat Control etc. etc., those types are and what they get is really dependent on what they want and what there unit can afford.

[HCSchluge]

I haven't read through all the responses in this thread, but the best watch I have found for active people is the LuminNox 3900. It's light, incredibly durable and in the dark it glows like Chernobyl. No kidding, on a dark night I can light my tent with this thing. I mountain bike, go to the gym and backpack. This watch handles it all. Despite the abuse after 5 years the crystal looks brand new. Cant beat it with a stick.

[SRock]

Garmin Forerunner 405 (http://www8.garmin.com/ces/forerunner/index.html)

[TimmyBoston]

Garmin Forerunner 405 (http://www8.garmin.com/ces/forerunner/index.html)

I've got a Garmin Forerunner 305 (https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=142&pID=349) that I love.

[SRock]

I've got a Garmin Forerunner 305 (https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=142&pID=349) that I love.

Great watch as well. I just wanted something a little smaller. A good option for someone looking to save a little money.

Do you use the Speed/Cadence bike sensor (GSC 10) when you ride?

[Cuttingboard]

Another fan of Polar HRM...I have an F6 and I use it for running, biking and swimming.

[Aaron01]

G Shock. I've had 2 G-Shocks in 12 years. The only reason I got a second is I lost the first one; they're tanks. I trashed the first one and it kept ticking, the second one is going the same route too.

[TimmyBoston]

Great watch as well. I just wanted something a little smaller. A good option for someone looking to save a little money.

Do you use the Speed/Cadence bike sensor (GSC 10) when you ride?

I don't use the cadence sensor, just the GPS to track distances. It's very effective though and the virtual partner is just plain fun.

[liege]

Got a Casio G-Shock GW530A at Costco for about $65.00. It's solar powered, water resistant down to 200 Meters and has atomic clock features. As others have said earlier, it is very tough, being a G-Shock and all.

[SRock]

I don't use the cadence sensor, just the GPS to track distances. It's very effective though and the virtual partner is just plain fun.

Makes sense.

[Areler67]

I just bought a new casio G-schock riseman 9200.
I'ts a great watch : solar powered , thermometer, atomic timekeeping, barometer, altimeter.
Back in... 1981 I used to have the simple Casio F-8 watch but lost it.
Casio is a great brand

[toucanlamp]

Really for a digital watch just stick with a G-Shock or Timex Ironman and you're guaranteed a quality watch which will last until you break it.

[Areler67]

By the way, I'm looking for a vintage casio G-schock 5200 or 5600 in great condition at a good price....