Workout Watch

**TimmyBoston** · 05-30-2007, 08:01 AM

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** · 05-30-2007, 08:29 AM

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** · 05-30-2007, 08:49 AM

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** · 05-30-2007, 08:53 AM

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. 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** · 05-30-2007, 08:59 AM

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

**Suzuki** · 05-30-2007, 09:20 AM

+1 on the Ironman.

**TimmyBoston** · 05-30-2007, 09:25 AM

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** · 05-30-2007, 11:07 AM

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.

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** · 05-30-2007, 12:01 PM

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** · 05-30-2007, 12:06 PM

Originally Posted by 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.

+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** · 05-30-2007, 12:21 PM

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** · 05-30-2007, 12:30 PM

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** · 05-30-2007, 12:38 PM

G shock, go for it!

**daniel** · 05-30-2007, 03:13 PM

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** · 05-30-2007, 04:15 PM

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** · 05-31-2007, 11:31 AM

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.

**Howard Newell** · 06-01-2007, 02:42 PM

Another voice of recommendation for the Timex Ironman.

**moses** · 06-01-2007, 02:47 PM

Originally Posted by TimmyBoston

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** · 06-01-2007, 10:46 PM

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

**johnmw1** · 06-02-2007, 03:55 PM

Originally Posted by TimmyBoston

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