Customer Reviews

Timex Men's T5H581 Ironman Traditional 30-Lap Watch

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is the best watch for the money. This is my 3rd Ironman 30 Lap. They are virtually indestructible. I only upgrade when the battery gets low after about 4 years. I've tried other watches for a few months between 30 laps, but can't find anything I like as much and keep going back. Thinner than most. Forward and backward setting of times and alarms- you don't have to go 'around the horn' to set your alarm for 10 minutes earlier. Great features, accurate, and tough.

This watch is very good at doing what it says it does. The multiple alarms (3) are really useful. The watch is slightly improved for the triathlon I had in the early 90s. Although it is a digital watch, it doesn't look too ostentatious. My favorite thing about this watch is that you can replace the strap if it breaks, which is not the case on the newer sleek-style timex watches (also I don't really like the way they look).

I've used a lot of running watches, and just retired my all-time favorite (an unnamed, competitive brand) which is too pricey to replace. This is my first Ironman in quite a few years. Purchased it online without viewing in a store first.

Pros:
* Intuitive, easy-to-learn functional interface.
* Ability to hide unused features so you don't needlessly scroll through them when pressing the Mode button (e.g. I've hidden the Occasion feature).
* Start/split button is centrally located and easy to press on the run.
* A small band clips into the end of the loose strap, neatly securing it so the strap end doesn't flop around.
* Comfortable on wrist.
* Not slim, but not overbearing either. Suitable for wearing all-day, while working or working out.

Cons:
* The "Ironman Triathalon" logo at the top of the watch face is distracting (Timex should remove it).
* Black digits against gray background are a bit difficult to read at a glance or in low light (e.g. I'd prefer white digits on a black background, or black digits on a light/white blackground).

Bottom line: A solid watch and a good value that, with a few tweaks, would be a great watch.

I had a hard time deciding whether I should rate this Watch 4 Or 5 Stars.

My criteria: A full-featured runner's watch AND a great All-the-Time watch. This watch has all the key features: It's Comfortable; It is Light & Unobtrusive; Lap & Split times display Together & you can make the Lap-time Primary; Chrono Start/Stop buttons are well-placed; & It has a Repeatable countdown timer.

The problem? As you can see from this watch's photo, it combines a rather narrow Font with a rather Dark background -- So Readability is only _FAIR_. When I choose my next watch, I will pay more attention to this aspect.

One excellent touch Timex added to this watch: Most Runner's Watches offer about 4 "Modes" that you have to cycle through to return to the main screen (Chrono, Countdown, Alarm, Etc.), even though most users typically use only 2 or 3 Modes. This watch lets you "Hide" (& easily Restore) the Modes you don't use: You decide the watch's feature-set.

In sum: a Great runner's watch that Should have higher legibility.

This watch is very well made and the functions are all easy to use and intuitive. I have had Ironman watches before but this one seems better thought out.

My husband absolutely loved this watch that I gave him for Christmas. It is perfect for his runs!

It does what they say it will. The 3 time zones are very helpful when traveling. It keeps good time. I like the countdown function - helps to remind me when time is up. The Ironman logo on the glass is distracting, but this is the only thing I can complain about.

I have had several Ironman watches and I love them. The main downside has been the loop on the watchband. They always break and the end of the band sticks out. This has a different design for the loop, so hopefully it won't break as quickly.

Update May09
Well, the loop on the band broke a couple months ago. I still love the watch, but hate the band on all the Timex Ironman plastic bands.

I bought this watch grudgingly since another Timex I lusted for was no longer availible. This watch has perfect sized digits to read close up or far away, the indigo light gives just the right amount of glow without straining nor upsetting your eyes, the band is very durable I work delivering boxes and have had both the watch and band banged and mistreated with no visible signs of wear and tear even on the face. It is pretty easy to use and the instructions are very clear. I love the date and day being displayed as well as being able to put it in military time. A durable little watch at a great buy.

My second one of these. I bought one four years ago, the battery still works but the strap broke so I just bought a new one last year. Great easy to read large face. I take it to the gym with me, I surf with it, hike, swim, and play soccer with it on. very practical beater watch, way better than the huge clunky g shocks with the tiny screens. Night light works great. Can't beat it for the price.

this is a fantastic watch. i had a previous generation of ironman watch before and was so happy with it. didn't have to replace the battery in 5 years and the only reason i bought a new one was because the band was cracking. i heavily used that watch, and now this one. i am in a profession where i am constantly logging times, so i always have it on if i am awake. i have used this one for a little over 6 months now and the only useful difference in this one and the old generation's is that it has multiple alarms you can set. i don't use them, but it is a nice feature if you need to use multiple alarms. as with the previous ironman i had, i am extremely happy. you really can't go wrong with this type of watch, the only difference in the models is the color..... have fun! excellent product.