TimexMen's Ironman Triathlon Classic 30 Oversized 43mm Watch

I have owned three earlier models of these things going back to the days when I actually ran road races. They are brilliant pieces of work. My only complaint of them was that the start/stop/split button(s)--there were two on the older models--were too small. Well, apparently Timex listens and the two small buttons are now combined into one larger one. Probably this was done years ago but I'm only now getting back into road work, so now I get to discover it.The perfect watch? Almost. I especially like this model as my eyes are not what they used to be and the oversized face makes it easier to read. The downside to this is that it also makes the crystal easier to scratch. That's always been an issue, but I can live with it. No, the real problem with this product is, was, and apparently ever shall be, the band. Now, it could be worse, it could be a resin band (like the old ones) that will crack and break within a couple of years, but no, this is a nylon and velcro wrap style which should be just dandy, but for three glitches: 1. it's too short 2. it's too narrow (gee whiz, Timex designers, it's an oversized watch, why not a matching oversized band?) and 3. it's still resin where it attaches to the actual watch. Now, I imagine it's probably less prone to breakage in how it's implemented, but if you should choose to replace it, I can see no obvious way of removing it short of cutting it off. Really?But these are minor complaints. I doubt it would be comfortable on anyone whose wrists are much bigger than my own, but replacement bands are everywhere, and this watch will keep time with style and it's brilliant at splits. Heck, it even functions admirably as a backup for my expensive stopwatches at our regular short track stock car events. For my money (and did I mention the price is wonderful?) the Ironman is still the best at what it does, and for what it can do.

Very hard to meet the ruggedness and quality for the price.

Tuff enough for a triathlon and easy to read that meets my needs. I like the fact it's easy to read and set up and I have a special place for Timex being it was the watch I did my tour of duty wearing and took all the abuse the infantry gave it which was a lot.

I bought this watch in July of 2013. This acquisition was an exact replacement of my former Timex Triathlon that I used daily for sport and work. I'm lost without it. The large case helps me to see the numerals easily and the functions are easy to navigate once you get to know its basic functions. The velcro allows quick wrist mounting and disconnect and I can wash the band easily using a toothbrush and some soap. The watch and its operation is 5 stars. But the lack of a band replacement subtracts a star.**I replaced my former Triathlon for one glaring reason. The watch itself still operated flawlessly and took a great deal of punishment in stride. There is no exact replacement for this velcro band that I could find anywhere on the internet. The band wears out and eventually breaks apart within 2 years. Timex has not stated whether they sell a band replacement or not. There is no model or serial number for the band. I used the designation "WR100" found on the back of the case in an attempt to locate a replacement but the numerous depictions and array of pictures on eBay, Amazon or elsewhere, makes it almost impossible to compare each description, many of which are incorrect. Often, the description or picture doesn't match the actual product. The "T5K413" designation I found here, helped me to come close to the new band and I remember finding a rubber/plastic replacement. For my needs, only the velcro will do.SO I bought another watch because I couldn't find a replacement velcro band. The $32 price isn't an issue, it's the fact that I have to buy a new watch every 2 years since I use mine daily. Now the band on this blue watch (above) is again broken in the same spot as the previous band had broken - the plastic loop splits after the band begins to separate from use. I think Timex knows this and is cashing in.It is still a very good watch and I recommend its purchase. IF we could find an exact velcro replacement band, it would be a great buy!

I've been a fan of Timex watches for most of my life, paying about $30 for one in the 1960s, and that hasn't changed at all in 2010 because I'm still paying about $30 for my Timex watches. It is a rare case indeed when the quality of a product continually improves over several decades while the price remains the same. And as John Cameron Swayze would say in those live ads during the early years of TV, "Timex takes a lickin and keeps on tickin".The MEGA deserves a good review after I have been using it for a while. You might also see it advertized as the "Oversize" because most distinctive about this design is its size, so tagging it with the name MEGA is entirely justified. It is massive in comparison to most of the other Ironman series of watches, and what seemed at first to be just another unnecessary Ironman 30 Lap design has turned out to be one of my favorites for all-around wearing. This new design keeps the clockworks of the standard size 30 Lap Ironman watches, it counts up and down, programs the same, has several alarms, and of course, it has the Indigo night light that works so well.This is one of five different versions of the Mega available in the USA, and the only one with a Fastwrap Velcro wristband with blue striping and a matching blue bezel. Velcro wristbands are a favorite among many athletes and when it wears out, it can be replaced with either an identical factory band or one that is made of urethane rubber.Overall, the Mega is a good choice for runners in need of a new 30 lap Ironman who can appreciate having a watch that is distinctively larger and what I would consider to be much better in appearances over the others of standard or mid size Ironman dimensions.