TimexMen's Ironman Triathlon Classic 100 44mm Watch

I will start my review with an admission:I hate digital watches.I think 7-segment numbers look ugly, and I prefer the ability to see the 'distance' between times visually that you get with an analog face.But I needed the timer and lap counter for my job, and I have always wanted to do interval training to improve my speed and endurance while cycling. This watch had everything I needed and more. I was aware that Timex was a respected brand, and the T5E231 was the only watch in my price range with the ability to count 199 laps.I have to say, though, that after a week of use, I actually love this watch. Not only does it meet my needs functionally, but it actually brings me pleasure to wear it and operate it. The yellow trim around the inside of the bezel clearly identifies it as a sport watch, yet it seems to fit in well in formal settings. The interface is incredibly user-friendly and satisfying to operate. I never thought I would refer to a watch's "interface", but this watch actually has one. Pressing most of the buttons results in actual text being displayed on the screen telling you what the button did, or what will happen if you hold that button down just a little longer. In most modes there are even little labels that appear on the screen by the buttons telling you what they do in that mode. Figuring out how to use almost all of the functions only required five minutes of random experimentation. The only thing I had to consult the manual about was how to switch the chronograph into lap counter mode. I just wish there instructions explaining how to fold the manual back into a size that fits inside the watch stand.There are so many little touches that make it clear the designers at Timex really take pride in their work. Here are my favorites:-When turning night mode on, the Indiglo lingers for another few seconds after releasing the button. But when turning it off, the light extinguishes immediately! It should, since if you are turning night mode off, it's probably daytime and you don't need the Indiglo anymore.-Being able to scroll numbers backwards and forwards while setting times. On other watches it is so frustrating to 'miss' the number you want and have to press the button 60 more times.-Little icons appear on the home screen letting you know if the timer, chronograph, or alarm is running in the background. Most watches only have an icon for the alarm.-The speaker plays a different sound for the alarm and the timer, so you know which one is going off without looking at the screen. Also the Indiglo light flashes.-The Indiglo system is clearly a masterwork of engineering. It looks evenly lit and is very easy to read, yet it doesn't illuminate anything other than the display (unlike the backlight on a phone, for example). This must save a lot of battery power, since lighting up other objects around the watch is a waste of electricity. Besides, you have your phone for that!-In timer mode, you can see what time the timer was originally set for on another line below the countdown.-The AM and PM appear in the same place on the display; there is just one little segment that lights up to turn the P into an A.-Many of the buttons that perform an irreversible or potentially unwanted function (such as resetting the chrono or clearing workout data) require being held down for several seconds so you don't trigger them accidentally.-The watch tells you how much memory is free for storing workouts.There is only one problematic thing about this watch (and it may actually be a problematic thing about myself). In order to activate the FLIX system I am required to wrench my arm so hard I nearly dislocate it. It is painful, and takes way more effort than just pressing the Indiglo button. This doesn't bother me, because I didn't buy this watch with the intention to ever use FLIX, but it is somewhat frustrating that it is so hard to use. However, it is possible that my technique is flawed, and there is an easier movement that will activate it. But I don't really want to experiment; I like my arm in its current uninjured state.In all, I am very satisfied with my purchase. I love everything it does, and the only 'negative' probably says more about me than it does about the watch. Considering my abhorrence of digital watches, I am surprised that I like this one so much. I don't plan to wear it any other time than while at work or working out, but for those times it is not only tolerable, but actually enjoyable.I highly recommend this watch!

This is already my 2nd TIMEX which I use for my swimming practices..This one beats the older model (Timex 51931 Ironman Triathlon) with some interesting changes:1) The larger digits on this model makes it easier to read the numbers (as some mentioned to do so when running) even when I am swimming, with a quick flick of the wrist at the turn, it's possible to see the minutes and the seconds.... The older model had smaller number, thus not making it possible to do this.2) The navigation on this model became quite easier. It was already easy on the older model but this one included instructions on screen, such as NEXT, DONE, + or - in order to advance with your practices and training... Plus a chance to change the way you want to see the information of the your laps (Laps in the big digits and splits at the smaller one, or the oposite)A Real nice add on by TIMEX.3) A simple but effective wrist band "clip" (the tiny piece of strap that attachs the "extra" wrist band that is left after you put the clock on)It has a piece of rubber on the inside that locks on at the wrist band and does not make it loose or even letting it go as some other watches do sometimes. This is more effective underwater I think, as it remains the way you set your wrist, as the older model I had did not quite held in place all the time.4) Plenty of memory (100 laps is really a nice number), maybe more then most will need but, as a swimmer I use to count splits over 100m (or yards) with many laps during one training... It is quite usefull. I go easily on 10 to 15 laps of the memory in one training.And with the date feature, that reminds when you did these times, it is quite usefull to keep track on the training with a spreadsheet, for instance... (as I do !)5) A really big START/SPLIT buttom that is great to press when I am swimming laps and have to press myself at each turn at the pool.Just perfect. Never a miss !And the feature which was already at most of the models, of the repeat countdown, and the start of a chrono, or a repeat (what I use the most) in order race agains your average rhitym inside a certain time frame that you can set it up ! And of course the flix technology, which is very good to have it... Just flick your wrist (when you set it to ON) and it will show you at night all info that you need.It is another great watch from TIMEX and it deserves a look, specially for the price. It is worth to pay a bit more if you are like me and uses a lot of the memory for the laps on swimming pool. Maybe for runners it can be quite a lot of memory, but the price difference is worth the change, for some of the options mentioned at this review.This is a really good watch to have..Will you definatelly like as we all are at these reviews.:-) It deserves the 5 stars rating !

Compared to many of the watches out there this watch is relatively basic in function. It has Stop watch, Chronometer functions as well as date and time for two time zones but I really like the larger size text used for time. I need glasses to read, and so many times I'm caught doing an activity where the glasses have been left behind but the need to keep up with time is still necessary. With this watch I can still make out the time even with my dysfunctional peepers. I've been wearing a Timex for over thirty years and they have been solid reliable watches. I'm betting this one will follow suite.

The larger screen on this watch makes seeing the time much easier if your eyes are starting to struggle with a regular Ironman.And it’s actually less “bulky” than the old standard too! Sleeker, flatter face/bezel and slimmer straps. All nice bonuses.The only problem is that the designers seemed to only focus on the time. The top half of the display is almost never used.Instead of putting the day/date info above the time where it is on a regular Ironman, they left it empty and squeezed the information under the time. Day of the week and numerical month/day, a lot to fit under the time. This actually makes it smaller than it is on the regular Men’s Ironman watches.Wouldn’t it stand to reason if you’re buying a larger display watch, you need it to display information in a larger size?If your eyes are fine and you want a nice large faced casual watch, with a lower profile and sleeker look than a traditional Ironman (men’s) this is a great watch.Outstanding for the cost. Super easy to see time, easy to use all the features, and Indiglo comes through like a champ, as always. Lights up and no problem with visibility.