TimexMen's Expedition Base Shock 45mm Watch

*** Update 5/2/13*** It is a pleasure to report that it has been almost 4.5 years and this product is still working flawlessly. I used it on a 5.5 mile run and it is as good as the day I got it. See comments to this review -- others have made good tips that I agree with. The bottom line -- if you are still using it after this amount of time, you are either ready for an upgrade or at least won't mind having to buy another unit!Original Review:I'd hoped that getting this new running gadget would encourage me to exercise more often. So far so good. I asked for this for Christmas and, well, it has accomplished it's primary function for me... I've been running almost every day since I got it. I was turned off by the gigantic size of some HRMs, and did not need something to keep track of splits as I run on my treadmill at home and the gym.As a heart rate monitor, the functionality is pleasantly simple. It tracks your heart rate for the whole workout. You hit the big button to start, and it goes to work tracking the length of time, the average heartbeat, and the peak. While you are running, it displays your current heartbeat. That's it -- but sometimes it's better to keep it simple.I should point out that, as a watch, the watch piece tells the time and date only. If you want/need splits and a stopwatch, you should look elsewhere.Here's some other thoughts: I was worried that the strap would break but realized after a couple workouts that I was probably wearing it a little too tight. Since adjusting, it is much more comfortable, has not fallen off, and, as a guy, you *almost* forget that you have it on. My wife cracked up when I took my shirt off after a recent workout. She said that, from the back, it looked like I was wearing a bra (or Manzierre, or Bro, if you prefer).I had no original intention of wearing it while NOT working out, but I've found it addictive, and have enjoyed observing how drinking a cup of coffee while sitting at my desk does raise my heart rate about 10-15 beats per minute on average. Also, as I've started to get in a little better shape over the last 3 weeks, I see that I have to run either farther or faster to get my heart rate up to certain thresholds. And, now my heart rate does not go up as high from merely climing the stairs at home. I believe that these insights, among others, are very encouraging for someone who is just getting back in shape. The encouragement aspect combined with the simplicity makes this a great starter heart rate monitor for anyone considering.

I have 2 other perfectly good watches 1 a 15 year old Fossil analog Chrono and 1 5 year old Seiko analog Chrono (both weigh a ton) but wanted to go digital for an everyday knock around watch. I looked around and decided to give this Timex Expedition a try and I'm glad I did. Most important thing the price was right, I liked the look and size it's so lightweight forget it's there. The Blackout display does take some getting used to but so does a new pair of glasses, the Indiglo works perfect night or day. All in all this seems a good watch but only Time will tell I've only had it a few days so far.

Always great quality with Timex

After experimenting with a series of digital and analog watches for half a decade, (And maybe more), Watch finally meets my realistic, every day needs: a durable, inexpensive, large-bodied digital watch, which is incredibly easier to read, looks good on my wrist, and has little or no extraneous features. Granted that plastic strap isn’t exactly a luxury detail, but it’s working so far.

This watch is a little bit larger and thicker than the normal full-sized men’s Expedition, but it fits really well and is surprisingly light. It feels very sturdy and is well crafted. The display readout is a soft tan which in low light is difficult to read, but if you turn the watch face toward any light source the numbers appear very brightly and are very easy to see against the black background. The Indiglo back-lighting works great too!!! I would definitely recommend this watch!!!**Update 10/05/16** - I have had this watch for just under 3 years and it is still performing GREAT!!! My Indiglo light still works every time I press it, and although the face is scratched up (I'm tough on my watch as I wear it facing down on my wrist so it hits / contacts everything and I never take it off) it is still very readable. I finally broke the band on my watch today (I'm shocked it lasted this long, see above comment on how I am very tough on my watch). I'm going to order another one of these watches today before they are no longer available. Hope this update helps anyone thinking about purchasing this watch.