Men'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.

The fit, function, and finish is absolutely great for this watch. My only complaint is the watch face/lens scratches verify easily. Being the watch model name is “Expedition” and SHOCK is even written on the face I would have liked the face to be more scratch resistant. Otherwise it’s an outstanding watch and I would gladly buy again!

I'll frame this 5-star review in the context of graveyard/low-light work and comparison will be with the Casio W736H8BVCF 'Vibrating Alarm's model. Both are negative-display, similar size, and in the same price range. Display: This was my top priority in looking for a new watch. While both boast of a bright illumination, the Timex wins hands down. Large time, Indigo provides brighter, more uniform illumination than the Casio's single bottom LED. Day, date, time, all easily readable- the main reason to buy this. Does it have a stopwatch or alarms or dual-time zone functions? I think so, but it's irrelevant to why I bought this. Size: the Timex's case is slightly wider but shorter than the Casio's. Overall, it wears better under long sleeves. The Casio did get bumped noticeably more in day to day activities as well. Band: the Casio is the typical ridged resin band for the brand, while the Timex is a silicone band. Both wear well and while the silicone band of the Timex is noticeably softer, both were equally comfortable and neither caused discomfort. If you need a watch to simply tell day/date/time and have amazing illumination, get this. The Casio looks and feels nicer/higher quality but the Timex wins solely on display and illumination. Niche? Yes. Helpful? Maybe.

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.

This watch is well-made and has the standard set of features one finds in the Timex line of sport/utility watches, including 12/24 hour format, stopwatch and lap counter, timer, backlight, and multiple alarms. There are two major flaws with this watch: the stopwatch/lap counter design and the contrast. Stopwatch/Lap Counter The "chronometer" on this watch works like most other Timex stopwatches with a lap counter, but it displays the current lap in a much smaller font, regardless of which setting you choose. This makes it considerably less convenient if you are trying to focus more on laps than on time. The start/lap button is also placed inconveniently. Despite the presence of a large button on the face of the watch below the display, the start/lap button is placed in the top right corner. Moderately inconvenient for right-handed users, downright dreadful for southpaws. There's no compelling reason why the start/lap button shouldn't be the large center button, especially for an athlete's watch, and this oversight is one of the biggest design flaws of the watch. Contrast As the image(s) show(s) the watch has a dark backdrop unlike most digital watches. This is a very stylistically pleasing design for a watch, but it's horrid if you plan on using the watch in anything other than ideal lighting conditions. Although there is a built-in backlight, and when standing still the watch is perfectly legible, I suspect most other athletes will find the poor contrast an annoyance. A sports watch is meant to make life easier in the moment, and the poor contrast fails at that singular task along with the timer/lap display mentioned above. If you are looking for a casual watch to wear and don't care about using it for workouts, then this watch is well-priced and built well. If, however, you plan on using this watch for your workouts, skip this model and go for a more dedicated sports watch that might run 20-30% more, but will make you much happier in the end.

Looks great on the wrist, perfect size for the gym.

I've had this watch for one month and so far I really like it. it is as rugged as advertised. I'm usually leery of rubber watch bands, but this one is thick and sturdy. the functionality is intuitive, as with all Timex watches that I have owned. I particularly like that two time zones can be kept in this watch, which is useful for anyone who travels or needs to keep GMT time like me. Pilots and ham radio operators would do well with this watch. be warned that the display is rather dark except in bright light conditions, but that is one of the reasons I chose this watch.this is certainly not a watch that would give away your position due to its glow. I could not be more pleased with this timepiece, and the price is definitely right.