Timex Ironman 8-Lap Metal Review

1,071 Words

Introduction:

Like many watch enthusiasts who grew up in the 1980s and 90s, the Timex Ironman is a staple figure in our mind’s tapestry as we look back on the early years of our lives. Along with digital Casios, Timex, with their Ironman and Atlantis series of watches, offered almost every demographic imaginable with a timepiece that was suitable for almost every situation.

Growing up, I had three Timex Ironmans, and I did not have favourable experiences with them. Unlike my basic digital Casio watches, and no, I could not afford a G-Shock as a child or teenager, every Timex Ironman I owned broke. I was a very active child, and as I look around at my peers in their mid-forties, I remain a lot more active than them, and these Ironmans were simply not up to the task of keeping up with me. It should be noted that I always took off my watches before playing sports, and none of them broke while in a competitive arena.

So, when I was handed this very handsome JDM only luxury rendition of the Ironman, my initial thoughts were split. On the one hand, I was impressed at how beautifully made this watch is. On the other, the repeated disappointments from Ironmans in the past revisited me as if they were yesterday. I was instantly transported to the stressful mindset I had as a child as I desperately tried to figure out a way to save up enough money for a new watch.

This feeling is one that I was never able to shake, and it raises an issue of how much longer watch brands can keep dipping back into the well of nostalgia.

Experience and Functions:

All that being set aside, this metal Ironman simply looks stunning. I first saw this watch on a friend’s wrist while he was wearing a suit, and it looked perfect. Gone are the days when only a thin dress watch would rise to the occasion of a formal suit. The advent and sheer dominance of smartwatches make watches such as this Timex which is elevated with a metal case and bracelet acceptable and a conversation starter.

Just as Casio continues to release all metal versions of the square G-Shocks for hundreds to thousands of dollars, Timex Japan decided to enter the same market a couple of years ago by reaching out to the watch’s original designer John Houlihan.

I have spent a fair amount of time with those Casios and this Timex, and I much prefer this Ironman for anything more formal than business casual. To be direct, this is where this watch excels. It is not pretentious and has an elevated and refined presence making this a great addition to one’s wardrobe for the office.

On wrist, the display is clear at all angles of very high contrast. The famed Indiglo light glows as pleasingly as ever, ensuring that the time and date are always in view. However, my complaints about the watch’s functions from decades ago are still present.

First, the chronograph requires a long press of the reset button resulting in missed elapsed timing events. You will need to hold down the Lap/Reset button on top of the case for three full seconds. If you are timing anything which is in an uncontrolled environment, this Ironman, like all other watches who keep the resetting of the chronograph behind a heavy gate of a long press or hands taking their time resetting, is just an inferior timing instrument.

Second, as with almost every Casio digital watch, the alarm is muted to the point of being ineffective. As a child, I relied upon a bedside clock radio to wake me up because of how useless the alarms on the Casios and Timexes were at the time. Today, you’ll have to continue to use your cell phone’s alarm.

Design Elements:

It is highly unlikely that anyone is buying this nearly $500 1980s inspired watch as a functional tool. They are buying this watch because it is a beautiful rendition of a watch which they likely grew up admiring.

The fit and finish of the case, buttons, and bracelet are executed wonderfully on the example I have in for review. The buttons feel smooth and substantial to the touch, while offering the familiar soft actuation of the models it is based upon.

The case and bracelet are in stainless steel, but coated with alternating shiny and matte finishes. This gives both the bracelet and the case a luxurious look and feel. The bracelet is impeccably comfortable and easy to adjust, and this is where most of your $479 Canadian as well spent. This Timex does not feel like an economy experience, and Timex Japan did well to focus on this bracelet. Every link feels as if was machined and then finished to the exact same level of high standards as its neighbouring links. The clasp will be a little difficult to use at first, but it will become second nature after the first couple of days of ownership.

The build quality of the case, display, and the printed elements will also ensure a lack of regret in buying this watch. The sides of the case utilize a beautiful matte coating that contrasts the top shiny coat. Everything about this watch and its stance is focused on quality, and as an owner you will not be disappointed with its price tag.

Conclusion:

As with every topic at the time of writing, pricing and affordability is a matter that is inescapable. This is especially true for a watch that comes in at $479 that is based on a $50-120 watch. Timex Japan has worked hard to make this watch worthy of this price, and those who take issue with its asking price simply do not have enough disposable income to comfortably buy one. To date, the only people I have seen wearing these metal Ironmans were professionals who required six or more years of post-secondary schooling to work in their capacity in their respective fields. This watch is not for everyone, and thank goodness for that. If Timex Japan tried to make this watch with lesser materials for the sake of affordability, it would have resulted in another disposable nostalgia driven trinket. On deciding to not cut any corners, Timex Japan has brought to market an exquisitely made timepiece that should not only make collectors happy, but also those who would wear this every single day.

 

Specifications:

Reference: Ironman 8-Lap Metal TW5M66500

Case Width: 38mm at case, 42mm at buttons
Thickness: 11mm
Lug-Width: 18.5mm
Lug-to-Lug:47mm
Case and bracelet: Stainless steel
Crystal: Plastic
Water Resistance: 100 metres
Lume: Indiglo
Weight: 91 grams
Movement: Multi-function Timex quartz
Price: $479 Canadian