Timex Ironman vs Casio G Shock

[sawman]

I'm a long time fan of the "Classic G" but I'd like to point out an obvious 'issue' with the classic G Shock watch is the auto-calendar ending in 2039.  To me, that just makes the watch seem disposable.

Their new solar version GWM5600-1 addresses this, BUT, Casio limited the timer function to only 60 minutes.



Another issue I have with solar power, is IMO it's a hoax.  The battery still only lasts approximately 10 years then needs replacement just like anything battery operated.

This new take on the Classic G is loaded with features (of which I won't list) but at a price of around $100, (even if I had 100.00  ) I hesitate to try this one for myself.

Which leads me to the Timex Shock series:



There are a lot of things I like about this watch, in particular, the 30 lap recall chronograph, and overall design.  I've read mixed reviews; some say the watch is not very water resistant, and I find this to be a slight annoyance.  I have the all white version, and the classic black & gray version and am trying to give both a good workout to see how they hold up.

At a price of around $35, so far I find this a great value.

[Pacu]

I do love a Timex Ironman. For the price you can't beat it. I didn't know they made a shock version

I've had a few different models over the years since my ole mountain biker days in the mid 90s. All of them are still functional but look like a sherman tank ran over them with tracks covered in skateboard tape.

[Zed]

For me a its a G every time, i think there is away around the year issue but forget how to do it i think you can set another year that works out the same ?   i must get another DW5600 at some point 

[Mercury]

I have had two G shock watches.  One I took apart to clean because it *stunk*.  Rubber wristband and bezel made for a great bacteria habitat.  It did not survive reentry. 

The second is my MTG-910dj, a really pricey little gem that I obtained through a trade here brand new.  This watch is dynomite.  I love it.  I would have never spent what it costs to get it, but after having it I am hooked on it till it dies. 

That said I do like the Timex ironman watches, and if for some reason my fancy G was incapacitated, the iron man would be my choice. 

[Sazabi]

For me a its a G every time, i think there is away around the year issue but forget how to do it i think you can set another year that works out the same ?   i must get another DW5600 at some point 

http://www.hermetic.ch/cal_sw/idcal/idcal.php <-- to see which years match up their calendars

[parmenides]

Solar, Atomic G's are the only way to go, imo.  Rugged and stylish, and you've always got the right time.  No battery change required.

That Timex does look like a good value, though.

[New_World]

im trying to decide what watch to get.
??

[5hif7y]

+1 for G-shock

im a g-shock owner and i luv it. haven't tried timex but i do love my casio watches.

[duckman1975]

I was a timex guy. but after my wife bought me one a year ago don't know the model but it's entry level, in less than a year the strap disintegrated. When I tried to have it replaced it will cost me half the price of the watch....... Wife gifted me a G-shock instead

[Mike]

G-Shocks are a good choice and good value.

I wouldn't worry about the calender function only going to 2039. The bezel and strap will long have disintegrated by then and new ones may not be available. Since I don't need the exact time, a few seconds a month is perfectly acceptable to me. So, for me personally solar and atomic are of no particular interest to me.

My basic DW5600e lasted for about 7-8 years on it's original battery (didn't use the light that often or alarms very much). I don't feel changing a battery every 7-8 years is a big deal. I rotated between my basic DW5600e rand well used and beat up DW6600 that is now out of production. The only reason I kind of stopped wearing my DW6600 is that I actually kind of prefer the smaller and less cumbersome DW5600e. Besides, both the dials are about the same size, just the casing makes the size difference.

I think the basic DW5600e is a solid durable watch and is a very good value. Also, this model is so easy to use without having to refer to the manual. For me, that's important as I like to keep things simple.

Good luck on your quest.
Mike

[New_World]

i went the multitool.org way and got BOTH! lol

[sawman]

Small update:  I recently bought a DW-9052 (casio g shock) and the date range is from 2010 to 2099!  It would be cool if they are bringing back other models to further the date range as well.  I have mixed feelings since the beginning of this thread - I am now actually a fan of both Casio and Timex.

[New_World]

Small update:  I recently bought a DW-9052 (casio g shock) and the date range is from 2010 to 2099!  It would be cool if they are bringing back other models to further the date range as well.  I have mixed feelings since the beginning of this thread - I am now actually a fan of both Casio and Timex.

how do you check the date range?

[Grant Lamontagne]

So, you are counting a watch out because it can't count years past 2039?  I doubt I'll still be around in 2039, and if I am, I'll likely have gone through a few watches by then.

That's kind of like not buying Leatherman because the 25 year warranty is too short, isn't it?

Def

[New_World]

So, you are counting a watch out because it can't count years past 2039?  I doubt I'll still be around in 2039, and if I am, I'll likely have gone through a few watches by then.

That's kind of like not buying Leatherman because the 25 year warranty is too short, isn't it?

Def

I don't expect to be wearing my g-shock in 2039, but some people might only wear them obly on special occasions or keep their watches nice as a collectors item maybe?

I beat the crap out of my watches though.
I know I will scratch up the screen in no time. =(

[Grant Lamontagne]

It's rare that a watch lasts me more than a year- I tend to do a lot of strange things and not much in the way of machinery can keep up.  My MTO watch is still going strong and my Orange Monster held up pretty good too, so I'm impressed by them, but I am also just kind of waiting for the day when I will put either of them to rest.

Immersion in salt water one day then freezing temperatures the next followed by some off roading, home renovations, heavy equipment climbing and kayaking the rest of the week means things don't last.

Def

[Mercury]

There's an MTO watch?!?!?! 





 

[sawman]

I know it's kind of odd but a date range of 2039 is a pet peeve to me.  I don't know if I'll be around then either but it's the principle of the thing. 

[Mercury]

C'mon guys you act like the average lifespan is 60!  I know that barring any unhealthy accidents I should be around well after 2039.  I'll only be in my mid 50's at that point.  But I can almost guarantee that I will have bought several new watches by that time so I'm not too worried about a silly date limitation.

[Grant Lamontagne]

There's an MTO watch?!?!?! 





 

Two actually.  This is my EDC watch, the ZA1:



I have a ZA2 as well, but I don't have any photos of it handy.

Def

[ryan1835]

My g shocks already pretty scratched up on the crystal, my modded seiko didn't have a scratch to the screen and had more abuse

[Zed]

My g shocks already pretty scratched up on the crystal, my modded seiko didn't have a scratch to the screen and had more abuse

sadly i scratched my protrek in doors in around 5mins  my rotary divers has had lots of use and no scratches, sadly there are different levels of mineral glass and i dont think casio's is the best  still tough watches though and my DW285 has no scratches after months of abuse,