TimexMen's Expedition Base Shock 45mm Watch

Boyfriend needed a durable watch since watches he purchased would break while working. He would constantly buy watches at the store ecause they broke during the night of work. Every couple months he had to buy a new watch .I ordered this one for christmas gift and so far he loves it. The numbers are easy to read he loves the light . Great buy

*** 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.

Always great quality with Timex

I am a professional geek of more than 40 years and Military/Combat Arms 25 years. Thus I need to know precise and reliable time. In uniform, the Timex Expedition series served me well, through some of the harshest environments. In 25 years I only replaced it once...with the same. They do last and even the batteries last at least a couple years and easy to replace.Once I retired from the military, and as part of being a professional geek, I "retired" my tactical watch from daily wear. I decided to test several of the newer, "smart watches" ranging from Apple Watch Series 1 to several others in the $30-$50 range, with varying degrees of success meeting the same requirements of my "tactical watch".I subscribed to the concept of, "Function over Form," in all my professions from Military to Engineering. In my opinion, at this time, "Smart Watches" do not meet the requirements of two main functions - Rugged and Reliable Time when you need it. Even with smartwatches that claim 4-7 days between recharges, all of them, invariably needed me to recharge it at the worst possible moments. That is already a show stopper for me. With regards to rugged...there is little doubt they do NOT meet the same standards as old school time pieces like this one. Thus I switched back, bought a newer one, and already love this updated version.

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.