Water resistant vs. waterproof?

RE: Water resistant vs. waterproof?

Former Member — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 09:53:47 GMT

I've got a Timex Expedition that has so far lasted 11 years without a battery change, and with a lot of time in the water. I did take it to a Wal-Mart to have the battery changed about 8 years ago, but the clerk checked the battery charge, blew off some dust, and put it back in. It's still working. The buttons are in the wrong place to use the chrono to record laps (the start/split button is on the side), but it's very similar to the Ironman that I bought recently for that very reason. Timex really does make good watches.

RE: Water resistant vs. waterproof?

Former Member — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 09:40:49 GMT

I got a replacement and it's working fine. Now I can document how slow I am going and not have to guess!

RE: Water resistant vs. waterproof?

Former Member — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 13:14:56 GMT

You got a bad one. Take it back to the store and exchange it. I've swum in Timex Ironman watches for years with no problems. One warning, though - when it's time to change the battery, don't take it someplace like Target or Wal-Mart. Take it to a jeweler, and make sure you tell him that you swim in it. That way he'll be sure to re-install the gasket properly. Anna Lea I agree; except, I've never successfully had a battery replaced. Even a jewelry store didn't get it right. Next swim it did exactly as Geek discribed. I just throw it away. A $30-$40 watch every five years isn't too bad.:shakeshead:

RE: Water resistant vs. waterproof?

Allen Stark — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 12:35:07 GMT

I've been wearing Ironman watches for years.I had the problem you described once,took it back to the dealer,got a replacement and it worked fine.

RE: Water resistant vs. waterproof?

Former Member — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 08:59:03 GMT

I replace Timex batteries myself.... You need small screwdrivers, the correct battery (usually labeled on the back of the watch), and because I'm an over 40 Masters swimmer, a magnifying glass! Never had a problem with leaks.

RE: Water resistant vs. waterproof?

Former Member — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 16:40:46 GMT

Hire Stud to be your pack mule, he's usually lagging behing anyway so put him to good use. I guess Ironman (self-proclaimed) is to you what, Fastskin is to me... Amen :lmao:

RE: Water resistant vs. waterproof?

Former Member — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 15:46:21 GMT

Go for the "water proof" marking. Let me draw a parallel. Water proof is like ....... Dara Torres Water resistent is like ...... Aquageek Both are old now, but one looks and works a lot better. John Smith

RE: Water resistant vs. waterproof?

Former Member — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 15:37:42 GMT

I bought a Timex Ironman 50 lap watch at Target that was supposed to be water resisitant to 100 meters. It lasted about 90 seconds in the pool before water got inside it and the face went blank. Was this just a bad one and I should try another one? Or do I try to find a waterproof watch? Is there such a thing? is it definitely a watch you have to have? I have a waterproof stopwatch that has been in the water fully and even had the battery changed...it's still working.

RE: Water resistant vs. waterproof?

Former Member — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 14:43:25 GMT

..............the face is all scratched up......... I had read somewhere that Brasso worked wonders for scratches on the face. I tried it (using a very soft cloth or cotton balls). It does work.

RE: Water resistant vs. waterproof?

aquageek — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 12:54:31 GMT

I guess Ironman (self-proclaimed) is to you what, Fastskin is to me... Amen That was weak and lame. Go to Target and you'll see the watch. You'll also notice aisles for deodorant and toothpaste, aisles commonly not found in your Euro-Targets.

RE: Water resistant vs. waterproof?

m2tall2 — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 12:53:49 GMT

I had a stint for only a couple months at a jewelry store selling watches. I vaguely remember that no watches are allowed to be marked water proof any more. (I could be remembering incorrectly.) Instead they are water resistant to a certain depth. Water resistent to 100 m should be fine for swimming. Sounds like you have a lemon. I have a Polar F4 (basic women's design) heart rate monitor/watch. It's only water resistant to 50m. I've been swimming with it for a year and a half no problems. (And I get accurate in water heart rates which they say is sometimes an issue for competitive swimmers due to the chest strap shifting.)

RE: Water resistant vs. waterproof?

The Fortress — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 12:37:45 GMT

Hire Fort to write your press briefings in prose. I'm not nearly as good at comedy as you. My timex ironman has held up very well for the last year. I don't always wear it when I'm swimming though.

RE: Water resistant vs. waterproof?

aquageek — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 12:30:29 GMT

Frick and frack. You guys should take your show on the road, the Double' Doof Comedy Duo. Hire Fort to write your press briefings in prose. Hire Stud to be your pack mule, he's usually lagging behing anyway so put him to good use.

RE: Water resistant vs. waterproof?

Former Member — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 11:58:29 GMT

I'm not sure how many years I've been wearing my Timex IRONMAN Triathlon watch, but one of the buttons is missing, the face is all scratched up, and the case is beat up and I can barely make out "100m Water Resistant". I have had the battery replaced once and I think I'm on the 4th wristband. It works great and it truly has been a "Takes a Licking and Keeps On Ticking" watch although it's not quite as old as that ad campaign (50s - 70s, then revived briefly) Last time I went watch-shopping I found a women's watch that had fractured English instructions that it was water-resistant to __ meters which was suitable for men's activities of washing the car, swimming, ... and appropriate women's activities included washing dishes, bathing children, ... bleah!! didn't buy it.

RE: Water resistant vs. waterproof?

Paul Smith — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 11:42:56 GMT

I've also had an ironman timex No surprise there....I'd say the cat is now fully out of the bag!

RE: Water resistant vs. waterproof?

aquageek — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 11:39:30 GMT

I bought a 8.99 sport watch at target three years ago and it swims 3 or 4 days a week with no problems. I think you just got a lemon. I've also had an ironman timex and it was fine, although the battery petered out in about 4 months.

RE: Water resistant vs. waterproof?

Former Member — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 06:18:52 GMT

Was this just a bad one and I should try another one? You got a bad one. Take it back to the store and exchange it. I've swum in Timex Ironman watches for years with no problems. One warning, though - when it's time to change the battery, don't take it someplace like Target or Wal-Mart. Take it to a jeweler, and make sure you tell him that you swim in it. That way he'll be sure to re-install the gasket properly. Anna Lea

RE: Water resistant vs. waterproof?

Former Member — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 05:07:11 GMT

That was weak and lame. Go to Target and you'll see the watch. You'll also notice aisles for deodorant and toothpaste, aisles commonly not found in your Euro-Targets. Dear me we've gone from "fat and slow" to xenophonbia...then again Opie, perhaps you've never left Mayberry...it's common to dislike and fear things new things... It must be a tough day in insurance claim denial land...:mooning:

RE: Water resistant vs. waterproof?

swimshark — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 04:06:23 GMT

You have a bad one. I have the same Ironma, bought from Target. I got it last Sept and wear it in the pool at least 3 times a week with no problems. Only advise I'd give is to get a color that is darker. Mine was a pretty light blue and now it's green from the chlorine. I'm getting a 2nd one soon to wear out of the pool. Alison