(Pictured at Left: Timex GPS) This is a really advanced GPS watch. It’s also surprisingly easy to use. You can get it in three colors (Pink, Blue, Black). It’s the latest addition to the jogging watch line. Below are my reviews of the classic style.s This one by Timex is the only one to offer GPS.
How to Pick out a Running and Jogging Watch:
You can’t wear, or rather you shouldn’t wear a regular watch when you are running or jogging. Normal watches are not designed to handle the stress of running. There are a couple of things to think about: sweat, jostling movement, damage, and material.
There are some other design factors that you need to think about too. When you are running you want a watch that is clear to read. You don’t want some complicated static roman numeral design, or a modern slash design. You want clear digital display. This lets you get the time and other information.
The watches I talk about here are all mid level priced. Some are around 20 bucks. These watches will have chronographs, lap timers, a nice clear display and a comfortable band. If you want something more advanced that includes GPS, then you are going to want to read my reviews on the Sunuto and higher end watches. Those are designed for camping, backpacking, hiking and exploring. You probably don’t need all of that functionality when it comes to jogging, so I am only going to discuss the popular brands here.
Important Things To Think About When Getting A Watch for Running or Jogging
Sweat: Sweat is the enemy of most watches. You don’t want corrosion of the band material or the watch itself. I had a really nice Timex Camper for a while and used that as an exercise watch but the band wasn’t meant for exercise. It also didn’t have a lap feature and an easy to read face. I like bands that are a rubber or synthetic that don’t breakdown under sweat. Also, I like a watch that has been designed to handle sweat. This means one that is water resistant. Ideally, you also want one that is shock resistant.
Shock: You might not think that you need a watch that will handle shock, but you do. You’re swinging your arms around when you run. It puts a lot of stress on the insides of a watch unless it has been designed to handle it. Some watches are designed to handle shock more than others. Timex and Casio both integrate it into their designs.
By the way: Have you ever seen the inside of a watch? The pieces are tiny and very intricate. Jostling them about is not a good idea.
Lap Timer and Chronograph: It’s like a beefed up stop-watch. You will want this if you are going to keep track of your time. This is good for cross-country runners and joggers as well sprinters.
Some of the key features of watches for runners and joggers include:
- Lap Timers
- Large Display
- Sweat Resistance Band
- Stop Watch Function
- GPS
- Heart Rate Monitor
Some of the features (GPS) are not common. It is up to you to decide if you need them. For instance, I wouldn’t need to use a GPS when I go out running. I do think it’s a good idea if you are someone who goes running in backwoods trails. For trailrunners, it’s a cool model. Hikers are going to love it.
The essential ones are: Lap Timers, Large Clear Display, and a Rubber Sweat Resistant Band.
The big two brands are Casio and Timex. Another brand you might consider is Armitron.
Timex Ironman Running Watches
Timex is well know for making quality watches for a low price. You don’t have to spend a weeks salary buying a watch. More specifically they make really great performance watches. I like their Ironman series because it has a very basic design and yet has all of the features you would ever want: Alarms, Lap Counters, Chronograph, and a Large Clear Time Display.
Mens Timex Ironman
Here’s what I like about this:
Large and Clear Time Display. It is easy to see when you are running.
The Buttons are large and easy to use while you are in motion.
Chronograph and Lap Timers
Nice resin material.
It also has a bunch of extras such as:
Workout Log which can keep track of your best times running.
Water Resistant (For runners, this is important because it makes it good as sweet resistant.)
Has an Indigo Light System.
There is also a model for ladies. Here is the women’s model.
Womens Timex Ironman
This is a style that works great for women joggers.
It has the same features as the men’s version: Chronograph, Lap Times, Indigo Light, and it’s water resistant.
Casio Running Watches
If you prefer Casio to Timex, and many people do, then here are my favorites. For the ladies there is an excellent watch. It has a clear face and is easy to see when you are running. Men have the option of choosing one of the G-Shocks. I didn’t include the Pathfinder, even though it’s a great watch, because it is not easy to read while you are running. I chose a G-Shock with a very clean design and something that is easy to read while you are running.
Women’s Casio Running Watch
This has a lap counter and stopwatch function. It also has a total distance covered function. This is a bit different than a pedometer but can function in a similar way.
It’s also water resistant and it is excellent for sweet.
Men’s Casio Solar Running
I like the features that come with this. You get:
Multiple Alarms
Bright Illuminate Light
Resin Band (excellent for sweat)
Other Brands:
The other brand is Armitron. These are popular but not as well known as Casio or Timex. Armitron is a good brand. Armitron was one of the pioneers of digital display. Back in the mid 1970s they were designing watches using an LED display. These turned out to be a energy consuming design so Armitron engineers came up with the alternative, the LCD. I like the look of their running watch. It looks like a Casio Pathfinder except it is a bit less cluttered.
The Armitron Mens Running Watch
Honestly this functions as a complete adventure watch. I included it in the picks for running watches because it has lap timers, a clear display, a nice band, and it is water resistant.
You also get calendars, dates, chimes, alarms, and loads of other features.
This is also really affordable. So you won’t have to worry about it breaking and costing you tons of money.
Here is the Women’s Model:
This has lap countdowns, timers, and also a nice resin band that is great for sweat.
Also don’t forget to look into the line of G-Shocks. These are super durable and very cost effective. They have a rubber strap that is thick enough to not fall apart like some of the cheaper running watches. The other great thing about the G-shock design is that they are clear and easy to read while you are running. Plus, they have timers so you can check your speed around a track, or over the cross country course. While these watches are not explicitly sold as running watches, I really think that they are perfect. I use one when I go running and it’s perfect. I never have to deal with sweaty writs and the chaffing that you get with a nylon, leather, or metal strap. The texture on the Casio G Shock is very pleasant.
