Ironman? That's a name I've not heard in a long time

At least, that’s the thought that crossed my mind when I received the news on this new watch. Back in my junior high days, it seemed like Timex Ironman watches were the absolute pinnacle of a “cool” watch. Time change, and while Timex has kept on ticking, the Ironman line hasn’t gotten the attention. They’re trying to change that now with the Timex Ironman R300.

Along with this bringing the Ironman name back to the watch forefront, the Timex Ironman R300 is the brand’s first foray into the world of smart watches. Sure, there’s a time and a place for a solid, basic, digital watch, and even a tough one. If that’s the starting point, the leap to a more robust smartwatch certainly seems like a logical move.

Along with smart notifications (no word on the OS on the watch, or how detailed it’s connection to your watch is), the other basics are there – activity and sleep tracking, optical HR monitoring, training modes for different activities, and a 30m WR rating (so you can swim with). One of the bigger points that the Timex Ironman R300 is right to emphasize is battery life. Here, they’re claiming up to a 25 day charge in “smartwatch” mode, though that drops precipitously to just 20 hours if you’re using the GPS (handy for outdoor runs). Talking to orbiting space radios takes juice!

The other big thing the Timex Ironman R300 has going for is it’s price. At $120 this will be one of the most inexpensive fitness-oriented smart watches that we’ve seen as of late. The 41mm case seems reasonably sized, and at 13mm thick it shouldn’t feel (or look) like a brick on the wrist. We’ve requested a review loaner, so we can give you our take on how it works at the gym, as well as how it interacts with your phone. So, keep an eye out for that, as well as further additions to the Ironman range later this year. timex.com

Features

Extremely Long battery life (Up to 25 days Smart, 20 Hours GPS)
Onboard GPS

On-wrist optical heart rate
Bluetooth connectivity with Smart Notifications
24/7 Activity Tracking (Steps, Distance, Calories,
Sleep & Pace when running on Treadmill & Sedentary Reminder)