4 best watch for triathlons

Watches designed for triathlons are specialized timepieces that cater to the unique needs of triathletes, who participate in a demanding sport that combines swimming, cycling, and running. These watches offer a range of features to help triathletes monitor their performance, track their training, and optimize their race strategy. Here are some key features and considerations related to triathlon watches:

  1. Multi-Sport Tracking: Triathlon watches are equipped to track multiple activities seamlessly. They allow athletes to switch between swimming, cycling, and running modes without stopping or manually changing settings.

  2. Water Resistance: Since triathlons involve swimming, these watches are designed to be highly water-resistant. They can typically withstand extended periods in the water and accurately record swim metrics such as distance, stroke count, and pace.

  3. GPS and Mapping: GPS functionality is crucial for tracking running and cycling routes. Triathlon watches often provide detailed mapping and route planning features to help athletes navigate unfamiliar terrain during races or training.

  4. Heart Rate Monitoring: These watches come with heart rate sensors, either built into the watch itself or via a compatible chest strap. Monitoring heart rate is essential for assessing exertion levels and optimizing training intensity.

  5. Advanced Metrics: Triathlon watches often provide advanced metrics such as cadence, stride length, power output (for cycling), and even running dynamics like ground contact time and vertical oscillation.

  6. Battery Life: Long battery life is crucial for triathletes who might be training or racing for extended periods. Some watches offer power-saving modes to extend battery life during races.

  7. Transition Timing: Specialized triathlon watches include features for tracking transition times between swimming, cycling, and running, helping athletes analyze their performance at each stage.

  8. Data Analysis: These watches sync with dedicated apps or software, allowing athletes to analyze their training and race data in detail.This includes reviewing splits, elevation changes, heart rate zones, and more.

  9. Smart Notifications: Triathlon watches often offer smartwatch features such as call and message notifications, which can be handy during training when athletes need to stay connected.

  10. Compatibility: Ensure that the watch is compatible with other fitness equipment and sensors you might use, such as bike power meters or foot pods.

  11. Design and Comfort: Triathlon watches should be comfortable to wear for extended periods and designed to stay securely on the wrist, even during the rigors of swimming, biking, and running.

  12. Price Range: Triathlon watches come in a wide range of prices, so it's essential to find one that meets your budget while still offering the features you need.

Some popular brands that offer triathlon-specific watches include Garmin, Suunto, Polar, and Timex. When choosing a triathlon watch, consider your specific needs, the sports you participate in, and your budget to find the best fit for your training and racing goals.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best watch for triathlons on the market
  

Timex Ironman Classic 30 Full-Size 38mm Watch

Timex

Based on 8 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The undisputed favorite in sport watches, crosses nearly every finish line in the world. Built to be lightweight and sealed for water resistance, the iconic five-button design gives you direct access to all timers, alarms and of course our Indiglo night-light.

  • Made in USA or Imported
  • Adjustable black 16 millimeter resin strap fits up to 8-inch wrist circumference
  • 100-hour chronograph with 30-lap memory; 24-hour countdown timer. On-screen prompts make setting easy forward or backward setting
  • 3 daily, weekday or weekend alarms; 24-hour military time mode; 3 time zones; Day, date and month calendar
  • Gray and black 38 millimeter resin case with acrylic lens; Gray digital display; Indiglo light-up watch dial
  • Water resistant to 100 meters (330 feet): In general, suitable for swimming and snorkeling, but not diving

Product features

Ironman Classic 100

The Timex Ironman Classic 100 features a large display and fast 5-button access to 100-lap stopwatch memory, customizable alarm and interval/countdown timers. Water-resistant to 100 meters with Timex Indiglo backlight.

Ironman Classic 50

The Timex Ironman Classic 50 was built as a lightweight sports watch and is sealed for water-resistance. Features include a stopwatch with a 50-lap memory, customizable alarm, countdown timer and Indiglo back-light. Water-resistant up to 100 meters.

Ironman Classic 30

The Timex Ironman Classic 30 comes in a variety of fun colors and patterns with both full and mid-size case options. Features include a stopwatch with a 30-lap memory, customizable alarm, countdown timer and Indiglo back-light. Water-resistant up to 100 meters.

Garmin 010-01746-00 Forerunner 935 Running GPS Unit, Triathlon Watch with Wrist-Based Heart Rate, Black, BROAGE Data Cable

Based on 2 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Forerunner 935

Who cares that Forerunner 935 gives you rich data like running dynamics, wrist-based heart rate, training status, FTP and VO2 max? A dedicated athlete like you who’s ready to beat yesterday. This premium GPS running/triathlon watch helps you fine-tune your training and recovery to be a better athlete.

 Offers advanced running and multisport features in a comfortable watch you can wear all day, and it only weighs 49 grams

 Provides elevation changes with a built-in barometer; altimeter and electronic compass help you keep your bearings

 Evaluates your training status to indicate if you’re undertraining or overdoing it and offers additional performance monitoring features

 Provides advanced dynamics for running, cycling and swimming, including ground contact time balance, stride length and more

 Battery life: up to 2 weeks in watch mode, up to 24 hours in GPS mode or up to 50 hours in UltraTrac mode

  • Premium GPS running/triathlon watch with wrist based heart rate;Strap material : silicone ; Smartphone compatibility : iPhone, Android, Windows; designed for sale and support in North America only
  • Offers advanced running and multisport Features in a comfortable watch you can wear all day, and it only weighs 49 grams
  • Provides elevation changes with a built in barometer; altimeter and electronic compass help you keep your bearings
  • Evaluates your training status to indicate if you’re undertraining or overdoing it and offers additional performance monitoring Features
  • Provides advanced dynamics for running, cycling and swimming, including ground contact time balance, stride length and more. Bezel Material Fiber reinforced polymer

User questions & answers

Question: Can i run without my phone? if i have wifi at home, can it work without my phone at all? basically, is it dependent on some app to setup/work
Answer: you need to buy a special USB cable which suitable for TK103A use only, beside my friend, this USB cable is not big use, only support to configure the IP, port, change password, set the admin number, which support you save about 5 SMS cost , not any other use
Question: Can it receive heart rate from Polar H10 chest strap
Answer: For collect the sound to listen in, so when you change the model to listen in, you call and can hear the sound around the tracker.
Question: Este dispositivo tiene body battery
Answer: The device can transmit the "Accessory On" Key Position. If it's the "Ignition On" Key Position required then the wire that detects the "Accessory On" position can be wired to detect the "Ignition On" Key Position instead. Here is a sample of results I get from my unit:Power: ONBattery: 100%GPRS: OFFGPS: ONACC: ONDoor: OFFGSM: 13Oil: 0.00%Power on refers to the power supply to the GPS unit.
Question: Does it work with the garmin hrm-run (i.e. not the hrm-tri
Answer: You do not need to use it with the recommended tracking software/website (the website seems to have a cost and gave me an error for my imei) - you can also use it with many many other sites. I use www.gps-trace.com - but there are more listed if you google "gpspassion.com Live GPS tracking systems". if you are using gps-trace.com (I use it cause it's free and the first one i found that worked) then your device is listed as an Xexun tk103-2; and you connect to ip 193.193.165.166 port: 20462 . You will need to put the APN and userid/password for the APN of the netwowrk operator you are using. You will also need to tell the unit to switch on gprs- which is done with the gprs123456 command where you substitute 123456 for your password. With the www.gps-trace.com site you can track a number of vehicles - obviously each will have to have it's own device. I'm not affiliated with any of the above websites btw, just my experience.

Product features

Forerunner 935
Monitor Your Performance, Training and Recovery

Just how effective is your current training plan? Forerunner 935 will help you monitor your training and recovery so you can better prepare for a race or training cycle. Training status is a new performance monitoring tool that automatically evaluates your recent exercise history and performance indicators to let you know if you’re training productively, peaking or overreaching. The new anaerobic training effect metric opens a window of insight to a critical dimension of training.

Analyze Your Technique

We’re making it easier to get the data you need to improve your form. Let Forerunner 935 measure crucial running metrics that you can use to analyze your performance. Biomechanical measurements such as cadence, stride length, ground contact time and balance, vertical oscillation and vertical ratio are the key to understanding your form so you can bring your best on race day. These metrics are available with the addition of a compatible heart rate strap or the compact Running Dynamics Pod, which clips right onto your waistband.

Run, Sprint, Swim, Bike, Tri

Your routine is anything but routine. Forerunner 935 lets you change things up with ease thanks to built-in activity profiles for running (indoor/outdoor), cycling (indoor/outdoor), swimming (pool/open water), cross-country skiing, paddle sports, trail running, hiking, strength training and many more. For brick workouts and du/triathlon races, the auto multisport feature lets you switch sports with just one button press. The 935 is compatible with advanced workouts for running, cycling — and even pool swimming.

Smarter Connections

Smart notifications delivered right to your wrist are just the beginning. When paired with your compatible smartphone, Forerunner 935 also gives you access to automatic uploads to Garmin Connect, audio prompts, music controls and more. Let your loved ones follow your runs and rides in real time with LiveTrack — or use GroupTrack, which lets you keep tabs on your riding buddies as you go. For getting your data to and from the cloud, if you like the quick connection Wi-Fi provides, 935 can do that, too.

Follow Your Heart

Wrist-based heart rate might be an easy choice when you want to move without restrictions on race day, but Forerunner 935 gives you the option to tap into much more data with the addition of a compatible heart rate strap. A chest strap heart rate monitor (like HRM-Run or HRM-Tri) unlocks advanced features such as lactate threshold and the HRV (heart rate variability) stress test.

Make Every Day a Competition

Get the extra push you need to beat yesterday with Strava Live Segments. Strava Premium members can sync running and cycling segments to their 935 for live feedback during their activities. Also get alerts for segment starts and finishes, view leaderboard rankings, and see how your current effort compares to your PR.

Timex Women's Ironman 30-Lap Digital Quartz Mid-Size Watch, Gray/Pink - T5K020

Timex

Based on 615 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The undisputed favorite in sport watches crosses nearly every finish line in the world. Built to be lightweight and sealed for water resistance, the iconic five-button design gives you direct access to all timers, alarms and of course our Indiglo night-light.

The Timex Women's Ironman Triathlon Resin Band Watch features a lightweight, comfortable resin band designed for a race where every ounce counts. The timepiece is constructed with a durable metal case, a lightweight pink plastic bezel, and a pink-and-gray resin wristband with an adjustable buckle clasp. A durable mineral window shields the digital-gray dial face, which displays the time as well as the day, date, and month. Four gray buttons decorate the bezel and include mode, set/recall, Indiglo, and stop/reset functions. A prominent gray start/split button rests below the six o'clock position. This athletic timepiece is powered by digital-quartz movement and is water resistant to 330 feet.

  • Made in USA or Imported
  • Adjustable gray 14mm resin strap fits up to 7.5-inch wrist circumference
  • 100-hour chronograph with 30-lap memory; 24-hour countdown timer
  • 3 daily, weekday or weekend alarms; 24-hour military time mode; 2 time zones; day, date & month calendar
  • Silver-tone & pink 34mm resin case with acrylic lens; black digital display; Indiglo light-up watch dial
  • Water resistant to 100m (330ft): in general, suitable for swimming and snorkeling, but not diving

User questions & answers

Question: Has anyone had problems with the patterned bands losing their pattern? I wear my watch 24/7 except for showers. I don't want a band that fades
Answer: If you wear it 24/7 and out in the sun it will fade slightly over time. But, I wouldn't trade mine for anything else and I got the Teal one. I wear it when I am working around my horses, riding, cleaning, etc. and it never loses time. Love it.
Question: Does this watch count your steps
Answer: Hello,No This was does not count stepsWith Kind Regards
Question: I have had this watch for a couple years now and I went swimming with it and now it no longer displays. Can this be fixed
Answer: I've had two of these and each lasts about a year and then dies. I only went swimming once with my newest watch and it 'fogged' up for awhile afterwards. Today I brought it in to have the battery changed because it was dead and she told me there was moisture in it (I never shower in it, push buttons when washing hands, etc). When she tried to change the battery it didn't work. She checked the battery and it was fine. Same thing happened with my 1st watch. So, exactly 1 year and 3 days later I am buying a new one.
Question: how many alarms and timers can you set
Answer: You can set 3 alarms. For the timer, I think you can only set one at a time but it has feature to pause and resume timing and stop to reset to original time period.

Product features

Ironman Classic 100

The Timex Ironman Classic 100 features a large display and fast 5-button access to 100-lap stopwatch memory, customizable alarm and interval/countdown timers. Water-resistant to 100 meters with Timex Indiglo backlight.

Ironman Classic 50

The Timex Ironman Classic 50 was built as a lightweight sports watch and is sealed for water-resistance. Features include a stopwatch with a 50-lap memory, customizable alarm, countdown timer and Indiglo back-light. Water-resistant up to 100 meters.

Ironman Classic 30

The Timex Ironman Classic 30 comes in a variety of fun colors and patterns with both full and mid-size case options. Features include a stopwatch with a 30-lap memory, customizable alarm, countdown timer and Indiglo back-light. Water-resistant up to 100 meters.

SUNROAD Triathlon Fitness Tracker Activity Heart Rate Sports Watch Monitoring GPS Digital Men's Watch with 5ATM Waterproof USB Charger Running Hiking Compass Joggling Wristwatch

SUNROAD

Based on 7 reviews Check latest price
  • Multi-Function: GPS Location/Navigation/Swimming/Running/Walking data/Compass/ Heart Rate Monitoring/Compass/Pedometer/Support Android & IOS system and 5ATM waterproof.
  • Heart Rate Function: Trend chart, max, min, average and current heart rate and heart rate alarm. Let you know the healthy condition at any time.
  • GPS Function: location/navigation/ Longitude & latitude, you can easy to know where you are, don't be afraid to lost the direction.
  • Languages: Support eight languages, whatever where are you, it will find the languages you need.
  • Package List: 1*watch, 1* cleaning cloth and 1*USB charger, if you have any problem, please feel free to connect us.

User questions & answers

Question: does this watch have a stop watch & timer
Answer: Yes is does
Question: How long is the band? I have a large wrist
Answer: The length of the band is 25mm, and the width of the watch is 2.3cm
Question: What is the function of the watch
Answer: It has the GPS,heart rate, compass, Triathlon, support 8 languges and 5ATM waterproof.
Question: what is the watch material
Answer: The black steel ring is IP, watch dial is ABS, and the watch band is made of PU.
Question: How big is the wrist strap
Answer: The size is good. Not too small nor too big
Question: How long is the wristband
Answer: Wristband is 9.5 inches.
Question: What do the faces of these watch look like? Are they easy to read? "Manly" looking? Can i see the time, date & day with a glace no questions
Answer: Yes,

Product features

Features

  • ● Location: GPS location / navigation / Longitude & latitude ● Sports data analyse: walking / running / swimming / cycling / joggling ● Heart rate monitoring: Including trend chart, max, min, average and current heart rate and heart rate alarm ● Swimming: monitoring time / laps / distance / speed / calorie / heart rate etc. ● Cycling: monitoring time / laps / distance / speed / calorie / heart rate etc.

Waterproof Level

WATERPROOF to 50M(5ATM): 160 Ft/50 M water resistance, suitable for swimming and snorkeling, but not diving. Please DONOT press any buttons underwater, and in case of damaging waterproof ring, please keep it away from steam and hot water.

Package list

  • GPS watch *1
  • Cleaning cloth*1
  • Charging line*1 and charging clamp *1

Latest Reviews

View all