Simple splits watch

[Becks]

Apologies, this should be in the equipment forum but not sure anyone scrolls down that far anymore! Can anyone recommend a watch in the £20-£30 price range that will take splits - an equivalent of the old Casio that Ultrasport used to sell would be awesome. I don't think my novice running friend really wants to splash out on a Polar or a Garmin, which is all I know about these days!

Cheers!

[Gross]

Big Jon surely still has a stock pile of Casio's

[harry]

Ah the classic casio!
Would recommend the timex ironman watches, can get a good variety of interval bleepage functionality for about £30 and more reliable than some other brands i've tried.

[Rich R]

I've had one of the ironman watches when I was a junior and can recommend them. The memories of taking splits at every single control only to find out after you had missed one and spending ages working out where.

[deebee]

I can recommend the Ironman. Had one eleven years, worn it every day, cracked the glass eight years ago and it still works perfectly. All I need now is a six year old to remind me how all the functions work.

[harry]

Totally. I've just had to replace the strap on my timex ironman. Nothing is built to last anymore, probably because most people just buy new instead of replacing parts. Some of the designs are particularly fliddy. I'd recommend the unfashionable but robust versions!

[graeme]

Timex ironman was the best I could find. A bit fiddly to set up (I'm over 6) and all the paint came off in a month, but its still working. I don't think you can save two sets of splits.

So is my casio by the way. Although jewellers don't like replacing the battery (breaks waterproof seal), it usually seems to be fine - I'm on third battery of my third casio (and first velcro strap).

[orient]

So is my casio by the way. Although jewellers don't like replacing the battery (breaks waterproof seal), it usually seems to be fine - I'm on third battery of my third casio..

Unfortunately the casio straps don't seem to last very long though. Had 2 of them and the strap broke in the same place each time. The watch itself is ok, I just haven't been able to find anywhere to get a replacement

[SIman]

A couple of years ago I sent this email

I have searched the online catalogue, but I cannot find a replacement strap
for my Casio WS-110H watch.
Is it possible to obtain one?

to parts@casio.co.uk and I got a very helpful reply and spare straps soon after.

[LostAgain]

I've had 3 casio's and 1 Ironman over the last 20 years. Both are equally good and would recommend both.

Had the same issue with respect to getting the battery changed on both Casio and Ironman, namely waterresistance will be impaired. As long as you assure the shop making the battery change that you will not hold them responsible they'll usually do it for you. Not sure about the big chains.

Paint flakes of both but no hardship.

Never had a problem with replacing straps, I do not go for the brand just a generic plastic strap that fits. Usually lasts about 1 year.

I've currenty got a Casio for £5 (New) off ebay, works OK. The functionality for count downs is not so good but split taking is fine. I purchased 3 of them for the kids and me.

[geomorph]

Well I've had two casios in 25 years. The first one only discarded when I crushed it on a rock after one of my typical falls - it was still showing the time, but most of the functions were kaput.

Yes the straps break... electricians tape does the trick and lasts well.

i've also ripped off some of the watch face plastic surround and super glue does the trick there.

The current one is still waterproof even after 3 battery changes, and is unaffected by oil, compost and mud.

The illuminator ain't that much help in dim light and the cover plastic reflects the sky too strongly.

I see them as really good value for money, only wish other products lasted as long.

[Jethro]

Orient,
I've replaced the strap on my old casio with a simple velcro strap which I got at local jewellers, works fine.

[Copepod]

Another vote for velcro watch straps - the model I have has the added bonus that if one pin fails, the other will retain the watch itself to the strap, although flapping around. I have used them for years on my normal watch - straps usually last at least 2 years.

[harry]

Me too, velcro watch straps as replacements are the way forward. Got mine plain black no frills from a nice lady in the little watch shop at Inches Tesco in Inverness. They probably sell them at other places too..

[Knee Deep Mud!]

I'll agree with the comments on Casio. I've had mine for 18 years and its still working. Admittedly I'm on my third (velcro) strap, and about fifth or sixth change of battery, but the 'business end' of it still works fine.

I've always changed the batteries myself. You just need to ensure that the rubber O ring seal goes back in the right place to ensure the water tightness. After 18 years I'm sure any warranty will have expired anyway!