With over 150 years of heritage, Timex is one of the world's leading watchmakers and the Ironman brand continues a tradition started in 1854 of accessible innovation, unmatched quality and value.
In 1978, a core group of elite athletes pushed the boundaries of what was possible, combining three of Hawaii's most challenging sports events into the first Ironman Triathlon. Millions of athletes worldwide evoke the strength, passion and courage of the first Ironman competitors as they refine their performance and train for bragging rights in the most demanding endurance competitions.
To capture this spirit, in 1986, Timex recruited world-renowned Cuban-born marathoner Alberto Salazar and track and field world-record holder Mary Decker Slaney to collaborate with top industrial designer John Houlihan. The timepieces they created revolutionised sports timing with features and durability that were an instant hit with the dedicated athletes that inspired it.
Today, Timex Ironman Triathlon watches are among the world's largest selling timepieces. The "lazy D" digital face and innovative styling have become international icons, sold, worn and relied on by the people of every continent and beyond. Among only four watches flight certified by NASA for space missions, Timex Ironman watches have accompanied astronauts and Russian cosmonauts to outer space.
While the Timex Ironman brand matured alongside Ironman triathlons, the timepiece evolved beyond swimming, biking and running. What began with the 1986 eight-lap chronograph became intuitive workout management, highly functional heart rate monitors and GPS enabled training systems. Timex Ironman instruments provide an indispensable advantage for serious athletes across all sports.
The Timex Team of 40 professional and amateur athletes push themselves and Timex Ironman instruments towards perfection at a diverse range of events across the globe. The team also provides invaluable real-world durability and feature testing; the results of which can be seen in every Timex Ironman product.
The dynamic design of Timex Ironman instruments complements the technical innovation. Breathable straps, specially selected materials, bold colours and progressive Italian design punctuate the fusion of classic and cutting-edge. Timex Ironman style and functonality are appreciated by heads-of-state, celebrities and professionals from doctors to law enforcement officers. And elite athletes wear them with pride as a badge of honour to commemorate a personal best, a victory or commitment to their lifestyle.
Not only does Timex stand behind the technology on the wrists of millions, Timex gets behind the events that allow athletes to become champions. Besides the Ford Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii, the Ironman European Championship in Frankfurt, Germany and several other triathlon events worldwide, Timex keeps time at the ING New York City Marathon, has met runners at the finish line of the Flora London Marathon for years and wil be doing the same in 2010 at the Virgin London Marathon, and supports the spirit of athleticism and competition at numerous top sporting events.
| 1986 | Timex introduces the first 8-lap Ironman sports watch |
| 1992 | INDIGLO night-light technology lights up Timex Ironman watches |
| 1993 | Timex Ironman 100 lap introduces Multi-Workout memory |
| 1995 | Timex Ironman Shock constructed to strict shock-resistant standards |
| 1996 | Timex Ironman Data Link downloads personal infor from a PC |
| 1998 | Timex Ironman combines digital and analogue time on one dial |
| 1999 | Timex Ironman with FLIX system activates INDIGLO night-light without buttons |
| 2000 | Timex introduces the first Ironman Heart Rate Monitor |
| 2002 | Timex Ironman integrates GPS for speed and distance tracking |
| 2003 | Timex Ironman Sleek improves comfort with a breathable strap |
| 2003 | Timex Ironman Data Link USB manages personal data |
| 2004 | Timex Ironman Bodylink system combines GPS and heart rate in one system |
| 2005 | Timex Ironman increases readability with optimum viewing angles |
| 2006 | Timex Ironman Trail Runner combines Navigation andBodylink features |
| 2006 | Timex Ironman further develops Mode hiding functionality with Bodylink Plus |
| 2007 | Timex ironman Solar harnesses the power of the sun |
| 2007 | Timex Ironman iControl watch puts iPod controls on the watch |
| 2008 | Timex Ironman combines shock resistance with digital and analogue dials |
| 2008 | Timex Ironman Fitness Tracker counts steps, distance and calories burned |
| 2009 | Timex Ironman Race Trainer system provides a complete digital wireless solution using ANT+ technology and integrated On-line Training Log and Food Diary systems. |
As Timex technology and the Timex team push further ahead, even greater products will emerge. Recent innovations include the Timex Ironman Triathlon 50 Lap iControl which enables users to wirelessly control their iPod, the Timex Ironman Triathlon 150 Lap Sleek Tap Screen which employs touch screen technology to make recording and accessing essential performance data easier than ever and the Timex Ironman Race Trainer which combines a digital heart rate monitors with a host of advanced features. Get ready for the next generation of Timex Ironman watches.
Most people regard Timex simply as being the name they associate with the reliable and inexpensive watches which many of us, as children, learnt to tell the time with. However, behind this stereotypical image is a story just as interesting as that of any high-end Swiss watch manufacturer.
The Timex Corporation, as it is today, began in 1854 as the Waterbury Clock Company of Waterbury, Connecticut. It made its name by manufacturing shelf and mantle clocks contained in cases which imitated the designs of more expensive imported models.
Within 30 years, the Waterbury company had brought the luxury of personalised timekeeping to everyone with the introduction of the first mass-market pocket watch which sold in its millions and quickly became America's most popular timepiece.
The above excerpt is from the article "Born in 1854 and still ticking along nicely" by Simon de Burton, which appeared in the Financial Times on Saturday 17th April 2004.