The Ironman Shock is Better than the Standard G-Shock. Change My Mind.

I have enjoyed a long history with G-Shocks, owned over a dozen through the years, and currently own four models…including my venerable and beloved 5600 screw-back I bought in 1989.

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About four months ago, I thought I’d test the Timex waters and purchase an Ironman Shock to see what all the hubbub is about. To my surprise and delight, the Shock is a formidable offering to the genre. 

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My new Shock boasts features my G-Shocks don’t have, like an 8 hour Indiglo function that activates the backlight with the press of any button, a dedicated 1st and 2nd main display time swap, date/day to day/date swap function, standard 30-lap memory, and different strap choices (like the velcro strap on mine) to name a few.

The Shock’s construction feels as robust as any of my G-Shocks, and the   raised bezel (to protect the crystal) has nestled in it a dedicated start and split button not found on any G-Shock I have been aware of. But best of all, the Shock is vastly more legible than my G-Shocks and way more comfortable to wear.

Non-summative wholeness is at the root of a well-designed product. G-Shocks are a great example. But I can safely include the Shock as well…and further iterate that each part of the Shock has enough merit to fashion an ‘even more complete‘ whole of a product. 

What do you think? Do you agree with some or all of this or believe me to be a cretinous G-Shock infidel?

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I think you're 100% correct. The larger display makes it a more functional tool than a G-Shock, and at the same time it doesn't compromise on practical durability. 

I'm a huge Timex fan, and have been my adult life. When I got "into" watches online I was surprised to see Casio being touted as the "God Tier" watch brand, when in my experience Timex was the brand everybody wanted/wore. Casio was viewed as the cheap alternative if you couldn't afford a Timex. 

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KristianG

I think you're 100% correct. The larger display makes it a more functional tool than a G-Shock, and at the same time it doesn't compromise on practical durability. 

I'm a huge Timex fan, and have been my adult life. When I got "into" watches online I was surprised to see Casio being touted as the "God Tier" watch brand, when in my experience Timex was the brand everybody wanted/wore. Casio was viewed as the cheap alternative if you couldn't afford a Timex. 

That is true! There’s nothing ‘cheap‘ at all about the Ironman Shock. I also love its endearing quirks…like its uniquely-shaped digits and uniquely-resonant beeps.

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I believe that Timex uses decidedly less premium plastics. Beyond that, I got nothing. I have no idea if the exposed screw heads are equally fake or not.

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Congratulations you found the light! Lol

Great watch!

Cheers!

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Here’s a sure-to-be popular take: GShocks just aren’t that useful. 
 

Now I have 3 of them, so don’t tar and feather me just yet. But those tiny metal buttons aren’t easy to use, and are next to useless if you’re being active. I’m perplexed when people list the functions on these watches. Do you guys actually know how to access all that stuff?  I’m literally wearing a watch I like the look of, checking the time and date, and dreading daylight savings time. 

Ive used an Ironman for years as a running watch. I can check run time, hit a lap split, or turn the light on at full speed which is more than most Gs will let you do. 

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PoorMansRolex

I believe that Timex uses decidedly less premium plastics. Beyond that, I got nothing. I have no idea if the exposed screw heads are equally fake or not.

The screw heads may be fake — it‘s hard to tell by looking at it. The case though has a ‘unibody’ feel that is again a Timex quirk that makes me giddy. 

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thekris

Here’s a sure-to-be popular take: GShocks just aren’t that useful. 
 

Now I have 3 of them, so don’t tar and feather me just yet. But those tiny metal buttons aren’t easy to use, and are next to useless if you’re being active. I’m perplexed when people list the functions on these watches. Do you guys actually know how to access all that stuff?  I’m literally wearing a watch I like the look of, checking the time and date, and dreading daylight savings time. 

Ive used an Ironman for years as a running watch. I can check run time, hit a lap split, or turn the light on at full speed which is more than most Gs will let you do. 

I really love the buttons —  so easy to find, push and manage. 

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It's your watch so only your opinion matters.

Chacon a son gout

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It is not square nor octaganal, therefore it can not be supperior. 

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thekris

Here’s a sure-to-be popular take: GShocks just aren’t that useful. 
 

Now I have 3 of them, so don’t tar and feather me just yet. But those tiny metal buttons aren’t easy to use, and are next to useless if you’re being active. I’m perplexed when people list the functions on these watches. Do you guys actually know how to access all that stuff?  I’m literally wearing a watch I like the look of, checking the time and date, and dreading daylight savings time. 

Ive used an Ironman for years as a running watch. I can check run time, hit a lap split, or turn the light on at full speed which is more than most Gs will let you do. 

I can't figure out how to turn off an alarm I accidentally set on mine. (I could read the instructions but I'm lazy.) 

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As I inch my way toward geezer-dom, I have noticed that none of the G-Shock digitals have very large displays: this Timex has very legible numbers.

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Never see many Timex watches in peoples wrists in Australia, Citizen and Seiko , older guys my age , G shocks and Apple watches on all the Gen Xers  Gen Y and Rarely the odd TAG . My area is southern Coastal around 60 km from Sydney proper , not rich , working class and on the beach front yeah some money , In Sydney different story , but Orient and Timex , no , Oris and Longines in the Shire along with lots of TAGs and the odd Breitling !!! This is subconsciously tallied …. 

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Lbakken

As I inch my way toward geezer-dom, I have noticed that none of the G-Shock digitals have very large displays: this Timex has very legible numbers.

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Lbakken

As I inch my way toward geezer-dom, I have noticed that none of the G-Shock digitals have very large displays: this Timex has very legible numbers.

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Tinfoiled14

Never see many Timex watches in peoples wrists in Australia, Citizen and Seiko , older guys my age , G shocks and Apple watches on all the Gen Xers  Gen Y and Rarely the odd TAG . My area is southern Coastal around 60 km from Sydney proper , not rich , working class and on the beach front yeah some money , In Sydney different story , but Orient and Timex , no , Oris and Longines in the Shire along with lots of TAGs and the odd Breitling !!! This is subconsciously tallied …. 

Timex has a rich history with the working man in the states. To me…the Ironman Shock personifies this well. 

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The lap timer does it for me, along with the easy-to-read display and the ability to recall and review lap times. I've been running and swimming laps with the same Ironman 854 for over ten  years and it's never let me down. 

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I have a Timex bias because my first real watch was a Timex Ironman.  But I've also owned and still own G-Shocks.  I think the reason that Timex is often overlooked is their products can be hit or miss.  Whereas Casio and G-Shocks are generally solid choices most of the time.  That consistency has given G- Shocks their reputation.

But Timex still makes some hits and the Ironman series is one that has helped them survive and they've done well for quite some time.  I would agree the Timex Ironman Shock easily hold it's own in a world of G-Shocks.  And it's arguably better in many regards as a functional tool.  

No wrong answer though with a G-Shock or an Ironman Shock.  

Side note if you want a more traditional great everyday Timex that looks ready to get dirty....I highly recommend the Timex Expedition North Auto.....

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LumegaudAnar

Sorry I missed this post yesterday. Here is my comparison: https://www.watchcrunch.com/DigitalDivider/reviews/casio-timex-g-shock-iron-man-review-11009

p.s. the Iron Man has stopped working altogether, but the G Shock is still going strong. 😁

Ha! I remember that one now. I think we need more systematic destruction reviews. Like that time I destroyed a forgettably branded chinese skeleton automatic by dropping it once on a rug. Now I am the proud owner of an empty watch case. 2 out of 5 for the (former) view.

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Very nice of you!

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CAviles20

I have a Timex bias because my first real watch was a Timex Ironman.  But I've also owned and still own G-Shocks.  I think the reason that Timex is often overlooked is their products can be hit or miss.  Whereas Casio and G-Shocks are generally solid choices most of the time.  That consistency has given G- Shocks their reputation.

But Timex still makes some hits and the Ironman series is one that has helped them survive and they've done well for quite some time.  I would agree the Timex Ironman Shock easily hold it's own in a world of G-Shocks.  And it's arguably better in many regards as a functional tool.  

No wrong answer though with a G-Shock or an Ironman Shock.  

Side note if you want a more traditional great everyday Timex that looks ready to get dirty....I highly recommend the Timex Expedition North Auto.....

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I was actually looking at that one. I may take you up on it.

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It's a great field watch.  Definitely another example of Timex actually getting it mostly right.  Sapphire crystal, titanium build, anti shock build, work horse Miyota movement that hacks (something they get wrong occasionally).

The leather strap it comes on was nothing special yet still comfortable enough.  I still ended up putting it on a two piece NATO style strap which I feel suits it much better.  The only other thing to note, is the Miyota rotor whirl.  Doesn't bother me but I know some people get picky about that. 

And of course being a Timex always best to hunt for sales or coupons. 

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Ironman here.  Funny to see that word here in my watch buddy world. 😃

I‘m good at the 1/2 and Olympic distance races, but have done the brutal full distance Iron as well.  
 

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I’ve raced Tris for decades now and haven’t worn or seen an Ironman watch in any triathlon, or used by any triathlete in at least 15 to 20 years.  So it’s a bit funny it’s still called that name.

Garmin totally dominates, followed distantly by Polar, Sunto , and the odd apple 🍎 .  Triathletes like bleeding edge tech so my 3 year old Garmin 945 is embarrassing it’s so old. 
From a run this afternoon:

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I did race and daily wear Ironman watches about 20 years ago.  They are great GADA and easy to train with as well

So I definitely can endorse it as a very solid digital watch.  I’ve Never owned a g-shock ,  nor seen it used by the hardcore endurance athlete crowd.  But I know they are also amazing watches with much more style, colour and price ranges than a timex Ironman.  So both can win 🏆!!   I got second in the event below 🤷‍♂️ 

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JaeBust

Infidel, Infidel, Infidel, Infidel. 😜🤣

Dude! 

 I bet you probably have 3 of them!!!  It’s my belief that any watch I can think of, you‘d have a couple pristine examples in your awe inspiring collection 😃🥰 

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Quartz_MemberBerries

For button functionality and legibility, Timex wins. If you take a watch into the water, the Timex loses, it isn't close. And when it loses, it fogs for days or just dies. Ask me how I know. So for skin/scuba diving, it's an analog or a G-Shock. 

Timex's WR claims don't hold water 🤪

On land for running, mountain biking, using power tools etc, the Timex is great and I have several. 

I swam about 200 kilometres a year with an Ironman on my wrist for the couple couple years I used them. But admittedly it was a very long time ago so todays Ironman watch might be a very different animal 

Also, I never dove down, but used the lap function for … swimming laps 

Fieldwalker

I swam about 200 kilometres a year with an Ironman on my wrist for the couple couple years I used them. But admittedly it was a very long time ago so todays Ironman watch might be a very different animal 

Also, I never dove down, but used the lap function for … swimming laps 

Yeah, I sure wish I could find the right model to work for shallow freediving (50 feet or less), maybe it exists. The usability is so nice. Regardless, still a great watch for being on the bike etc. 

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Well now .... get the Ironman into the Guinness Book of World Records (it was run over with by 24.97 ton truck), throw it off a few buildings, drop it from a helicopter at 30 meters, get it approved by NASA for space flight (with pics of it being worn on the ISS), and you might just equal the G-Shock 5600. 

I've owned both. They're both good. But like the original Star Trek series that only ran for 3 seasons, the G developed a cult following and for very good reasons.

Now if the Timex was priced much lower in comparison, I'd suggest everyone buy one.

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watchgazer

Well now .... get the Ironman into the Guinness Book of World Records (it was run over with by 24.97 ton truck), throw it off a few buildings, drop it from a helicopter at 30 meters, get it approved by NASA for space flight (with pics of it being worn on the ISS), and you might just equal the G-Shock 5600. 

I've owned both. They're both good. But like the original Star Trek series that only ran for 3 seasons, the G developed a cult following and for very good reasons.

Now if the Timex was priced much lower in comparison, I'd suggest everyone buy one.

My Shock was around 46 bucks.

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My ironman does so many things right and maybe better than a lot of my g shocks. But I really dig the looks and vibes of the g shocks. Although I saw a timex that was all black with the "timex" in red...

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Tinfoiled14

Never see many Timex watches in peoples wrists in Australia, Citizen and Seiko , older guys my age , G shocks and Apple watches on all the Gen Xers  Gen Y and Rarely the odd TAG . My area is southern Coastal around 60 km from Sydney proper , not rich , working class and on the beach front yeah some money , In Sydney different story , but Orient and Timex , no , Oris and Longines in the Shire along with lots of TAGs and the odd Breitling !!! This is subconsciously tallied …. 

Please explain how the shire is a working class area????

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Charliemcke

Please explain how the shire is a working class area????

Wollongong not Miranda 😂 should say 60 miles not k ( Miranda fair is definitely not working class area 🙂 yeah sorry I re read what i wrote and i should clarify that point .