TIMEX IRONMAN TIME LINE by
PMWF
In 1986 Timex introduced its
"Ironman Triathlon®," jointly devised by serious athletes and industrial
designers. Within a year, the "Ironman Triathlon®" became America's best-selling
watch
(from Timex website)
| *1986 | 1987 | 1988 | 1989 | 1990 | 1991 | 1992 | 1993 | 1994 | 1995 | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 |
If
you own a Timex Ironman from a year that is not covered, please
read on how to submit it to this page. This is a
collective non-profit effort from PMWF.com
Are you a TIMEX Ironman expert? Then please
click here and
help us catalog and date these watches

Thanks to Knut from the
Timex Forum we got this
great dating chart
for Quartz and newer mechanical Timex watches. There is an alphanumeric
code stamped on the case back since 1985 (not to be confused with the Tnnnnn
model nr)
Click to enlarge and find the year and month of the production date!
Table of content
4. Datasheet for submission for this Time Line
5. Identified but undated Ironman - please help to date them!
6. Not yet identified IRONMAN pictures - please help to identify!
1. Timex History
Most people are surprised to learn that the TIMEX
history dates back to 1850! Maybe TIMEX should use that year like some of
the Swiss brands do? Most people also do not know that TIMEX is most likely the
5th largest watch manufacturer in the world. TIMEX is a privately held
company, thus no public figures are available (an article about TIMEX in the
International Watch
Magazine from August 2006 guessed that position 5). Did you know that the research and
development of new Timex calibers takes place in Germany? In Pforzheim, 15
engineers are busy coming out with new exciting developments that will then be
produced around the world (China, Philippines) and assembled mostly in Cebu,
Philippines.
Read more
about the TIMEX history>>>
Find a huge public picture database of all TIMEX watches here>>>
Also please visit Knut's Timex Watch Forum for a lot more information about TIMEX watches and how to date them
2. Timex Ironman History
Why do we need an Ironman Time Line? Most people just
drive to Wal-Mart buy a new one and dump the old one on the way out! I read a
comment like this on the web and thought that the Ironman model line really
deserved an "online museum" or at least a simple page showing and honoring their
development. After all, these watches cost very little and last for a long time.
So what better place to host such an "online museum" then the "Poor Man's" Watch
Forum?
The first Ironman was issued in 1982 and the first Ironman with
Indiglo
(TIMEX is the inventor of the electro-luminescent backlight and branded it
Indiglo, probably from a combination of GLOW and INDIGO) was released in
1992. Since 1986, a huge variety of models has been issued and we try to collect
representative models on this page.
We will continue to complete this list. I will also add a clickable time line once the page grew larger so you could then jump right to the year you
are interested in. For submissions of models, please go
here. Thank you!
3. Ironman Time Line
Our aim is to document the history of the TIMEX
IRONMAN models. Not to list all ever made Ironman models, but to show some for
each year and to document their features. In May 2007 I tried to find the age of a metal cased 8-Lap
Memory Ironman and was surprised to see that there are hundreds of sites selling
the latest IRONMAN models, but almost no historic information. And that is why
we built this time line. We are an independent watch forum and not affiliated
with TIMEX Corporation and the comments to each IRONMAN model reflect the
opinion of the owner. Please note that the text and pictures on this page are under
copyright and that all rights go to the respective owner (this is not a resource
for hasty [Ebay] sellers to copy their watch descriptions from).
| *1986 | 1987 | 1988 | 1989 | 1990 | 1991 | 1992 | 1993 | 1994 | 1995 | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 |
We try to order the models according to their first year of release
Year:
I bought this watch in 2007
Model Nr.: T62962
Special functions: Black Fast-Wrap strap, Over-sized digits for better
readability All day INDIGLO display and night-light Night-Mode Lighting, 16-hour
chronograph with lap and split, 99-lap counter with 8 lap recall, Countdown
timer: 10-hour capacity, Dual time zones Month/day/date and 12/24 hour time,
Shock-resistant to F.T.C. standards, Water-resistant 200m
Battery, life: CR2016 3.5 Year Battery Life
Caliber (movement): 746
Pros: Easy to read display, comfortable to wear,
Cons:
Personal memories or notes: While doing some lunch hour shopping I found
this watch on clearance at Target Stores.
Price: MSRP US $50. Store priced normally at US $34.95 and I bought it
for US $4.34
Owner, picture credits: Bill Price
2006
20th Anniversary Edition celebrating 20 years Ironman models
(not to be confused with the 25th Anniversary edition that celebrates
Triathlon/Ironman contests)
Year: 1998
Model Nr: 5H941
Special functions: 8 lap memory, 1 alarm, 10 hour countdown timer, 99 lap chrono, indiglo backlight
Battery life: n/a
Caliber (movement): 746
Pros: Old school orig ironman style except for indiglo feature (the orig had none)
Cons: watch case small and very lightweight
Personal memories or notes: still available at Amazon.com - as of 5/7/07 comes in a nice tin box.
Price: $44.95
Owner, picture credits: Steve Pressl, St Petersburg FL
| *1986 | 1987 | 1988 | 1989 | 1990 | 1991 | 1992 | 1993 | 1994 | 1995 | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 |
Year: Purchased September 2005, but
possibly released earlier
Model: T56381, but it has been modified (Timex stock picture of watch is
shown, on rubber strap)
Special Functions: Analog and digital time display, auto calendar from
2000 through 2099, two time zones, two daily alarms linked to time zone, three
linked countdown timers, chronograph with 42-lap memory
Battery, life: Two batteries, a CR 2016 which I presume is for the
digital module, and a 364 for the analog movement; watch is on original
batteries which have been in there for nearly two years
Caliber (movement): Timex's part number is M588TH, which encompasses both
a proprietary digital module and a Ronda analog movement. The "TH" indicates
that the movement was made in Thailand. Note Reto: Ronda is an independent Quartz movement manufacturer from Switzerland, very
interesting combination!
Pros: Cool reverse digital display underneath analog hands that can be
completely shut off for a very elegant analog-only display, excellent accuracy
on the digital side (only about 1 second variance per month), fully-loaded with
expected Ironman features, Indiglo backlight, decent lume, parts are cheap ($8
for a stainless steel bracelet)
Cons: Puny analog movement is sloppy and a poor timekeeper (more on that
below), reverse display is hard to read in certain lighting, base metal case,
somewhat cheesy 0-to-60 fixed bezel, strap/bracelet options are limited due to
narrow lug width and case design, out gassing from LCD display and/or battery
causes hazing on inside of crystal which requires attention every 8 to 12 months
Personal notes: This is the first watch I modified. I was initially very
unhappy with the sloppiness and inaccuracy of the analog movement. The seconds
hand was jumpy, didn't line up at all with the hash marks around the edge of the
dial, and didn't even think about staying in sync with the digital seconds
display, which itself was extremely accurate. I also was annoyed at the hazy
film that had formed on the inside of the crystal within weeks of purchasing the
watch. Finally, the rubber strap that came on the watch, while comfy and very
nicely designed, just wasn't my style. The watch sat, basically unworn, for
nearly six months when I finally decided to do something about my unhappiness.
First, I bought a bracelet directly from Timex for the insane price of $8
shipped--an incredible value, given its very good construction and appearance.
Then I had my local hack-of-a-jeweler put it on, who in the process gouged the
sides of the case quite thoroughly. When I got back home, I popped off the back
of the case, removed the movement, and then cleaned the inside of the crystal.
(Which, as of this writing, has begun hazing up again) Then, using great care
and a Leatherman PST multi-tool, I removed the seconds hand. I put the caseback
back in place, and the result was a one-of-a-kind Ironman. Timex sells a version
similar to this, but the highlights are red versus yellow as on mine, and it has
a conventional LCD display with black-on-gray display. Yet, I keep trying to
sell it...weird, given the amount of blood, sweat & tears I have in it, eh?
Price: $50, purchased from The Time Factory store in Myrtle Beach, SC,
USA
Owner/Picture Credit: Colby May aka Paperboy Part Deux, Timex (stock
picture)
2003
25th Anniversary Edition celebrating 25 years Ironman/Triathlon (old name)
contests
Year: 2003
Model Nr: 54581 (mid-size, full size model nr is
54571 with same specs except size)
Special functions: Indiglo backlight, 30-lap memory 30-split memory, alarm,
countdown timer, WR 100 m
Battery, life: CR 2016
Caliber
(movement): 854
Pros:
Cons:
Personal memories or notes:
Price: ca. USD 36.99 (US online seller, May 2007)
Owner, picture credits: Adam in NYC
| *1986 | 1987 | 1988 | 1989 | 1990 | 1991 | 1992 | 1993 | 1994 | 1995 | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 |
Year: 2001
Model Nr: T52222 (or approx)
Special functions: 99 Lap timer, 50 lap memory, iControl crown, alarm,
chrono, timer. Backlight.
Battery, life: CR 2016 (Still working after 7 years!)
Caliber (movement): 839
Pros: Sets like an analog watch with the crown. Reliable, good backlight,
and nice 42mm size case.
Cons: Narrow lug-lug width (16mm) limits strap choices -- would be great
on a nylon!
Personal memories or notes: This was my "overnight call" watch when I was
at the VA (Veteran's Hospital). The "nighttime" backlight feature kept the light
on long enough for my eyes to refocus on the generous screen. Of course, all the
alcohol and other chemicals used during my call have damaged the strap, but it's
still held together and has a well-worn sheen to it.
Price: On sale for $25, was $40.
Owner, picture credits: Tom Price (owner and bad photographer)
| *1986 | 1987 | 1988 | 1989 | 1990 | 1991 | 1992 | 1993 | 1994 | 1995 | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 |
Year: 1999 (Timex answers emails, that is great news too!)
if they know the year
Model Nr: John Doe
Special functions: 8 lap memory, 1 alarm, 10 hour countdown timer, 99 lap chrono, indiglo backlight
Battery life: unknown
Caliber (movement): M746/2-2
Pros: the most robust ironman I've seen. All metal construction, has a conventional Steel screwback. The case
and bezel appear to be brass with a thick nickel shell. Solid watch with a touch of heft compared to other
ironman models.
Cons: none really, unless you're an athelete who needs more than 8 lap memory
Personal memories or notes: fast wrap is not original, no known provenance as I just recently bought it used.
Price: original MSRP unknown
Owner, picture credits: Steve Pressl, St Petersburg FL USA
| *1986 | 1987 | 1988 | 1989 | 1990 | 1991 | 1992 | 1993 | 1994 | 1995 | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 |
Year: 1996 (purchased in 1998)
Model Nr: T77711 (according to sticker on the watch box and price tag)
Special functions: Indiglo back light, 8-lap memory, 99 round counter, 2 alarms, countdown timer
Battery, life: e.g. a whopping 8 years on a CR 2016 with very little use of the Indiglo back light function and alarm, WR 200 m
Caliber (movement): M746/3-1
Pros: Great, light and very comfortable sports watch. Big and easy accessible pushers. Thanks to a resin case, quite audible alarm signals.
Cons: Strap has become a bit sticky, difficult to clean, not idea for a sports watch. Buttons look like they would not survive 8 years if the watch was really used very often. Mine looks like new, because I have worn it like a Patek Philippe with utmost care.
Personal memories or notes: I purchased a Timex in the USA in 1996 (Data Link) and then gave it to a young boy who was really fascinated with the flashing bars used to synchronize PC and watch. So I gave that Timex-Microsoft DataLink away and thus needed a replacement. I liked the quite unusual color combination on this one.
Price: Street price ca. USD 50 (bought in shopping mall Bangkok for THB
2040 after discount 20%)
Owner, picture credits (if not owner): Reto Castellazzi
1996 continued...
Model Nr: 78041 (Resin band) 78047 (Bracelet).
Year: 1996 or 1997, I think it should be 1997, but upon resetting the watch, the date is at 1996, so maybe the module is from 1996?
Special functions: I copied and pasted the below text from the website www.keenansystems.com , where it was selling this watch previously. It basically sums it up:
Ironman Triathlon w/Data Link uses a standard CRT computer monitor to transmit information using light impulses to a light receiver on the face of the watch. The watch comes with its own software, and it also can be used with certain industry standard personal organizer software, such as Microsoft Outlook 98 and 2000. It is not supported by Microsoft Schedule + 7. The Datalink system requires the Timex Notebook Adapter for compatibility with Windows NT or for use with laptop computers and other PCs with LCD screens.
# 100-hour
Chronograph with lap and split
# 50-lap memory recall with best lap calculation
# 5 Multi-Mode Countdown Timers with 100-hour capacity
# 10 Alarms for Appointments, Anniversaries or Reminders
# Phone Number/Personal Information storage
# INDIGLO night-light with NIGHT-MODE feature
# 2nd time zone with date
# Up to 38 phone numbers with 15-character messages
# Daily, Monthly or Yearly Alarm Settings with 15-character messages
# Chronograph Label and Lap Storage Requirements
# Customized Sports Timers for Soccer, Basketball, Football and more
# World Wide Time Zone Settings and Watch Options
Battery life: No idea, the watch is from 1997, I bought mine on 20 March 2007 and its still running and Indiglo still works. Uses CR2025 lithium batteries.
Caliber (movement): No idea, but I think it dates to 1996 because a reset will have the watch starts with 1996.
Pros: With all those functions, personal organizer and the cool 'transmitting data via CRT monitor light impulse' thingy, at a retail price of about USD$75/-, this must be one heck of a watch during it's time! It also became the 4th watch (out of the 4) certified by NASA for space missions.
Cons: Except the case back and the innards, its all plastic, I don't think tough like a Casio G-Shock. No experience with the resin band, since mine came with the filmsy folded link bracelet with sharp edges, which I immediately removed and replaced with a nice silicone strap.
Personal memories or notes: Since I got interested in space watches these recent years, I have been on the lookout for one of this, making it a point to check out the Timex display stand whenever I visit a watch shop carrying Timex products. Though I read that its sold out all over for some years since, I had been harboring that wish that I might someday come across one. On some angles the LCD screen turns on a green hue. Now I think back about 10 years and vaguely remember that during either my student or national service days I was lusting for a Timex with a alien-greenish LCD screen (which looks cool to me) whenever I visit a watch shop. I couldn't afford one during those days.
Ten years later, on one fateful day I went out to watch the movie "300" and while waiting for the show time I did some window shopping and saw this watch as a NOS on display in a Citychain watch store! It must be hiding there for the past 10 years! I asked the salesgirl to do a check for me and it turns out to be the last piece the entire watch chain have in Singapore, which is not surprising, since this model had already a became some sort of a collector's item in recent years.
Price: unknown
Owner/Picture Credit: Anton C (watch adapter pic (inset)
www.watchoutlet.com)
1996 continued...
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Model Nr 78047
Year: 1996
Special Functions
- Requires the Timex Notebook Adapter for compatiblity with Windows NT
- 50-lap memory recall with best lap calculation
- Chronograph Label and Lap Storage Requirements
- The Ironman* Triathlon . watch with Data Link . system is the ultimate sports
watch.
- 10 Alarms for Appointments, Anniversaries or Reminders
- It combines the most popular sports features of the Timex Ironman . with
Timex's award winning Data Link . System
- 2nd time zone with date
- 100-hour Chronograph with lap and split
- Stainless steel/rubber link foldover band
- INDIGLO. night-light with NIGHT-MODE. feature
- Daily, Monthly or Yearly Alarm Settings with 15-character messages
- Phone Number/Personal Information storage
- Up to 38 phone numbers with 15-character messages
- 5 Multi-Mode Countdown Timers with 100-hour capacity
- This Timex Watch and all our Timex Watches carry a full one year manufacturers
warranty
| *1986 | 1987 | 1988 | 1989 | 1990 | 1991 | 1992 | 1993 | 1994 | 1995 | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 |
Year: 1994
Model Nr: Unknown
Special Functions: Stopwatch with 8-lap split/memory, three-function
countdown timer, daily alarm, hourly chime, Indiglo EL backlight (now defunct)
Battery, life: CR 2016...has been replaced just two times in the 13 years
I've owned the watch
Calibre(movement): M731-4
Pros: essentially bulletproof, exceptionally lightweight, standard but
partially-hooded lugs accept a variety of straps, easy-to-read no-nonsense
digital display, buttons designed for easy activation
Cons: case is a bit small but that was normal at the time of its
release...nothing else that I can really think of
Personal memories or notes: This watch was along for the ride on my
wedding day and subsequent honeymoon. I have a picture of me and my dad taken as
part of our wedding pictures, with him wearing the watch, pointing to it and
looking at me scornfully as if to say "You're late again!" This watch and I have
been through a lot together, and I'm hopeful that I can retire it soon to its
rightful place in my WIS Hall of Fame.
Price: I believe it cost around $40 new...my then-fiancee/now-wife bought
it for me at a nearby K-Mart store if I'm not mistaken
Owner, picture credits: Colby May aka Paperboy Part Deux
| *1986 | 1987 | 1988 | 1989 | 1990 | 1991 | 1992 | 1993 | 1994 | 1995 | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 |
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Year: 1988 (but see note
below)
Model Nr: 484-A
Special functions: Original "8 Lap" Ironman.
Battery, life: CR2016, and "long." It's good for a couple of years or
more, depending on how heavy your alarm use is.
Caliber (movement): M484S
Pros: The usual - it's an incredible durable watch. Mine has seen
sports & about a decade as carpenter/cabinetmaker. The case is beat up, but
not nearly as much as my other tools of that vintage. Remarkable. Also
excellent pin strength. I've broken lots of bands, yet never wrecked a pin,
or tore a case hole for the pin. It's also proven resistant to solvents
splashes from painting and clean-up, and the corrosive aspect of mixing
concrete.
Timex deserves an award for getting the interface right. It really is
exactly what's wanted for pounding though laps while not thinking too
clearly due to sweat and endorphins.
Cons: The lamp of these pre-Indiglo first-generation watches is only
barely useful. And, as with all LCD watches of this vintage, it's unreadable
at much of an angle.
Personal memories or notes:
1. My caseback is slightly different from the 1990 shown in your 'Undated'
section. Mine does not have the battery type imprinted, and my date code,
37, has been overstamped with XX. I've no idea why that is, but I do recall
I must have got the watch about 1988.
2. The pictures above depict a watch from 1990. You can see the caseback
date code is 61 or 64.
3. That 1990 watch includes the comment "Case: metal (see the screw holes in
pic) later ones resin." This is a good guess, but incorrect. The case as
shown is indeed a very hard resin. I've tested mine (discretely) with a
soldering iron to confirm.
4. These watches are adjustable. Referring to the middle picture above.
See the little screw at the left edge, with the wide tan washer. That's the
trimming capacitor. Mine is identical except the washer carries a green
position dot. Looks like it was applied with a felt pen.
For adjustment, try small amounts like 1/4 turn. Anti-clockwise seems to set
faster, but I say "seems" because some trimming capacitors do both + and -
within 360*, with further revolutions being superfluous. Be aware of this
and experiment gently.
5. Owners in need of a manual should visit the Manuals & Downloads section
of Timex's website. The "8 Lap" unit listed is the second generation with
Indiglo, but the functions are nearly identical.
6. I won't bother sending you pics of my typical scuffed-up first-generation
Ironman, but I do wish I had a good shot of a riding mate's. His is actually
melted, and missing the face button caps. When he was younger it went
through the deep-fryer of a best-unnamed international fried chicken outfit.
Add years of sports and work as a welder, and his has quite a bit of
character now. It still functions just fine.
Price: No idea, but worth every penny after 20 years.
Owner, picture credits: I'm happy to be anonymous, thanks. Everything
but my email address can be used in whole or in part for your Time Line or a
related forum post. Cheers
*1986 - the first IRONMAN model appears
Datasheet coming, hopefully...
For now this text from the Timex History (Timex website):
Alone among all domestic
watchmakers, only Timex survived the brutal 1970s watch industry shakeout caused
by new digital watch technology and fierce price competition from the Far East.
Having gradually phased out mechanical watch production in favor of digital
watches, in 1986 Timex introduced its "Ironman Triathlon®," jointly devised by
serious athletes and industrial designers. Within a year, the "Ironman
Triathlon®" became America's best-selling watch and, diversifying into a full
line for men and women, became the world's largest selling sports watch, a
distinction it has held throughout the 1990s.
| *1986 | 1987 | 1988 | 1989 | 1990 | 1991 | 1992 | 1993 | 1994 | 1995 | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 |
4. Datasheet
Please use the datasheet below to submit Ironman information. Thank you. Post them on www.pmwf.com or and drop a line to reto@loxinfo.co.th
| Year: Model Nr: Special functions: Battery, life: Caliber (movement): Pros: Cons: Personal memories or notes: Price: Owner, picture credits: Plus as many pictures as possible in JPG format please. Owners please watermark your pictures so proper credit can be seen and given |
5. Identified but undated Ironman - please help to date them!
Please help us date (Year of issue) these watches below. You could link to the picture and post on the forum or you can send information to reto@loxinfo.co.th

T58681 - Datasheet coming

Model: T66801
Long-wearing polyurethane strap
Over-Sized digits for better readability
All day INDIGLO display and night-light
Night-Mode feature
100-lap memory recall druing chronograph operation with lap and split times
Best lap,average,total segment time & date
Dated training log diary
100-hour chronograph with lap and split
Single button lap reading-automatic release
12/24 hour time. User programmable variable interval training timer:
100-hour capacity
5 programable alarms. 5-min backup alarm
2nd time zone with date
Memo log (10 memos-each have 3 pages)
Water-resistant 100m
6. Not yet identified Ironman models
Please help us identify these watches below. You could link to the picture and post on the forum or you can send information to reto@loxinfo.co.th




John Doe 3

John Doe 4

Ironman Flix Grey Dial

Ironman Flix Yellow Dial


Ironman 30 Laps Silver

Ironman 30 Laps Black Silver