If you’re training for a triathlon and want to track your progress as you train, a triathlon watch is the perfect solution.
Not only do they keep track of your time but they can also monitor your heart rate and are able to cope with the change in sport which is essential when you are embarking on the swimming portion of the race.
There are a lot of choices available on the market that vary greatly in their features and it can be overwhelming to decide which one is going to be right for you.
We’ve gathered the top five triathlon watches on the market followed by an exclusive buyers guide and FAQ so you know everything there is to know when conducting your own research.
OUR TOP PICK
Our first recommendation is the Garmin 010-01746-00 Forerunner 935 Running GPS Unit which can evaluate your training status so you know if you are overtraining or undertraining and can adjust your activities accordingly.
It also offers additional performance monitoring features that make it ideal for more advanced athletes who may want to get more from their watch.
It offers advanced running and multisport features into a comfortable watch that can be worn all day and at 49 grams, it is one of the lightest options on our list making it ideal for those who want an extremely lightweight design.
It can provide elevation changes thanks to the built in barometer, electronic compass and altimeter which can help you to keep your bearings during your race.
This watch is a fantastic choice for all abilities as it provides advanced dynamics for the majority of sports including running, cycling and swimming while also including ground contact time balance and stride length for extra convenience.
The bezel material is made from a fiber reinforced polymer which makes this watch super comfortable to wear as well as resistant to all weathers and waterproof.
For those who want ultimate connectivity, this is the watch for you as it can be connected to any smartphone easily so you can upload your progress and keep track in a way that is preferable to you.
Pros:
- Can evaluate your training status so you know if you are overtraining or undertraining and can adjust your activities accordingly
- Offers advanced running and multisport features into a comfortable watch that can be worn all day
- The bezel material is made from a fiber reinforced polymer which makes this watch super comfortable to wear as well as resistant to all weathers and waterproof
Cons:
- High price point
EDITORS CHOICE
Our second selection is the Coros APEX Premium Multisport GPS Watch which is designed for more advanced athletes thanks to the route navigation and checkpoint features that are supported with 24 days of regular battery life and 25 hours in full GPS mode.
With a variety of different training modes including interval, structure and strength as well as triathlon, you can make the most from this watch for all of your workouts and training.
The training programs and plans have been created by COROS athletes and coaches and are available for free on their website so you can connect the workouts to your watch easily.
The built in running power metric from the wrist plus native and complete integration with Stryd power meters makes this one of the most advanced models on our list.
This watch features running, cycling, swimming, cardio, strength and water sport modes that come with ongoing support and updates for all abilities.
The watch itself has been built with a stainless steel bezel and a sapphire glass screen that includes an optical heart rate monitor, barometric altimeter, accelerometer, compass, gyroscope and thermometer with a 24/7 heart rate monitoring as well as sleep, step and calorie tracking.
The Coros APEX Premium Multisport GPS Watch can suit any lifestyle and help you to train for any kind of activity.
Pros:
- Has route navigation and checkpoint features that are supported with 24 days of regular battery life and 25 hours in full GPS mode
- Includes a variety of different training modes including interval, structure and strength as well as triathlon, you can make the most from this watch for all of your workouts and training
- Built in running power metric from the wrist plus native and complete integration with Stryd power meters makes this one of the most advanced models on our list
Cons:
- High price point
BEST VALUE
Our third choice is the Timex Ironman Classic 30 Full-Size 38mm Watch which has a 100 hour chronograph with a 30 lap memory and 24 hour countdown timer.
The on screen prompts make setting the watch up incredibly easy and ideal for beginners who may be intimidated by a sports watch.
The adjustable black 16 millimeter resin strap can fit up to an eight inch wrist circumference making it accessible for all weights and abilities.
The resin material is incredibly durable and reliable as it is waterproof and resistant to all kinds of weather conditions.
The gray and black 38 millimeter resin case comes with an acrylic lens for extra security while the gray digital display isn’t offputting while still displaying the information clearly.
The Indiglo light up watch dial makes the information on the watch visible without overwhelming the eye. This watch is also water resistant for up to 100 meters which makes it ideal for the swimming portion of the race.
Pros:
- Has a 100 hour chronograph with a 30 lap memory and 24 hour countdown timer
- The resin material is incredibly durable and reliable as it is waterproof and resistant to all kinds of weather conditions
- Water resistant for up to 100 meters which makes it ideal for the swimming portion of the race
Cons:
- The strap can become loose over time
RUNNER UP
Our penultimate selection is the Garmin Forerunner 735XT, Multisport GPS Running Watch which is a GPS running watch with multisport features that makes it perfect for triathlon training.
It can estimate the heart rate at the wrist so you can run freer on race day. It is also shock resistant and has a battery life of up to 11 days making it a watch that is designed with longevity in mind.
This watch is particularly suited for more experienced athletes as it provides advanced dynamics for running , cycling and swimming.
With additional features including ground contact time balance, stride length and vertical ratio, this is a great choice for those who want to check specific statistics when training.
What makes the Garmin Forerunner 735XT a great option is that it offers a VO2 max estimate, lactate threshold when used with a chest strap heart rate monitor, race predictor and recovery advisor making it suitable for all kinds of trainers.
It also has an array of connectivity features including smart notifications, automatic uploads to Garmin Connect and live tracking among many others.
With the option to customize the watch face thanks to the Connect IQ store, you can personalize the watch to your own preferences.
Pros:
- Shock resistant and has a battery life of up to 11 days making it a watch that is designed with longevity in mind
- Particularly suited for more experienced athletes as it provides advanced dynamics for running , cycling and swimming
- Has an array of connectivity features including smart notifications, automatic uploads to Garmin Connect and live tracking
Cons:
- The weather widget can freeze at times
RUNNER UP
Our final selection is the Timex Full-Size Ironman Essential 10 Watch which has an adjustable black 16mm resin strap that can fit up to an 8 inch wrist circumference for ultimate comfortability.
With a 100 hour chronograph with ten lap memory and 24 hour countdown timer, tracking your progress while training has never been easier, making this a perfect choice for beginners.
This is the perfect choice for those who are on a strict budget as it boasts brilliant quality at a great price point. It is waterproof for swimming and has a lightweight design which is so weightless that you will forget you are even wearing it while training.
This watch comes with a customizable alarm with a 24 hour military time mode as well as two time zones and a day, date and month calendar so you can keep track of your races from the comfort of your watch.
The black and gray 40mm resin case has an acrylic lens for extra protection with a gray digital display and an Indiglo light up watch dial.
It is water resistant up to 100m or 330ft which makes it perfect for the swimming portion of the triathlon.
Pros:
- Has an adjustable black 16mm resin strap that can fit up to an 8 inch wrist circumference for ultimate comfortability
- Perfect choice for those who are on a strict budget as it boasts brilliant quality at a great price point
- Comes with a customizable alarm with a 24 hour military time mode as well as two time zones and a day, date and month calendar so you can keep track of your races
Cons:
- The function button is extremely touch sensitive
Buyers Guide
Whether you are looking for a replacement triathlon watch or have never purchased one before, it’s important to be extremely thorough in your research as a quality watch is going to give you all the information you need while you are training.
When you are conducting your research, always look at the material, your ability, additional features and the budget.
Once you’ve thought about all of these factors, you’ll be in a position where you can make a fully informed decision with confidence.
Material
The most important aspect when it comes to purchasing a triathlon watch are the materials used in its design.
These watches need to withstand running, cycling and swimming under any weather condition so it is crucial that they have reliability and durability to stand against any kind of resistance.
Having a strap made from a material such as silicone is both waterproof and lightweight so will help you to bring your best performance whilst the face of the watch needs to have waterproof abilities so it isn’t damaged when you go swimming.
Ability
Next, always think about your ability. If you are a beginner then you probably only need a watch that gives you the basic information you need to track your progress.
On the other hand, a more advanced athlete probably wants a more advanced model so they can track specific statistics more carefully and easily.
Additional Features
Another important factor to consider are the additional features that come with the watch.
A lot of the watches in this article boast various features beyond the heart rate and can give up to date temperature updates as well as being able to indicate whether you are overtraining or not training enough per session.
The watch’s ability to cater itself to your training needs specifically mean that you have a more accurate representation of your overall progress.
Budget
Lastly, always think about your budget. With triathlon watches varying greatly in price, there are plenty of options at every price point as is evident with the recommendations in this article.
Naturally, the more expensive watches are the ones that boast more advanced features and higher quality material but there are plenty of models on a stricter budget that can do the job just as well.
Although cheaper models may not have the bells and whistles that come with more expensive triathlon watches, they should be able to give you real time information regarding your heart rate.
FAQ
Is a triathlon watch worth it?
Triathlon watches are a brilliant investment if you are looking for something that can withstand triathlon training.
Not only can they withstand the conditions that come with running, swimming and cycling, but they are designed to put up with whatever the weather so you don’t have to worry about it malfunctioning as it will always give you up to date information.
What should I look for in a triathlon watch?
The most important feature in any triathlon watch is the heart rate monitor. This is because you’ll be able to read a lot of information just from that statistic alone.
The heart rate monitor is a great way to track your overall progress while also ensuring that you aren’t overdoing it in your training. Also, an easy to read display is crucial as a watch that is complicated in its display and design is going to prove a distraction while you are training.
