Best Triathlon Watches for Athletes in 2023

Triathlon is a multi-sport event that requires athletes to complete a continuous race consisting of swimming, biking, and running. It is a challenging event that requires intense training, dedication, and endurance. To help athletes track their progress and improve their performance, a reliable triathlon watch is essential. A triathlon watch is a specialized watch that is designed to track and monitor the athlete’s performance during the race. It provides real-time data on the athlete’s heart rate, distance, speed, and other important metrics.

When choosing the best triathlon watch, there are several critical factors to consider. The first factor is the watch’s durability. Triathlon watches are exposed to harsh conditions, including water, sweat, and impact. Therefore, the watch should be built to withstand these conditions. The second factor is the watch’s functionality. The watch should have features that are specifically designed for triathlon events, such as GPS tracking, heart rate monitoring, and swim metrics. The third factor is the watch’s comfort. The watch should be comfortable to wear during the race and not interfere with the athlete’s performance.

In this article, we have researched and tested several triathlon watches to identify the best ones for athletes. We have considered factors such as durability, functionality, and comfort to provide you with a comprehensive guide to the best triathlon watches on the market. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced triathlete, our guide will help you find the perfect watch to track your performance and achieve your goals.

Best Triathlon Watches

If you’re a triathlete, you know that tracking your progress is essential to improving your performance. Triathlon watches are an excellent tool for monitoring your training, and they come with features like GPS, heart rate monitors, and water resistance. With so many options on the market, it can be challenging to find the right one for you. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best triathlon watches to help you make an informed decision. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, these watches will help you track your progress and achieve your goals.

Garmin Forerunner 945, Premium GPS Running/Triathlon Smartwatch with Music, Black Black Smartwatch

If you’re an athlete looking for a high-quality triathlon smartwatch, the Garmin Forerunner 945 is a great choice. With its premium GPS, music, and performance monitoring features, this watch is designed to help you achieve your fitness goals.

Pros

• Sync with premium music services to put your songs on your wrist when paired with a compatible smartphone.
• Full color, onboard maps guide you on your run so you never get lost during your workout.
• Safety and tracking features include incident detection (during select activities) which sends your real-time location to emergency contacts through your paired compatible smartphone.

Cons

• The price may be a bit steep for some buyers.
• The watch may be too bulky for some users.
• Some users have reported issues with the battery life.

The Garmin Forerunner 945 is a great choice for athletes who want a watch that can keep up with their active lifestyle. With its advanced physiological features, including training load balance and more, you can be sure that you’re getting the most out of your workouts. Additionally, the watch offers the convenience of quick, contactless payments with Garmin Pay, so you can leave your cash and cards at home.

One of the standout features of the Garmin Forerunner 945 is its ability to sync with premium music services like Spotify, Amazon Music, or Deezer. This means that you can download your favorite songs and playlists to your watch and listen to them while you work out, without having to carry your smartphone with you.

Another great feature of the Garmin Forerunner 945 is its full-color, onboard maps, which guide you on your run so you never get lost during your workout. This is especially useful for athletes who like to explore new routes or who are training for a race in an unfamiliar location.

Finally, the Garmin Forerunner 945 offers a range of safety and tracking features, including incident detection (during select activities), which sends your real-time location to emergency contacts through your paired compatible smartphone. This can provide peace of mind for athletes who train alone or in remote locations.

Overall, the Garmin Forerunner 945 is a great choice for athletes who want a high-quality triathlon smartwatch with advanced features and performance monitoring capabilities. While it may be a bit pricey for some buyers, it offers a range of benefits that make it well worth the investment.

Garmin Forerunner 945 Bundle, Premium GPS Running/Triathlon Smartwatch with Music, Blue

If you’re looking for a top-of-the-line triathlon watch, the Garmin Forerunner 945 Bundle is an excellent option to consider.

Pros

• Sync with premium music services
• Full-color, onboard maps for guidance during workouts
• Safety and tracking features, including incident detection

Cons

• Expensive
• Wrist heart rate monitoring may not be reliable
• Some features may require premium subscriptions or third-party music providers

This triathlon watch offers a range of advanced features, including performance monitoring and training load balance, and is perfect for athletes who want to track their progress and improve their performance. The watch also offers the convenience of quick, contactless payments with Garmin Pay.

The Forerunner 945 Bundle allows you to easily download songs to your watch, including playlists from Spotify, Amazon Music, or Deezer, and connect with headphones for phone-free listening. The watch also features full-color, onboard maps to guide you on your run, so you never get lost during your workout.

Safety and tracking features include incident detection during select activities, which sends your real-time location to emergency contacts through your paired compatible smartphone. The watch boasts a battery life of up to 2 weeks in smartwatch mode, 10 hours in GPS mode with music, or up to 60 hours in UltraTrac mode.

While the Garmin Forerunner 945 Bundle is an excellent triathlon watch, it comes at a high price point and may not be suitable for all budgets. Additionally, some users have reported that the wrist heart rate monitoring is not reliable, which may be an issue for some athletes. Finally, some features may require premium subscriptions or third-party music providers.

Overall, if you’re looking for a top-of-the-line triathlon watch with advanced features and excellent performance monitoring, the Garmin Forerunner 945 Bundle is an excellent option to consider.

Timex Ironman Triathlon 30 Lap Grey/Black Silver/Steel One Size

If you are looking for a simple and reliable triathlon watch, the Timex Ironman Triathlon 30 Lap is a good choice.

Pros

• The watch has a 100-hour chronograph with lap and split times, 30-lap memory recall, and a 99-lap counter, making it easy to track your performance during training and races.
• The watch is water-resistant up to 100 meters, so you can wear it while swimming and not worry about damage.
• The watch has three daily, weekly, weekday or weekend alarms with 5-minute backup, which is useful for setting reminders during training and daily life.

Cons

• The watch has a plastic case and band, which may not be as durable as metal options.
• The watch has a white reflector display, which may be difficult to read in certain lighting conditions.
• The watch does not have GPS or heart rate monitoring, which may be important features for some athletes.

The Timex Ironman Triathlon 30 Lap is a classic and reliable triathlon watch that provides essential functions for athletes at any level. The watch is lightweight and comfortable to wear, making it a good choice for long training sessions and races.

The watch has a simple design with a white reflector display, which may not be as visually appealing as some other options. However, the watch is easy to operate with a top pusher and forward or backward setting.

Overall, if you are looking for a basic triathlon watch that provides essential features without breaking the bank, the Timex Ironman Triathlon 30 Lap is a solid choice.

Timex T5E901 Ironman Digital Chronograph Triathlon Watch for Men – Gray & Black

If you are looking for an affordable triathlon watch, the Timex T5E901 Ironman Digital Chronograph Triathlon Watch for Men – Gray & Black is a solid option.

Pros

• This refurbished product is tested and certified to look and work like new.
• The watch is water-resistant and can be used for snorkeling and swimming.
• The watch features a chronograph and digital display.

Cons

• The battery may need to be changed frequently.
• The watch may not be suitable for advanced triathletes who require more advanced features.
• The watch may not be as durable as more expensive options.

The Timex T5E901 Ironman Digital Chronograph Triathlon Watch for Men – Gray & Black is a budget-friendly option that offers basic triathlon features. The watch is water-resistant and can be used for snorkeling and swimming, making it a versatile option for athletes who enjoy water sports. Additionally, the watch features a chronograph and digital display, allowing you to easily track your time and progress during training and races.

However, the battery may need to be changed frequently, which can be inconvenient for some users. Additionally, the watch may not be suitable for advanced triathletes who require more advanced features, such as GPS tracking or heart rate monitoring. Finally, the watch may not be as durable as more expensive options, so it may not be the best choice for athletes who are hard on their gear.

Overall, if you are looking for a basic triathlon watch that won’t break the bank, the Timex T5E901 Ironman Digital Chronograph Triathlon Watch for Men – Gray & Black is worth considering.

Timex Ironman Triathlon 30-Lap Midsize Watch

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly triathlon watch, the Timex Ironman Triathlon 30-Lap Midsize Watch is worth considering.

Pros

• The midsize model is perfect for those with smaller wrists, while the standard model is suitable for larger wrists.
• The watch comes with 30-lap memory recall, three alarms, a 100-hour chronograph, three time zones, and a six-year battery life.
• The watch is lightweight and comfortable to wear during workouts.

Cons

• The watch doesn’t have a lot of advanced features compared to more expensive models.
• The Night Mode feature isn’t very bright, making it difficult to read the display in low light conditions.
• Some users reported issues with water leakage.

The Timex Ironman Triathlon 30-Lap Midsize Watch is a great option for beginners or those who don’t need a lot of advanced features. It’s easy to use, comfortable to wear, and has a long battery life. However, if you’re looking for a watch with more advanced features or better water resistance, you may want to consider a more expensive model.

Timex Women’s T5D891 Ironman Triathlon 30-Lap Traditional Watch

If you’re looking for a traditional, mid-sized sports watch to keep your triathlon training focused, the Timex Women’s T5D891 Ironman Triathlon 30-Lap Traditional Watch is a great option.

Pros

• The 30-lap memory recall and 99-lap counter allow you to track your progress during training.
• The Indiglo night-light makes it easy to read the time in low light conditions.
• The black polyurethane strap is comfortable to wear during exercise.

Cons

• The watch doesn’t have GPS or heart rate monitoring capabilities.
• Some users have reported issues with the indiglo feature making the screen go blank.
• The watch doesn’t have a snooze feature for the alarm.

This Timex watch is a solid option for triathlon training, especially if you’re looking for a traditional watch without too many bells and whistles. The 30-lap memory recall and 99-lap counter are useful features for tracking your progress during training, and the Indiglo night-light makes it easy to read the time in low light conditions. However, the watch doesn’t have GPS or heart rate monitoring capabilities, so if those are important features for you, you may want to consider a different watch. Additionally, some users have reported issues with the indiglo feature making the screen go blank, and the watch doesn’t have a snooze feature for the alarm.

In summary, if you’re looking for a simple, traditional sports watch for triathlon training, the Timex Women’s T5D891 Ironman Triathlon 30-Lap Traditional Watch is a solid choice.

RARE 19mm Timex Black Watch Band for Vintage Ironman Triathlon LAP 100, 70381, 70457, TX470381

If you own a vintage Timex Ironman Triathlon LAP 100 watch model # 70381 or 70457, this band is a perfect replacement for your old, worn-out band.

Pros

• Fits vintage Timex Ironman Triathlon LAP 100 watch models # 70381 and 70457
• Comfortable to wear
• Hard to find size and style

Cons

• Thin and flimsy
• Not exactly like the original
• May not fit other watch models

This black rubber watch band is a rare find and a great replacement for your vintage Timex Ironman Triathlon watch. It fits perfectly and is comfortable to wear during your triathlon training and races. However, the band is thin and flimsy, and not exactly like the original. It may not fit other watch models, so be sure to check your watch’s specifications before purchasing.

In summary, if you own a vintage Timex Ironman Triathlon LAP 100 watch model # 70381 or 70457, and need a replacement band, this is a great option. It may not be exactly like the original, but it fits well and is comfortable to wear.

Garmin Forerunner 945 LTE

If you’re looking for a reliable and feature-packed triathlon watch, the Garmin Forerunner 945 LTE is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• LTE connectivity for safety and tracking features
• Long battery life
• Music storage and playback

Cons

• Expensive
• LTE functionality limited to emergency situations
• Texting functionality not available

The Garmin Forerunner 945 LTE is a high-end triathlon watch that comes with a range of features to help you train smarter and perform better. With LTE connectivity, you can enjoy phone-free safety and tracking features, including LiveTrack and Assistance Plus, which connects you to the Garmin IERCC, a professional 24/7 emergency monitoring and response center. You can also receive messages from fans during your race.

In addition, the Forerunner 945 LTE boasts up to 2 weeks of battery life in smartwatch mode, 12 hours in GPS mode with music, and 7 hours in GPS mode with music and LTE LiveTrack. You can bring music for every mile by downloading from music services such as Amazon Music, Deezer, Spotify, and more to easily store and play up to 1,000 songs from your wrist when paired with compatible headphones.

The watch also allows you to train smarter with performance measurements adjusted for heat and altitude, track recovery time, predict your race finish time, monitor heart rate (this is not a medical device) underwater, and much more. You can leave your cash and cards at home as Garmin Pay contactless payments let you pay for purchases on the go. Full-color, onboard maps guide you on your runs or rides.

Improved intervals feature includes a new rest screen, intervals data page, and automatic classification that keeps track of your fast time and slow time, then separates them for you. You can measure your running distance around a 400-meter track more accurately with the track run activity profile. Daily suggested workouts give you clear daily guidance designed to help you get fitter and keep your training balanced. You can train for triathlons with run, bike, and swim metrics plus multisport modes that allow you to easily do brick workouts and tri races.

Overall, the Garmin Forerunner 945 LTE is a great choice for anyone looking for a high-end triathlon watch with advanced features. However, it is quite expensive, and the LTE functionality is limited to emergency situations. Texting functionality is not available, which may be a downside for some users.

Buying Guide

When it comes to selecting the best triathlon watch, there are a few things you should consider. Here are some features to look for when choosing a triathlon watch:

GPS

GPS is an essential feature in a triathlon watch. It allows you to track your distance, pace, and location accurately. It also helps you navigate through unfamiliar routes.

Heart Rate Monitor

A heart rate monitor is another feature that you should consider. It helps you monitor your heart rate during training and races, which is essential for optimizing your performance.

Water Resistance

Since triathlons involve swimming, it’s crucial to choose a watch that is water-resistant. Look for a watch that can withstand the depth and duration of your swim.

Battery Life

Battery life is another critical factor to consider. You don’t want to run out of battery during a race or long training session. Look for a watch with a battery life that suits your needs.

Multisport Mode

A multisport mode allows you to track multiple activities in one session. It’s an essential feature for triathletes who want to track their swim, bike, and run data in one place.

Display

A clear and easy-to-read display is essential for a triathlon watch. Look for a watch with a display that is easy to read in all lighting conditions.

Comfort

Comfort is crucial when choosing a triathlon watch. You’ll be wearing it for extended periods, so make sure it fits well and doesn’t irritate your skin.

By considering these features, you can find the best triathlon watch that suits your needs and helps you achieve your goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What features should I look for in a budget-friendly triathlon watch?

When looking for a budget-friendly triathlon watch, it’s important to prioritize features that are essential for your training and racing needs. Look for watches that have GPS tracking, heart rate monitoring, and multi-sport modes that allow you to seamlessly transition between swim, bike, and run. Other helpful features include customizable data screens, long battery life, and water resistance.

Can the Apple Watch be effectively used for triathlon training and events?

While the Apple Watch has many great features, it may not be the best option for serious triathletes. The watch lacks some key features that triathletes need, such as built-in GPS and multi-sport modes. Additionally, the battery life may not last long enough for longer races. However, if you’re a beginner or casual triathlete, the Apple Watch can still be a useful tool for tracking your workouts and progress.

Which Garmin Forerunner model is best suited for triathletes?

Garmin Forerunner watches are a popular choice among triathletes due to their advanced features and durability. The Forerunner 945 and Forerunner 745 are both great options for triathletes, with features such as GPS, heart rate monitoring, multi-sport modes, and long battery life. The Forerunner 945 also has advanced performance metrics and music storage, while the Forerunner 745 is more budget-friendly.

What are the top triathlon watches available for under $200?

There are several great triathlon watches available for under $200. The Garmin Forerunner 35, Garmin Forerunner 45, and Timex Ironman Classic are all popular options that offer GPS tracking, heart rate monitoring, and multi-sport modes. Other budget-friendly options include the Polar M200 and the Suunto Spartan Trainer.

Which triathlon watches are recommended for athletes with smaller wrists?

If you have smaller wrists, it’s important to find a watch that fits comfortably and securely. The Garmin Forerunner 45S and Garmin Forerunner 245 are both great options for smaller wrists, with adjustable bands and compact designs. Other options include the Suunto 5 and Polar Vantage M, which have smaller watch faces and customizable bands.

Do professional triathletes prefer a specific brand or model of watch?

Professional triathletes often have specific preferences when it comes to their gear, including their watches. However, many top triathletes use Garmin watches, such as the Forerunner 945 or Forerunner 745, due to their advanced features and durability. Other popular brands among professionals include Suunto and Polar. Ultimately, the best watch for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.