| The Timex Ironman Triathlon watch springs to mind | | | | which was quickly emulated by competitors. Indiglo's |
| for many when considering the purchase of a sport's | | | | electroluminescence was trademarked by Timex. |
| watch. Understandably, as the Triathlon model has | | | | Indiglo lit up the entire watch face in a brilliant glow |
| been partnered with sports since it's inception in 1984. | | | | and dramatic colors which was a great improvement |
| The connection was cemented in 1986 when Timex | | | | over the previous glow in the dark watch technology |
| become involved with the famous Ironman Triathlon | | | | where only the tips of watch hands and numbers |
| sporting event. Timex very cleverly aligned | | | | were able to be seen in the dark. INDIGLO |
| themselves with the Ironman Triathlon race which | | | | technology also used less battery than other back lit |
| was in it's early days in a stroke of what in hindsight | | | | watches and was an immediate hit with consumers. |
| turned out to be marketing genius. | | | | Later as fashions changed Timex made Indiglo more |
| The original name Timex Triathlon watch was then | | | | subtle with less flouro colors. Indiglo remains a popular |
| replaced by the name Timex Ironman Triathlon | | | | feature of Timex watches, particularly in the Ironman |
| watch, the diving capacity was increased to 100 | | | | Triathlon range and the Timex Heart Rate Monitor |
| meters, a few cosmetic changes were made along | | | | models. The brightness of the watch face is a great |
| with the trademarked name and a new icon in | | | | advantage for sportsmen training or playing sports |
| watches was born. | | | | after dark. |
| Urban legend has it that when the original watches | | | | The next major change to the Ironman Triathlon |
| were taken to the first Ironman race to test the | | | | watch range was the introduction of data link and |
| market, the watches literally ran out the door | | | | body link which took the series to a new level of |
| (excuse the pun). Triathlon entrants all wanted one | | | | innovation. |
| of the originals which created scarcity which in turn | | | | The Timex name has often been linked to famous |
| fueled demand and publicity. It was in those early | | | | people and landmark occasions. Timex watches |
| days that the slogan for the Timex Ironman Watch | | | | appear classless and are not subject to the status |
| "takes a licking but keeps on ticking" was coined and | | | | symbol positioning of more expensive watch brands. |
| the famous partnership between the Ironman | | | | Timex are often seen being worn by the rich and |
| Triathlon and Timex as the major sponsor was born. | | | | famous and an often quoted example of that is |
| Timex has since developed a number of Ironman | | | | President Clinton who wore a favorite Timex |
| Triathlon watches ranging from fairly basic models | | | | Ironman Triathlon watch during his inauguration (which |
| with limited sports functions to top of the range high | | | | he later donated to the Smithsonian museum). |
| tech GPS and Data Link watches to meet the ever | | | | However, it is also true that President Clinton owned |
| increasing demands of the Triathlon world. The basic | | | | and wore a range of very elite and expensive |
| Ironman Triathlon Watch still includes time, stopwatch | | | | watches throughout his term as president. Such as |
| (chrono), timer, occasion alarm, and three other | | | | Panerai. |
| alarms. More sophisticated models have GPS, lap | | | | Timex Ironman Triathlon Datalink model 78401 graced |
| timing, iPod interface and the ability to upload and | | | | the arm of astronaut Daniel T. Barry on the STS-72 |
| download data from and to your computer (data link) | | | | Space Shuttle Endeavor . Even George W. was |
| | | | known to wear the durable and public relations |
| The first of the Ironman watches were worn by | | | | friendly Timex during his time in office when the |
| military and law enforcement personnel as the watch | | | | occasion suited. In another headline raising incident his |
| was considered bulletproof and had a rugged look. | | | | Timex was mysteriously stolen from his wrist whilst |
| That's something that the Timex Ironman and Rolex | | | | in Albania. |
| have in common (perhaps the only thing apart from | | | | A Timex Ironman Triathlon watch or any of the Data |
| that they both tell the time), as Rolex watches were | | | | Link or 1440 series of watches are a rugged, long |
| initially distributed during WW1 to enlisted men in the | | | | lasting watch with the respected name of Timex |
| trenches. | | | | behind them. |
| In the early years the "Ironman Triathlon watch" was | | | | In recent years other watch companies have given |
| a man's watch. Due to popular demand a women's | | | | Timex some stiff competition, however, Timex is a |
| version which was smaller and also suitable for | | | | household name and is synonymous with good old |
| adolescents became available later in 1984. These | | | | fashioned service and quality. Timex originally joint |
| early Ironman watches have become collectable and | | | | ventured with Walt Disney in producing the Mickey |
| a quick search of eBay or collector's sites gives a | | | | Mouse clock in 1933 and with their continued |
| good indication of the prices they fetch. | | | | innovation and marketing magic it's hard to foresee |
| The Ironman Triathlon watch didn't change until the | | | | that they will lose their reputation as the most |
| early 90's when Indiglo was launched. This again | | | | trusted, reliable and affordable watch any time soon. |
| proved to be a highly successful marketing move | | | | |