Timex Ironman 8-Lap Turns 40: The 1986 Design Returns for $119
Timex is celebrating 40 years of the Ironman with the 8-Lap 40th Anniversary, a watch that looks exactly like the original from 1986. It costs $119 at Timex, and Watches of Switzerland lists it at $109. Alongside the original grey and black, a blue version with a red bezel is also available.
The watch that defined training watches
The story began in 1984, when Timex worked with staff of the Ironman triathlon to create a digital watch for athletes. It was first sold at the race and quickly became a commercial success. In 1986 Timex took over the naming rights to the race, refined the design and launched it as the Ironman Triathlon. The design was led by John T. Houlihan.
According to Gear Patrol, the Ironman set the standard for training watches long before smartwatches appeared.
What it offers
The 39 mm resin case has a grey finish and a black bezel fixed with four exposed screws. Five buttons control a digital quartz module.
- Case: 39 mm resin, black bezel with four screws
- Functions: chronograph with 8-lap memory, calendar, hourly chime, up to three alarms, backlight
- Movement: quartz, digital display
- Water resistance: 100 m
- Strap: black rubber accordion strap with steel buckle
- Price: $119 at Timex, $109 at Watches of Switzerland
The "8-Lap" name refers to the memory that stores up to eight consecutive lap times, a useful feature for runners and swimmers. According to Gear Patrol, the $119 price roughly matches the original $35 launch price adjusted for inflation.
Source: Gear Patrol, 2 November 2026.
