Timex Fitness Band Launch: Full History

The Timex fitness band launched in January 2015, when the company introduced the Timex Ironman One GPS+ at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. This was Timex’s first and so far only dedicated fitness band, and it stood out for its built-in GPS and cellular connectivity that allowed it to work without a paired smartphone.

Formula

The calculator works out average pace and speed from a finish time and a distance. The formulas are:

• Average pace = finish time (in minutes) ÷ distance (in km), giving minutes per kilometre.
• Average speed = distance (in km) ÷ (finish time in minutes ÷ 60), giving kilometres per hour.

Where:

• t = finish time in minutes (e.g., 50 minutes)
• d = distance in kilometres (e.g., 10 km)

Worked Example

Using the default values from the calculator (50 minutes, 10 km):

1. Average pace = 50 ÷ 10 = 5.00 min/km
2. Average speed = 10 ÷ (50 ÷ 60) = 10 ÷ 0.8333 = 12.00 km/h

So a 50-minute 10 km run gives a pace of 5:00 per kilometre and an average speed of 12 km/h.

Background of the Timex Ironman One GPS+

Timex has a long history in sports watches, particularly the Ironman line that began in 1986. The One GPS+ was an attempt to modernise that legacy for the emerging fitness band market. It launched in the United States in early 2015 with a retail price of about $400, plus a $10 per month cellular service fee. The band featured a built-in GPS receiver and a 2G cellular chip, which let it track runs and send notifications without needing a phone nearby. It also had a heart rate monitor, step counter, and sleep tracking.

The device was notable for being one of the first fitness bands with standalone connectivity, but it also faced criticism for its bulky design, short battery life (around 8 hours with GPS active), and the ongoing subscription cost. Timex discontinued the One GPS+ within a couple of years, and the company has not released another fitness band since, focusing instead on traditional watches and hybrid smartwatches.

How the Timex Fitness Band Worked

The One GPS+ combined several sensors and wireless technologies:

• GPS – tracked location, pace, and distance during outdoor runs.
• Cellular (2G) – allowed live tracking, text notifications, and music controls without a phone.
• Optical heart rate monitor – measured heart rate continuously or during workouts.
• Accelerometer – counted steps and detected sleep.

Users could view data on the band’s small monochrome screen or sync it to the Timex app on iOS or Android. The cellular feature required a subscription and used AT&T’s network in the US. The band was also water-resistant to 50 metres, making it suitable for swimming, though GPS did not work underwater.

How to Choose a Fitness Band Today

If you are looking for a fitness band now, consider these factors:

• Battery life – most modern bands last 5–10 days, while GPS-heavy use drains faster.
• GPS vs. phone GPS – built-in GPS is more accurate but costs more and uses more battery.
• Heart rate accuracy – optical sensors vary; chest straps are more accurate for serious training.
• Water resistance – check the ATM rating (e.g., 5 ATM means 50 metres) for swimming.
• Smart features – notifications, music control, and contactless payments add convenience.
• Compatibility – ensure the band works with your phone’s operating system.

Common Problems with the One GPS+

Users reported several issues with the Timex band:

• Battery life – the 8-hour GPS battery was too short for ultramarathons or all-day tracking.
• Connectivity – the cellular connection sometimes dropped, and the subscription was seen as a hassle.
• Size and comfort – the band was large and heavy compared to rivals like the Fitbit Charge.
• Software bugs – syncing issues and inaccurate heart rate readings were noted in reviews.

Comparison with Other Fitness Bands

At launch, the One GPS+ competed with the Fitbit Surge, Garmin Vivoactive, and Basis Peak. The Fitbit Surge had GPS but no cellular, and cost $250. The Garmin Vivoactive had GPS and a colour screen, but no cellular, and cost $250. The Basis Peak had heart rate and skin temperature sensors but no GPS. The Timex was the only one with standalone connectivity, but it was also the most expensive and had the shortest battery life. In 2025, the market has shifted to smartwatches like the Apple Watch and Garmin Forerunner, and few dedicated bands remain.

Cost and Availability

The Timex Ironman One GPS+ was priced at $399.99 at launch. The cellular service cost $10 per month, and the band required a two-year contract with AT&T in the US. It was available through Timex’s website, Amazon, and major retailers. After discontinuation, the band occasionally appeared on clearance for under $100, but it is now rare to find new units. No official replacement has been announced.

Safety and Accuracy Considerations

Fitness bands are not medical devices. The heart rate monitor on the One GPS+ was optical, which can be less accurate during high-intensity intervals or for people with darker skin tones. GPS accuracy depends on satellite visibility; tall buildings and dense trees can cause errors. For safety, always carry a phone or tell someone your route when running alone, even if your band has cellular. The band’s water resistance rating does not mean it can be used for deep diving; it is for swimming and rain only.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Timex fitness band still available?

No, the Timex Ironman One GPS+ was discontinued around 2016. Timex has not released a new fitness band since, though they continue to sell sports watches and hybrid smartwatches.

Does the Timex band work without a phone?

Yes, the One GPS+ had a built-in cellular chip that allowed it to send notifications, track live location, and sync data without a phone. However, this required a monthly subscription and used the AT&T network in the US.

Can I use the Timex band for swimming?

The band was water-resistant to 50 metres (5 ATM), so it could be worn while swimming, but the GPS and heart rate monitor did not work underwater. It was not designed for diving.

What is the battery life of the Timex band?

Battery life was about 8 hours with GPS and cellular active, and around 5 days in standby mode. This was significantly shorter than most modern fitness bands.

Does Timex make a fitness tracker now?

As of 2025, Timex does not have a dedicated fitness band in its lineup. They sell the Ironman watches and some hybrid models that connect to a phone for notifications, but none have built-in GPS or advanced fitness tracking.

Why did the Timex fitness band fail?

The high price, subscription fee, short battery life, and bulky design made it less appealing than cheaper alternatives from Fitbit and Garmin. The cellular feature was innovative but not enough to overcome the drawbacks.

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in t | Finish time | min | 50 | 0
in d | Distance | km | 10 | 0
out pace | Average pace | min/km | t / d | 2
out speed | Average speed | km/h | d / (t / 60) | 2