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2010-03-11 10:35 AM

Master
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Subject: Replacement piece for Timex Ironman watch
I own a perfectly functioning Timex Ironman watch, the not-expensive kind that I bought for <$45 about 2 years ago. 

The rubber piece that you slide the extra strap into (so it won't dangle around) actually broke on my watch. The dangling extra watch band is becoming quite annoying, but I'd hate to get rid of a perfectly good watch just because a small potentially replaceable piece.

I don't think you can easily change the entire watchband on this watch, either - it doesn't have the typical pin-screw setup. 

Can anybody recommend a solution to this? Or am I stuck with getting yet another new watch? 


2010-03-11 10:37 AM
in reply to: #2720641

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Science Nerd
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Redwood City, California
Subject: RE: Replacement piece for Timex Ironman watch
I worked at one of those mall watch kiosks in high school.  We would keep the extra sliding pieces from broken watch bands or broken watches and give them to people.  Might be an option to try.
2010-03-11 10:46 AM
in reply to: #2720641

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Expert
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Kaneohe, Hawaii
Subject: RE: Replacement piece for Timex Ironman watch
Get a black hair rubber band thingy from your wife/gf/daughter. Double it over and put it on the band and use that to tuck in the extra band.
2010-03-11 10:54 AM
in reply to: #2720641

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Champion
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Alabama
Subject: RE: Replacement piece for Timex Ironman watch

Had the same issue.  I tried several things that did not work...finally want  to Wal-mart and bought a $5 black watchband....I took the little holder loop thing and threw the rest  of the watchband away.  :-)  Kinda of a waste but it was worth the $5 to me.

 

~Mike

2010-03-11 10:58 AM
in reply to: #2720641

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Champion
5529
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Nashville, TN
Subject: RE: Replacement piece for Timex Ironman watch
welcome to the club.  i own 3 of the same watches.  two are missing that piece.   i feel your pain
2010-03-11 11:12 AM
in reply to: #2720641

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Champion
7821
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Brooklyn, NY
Subject: RE: Replacement piece for Timex Ironman watch
I had the same problem. I called Timex and the woman I spoke to had a desk drawer full of them (it's called a "keeper", apparently). She sent me one for free and I had it in a week or so.



2010-03-11 12:05 PM
in reply to: #2720746

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Champion
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Alabama
Subject: RE: Replacement piece for Timex Ironman watch

jmk-brooklyn - 2010-03-11 11:12 AM I had the same problem. I called Timex and the woman I spoke to had a desk drawer full of them (it's called a "keeper", apparently). She sent me one for free and I had it in a week or so.

 

Dang, why didn't I think of that.  Good to know!  Thanks.

 

~Mike

2010-03-11 12:14 PM
in reply to: #2720641

Master
1963
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Subject: RE: Replacement piece for Timex Ironman watch
The mall kiosk guy put a new one on for $3 for me the first time. The second time, I just bought a whole new strap from REI, it was $10. It was made by timex so it matched broken one I was taking off.

I feel they have a high incidence of failure
2010-03-11 12:35 PM
in reply to: #2720746

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Champion
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Urbandale, IA
Subject: RE: Replacement piece for Timex Ironman watch
jmk-brooklyn - 2010-03-11 11:12 AM I had the same problem. I called Timex and the woman I spoke to had a desk drawer full of them (it's called a "keeper", apparently). She sent me one for free and I had it in a week or so.

x2. I expectd to pay a couple o bucks and shipping.  Didn't charge me a dime.  Will probably get me to buy my next sports watch from Timex, though.  The power of customer service.
2010-03-12 10:20 AM
in reply to: #2720641

Master
2460
20001001001001002525
Subject: RE: Replacement piece for Timex Ironman watch
Just got an email back from cust service:

Thank you for your inquiry.  You can call us at 1-800-448-4639 to order a replacement keeperfor your watch.  The cost will be $3.50, plus any applicable tax.  Please have your watch with you when you call.

 
Sounds good to me - maybe I'll get lucky and score a free one, as well!

Thx for the ideas about calling Timex!
 
2010-03-12 10:35 AM
in reply to: #2720641

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Resident Curmudgeon
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The Road Back
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Subject: RE: Replacement piece for Timex Ironman watch
agarose2000 - 2010-03-11 10:35 AM I don't think you can easily change the entire watchband on this watch, either - it doesn't have the typical pin-screw setup. 

 


If it's the style in which the band is molded around the body of the watch, you can't change the band. You can send it to them in Little Rock with $10 and they'll change it for you (or, more likely, send you a replacement). Did so with one earlier this week.


2010-03-12 10:48 AM
in reply to: #2720641

Master
2460
20001001001001002525
Subject: RE: Replacement piece for Timex Ironman watch
Just called and was very easy to order the replacement piece - it's called a "keeper", apparently, and it costs 3.83 with shipping via credit card. They can do the whole band as Bear says as well.

I probably should have just ordered 2-3 of 'em at once. Oh well. 
2010-03-12 11:26 AM
in reply to: #2720687

Veteran
662
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Madison, Alabama
Subject: RE: Replacement piece for Timex Ironman watch
Shaved_Wookie - 2010-03-11 10:46 AM

Get a black hair rubber band thingy from your wife/gf/daughter. Double it over and put it on the band and use that to tuck in the extra band.


Got one of those on my Polar 625...works like a champ...

Kevin
2010-03-12 12:15 PM
in reply to: #2720746

Expert
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Ann Arbor
Subject: RE: Replacement piece for Timex Ironman watch
jmk-brooklyn - 2010-03-11 12:12 PM I had the same problem. I called Timex and the woman I spoke to had a desk drawer full of them (it's called a "keeper", apparently). She sent me one for free and I had it in a week or so.

I'll keep that in mind if mine breaks.  The keeper is completely necessary.  The extra would just drive me crazy!
2010-03-12 3:44 PM
in reply to: #2720641

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Extreme Veteran
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Langley, BC, 'Wet Coast' Canada
Subject: RE: Replacement piece for Timex Ironman watch
I got a replacememt keeper at the dollar store in the mall .... it even came with a free, cheaply made, digital watch 
2010-03-13 5:24 AM
in reply to: #2720641

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Champion
8766
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Evergreen, Colorado
Subject: RE: Replacement piece for Timex Ironman watch
I should call Timex next time...that's marginally better than my current solution.  Here's what I tend to do....

The keeper doesn't usually break until I have the second battery in the watch.  Sometime after I get the battery replaced, the keeper starts to die.  So I use a rubber band as a fix until the battery dies again.  For the cost of a new battery and a keeper you could practically get a new watch.  Besides, by the time the second battery dies the watch is really on its way out...the one I'm wearinig right now is in exactly that position and every time I swim it seems to get some water inside it...and gets all foggy for a few days.

I go through one of these watches every few years.


2010-03-13 5:44 AM
in reply to: #2720641

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Subject: RE: Replacement piece for Timex Ironman watch
You could just get a new watch:

http://www.1saleaday.com/
Timex Hi Ti Ironman Triathlon 75-Lap Titanium, Resin Strap Watch #T5J661
Our Price: $9.99

2010-03-13 6:33 AM
in reply to: #2724237

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Champion
10154
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Alabama
Subject: RE: Replacement piece for Timex Ironman watch

jldicarlo - 2010-03-13 5:24 AM I should call Timex next time...that's marginally better than my current solution.  Here's what I tend to do....

The keeper doesn't usually break until I have the second battery in the watch.  Sometime after I get the battery replaced, the keeper starts to die.  So I use a rubber band as a fix until the battery dies again.  For the cost of a new battery and a keeper you could practically get a new watch.  Besides, by the time the second battery dies the watch is really on its way out...the one I'm wearinig right now is in exactly that position and every time I swim it seems to get some water inside it...and gets all foggy for a few days.

I go through one of these watches every few years.

 

I've had mine for 4 years and only replaced the battery once.  Not sure how you've replaced your batter but I'll share my near-disaster.

In order to get the back off mine I had to take one side of the band off.  Big mistake!  I see what kind of battery it takes and replace it and put the back back on.  I spend the next 2 or 3 frustrating hours trying to get the band back on.  I finally give up and go to a jeweler who is certified watch repair jeweler (most are not).  When he gave me the watch back he said it was a good thing I did not get the band back on becuase the seal on the back was twisted and the thing would have leaked.  He charged me $10 and I was grateful to pay it.

~Mike

2010-03-13 6:43 AM
in reply to: #2724262

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Champion
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Evergreen, Colorado
Subject: RE: Replacement piece for Timex Ironman watch
Rogillio - 2010-03-13 3:33 PM

jldicarlo - 2010-03-13 5:24 AM I should call Timex next time...that's marginally better than my current solution.  Here's what I tend to do....

The keeper doesn't usually break until I have the second battery in the watch.  Sometime after I get the battery replaced, the keeper starts to die.  So I use a rubber band as a fix until the battery dies again.  For the cost of a new battery and a keeper you could practically get a new watch.  Besides, by the time the second battery dies the watch is really on its way out...the one I'm wearinig right now is in exactly that position and every time I swim it seems to get some water inside it...and gets all foggy for a few days.

I go through one of these watches every few years.

 

I've had mine for 4 years and only replaced the battery once.  Not sure how you've replaced your batter but I'll share my near-disaster.

In order to get the back off mine I had to take one side of the band off.  Big mistake!  I see what kind of battery it takes and replace it and put the back back on.  I spend the next 2 or 3 frustrating hours trying to get the band back on.  I finally give up and go to a jeweler who is certified watch repair jeweler (most are not).  When he gave me the watch back he said it was a good thing I did not get the band back on becuase the seal on the back was twisted and the thing would have leaked.  He charged me $10 and I was grateful to pay it.

~Mike



I send it back to timex to get the battery changed so that it retains its waterproof properties longer....
2010-03-13 9:40 AM
in reply to: #2724266

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Champion
10154
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Alabama
Subject: RE: Replacement piece for Timex Ironman watch

jldicarlo - 2010-03-13 6:43 AM
Rogillio - 2010-03-13 3:33 PM

jldicarlo - 2010-03-13 5:24 AM I should call Timex next time...that's marginally better than my current solution.  Here's what I tend to do....

The keeper doesn't usually break until I have the second battery in the watch.  Sometime after I get the battery replaced, the keeper starts to die.  So I use a rubber band as a fix until the battery dies again.  For the cost of a new battery and a keeper you could practically get a new watch.  Besides, by the time the second battery dies the watch is really on its way out...the one I'm wearinig right now is in exactly that position and every time I swim it seems to get some water inside it...and gets all foggy for a few days.

I go through one of these watches every few years.

 

I've had mine for 4 years and only replaced the battery once.  Not sure how you've replaced your batter but I'll share my near-disaster.

In order to get the back off mine I had to take one side of the band off.  Big mistake!  I see what kind of battery it takes and replace it and put the back back on.  I spend the next 2 or 3 frustrating hours trying to get the band back on.  I finally give up and go to a jeweler who is certified watch repair jeweler (most are not).  When he gave me the watch back he said it was a good thing I did not get the band back on becuase the seal on the back was twisted and the thing would have leaked.  He charged me $10 and I was grateful to pay it.

~Mike



I send it back to timex to get the battery changed so that it retains its waterproof properties longer....

 

So, great watch except:

1.  The band keepper loop thing doesn't last

2.  PITA to change the battery

The cost of the watch is very reasonable so the time the battery dies, I'm getting a new one.

~Mike

2010-03-13 9:43 AM
in reply to: #2724404

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Champion
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Evergreen, Colorado
Subject: RE: Replacement piece for Timex Ironman watch
Rogillio - 2010-03-13 6:40 PM

jldicarlo - 2010-03-13 6:43 AM
Rogillio - 2010-03-13 3:33 PM

jldicarlo - 2010-03-13 5:24 AM I should call Timex next time...that's marginally better than my current solution.  Here's what I tend to do....

The keeper doesn't usually break until I have the second battery in the watch.  Sometime after I get the battery replaced, the keeper starts to die.  So I use a rubber band as a fix until the battery dies again.  For the cost of a new battery and a keeper you could practically get a new watch.  Besides, by the time the second battery dies the watch is really on its way out...the one I'm wearinig right now is in exactly that position and every time I swim it seems to get some water inside it...and gets all foggy for a few days.

I go through one of these watches every few years.

 

I've had mine for 4 years and only replaced the battery once.  Not sure how you've replaced your batter but I'll share my near-disaster.

In order to get the back off mine I had to take one side of the band off.  Big mistake!  I see what kind of battery it takes and replace it and put the back back on.  I spend the next 2 or 3 frustrating hours trying to get the band back on.  I finally give up and go to a jeweler who is certified watch repair jeweler (most are not).  When he gave me the watch back he said it was a good thing I did not get the band back on becuase the seal on the back was twisted and the thing would have leaked.  He charged me $10 and I was grateful to pay it.

~Mike



I send it back to timex to get the battery changed so that it retains its waterproof properties longer....

 

So, great watch except:

1.  The band keepper loop thing doesn't last

2.  PITA to change the battery

The cost of the watch is very reasonable so the time the battery dies, I'm getting a new one.

~Mike



I guess I see it this way.  I spend a lot more money on running shoes that last one tenth the time the watch does...just sayin'.  The watch is good...I just wear them out.  If I get a few years out of a couple of batteries and don't mind the "rubber band" fix for a bit, I just get a new one after that.


2010-03-15 11:22 AM
in reply to: #2720641

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Member
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Ventura County, California
Subject: RE: Replacement piece for Timex Ironman watch
Late reply... but, here's one more option:
My wife's Timex band-thingy snapped a few monthes ago. I replaced it with an rubber 'O' Ring. I happen to have a kit of different sized 'O' rings in my collection of tools. I just selected the appropriate size and slipped it on. Works like a charm, basically same as the rubber band solution but more beefy and it works a lot like the original part, extra band just slips right in. You can buy 'O' rings at the auto parts store for a few pennies.
Find one that is tight enough to stay put on the band when the watch is off your wrist, but loose enough to allow the extra band to slip in when putting-on your watch.

Edited by TaylorB 2010-03-15 11:25 AM
2010-03-15 11:27 AM
in reply to: #2720641

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Expert
708
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work, road, bike, pool
Subject: RE: Replacement piece for Timex Ironman watch
Go to a local running store that sells timex they should have a shipping box for you to get to timex - they will either send you a new watch or get it fixed for $8.00...

this just happend to mine and it will take around 1 month to get it back... but it will be in perfect working shape
2010-03-15 6:19 PM
in reply to: #2726837

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Extreme Veteran
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Subject: RE: Replacement piece for Timex Ironman watch
TaylorB - 2010-03-15 12:22 PM Late reply... but, here's one more option:
My wife's Timex band-thingy snapped a few monthes ago. I replaced it with an rubber 'O' Ring. I happen to have a kit of different sized 'O' rings in my collection of tools. I just selected the appropriate size and slipped it on. Works like a charm, basically same as the rubber band solution but more beefy and it works a lot like the original part, extra band just slips right in. You can buy 'O' rings at the auto parts store for a few pennies.
Find one that is tight enough to stay put on the band when the watch is off your wrist, but loose enough to allow the extra band to slip in when putting-on your watch.


x2 (I posted the same thing in the other Timex thread).

Plus, the rubber o-rings seem to hold up to chlorine and salt water better than the Timex original "keepers", which seem to stiffen up over time and end up cracking.

I just checked the package I bought and it's "#10 O-ring" (Home Depot plumbing aisle).
2014-04-02 11:23 PM
in reply to: WelshinPhilly

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Master
1929
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Midlothian, VA
Subject: RE: Replacement piece for Timex Ironman watch

Reviving an old thread, but watches are still being made and keepers still breaking.

Mine broke months ago.  I don't wear the watch now much, but it's been bugging me. (Nicer Fossil for formal-ish type dress, and my 910XT for workouts, so the Timex became a work watch...but I haven't had work for a while...)

I recently discovered a store at a local mall that keeps keepers from other repairs, and we went shopping yesterday so I remembered to take the watch with me this time and....they didn't have any.  Googled it last night and found this old thread.  I liked the O-ring idea and Home Depot was convenient today.

I tried the #10 and it seemed okay, but a tad loose.  The #9 went on much snugger. A bit of a tug would pull the band out, so I put on a second ring.  Holds nicely and looks much better than the wire tie I had on it before.

Pack of 10 rings was less than $2.50.  Nice.

On a related note I recently changed the battery and I gave the watch the same treatment I've done to waterproof an iPod Shuffle:  I put some gasket forming silicone around the edge and gave a generous glob of dielectric grease inside as well. No problem in the pool. (Had to send the Forerunner in for a swap because of a faulty altimeter...)

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