ActiveWatches Blog

Announcing the Partnership between ActiveWatches.com and NCAA Teams

2011-04-14T16:17:00.000-07:00

ActiveWatches.com is proud to announce its new partnership with five NCAA teams! That's right, you read that correctly: not just one, but five. That's just how we roll. ActiveWatches is sponsoring the cycling teams of Georgia Tech, Florida State, and Ohio State. And not to be outdone by cyclists, ActiveWatches has also partnered with the sailing teams of the University of Michigan and University of Iowa. And you thought only runners and cyclists were interested in our products. Come see why these organizations are sponsored by ActiveWatches.com. Visit the site today!

Determining Max Heart Rate - Debunking the Myth of 220-Age...at Least for Females

2011-03-28T18:45:00.000-07:00

We've all been there: You buy a brand new heart rate monitor, discover that proper use requires knowledge of an esoteric concept called "maximum heart rate," and ultimately figure out that the easiest way to derive your max HR is to subtract your age from 220 (the harder way of course being running until near death). And then just as soon as you figure it out, you discover firsthand that the formula may not be so accurate -- or at least you hear endless personal antecdotes as to why it's bogus. Well, let ActiveWatches add to that chorus with some scientific evidence, at least as it relates to women.

According to the New York Times, researchers at Northwestern University discovered that the old school method of calculating heart rate results in a max HR that's simply too high for women. You can read an article about the study here. The more accurate formula? 206 minus 88% of the woman's age. Okay, so earlier physiologists were a bit off the mark. What about men? Good question. The jury's still out on that issue, but I'm sure they'll be delivering a verdict soon.

Perhaps one should just follow the concluding point of the article: just trust your body, and work as little or hard as appropriate given your goals for the particular workout. Don't get us wrong, ActiveWatches promotes the use of heart rate monitors, but they should only supplement your workout, not dictate it.
And if you do, you won't be kicking yourself the next time researchers agree on a new formula.

Yet another obstruction to your GPS signal?!?!

2011-03-22T13:52:00.000-07:00

Just when you think you have a handle on all the issues affecting the signal on your GPS watch, technology strikes again! A company called Lighsquared is planning to install a nationwide high-speed wireless network for cell phones that would eliminate the need to obtain service from a traditional service provider. The catch: the network's signal may compromise GPS signals, including the one used by your GPS watch. So if you end up cycling, running, swimming, and/or walking near or within Lightspeed's service area, accurate GPS data may be a thing of the past my friend. Hey's, ActiveWatches isn't making this up; checkout a news article yourself by clicking here. And perhaps there's hope: Garmin is already aware of the issue. Now that's a great watch company. And Lightsquared has already assured that it will prevent its network from interfering with GPS signals. On behalf of all GPS watch lovers out there (including myself), I certainly hope so. Stay tuned...

The Associated Press' GPS Watch Review

2011-03-16T15:53:00.000-07:00

Just a quick link to a GPS watch review written by the Associated Press' Technology Writer, Anick Jesdanun. You can see the article by clicking here. He tackles the technically thorny job of reviewing perhaps the three most popular GPS watches on the market today: the Garmin Forerunner 110, the Timex Global Trainer, and the Garmin Forerunner 305. Although the writing isn't as exciting as our watch reviews (just kidding Anick), it's definitely worth a read. Our fellow runner Anick does a great job of distilling the pro's and con's of each watch. In a nutshell, here are his conclusions:

Garmin Foreruner 110
Pro: GPS signal
Con: amount of displayed (i.e., certain data, such as split times, cannot be viewed on the watch instantaneously during the workout, but can only be viewed on a computer after your workout;
for that reason, go with the Garmin Forerunner 210)

Timex Global Trainer
Pro: amount of displayed data
Con: weaker GPS signal than the Garmin Forerunner 110 and annoying prompts during your workout

Garmin 305
Pro: price, amount of displayed data, easy-to-read screen
Con: weaker GPS functionality than the Garmin Forerunner 110

And if you're interested in any of these watches, come check some of them out at ActiveWatches.com.

Free FedEx Shipping for Spring!!!

2011-03-14T17:31:00.001-07:00

With the cold getting old and the clocks already turned back an hour, it only means one thing: Active season is upon us!!! In celebration of this annual ritual, we're extending free shipping on all orders. We hope this helps alleviate the physical and economic pain associated with the season of newfound ambitions, goals, and workout sessions. (Not to mention the need for a new watch to keep up with this whole daylight-savings time conspiracy. Yeah, we know it means only a one-hour difference, but it's a good excuse for a new timepiece!). So hurry up and spring into this Active season by visiting ActiveWatches.com and selecting a watch perfect for your spring activity of choice. Offer ends April 30th.

ActiveWatches Watch Review - Timex Tap Screens

2011-03-02T05:16:00.000-08:00

Just when you thought that Timex is losing its touch in developing innovative timepieces, it comes out with the new line of Timex Ironman Tap Screen watches (and the Ironman Global Trainer, but we’ll take about that a bit later). In a nutshell, these watches allow you to operate its stopwatch or countdown timer by simply tapping the screen or face of the watch. Note our use of the term “tap” as opposed to “touch,” which is a deliberate selection of words for reasons we’ll describe later. You can see our line of Timex Ironman Tap Screen watches on ActiveWatches.com by clicking here.

First thing first, my favorite: physical features. We tested the orange Timex Ironman Sleek 150-Lap Full Tap Screen T5K254. Why the orange one? For no other reason than to mix it up; the overwhelming majority of watches owned by the ActiveWatches staff are black. (Hey, we’re trying to loosen up a bit.) You can see a picture of it below or here.

Upon opening the box, we were surprised by its size. Simply put, it has a large face.

From left to right: Garmin Forerunner 305, Timex Ironman Sleek 150-Lap Full Tap Screen T5K254,

Timex Ironman Sleek 50-Lap Full T54281

But that shouldn’t be confused with being large overall. Although the face has a wide diameter, it’s still pretty flat and thin, as you can see below.

From left to right: Garmin Forerunner 305, Timex Ironman Sleek 150-Lap Full Tap Screen T5K254,

Timex Ironman Sleek 50-Lap Full T54281

Thus, it’s not big in an imposing way such as, say, a Garmin Forerunner 305. And it certainly doesn’t look too imposing on a wrist of average size, whether male or female, as also shown below.

Female Arm and Wrist

Male Arm and Wrist

Moreover, perhaps the "large" characterization is a bit unfair, because it’s based primarily on our long experience with Timex Ironman watches being substantially smaller than most sports watches on the market today. In any event, there are benefits to the watch's large face: it gives it a sturdier feel than most Timex watches and it also gives Timex the flexibility to display larger characters for easier reading, particularly while working out. Note that female versions of the watch, such as the Ironman Sleek 150-Lap Mid Tap Screen T5K255, do not have such a large diameter.

Another feature is the lack of buttons on the face, which are so common with most other Timex Ironman watches. This is perhaps unsurprising given the tap screen. Finally, the watch was stylish but not in a “trying too hard” kind of way.

As to the tap feature, it’s surprisingly easy and reliable. Simply tap the watch’s face (or screen) to use the technology. A few things to note in this regard. First, the tap screen can only be used to:

1. start the stopwatch

2. start a new lap when using the stopwatch

3. start the countdown timer

4. stop the countdown timer

Unfortunately, you cannot use the tap screen to stop the stopwatch. If you were hoping that the tap screen could be used for more functions, you’re out of luck. But don’t get us wrong; the tap screen, in and of itself, is still an impressive feature.

Second, you have to tap the face, as opposed to simply touching it, because it relies on force instead of mere touch (such as an iPod or the bezel on a Garmin Forerunner 405). As a practical matter, this means the harder you tap, the better. And we found that the tap screen seems much more responsive when you tap the side of the watch face, rather than the center, as you can see in the clips below.

The watch does, however, allow you to adjust the sensitivity of the tap screen to hard, medium, or light. In our testing, we found these settings to be reliable and accurate. In other words, you really do have to tap the screen somewhat hard when it is on the hard setting; the same principle applies to the medium and light settings. Below is a demonstration of the tap screen in each of those settings. Note the cool tap gauge on the bottom of the screen.

Based on our testing and use, we find little possibility that the tap screen would activate accidentally. Even when on the light setting, it took a good amount of force for the stopwatch or timers to activate, as shown in the above clip. It could theoretically happen, but it would take a lot more than a slight, accidental brush against the skin. We could see it happening when, for instance, taking off a wetsuit. Nevertheless, Timex does recommend that the setting be appropriate for your activity (walking=light, running=medium, biking=hard, swimming=hard).

Because the tap screen relies on force, you can use it under conditions you may otherwise view as unsuitable for the watch. For instance, as shown in the clip below, you can use it underwater and, thus, while swimming. We tested the watch in both wet and completely underwater conditions and it functions well. As you can see, because the tap screen works even when wet, you can use the tap screen with a sweaty finger during a workout or when the watch gets wet from sweat. It also works while wearing gloves.

Because the face is large, very little thought is required to determine where you tap it. This gives you the flexibility to start/stop the watch without expending time and energy on pressing the right spot or, god forbid, looking for the correct button. Hey, it may take you only half a second to do that, but that’s a few tenths of a second more than using tap screen technology.

Other than the tap screen, the watch was filled with many other useful and easy-to-use functions characteristic of the Timex brand. The most common ones have been upgraded to include special features. For instance, the alarm can be set on a daily, weekly, day, or weekend basis. In addition, the watch has, not just one, but three countdown timers, each with up to 16 programmable intervals -- a very impressive feature for any watch.

The watch also comes with: 1) a hydration and nutrition alarm, which reminds you went to drink or eat during a run, and 2) a target time pacer, which is used in conjunction with the countdown timer for interval workouts and is a sound alarm (i.e., beeps) that tells you whether you are ahead, below, or on pace based on the recorded time of each interval. Additional features are listed here under the "Features and Specifications" tab. A copy of the watch's instruction manual can be found here.

Overall, the Timex Tap Screen is an excellent watch that reminds you why the brand is one of the pioneers of active and sports watches. It’s stylish, sturdy, and perfect as an athletic timekeeper. You can get more information about the watch on our site, ActiveWatches.com, by clicking here.

Holy Heart Rate Monitors! Everything You Ever Wanted to Know about HRMs on Active.com.

2011-02-17T18:18:00.000-08:00

Just in time for active season, one of ActiveWatches' favorite websites, Active.com (not just because of the name) has posted a special website dedicated to heart health. Click here to go to the website. Included within the website is a ton of basic information about heart rate monitors (HRMs). So go check it out! And then dust off those winter cobwebs from your own HRM, or go buy one from ActiveWatches.com.

Oh, by the way, if you're interested in the Polar watches profiled on Active.com, you can buy one from ActiveWatches.com by clicking here.

Winter Sale — 10% Off Before Winter Is Over!

2011-02-12T08:03:00.000-08:00

Hey, ActiveWatches.com loves its customers and we also love sales. So, guess what? Its mashing the two up and having another sale for our customers. We’re taking 10% off our entire line of watches so that you can get that perfect watch before your spring training starts. In fact, it’s not a bad idea to get a head start now. Yeah, it’s cold, but it’ll make the spring training curve much shorter. So get a watch today — at 10% off mind you — before winter is over and the sale is gone. Go to ActiveWatches.com and enter WINTER10 or ACTIVE10 at checkout.

The Garmin Forerunner 210 Is Here!

2011-02-05T12:26:00.000-08:00

The Garmin Forerunner 210 has finally made its way to ActiveWatches.com. The much anticipated addition to Garmin’s family of marquis sports watches is now in ActiveWatches’ inventory. As the successor to the Garmin Forerunner 110, it has many of the functionality and features of Garmin’s top-end watches, but with the advantage of a simplistic design and compact size that has long-eluded the brand. As a result, you can now get the latest and greatest Garmin features in a watch (such as GPS) without feeling like you’re a wearing a laptop on your wrist.

You can read a more in-depth review of the Garmin Forerunner 210 here. Click here to see the watch at ActiveWatches.com. Or click here to see our entire line-up of Garmin watches.

Don't Forget...Our Annual Free Shipping Offer and Other Promotions!!!

2010-12-07T05:05:00.000-08:00

Just a reminder for those who haven't found a perfect gift for that special someone, ActiveWatches is still offering free shipping on all of its watches. Okay, okay, I can hear you saying to yourself, "Big feakin' deal. Every Internet merchant is offering free shipping in this economy." Fair enough, but we're also offering 10-15% discounts on many of our watches. Just click on the 10% and 15% off links on ActiveWatches' homepage. So, hurry up before this offer gets posted on Wikileaks and we don't have any watches left!

ActiveWatches' Annual Holiday Sale

2010-11-29T16:18:00.000-08:00

Hey, Cyber Monday may be over, but ActiveWatches' deals aren't. From now until Christmas, enjoy 10% off and free shipping. It's the best deal we've ever extended to the general public and it happens only once a year. So take the ActiveWatcher's advice and visit ActiveWatches.com before its inventory runs out like a cheap flat-screen at K-Mart. Just enter ACTIVE10 at checkout.

An ActiveWatches' Thumbs up for 127 Hours

2010-11-16T10:55:00.000-08:00

The ActiveWatches blog isn't usually the place for movie reviews. But after seeing "127 Hours" this past Saturday night, we couldn't help ourselves. The movie is based on the true story about mountain climber Aaron Ralston (played by James Franco) and his personal journey of being trapped under a boulder for five days in Robbers Roost, Utah. The movie is sure to delight ActiveWatches' customer base. With the theme of the movie focused on personal triumph and unimaginable sacrifice, it's sure to make you feel guilty for complaining about your everyday life.

But on a note more relevant to the ActiveWatches blog, the movie also co-stars another famous actor besides James France: the Suunto Vector. You see the watch so darn much in the movie -- for obvious reasons -- that the watch should be identified in the opening and closing credits. But I digress. The movie only proves the awesome functionality and power of this watch. From withstanding the force of a boulder to giving you the altitude and temperature, it's no wonder why it got some face time in the movie (for the record, I don't know if it the Vector was actually worn by Ralston).

So go watch the movie and then go to ActiveWatches.com to get a much more in-depth view of the Vector and other Suunto watches.

WINTER SALE - 10% OFF OUR ENTIRE PRODUCT LINE!

2010-11-09T23:24:00.000-08:00

Just because it's getting colder outside doesn't mean it's time to stop being active. And don't even try to bring up the excuse that it now gets dark at 5pm. We here at ActiveWatches.com believe in staying active throughout all seasons. And we got the timing gear to withstand both the cold and dark conditions associated with a dreary winter. To help you out even more, we're offering 10% off our entire line of watches. This offer is available for only a limited time, so take advantage of it before it gets warmer and the days get longer. Just enter WINTER10 at checkout.

Why is my heart rate monitor going crazy?

2010-11-02T11:21:00.000-07:00

Have you found yourself asking the question, “What’s going on with my heart rate monitor?” It’s acting erratically, giving you widely divergent readouts, and telling you that your heart is beating at a level more normal of your Grandma Edna or your dog Fido. And you know for a fact that there’s no way your heart is beating that slow or that fast. What the *#$& is going on?!?!

As much as we love our heart rate monitors and as much as we’d like to think they’re perfect tools for us modern-day athletes (especially given the price we paid for them), they do have one Achilles’ heel characteristic of all modern-day gadgets: they require a sufficient signal from your heart rate transmitter for an accurate reading (heck, even the venerable iPhone 4 has signal issues).

Simple enough, but what causes an insufficient signal? Have no fear, ActiveWatches' diagnosis is here. The most common causes are:

No Synchronization: For your heart rate monitor to work, the transmitter must be in “sync” with the watch unit. Syncing entails the initial connection between the transmitter and watch, so the watch knows the signal it’s supposed to pick-up. The syncing process must be performed if you’re using the heart rate monitor for the first time, and the process varies with each watch brand. Refer to your heart rate monitor’s manual for syncing instructions.

Dead or Low Battery: Most heart rate transmitters require a battery, which is usually the size of a common watch battery. In many cases, the battery is dead or too weak to enable the transmitter to emit a strong enough signal to the watch. Simply replace the battery with a new one. If you do, make sure you replace the battery cover and any other accessories (such as rubber “o-ring”) exactly as you originally found it on the transmitter. If not, the transmitter may no longer be waterproof and you may permanently damage it.

Improper Wear: Perhaps you’re wearing the transmitter improperly. The transmitter is attached to a strap that must be worn around your chest. Specific instructions for proper wear vary with each brand, but generally require you to wear the strap across you chest, right below your breasts and above your abdomen. (For those of you with bra issues, consider purchasing the Polar Heart Bra.) As Garmin puts it, the [Forerunner] heart-rate monitor is to be worn with the logo right-side up, directly on the skin just beneath the breastplate. Direct contact to skin and moisture is necessary to establish an electrical connection between your body and the heart-rate monitor." Also, make sure that the strap is tight enough so it is constantly in contact with your skin, even while you’re moving. (For those of you with very hairy chests, consider shaving - seriously.) In addition, wet the sensors on your strap. The sensors read the electricity emitted from your heartbeats, and the water essentially serves as an electrical agent that helps the sensor better recognize the electricity. Electrode gel also helps. As Garmin states, "it may be necessary to wet the contacts on the monitor or use electrode gel to get a reliable connection established at the beginning of a workout. ActiveWatches knows this last point from firsthand experience; on several occasions, our staff's heart rate monitor stopped going haywire only after sweat accumulated under the strap.

Signal Interference: This is perhaps one of the more common sources of heart rate monitor frustration. Because your heart rate monitor relies on a signal from the transmitter, almost any other nearby electrical signal may interfere with the transmitter’s signal. The result: your watch unit can’t recive the transmitter’s signal. Common sources of signal interference include treadmills, MP3 players, bike computers, and cellular phones. In fact, if others around you are also using a heart rate monitor, you may be picking up the signal from another monitor. (In Polar parlance, this is called “crosstalk” and can be avoided by watches with coded transmission signals.) Believe it or not, signal interference may even be caused by static electricity from synthetic shirts. If any of this occurs, try moving away from potential sources of interference.

Dirt: For all of you hard core athletes out there, dirt may partially block the signal. Simply clean the transmitter. Wash by hand, use a mild soap, and dry as much as possible with a towel. (And if your transmitter is indeed dirty, kudos to you!)

If all else fails, call the manufacturer. Its contact information can be found in the watch’s instruction manual or on-line. ActiveWatches can tell you from first-hand experience that the watch companies are eager to help, even if your heart rate monitor is no longer under warranty. If your heart rate monitor still doesn’t work after consulting with the manufacturer, consider buying a refurbished version of the same heart rate monitor you currently have. Finally, you may have to resort to buying a brand new heart rate monitor. But if you’re anything like us, you’ll be excited about that prospect. Click here to check out ActiveWatches’ broad selection of cutting-edge heart rate monitors.

When to Wear a Heart Rate Monitor or GPS Watch

2010-10-14T09:14:00.000-07:00

ActiveWatches has always been extolling the virtues of heart rate monitor ("HRM") and GPS watches. But one question it commonly comes across is: "When should I wear a HRM or GPS watch?" In an old post, we discuss extensively about the benefits of a HRM watch. You can find that post here. Although it hasn't done so yet for GPS watches, stay tuned! But to quickly answer that question for both HRM and GPS watches with one stone, check out a recent article from Runner's World Magazine that provides a quick explanation on when HRM and GPS watches should be used. You can find that article here. To summarize, HRM watches should be worn to "serve a specific purpose (such a tempo run) when you need to maintain a certain effort." In other words, wear it if you want to monitor your level of exertion. GPS watches should be worn when "you're running in unfamiliar area and want to know exactly how far you've gone."

To be sure, you can achieve either of the above goals without a HRM or GPS watch. But wouldn't it be great to let the watch do those things for you so you can enjoy the scenery?!?! So purchase a HRM or GPS watch from ActiveWatches today. Come visit us at www.activewatches.com.

ActiveWatches Profiled in Self Magazine

2010-09-01T12:36:00.000-07:00

Yet another great endorsement from a great publication for a great website (in our humble opinion)! This time the endorsement is from Self Magazine, the leading fitness magazine for females. (Just in case you haven't seen it yet, ActiveWatches has an entire category devoted to watches specifically for women. Who said GPS watches were just for the male athlete?!?!) So check us out on page 134 of the magazine. Hey, we're identified as SELF editor's' fave -- a distinction you can't beat. Sorry we can't point you to an electronic version of the magazine page. But trust us when we say it's worth paying $3.99 to see an image of one or our Polar watches on the wrist of the very fit woman on page 76!

Recommended On-Line Watch Resources (other than the ActiveWatcher of course)

2010-08-10T11:53:00.000-07:00

ActiveWatches isn't narcissistic when it comes to watch blogs. We may think of ourselves as the best, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t other great blogs and websites out there about sports watches. As much as we wish it’s the only watch authority in town, the dawn of the information age changed all that -- a bit of double-edged sword: we’re in business thanks to the Internet, but so are a ton of others.

With that said, ActiveWatches presents...(insert drum roll here)...its list of favorite watch websites and blogs, other than the ActiveWatches Blog of course (no bias there):

DC Rainmaker (www.dcrainmaker.com): This blog is perhaps the next best thing to having the ActiveWatcher in your living room. Don’t let his post about just recently getting engaged fool you. The author is a hard-core triathlete and trust me when I say that this guy knows his s$*! Just check out his reviews on almost every Garmin watch imaginable. Perhaps the most in-depth and detailed reviews on the face of this Earth. In addition to his reviews, he gives useful guidance on watch operation in his many articles on just about anything related to triathlons. But if you’re looking for reviews for watches besides Garmin, this may not be best the place. Nevertheless, the site gets four out of four sports watches in my book.

Running Watch Review (www.runningwatchreviews.com): Another good on-line source for watch reviews. And unlike DC Rainmaker, this website’s breadth reaches beyond just Garmin watches, but includes Timex, Nike, and Polar. Like other websites and blogs worth their salt, the Running Watch Review also provides useful articles on watches, whether it’s about how to use a watch or what to look for when buying a watch. On the negative side, the watch reviews come off as a bit sterile, with nowhere near the amount of detail and experience reflected in DC Rainmaker’s reviews.

The Sports Watch Informant (http://www.sportswatchinformant.com/): This site is cool not only because it uses “The” in front of its name like the ActiveWatcher, but also because it lives up to its name of informing watch connoisseurs on the latest developments in the sports watch industry. Just check out the site and you’ll see articles and reviews on the some of the most cutting-edge watches and associated technology. If I’m not mistaken, The Sports Watch Informant even broke the news on the Timex Global Trainer watch, the best thing since GPS technology and chocolate cookie dough. One potential criticism is that the articles can be overly technical, although that’s great for the watch and tech geeks like the ActiveWatcher. In addition, some of the reviews can come off as the latest advertisement from your local Ford dealer, but are nonetheless substantive and useful.

That’s it for now folks. Let us know if you come across any other websites or blogs that are ActiveWatches-worthy.

ActiveWatches Featured in Dallas and Orange County Modern Luxury Magazines

2010-07-21T13:52:00.000-07:00

Hey, ActiveWatches is getting more face time! Check us out in the June edition of Dallas and Orange County Modern Luxury Magazines. According to the author, "throw in some great search features, good prices and easy-to-navigate shopping, and [ActiveWatches is] one of our new faves." Hey, we couldn't have said it better. So go to ActiveWatches.com and get your watch today!!!

Garmin Has Arrived at ActiveWatches

2010-07-08T01:57:00.000-07:00

The much anticipated day is here. Garmin watches have finally arrived at ActiveWatches.com. I know, I know...it took us awhile, but they're finally in stock. We're truly sorry for delay. But it's time (pun intended) to get over it and start shopping for Garmin watches. You can find our inventory of Garmin watches here.

Widely recognized as the best GPS watches, Garmin watches are perfect for any runner or cyclist. Not only are they great GPS watches, but they have so many other unique features that you'll ignore your iPhone for at least a few days. Heck, they can do just about anything short of making pancakes for you. Track your distance, elevation, speed, calories, heart rate, the sunrise/sunset time, direction, and much, much more! So get over to ActiveWatches.com and order your Garmin watch today.

Congrats to AW4F on its Record Finish!

2010-06-30T09:37:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to the "All Wheels for Fibromyalgia" team for its record finish in the Race Across America. (You can read about ActiveWatches' sponsorship of the team here.) We could tell you all about it, but why not just watch it?!?! Here's a clip about the team, race, and their amazing finish:

ActiveWatches' Summer Sale: Time's Running Out (No Pun Intended)

2010-06-28T12:20:00.000-07:00

Time's running out for ActiveWatches' summer sale!!! Get 20% off any watch on ActiveWatches.com. It's a great deal. We swear. Check it out yourself. What's the catch, you say?! It only lasts until this Thursday, July 1st. So you better hurry up and purchase your summer watch today!!!

Runners World "How-To" Videos on GPS Watches

2010-06-22T01:39:00.000-07:00

Runners World magazine recently produced a line of short web videos on how to use the new Garmin 110 GPS watch. Although we don't yet carry that watch yet, the videos are equally helpful for learning how to use other types of GPS watches. Click here to view the videos. As you'll see, GPS watches these days are simple and easy-to-use. So pick one up from ActiveWatches.com today.

ActiveWatches Featured in Chicago Social and Houston Social Magazines

2010-06-21T00:49:00.000-07:00

Check us out in the June edition of Chicago Social and Houston Social Magazines! We've been labeled as one of the magazine's favorite shopping destinations. With such an endorsement, you can't go wrong purchasing a watch from ActiveWatches.com. To see our profile in Chicago Social Magazine, click on this link and go to page 36.

ActiveWatches.com Now a Sponsor of Four NCAA Cycling Teams

2010-06-13T14:39:00.000-07:00

ActiveWatches.com is proud to sponsor four NCAA cycling teams! That's right, you read that correctly: not just one, but four. (If we may say so, ActiveWatches must be doing something right!) ActiveWatches is sponsoring the cycling teams of Ohio State University, Georgetown University, University of Wisconsin, and Colorado University -- the leading cycling organizations in the NCAA. And you thought only runners were interested in our products. Come see why these organizations are sponsored by ActiveWatches.com. Visit the site today!

Barack Obama's Other (Sports) Watch

2010-06-10T05:17:00.000-07:00

ActiveWatches.com can’t resist the urge to comment on our U.S. President. Don’t worry - we’re not turning this site into a politics blog. Rather, consistent with ActiveWatches’ unrelenting fanaticism with sports and active watches, we’re about to engage in a point-counterpoint about Mr. Barack Obama’s…..drum roll please…sports watch. Yes, I know that was obvious to you, so save your breathe.

Much have been written by horologists (to the non-geeks out there, that’s the nerd term for those, like ActiveWatches, who have a passion for timekeeping devices) about Mr. President’s Tag-Heuer (not bad for a former community activist) and his more recent uber-limited edition U.S. Secret Service watch manufactured by Jorg Gray (it’s not that expensive; it reportedly costs about $300 in the Secret Service Store, wherever that’s located).

But the Head of Watch Style is cool enough to use…another drum roll please...wait for it…a sports watch during his off time. You may have noticed it, like we did, during recent Presidential press briefings in Louisiana regarding the BP oil spill. Take a look a look at the photos below.

For all those who are now snoring, behold the classic horologist riddle: Which sports watch is Mr. President wearing? As expert as ActiveWatches think it is, we just haven’t been able to get close enough to the President to answer the question. And unbelievably, our calls to the White Press Secretary have yet to be returned. We’re crossing our fingers.

A meticulous forensic investigation (i.e., by simply looking at the images below), ActiveWatches has concluded that the sports watch the President has been wearing is an early version of the Nike Oregon. (It is not a Timex as some has reported.) Exhibit A: the round, silver bezel. Exhibit B: the extension of the round bezel out of one corner of the watch face is a unique characteristic of some of the older versions of the Oregon. Just compare the watch above with the Nike Oregon below.

But we're not too ashamed to admit that it hasn’t been able to find an identical match. So it welcomes the ActiveWatches.com community to add its two cents. Anyone that identifies the correct watch, and provides substantial evidence, will receive a generous watch discount from ActiveWatches. Just e-mail your findings to customerservice@activewatches.com.