Unboxing the Timex Ironman iControl watch

Timex invited us over today to pick up its first contribution to the iPod ecosystem, having just unveiled the iPod-controlling Ironman iControl watch at a Manhattan penthouse suite replete with buff models paid to smile as they casually worked treadmills and exercise bikes all day. We spend far too much time sitting in a chair each day to concern ourselves with devices like this one or the Nike+iPod kit, but a quick demo revealed that you athletic types will probably be pretty pleased with the easy setup, quick response time, and plethora of features offered by the iControl. If we can convince one of our iPod-toting colleagues at Thats Fit! to take this out on a run with them, we'll hit you back with a hands-on. For now, check out the rest of the unboxing pics below...

Gallery: Unboxing the Timex Ironman iControl watch

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[Chuckles McGee @ Aug 2nd 2007 5:19PM]

Wow, almost as nice as looking at your iPod's screen as it rests in your treadmill's tray. Ok, ok, I can see how this would be very useful, but I think it has greater appeal for the outdoorsy biking people where fumbling with a player could be downright dangerous than bikers/runners of the stationary type.

[mikey @ Aug 2nd 2007 6:33PM]

hmm. i watched a girl on a bike veer into 2 lines of traffic with ipod in ears the other day. i'm sure people on bikes can stay off tunes if they want to stay off my windshield.

also, really what is the point in this thing? i just leave my ipod in my pocket facing out, leave hold off and just click skip back or forward etc, the click wheel still works fine in the factory sleeve and thru a me jeans. fine, you can't see the screen, but at least i ein't wearin a watch straight outta 1995.

nuff said.

[brett @ Aug 2nd 2007 7:26PM]

for treadmilling, i see your point. for skiing, however, this is great. you can leave your ipod in an inner pocket where it stays warm and dry and still be able to turn the thing up or down, on and off, with gloves on.

Although, at $125 it's a little steep, especially since it looks like it came with a hamburger and small fries...

[CraigJ @ Aug 2nd 2007 5:22PM]

I wonder if it works with the HR monitor and the GPS receiver? Probably not, but that would be really cool...

[Twitchy @ Aug 2nd 2007 9:59PM]

one would expect at least the ability to connect a Heart-Rate monitor. Then let the fun ensue as you try to keep your heart rate at current BPM.

[Tibwolf @ Aug 2nd 2007 5:26PM]

If only this watch wasn't so fugly and cheap looking...

[Nit Pickin @ Aug 2nd 2007 5:40PM]

Who let "i-Pod" onto the packaging? Give me a break. I wonder if "i-Pod" is even a registered trademark as it is denoted...

[dizilbdog @ Aug 2nd 2007 5:41PM]

How is your nike ID supposed to hook up to track mileage with this? Your putting the timex thing where you put the Nike ID thing so how is that both supposed to work together.

[Museanima @ Aug 2nd 2007 6:01PM]

Neat. Anyone know if this works with the iPhone?

[CraigJ @ Aug 2nd 2007 6:24PM]

This: http://home.businesswire.com/portal/site/home/index.jsp?ndmViewId=news_view&ndmConfigId=1000001&newsId=20070802005589&newsLang=en

says it does...

[Jeff A @ Aug 2nd 2007 6:01PM]

Nike iPod only works with the nano. This looks like it works with other models.

[freemikekelly.org @ Aug 2nd 2007 7:54PM]

Yeah it connects thru the very common apple port, even on the iPhone. Question is, will it work on the iPhone. The iPhone headphones are great for pausing playing and next song... but really wish it had volume control. It might be worth wearing the silly watch to have that! I think its cool.

[Brian @ Aug 2nd 2007 8:13PM]

Damn the receiver for this thing is ginormous and ugly. Apple really needs to standardize this short distance wireless stuff (Bluetooth or a proprietary spec would both work) and build it into the next iPod. I love my Nike+iPod and this thing (and the Nike+ watches coming soon) but they make finding cases a pain and take a lot away from the iPod both aesthetically and in portability.

[roz @ Aug 2nd 2007 8:29PM]

I think this is a great concept. I wish there was more integration with the iphone. I think its a pain to keep having to drag the ipod out to change song etc...

[Josh @ Aug 2nd 2007 9:07PM]

Only an Apple user would claim that taking something out of your pocket and pushing one button is 'a pain'. ;)

[twoods @ Aug 3rd 2007 2:13AM]

Will this replace the NIKE+ running kit? Does anyone know? Otherwise looks pretty cool

[feckineejit @ Aug 3rd 2007 9:07AM]

I want a watch that tells me the track name and artist on my wrist with volume and skip buttons. I don't care how fugly it is I'll pay $125 for that.

[AndyM801 @ Aug 3rd 2007 2:43PM]

I'm surprised that a site like engadget would still have such an old-school ipod.