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Geplaatst op 05-11-2026 door Marc Hut
Did you used to wear a digital sports watch like this on your wrist? Big buttons, a clear display and, of course, a stopwatch that let you measure everything. And yes, made simply from plastic! The Timex Ironman brings back that familiar feel. In 2026, this iconic collection will celebrate its 40th anniversary, and Timex is marking the occasion with the Timex Ironman 40th Anniversary Edition TW5M75900. A digital anniversary watch with striking retro colours, practical sports functions and a generous dose of nostalgia.
The first Timex Ironman was launched in 1986. The idea was actually very simple: a reliable sports watch that would allow runners to track their performance. It featured large buttons that were easy to operate even whilst running, and a clear digital display.
It turned out to be a huge success. In the first year alone, more than 400,000 Timex Ironman watches were sold. That’s quite a lot!
In 2026, many athletes use smartwatches and advanced sports watches with GPS, heart rate monitoring and all sorts of training analytics. But sometimes you just long for the simplicity of the past. A stopwatch, a few buttons and off you go!
On 2 November 2026, Timex looked back on this remarkable history. Naturally, such an anniversary calls for a special watch: the Timex Ironman 40th Anniversary Edition TW5M75900. A striking anniversary model that fits perfectly within the history of Timex watches.
The Timex Ironman 40th Anniversary Edition TW5M75900. Photo: Timex.
The Timex Ironman 40th Anniversary Edition is clearly inspired by the original sports watch from 1986. And you can see that straight away!
The translucent blue case and strap are paired with a striking red border around the digital display. It’s bold and exactly what you’d expect from an anniversary edition.
The plastic watch case has a diameter of 39 mm. So it’s not a massive behemoth. As far as we’re concerned, that compact size suits the retro look perfectly.
Careful thought has also gone into the back. There you’ll find a special engraving commemorating the 40th anniversary of the Timex Ironman collection.
It’s the combination of blue and red in particular that gives this digital Timex watch its cheerful character. It’s a design that immediately brings to mind the sports watches of yesteryear, yet still looks great on your wrist today.
Naturally, a sports watch needs to be able to do more than just tell the time. Fortunately, Timex has retained the key features of the original Ironman.
For example, with the stopwatch and the memory for eight lap times, you can time different running laps. This is useful if you want to know whether you’re maintaining a steady pace during your training.
The countdown timer is useful for workouts where you want to stick to a specific time. Think, for example, of interval training or a series of exercises. The alarm is also handy as a daily reminder.
The well-known Timex INDIGLO backlight is also included. This illuminates the digital display, so you can read the time or your stopwatch even in the dark. Ideal for an early morning training session or an evening run.
The Timex Ironman 40th Anniversary Edition is water-resistant to 100 metres, or 10 ATM. According to Timex, the watch is suitable for swimming and snorkelling, but not for scuba diving.
Do make sure you don’t press the buttons whilst underwater. This will prevent water from getting into the case whilst you’re using it.
The result is a digital sports watch with exactly the functions you need for simple timekeeping and sporting activities. Without complicated menus or extensive smartwatch features.
What particularly appeals to us about the Timex Ironman 40th Anniversary Edition is the combination of practical functions and a design that instantly lifts your spirits.
You’re not getting a complicated smartwatch, but a recognisable digital watch that does exactly what the Ironman was originally designed for: measuring time whilst exercising.
At the same time, thanks to its colours and anniversary details, the TW5M75900 is simply fun to wear every day. Especially if you’ve got a soft spot for digital watches from the 1980s.
Are you particularly interested in the stopwatch function, but would you rather wear a watch with hands? Then take a look at our chronograph watches. These also allow you to measure elapsed time, but with an analogue look on your wrist.
A chronograph is, in fact, a watch with a built-in stopwatch function. This makes this type of watch an interesting alternative for those who like to combine sporty features with a more traditional dial.
The Timex Ironman 40th Anniversary Edition TW5M75900 demonstrates that a good sports watch doesn’t have to be complicated. With a stopwatch, lap time memory, INDIGLO backlight and water resistance to 100 metres, this model offers useful features for everyday use and sporting activities.
But it is above all the design that makes this anniversary watch special. The translucent blue case, red details and compact dimensions bring the atmosphere of 1986 right back to life. As far as we’re concerned, it’s a successful tribute to 40 years of Timex Ironman. Sometimes a touch of nostalgia is exactly what a watch needs!
Sources: Timex, official anniversary article dated 2 November 2026, and Timex, official product page for the TW5M75900.
Image: Timex, via the official product page for the TW5M75900. View the official product photo.