After many year of wearing another popular sport watch brand, I developed contact hypersensitivity (allergy) to certain latex and rubber compounds. This watch apparently has enough silicone in it to keep my skin from reacting to it. It is comfortable for everyday use, and a pretty color. It has held up nicely to open water (fresh and salt) and pool swimming. Setting it up is a little different than Timex's lay out, so you should save the instruction manual. I bought a second Speedo watch because I am a veterinarian and very hard on watches. I'm wearing the first one as long as I can. I like it so much I have sutured  and taped the band back together! (2+ yrs after buying it and daily wear and tear). I hope Speedo makes a replacement style to this one, since I see this model is on clearance at Swim Outlet.

I use the watch when I swim.  However, the timer only counts down and can not be used to see the amount of time I actually spent in the water.  The watch also stagnates for 5 seconds when the lap button is pressed.  Annoying to have to remember to push the lap button after each lap.  Watch is not that easy  to use.  Not sure what is meant by split time on the chrono state.  Not sure what Free means.  Instructions do not answer these question.

After many years of using Timex brand Ironman watches for triathlon training and for work in the medical field,  I have developed a contact hypersensitivity to their straps! After finding one of their brands with an elastic strap (not velcro which gets stinky), I was dissapointed that they would die so quickly and leak after battery replacement. So, I was relieved and happy to find this Speedo watch with its larger face, comfort and good looks, and so far I am not reacting to the strap. I caution you that the function buttons are arranged differently than Timex, so be sure to save the instructions until you get used to set up, recall, etc. The previous reviewer had concerns about  the buckle. That did take a time or two to figure out the thumb action needed to fasten it. But the strap is comfortable and non-irritating. I hope the battery lasts longer than Timex's. If it does, and if I can have the battery replaced w/o the watch leaking, I will definitely be buying this watch again.

This watch was sent back for a couple of reasons.  1.  I could not get the watch  clasp to seal without involving 3 hands!   And for a person such as myself, with arthritic fingers, it was next to impossible to do alone.   2.  I found the directions and the watch not user - friendly.  I decided to return the item and look elsewhere.