I have this watch and I do like it but I haven't had any others so it's hard to compare. I read all the reviews on Timex, Garmin and Polar. The Timex wasn't always the winner. It took too long to connect, it's too big etc. It is pretty big but the Garmin looks to be the same size.

I agree that when I first bought the watch it would take awhile for GPS to connect. I basically would turn it on before I dressed for my training and it would be ready when I started. Since then Timex came out with new firmware that I downloaded via Timex Device Agent, it works so much faster now. You also upload your training sessions into Training Peaks which is cool, but you are limited unless you purchase an upgraded version. I hear the Garmin site allows for free what Timex doesn't. As with all GPS devices, they do not maintain GPS connection indoors such as a pool or during bad weather. I have a friend with a Garmin and he loses his signal the same time I do when we train together.

For me the watch works great, I'm not an elite so it accomplishes what I need it for. It tracks distance, time calories, splits, has multisport function and alot more. I still don't know everything it will do. You will need an ANT+ compatible speed/cadence device for a bicycle if cadence is important. The watch still provides your speed, distance, pace etc. The Garmin was $300.00, I purchased the Timex with HRM for $175.00 on Amazon. The list price is $300.00. This is mainly the reason I went with Timex. Like I said it does what I need it to do and the price was right.

Unfortunately there's none. I used to have Nike+ but it was totally useless. Now I use this. It's ok. Check this out for a more detailed info: http://timexgpswatch.net/