timex marathon watch user manual
The Timex Marathon is a robust‚ reliable digital watch‚ popular since 1992‚ known for its durability and simple functionality.
Its enduring appeal stems from its affordability and ease of use‚ making it a favorite for athletes and everyday wear.
What is the Timex Marathon?
The Timex Marathon‚ originating in 1992‚ is a classic digital wristwatch celebrated for its exceptional durability and straightforward operation. Initially designed for the American military‚ specifically for use during Operation Desert Storm‚ it quickly gained popularity beyond its intended purpose.

This iconic timepiece boasts a rugged construction‚ featuring a resin case and a comfortable‚ adjustable strap. The Marathon isn’t about complex features; it excels at providing essential timekeeping functions – time‚ date‚ alarm‚ and stopwatch – with unwavering reliability. Its simplicity is a key part of its charm‚ appealing to those seeking a functional and dependable watch without unnecessary frills.
The enduring legacy of the Timex Marathon lies in its affordability and resilience‚ making it a favorite among athletes‚ outdoor enthusiasts‚ and anyone needing a tough‚ no-nonsense watch.
Key Features and Benefits
The Timex Marathon offers a compelling blend of practicality and value. Core features include a reliable quartz movement for accurate timekeeping‚ a durable resin case protecting against impacts‚ and a comfortable resin strap designed for extended wear. The prominent digital display ensures excellent readability‚ even in challenging lighting conditions.
A standout benefit is the Indiglo night-light‚ providing superior illumination of the watch face in darkness. Essential functions like a daily alarm and a precise stopwatch enhance its utility. Its water resistance (typically up to 50 meters) offers protection against splashes and brief immersion.
Ultimately‚ the Timex Marathon delivers exceptional durability‚ ease of use‚ and affordability‚ making it a practical choice for everyday adventures.

Understanding the Watch Components
The Timex Marathon consists of a resin case‚ a digital display‚ three button controls‚ a durable strap‚ and a secure buckle for comfortable and reliable wear.
Case and Crystal
The Timex Marathon’s case is typically constructed from a robust resin material‚ chosen for its lightweight nature and impact resistance. This makes the watch exceptionally durable‚ capable of withstanding the rigors of daily wear and athletic activities. The resin case effectively protects the internal components from damage.
The crystal‚ or the protective cover over the display‚ is usually made of acrylic. While not as scratch-resistant as sapphire crystal found in higher-end watches‚ acrylic is impact-resistant and relatively inexpensive to replace if damaged.
The case design prioritizes functionality and simplicity‚ offering a streamlined profile. The overall construction contributes to the watch’s water resistance‚ though it’s important to consult the specific model’s rating for details.
Strap and Buckle
The Timex Marathon traditionally features a durable‚ lightweight resin strap. This strap material is selected for its comfort‚ flexibility‚ and resistance to water and sweat – crucial for a watch designed for athletic use. The strap’s design ensures a secure fit during activity‚ preventing the watch from shifting or coming loose.
The strap typically attaches to the case via spring bars‚ allowing for relatively easy strap replacement if needed. The buckle is also made of resin‚ complementing the case and strap’s durability. It’s a standard buckle design‚ offering a secure and adjustable closure.
Maintaining the strap involves regular cleaning with mild soap and water to prevent buildup of dirt and sweat. Inspect the strap and buckle periodically for signs of wear or damage.
Digital Display and Buttons
The Timex Marathon utilizes a straightforward digital display‚ typically showing the time in hours‚ minutes‚ and seconds. It also displays the date‚ and indicators for alarm settings and stopwatch functions. The display’s clarity is enhanced by the iconic Indiglo night-light‚ providing excellent visibility in low-light conditions.
The watch features three buttons‚ usually located on the right side of the case. These buttons control all the watch’s functions. The top button often initiates the stopwatch‚ while the middle button navigates through menu options and settings. The bottom button typically serves as a reset or mode selector.
Understanding the button layout and their corresponding functions is key to effectively operating the Timex Marathon.

Setting Up Your Timex Marathon
Initial setup involves adjusting the time and date using the watch’s buttons‚ ensuring accurate timekeeping. Familiarize yourself with the button functions for seamless operation.
Setting the Time and Date
To set the time and date on your Timex Marathon‚ begin by pressing and holding the ‘Mode’ button until the digits for hours begin to flash. Use the ‘Start/Stop’ button to increment the hours. Once the correct hour is displayed‚ press ‘Mode’ again to move to the minutes setting.
The minutes digits will now flash; use ‘Start/Stop’ to adjust them accordingly. Press ‘Mode’ a third time to set the year‚ then again for the month‚ and finally for the day. With each setting‚ utilize the ‘Start/Stop’ button to increase the value.
Remember to confirm each setting by pressing ‘Mode’ to advance to the next field. After setting the day‚ pressing ‘Mode’ one last time will return you to the standard time display‚ saving your changes.
Setting the Alarm
To activate and set the alarm on your Timex Marathon‚ first press the ‘Mode’ button until you reach the alarm time display. The hour digits will flash‚ indicating you’re in alarm setting mode. Use the ‘Start/Stop’ button to adjust the hour for your desired alarm time.
Press ‘Mode’ again to move to the minutes setting‚ and again use ‘Start/Stop’ to set the correct minute. After setting both the hour and minute‚ press ‘Mode’ one final time to confirm and save the alarm time.
An alarm icon will appear on the display‚ confirming the alarm is active. To disable the alarm‚ repeat these steps until the alarm icon disappears from the screen. Remember to check the 12/24-hour format setting!
Using the Stopwatch Function
Activating the stopwatch on your Timex Marathon is straightforward. Press the ‘Start/Stop’ button once to begin timing. The display will show elapsed seconds‚ minutes‚ and potentially hundredths of a second‚ depending on the model. Press the ‘Start/Stop’ button again to pause the timer.
To resume timing from the paused state‚ press ‘Start/Stop’ once more. To reset the stopwatch to zero‚ press the ‘Reset’ button. The ‘Reset’ button will clear the elapsed time and prepare the stopwatch for a new measurement.
Utilize this function for tracking laps‚ exercise durations‚ or any time interval requiring precise measurement; Remember the stopwatch continues running even if the display sleeps!

Operating the Timex Marathon
The Timex Marathon offers intuitive operation through its buttons‚ allowing easy access to features like timekeeping‚ alarms‚ and the signature Indiglo night-light.
Navigating the Menu
The Timex Marathon’s menu system‚ while simple‚ requires understanding its button layout for efficient operation. Typically‚ the top left button initiates menu functions‚ allowing cycling through options like time‚ date‚ alarm‚ and stopwatch settings. Pressing the top right button confirms selections‚ while the bottom buttons often serve as secondary functions or adjustments within a specific menu.
To access the menu‚ press and hold the top left button until the display changes. Repeated presses cycle through available options. Remember that the display’s icons indicate the current function. Familiarizing yourself with these icons is crucial for quick navigation. The manual details each menu item and its corresponding button commands‚ ensuring users can easily customize their watch settings.

Using the Indiglo Night-Light
The Timex Marathon features the iconic Indiglo night-light‚ providing exceptional illumination in low-light conditions. Activating it is straightforward: press and hold the bottom left button. The entire watch face will glow a cool blue‚ making it easy to read the time without straining your eyes. The duration of the illumination is typically a few seconds‚ conserving battery life.
Repeatedly pressing the button will reactivate the light‚ useful for prolonged darkness. Be mindful of battery consumption‚ as frequent use will shorten the battery’s lifespan. The Indiglo technology is a signature Timex feature‚ renowned for its even brightness and energy efficiency‚ enhancing the watch’s practicality in various environments.
Understanding the Different Modes
The Timex Marathon operates across several distinct modes‚ accessed via the top right button. The primary mode displays the current time and date. Pressing the top right button cycles through modes including stopwatch‚ alarm‚ and timer functions. Each mode is clearly indicated on the digital display.
The stopwatch allows for precise timing of events‚ with start‚ stop‚ and reset functionalities. The alarm mode enables setting a daily alarm‚ while the timer offers a countdown feature. Familiarizing yourself with these modes expands the watch’s utility beyond simple timekeeping. The mode indicator ensures you’re always aware of the current function‚ maximizing usability.

Troubleshooting Common Issues
If your Timex Marathon fails to operate‚ check the battery or try resetting the watch. Button malfunctions or display problems may also occur.
Watch Not Turning On
If your Timex Marathon watch isn’t powering on‚ the first step is to verify the battery. A depleted battery is the most common cause. Consider a battery replacement‚ ensuring the correct type is used for optimal performance. Before replacing‚ attempt a reset by holding down both buttons simultaneously for a few seconds – this can sometimes resolve minor glitches.
If the reset doesn’t work‚ and a new battery doesn’t solve the issue‚ inspect the battery compartment for corrosion or debris that might be interrupting the connection. Ensure the battery is correctly seated with the positive and negative terminals aligned properly. If problems persist after these checks‚ it may indicate a more significant internal issue requiring professional repair or replacement.
Button Malfunctions
Experiencing unresponsive or erratic button behavior on your Timex Marathon? First‚ ensure the buttons aren’t physically stuck due to dirt or debris. Gently clean around the buttons with a soft‚ dry cloth. If cleaning doesn’t help‚ try a reset by pressing and holding both buttons simultaneously for approximately ten seconds. This can often resolve temporary software glitches.
Persistent malfunctions might indicate internal damage or corrosion. Avoid excessive force when pressing the buttons. If the issue continues after a reset and cleaning‚ the watch may require professional servicing. Repeatedly pressing faulty buttons can worsen the problem‚ so limit usage until the watch is repaired to prevent further damage.
Display Problems
If your Timex Marathon’s display is fading‚ flickering‚ or showing distorted characters‚ several factors could be at play. A low battery is a common cause; replace it promptly. Ensure the display isn’t exposed to extreme temperatures or direct sunlight for prolonged periods‚ as this can affect LCD performance. Try resetting the watch by holding both buttons for ten seconds – this can sometimes resolve minor display glitches.
If the problem persists‚ the display itself may be damaged. Avoid attempting to repair it yourself‚ as this could void any warranty and cause further issues. Contact Timex customer support or a qualified watch repair technician for assistance. Continued use with a faulty display can worsen the problem.

Care and Maintenance
To prolong your Timex Marathon’s life‚ regularly clean the case and strap with a damp cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals and ensure a secure battery compartment.
Cleaning Your Watch
Regular cleaning maintains your Timex Marathon’s appearance and functionality; Use a soft‚ damp cloth to wipe down the watch case and strap. Avoid abrasive cleaners or solvents‚ as these can damage the plastic components or the water-resistant seals. For tougher grime‚ a mild soapy water solution can be used‚ ensuring the watch is thoroughly rinsed afterward with clean water.
Pay particular attention to the areas where the strap connects to the case‚ as dirt and sweat can accumulate there. After cleaning‚ dry the watch completely with a soft cloth before wearing or storing it. Avoid exposing the watch to extreme temperatures or direct sunlight for extended periods‚ as this can also affect its longevity.
Battery Replacement

The Timex Marathon utilizes a CR2025 battery‚ though verifying this with your specific model is recommended. Battery replacement requires careful attention to maintain water resistance. It’s best performed by a qualified watch technician‚ but can be done at home with the correct tools and caution. Ensure the watch is powered off before beginning.
Use a small screwdriver to carefully open the watch case back‚ noting the position of any screws. Remove the old battery and insert the new one‚ observing the correct polarity (+ side up). Before resealing‚ inspect the rubber gasket for damage and replace if necessary. Properly reseal the case back to ensure continued water resistance.

Water Resistance Information
The Timex Marathon typically features 100 meters (10 ATM) water resistance‚ suitable for swimming and snorkeling‚ but not for high-impact water sports or scuba diving. However‚ water resistance isn’t permanent and can diminish over time due to wear and tear on seals. Avoid using the crown or buttons underwater‚ as this can compromise the seal.
Exposure to saltwater‚ chlorine‚ or extreme temperatures can also affect water resistance. Regularly inspect the rubber gasket for cracks or damage. It’s recommended to have the water resistance tested annually by a qualified watch technician‚ especially after battery replacement‚ to ensure continued protection against water damage.


