I was a competitive runner for many years and had early versions of both the timex triathlon and ironman watches.  I took about 10 yrs off running and recently decided to try to get back into a little bit of shape.  I figured I needed a watch just because I won't be happy if I don't know how I'm progressing so I went to what I knew best.... the timex.  Both of the ones I had before had two buttons on the face, a start/stop and a lap button.  This watch has a start/lap button on the face and the stop button on the side.  I'm not sure I like this.  When timing yourself it can be a pain to hunt for that button on the side to stop the watch.  I know I can just take a split at the finish and use that... but that begs the question why not just make it convenient to hit the stop button when you want to stop the watch?
  I also notice that the band isn't better than the band on the one I had 15 yrs ago (the band ultimately led to the demise of that last ironman when I couldn't find a replacement).  So, why 4 stars if I'm that unhappy?  I've only had the watch for a few days and run with it twice... I'm thinking that the button configuration may grow on me.  Maybe I'm just getting a bit curmudgeonly in my old age and need to learn to go with the times...  we'll see.  I'll post an update in a few months and let you know how the button thing is going.  As for the band.... I believe that I paid less for this watch than for the ironman I bought 15 yrs ago... so I figure for the money, if I only get a few years out of this band I still only paid $35 for the watch.  Anyway... that's my thoughts, if you buy I hope you enjoy.

-Update (A year and a half later) I've now owned this watch for a year and a half and the band has held up just fine.  It has not received extensive use, but I'm satisfied with the band.  The button configuration has not grown on me, I always liked the convenience of being able to read for the face of the watch rather than the side.