Polar FT-60

• A relatively slim, sleek heart rate monitor, the FT-60 has received strong reviews from testers in the New York Times and FeedTheHabit.com. Jason Mitchell from the latter called it "one of the most useful workout tools I've used." The watch tracks your heart rate in beats-per-minute or BPM percentage and includes both automatic and manual heart rate target-zone features. The watch lets you set up training programs and monitor your progress. Other factors measured by the watch include calories burned and fat-burning percentage. Accessories like the G1 GPS sensor and foot pod let you increase the functionality of the FT-60. The FT-60 works with Polar's WearLink chest monitor, which is included.
  
  

Timex Ironman Race Trainer

• The Ironman Race Trainer has earned recommendations from a variety of prominent publications, including a prestigious "Life List" award from "Outside," an award that the magazine qualifies as "gear we can't live without." The watch has a 10-workout memory, 50-lap chronograph with average heart rate per lap tracker, and a series of interval timers with individual heart-rate target zones. You can purchase the monitor by itself or in one of several kits. The Ironman Race Trainer uses a wireless chest sensor.
  
  

Oregon Scientific Heart Rate Monitor Watch

• Men's Fitness ranked the Oregon Scientific Heart Rate Monitor Watch one of its "best heart rate monitors," citing its low price in comparison with other tested models, its simplicity and its ease of use. This model is a good, simple beginner's watch. Several Oregon Scientific heart rate monitors feature "Tap On" displays that allow you to tap to change the readings. The company offers both chest-strap and finger-reading models.
  
  

New Balance N8

• Runner's World magazine voted the New Balance N8 its "All-In-Wonder" in 2010. The watch features a simple but effective three-reading design that gives you speed, distance and heart rate. Other features include a step counter, calorie counter, dual alarms and 10-run memory. The N8 works with a chest strap that is included with purchase.