Dutch watchmaker Timex, an iconic leader in outdoor and sports performance timepieces, just added a new member to its line of Ironman GPS watches. This time, it's bringing a 3G-connected smartwatch that includes tracking features for physical activity, and connectivity for uploading runs, all without the need of a smartphone connection. Smartwatches have fundamentally been an extension of your smartphone; an alternative way to see notifications without pulling out your phone constantly. Dubbed Ironman One GPS+, this is a fully independent smartwatch. So, feel free to leave the phone at home.

The watch will be targeted at runners and fitness buffs. It's rectangular and rugged looking, not something you would wear to work or a night on the town (to be frank, its chunky appearance is like an ugly computer on your wrist). The price, $399.95, is relatively high for the smartwatch niche, which usually ranges around $200 on average. Pretty pricy for Timex, where GPS watches cost between $80 and $200. That extra dollar amount is because of the 3G connectivity in the device. Speaking of, Timex partnered with Qualcomm and AT&T to create standalone wireless connectivity without a phone. The One GPS+ connects to AT&T's cell network, and comes with one free year of 3G service to ease the pain a bit (there is no word on how much the data service will cost after a year).

Features of the watch include a 1.5-inch Mirasol display, 4GB of storage for music (which can only be heard through a Bluetooth headset), 8 hours of battery life with GPS enabled (3 days without GPS enabled), and water resistance up to 150 feet. The Ironman One GPS+ is rather limited in features when comparing it to phone-dependent smartwatches. It does not contain sensors for monitoring heart rate, it contains very few apps, and no voice input or location suggestion services (like Google Now). Rather, it focuses on health-focused features. You can upload your run data to a fitness website in one tap, and you can assign contacts to monitor your run in real time. A built-in messaging app allows friends to contact you through a special email address, and there is an SOS emergency button for alerting contacts of where you are.

The fitness-specific capabilities of the One GPS+ might be suitable for users who would rather not be bombarded with message and app notifications. It's a “connected wearable intended to help athletes and adventurers be safer, smarter, and just a little bit more connected”. It isn't quite like any smartwatch we have seen before, which could be a good or a bad thing. Perhaps it will fit right into the perfect group! Timex hasn't announced a shipping date, but it is available for pre-order now on the company site.