I found a great watch at Walmart of all places for $20. It is a Casio... large display, easy to read.. I have mine set to do a 5 minute Countdown with the auto repeat option. It beaps at each minute, then beaps each second during the last 10 seconds. It is also 100 Meter water resistant and has a 10yr battery. I had a Casio before and loved it... they are almost indestructable. I did switch out the band with "The Band" velco strap. Here is more info:
http://www.casio.com/products/Timepiece/Sports/W753/product/W753-1AV/content/Technical_Specs/
Even if this is not your regular watch, it would pay to buy it as an extra and put in your ditty bag as a backup.