I've had my HRM since 2003. They are not easy to break.

It has all the bells and whistles, cadence sensor, speed, altimeter, temperature. I wear it when I swim. It's on my bike when I ride. Yes it was expensive, but I've worn it for for 12,000+ outdoor miles and countless hours swimming or on the trainer.

If you think any of this extra info will someday be important to you, get one with the bells and whistles if you can afford it.

V.