The 5 Best Braille Watches
Braille watches are adapted timepieces that enable the visually impaired and blind to tell time (Source).
These watches for the blind feature tactile embossments on the dial that help sight impaired users tell time, so it's not technically 'braille' (Source).
The tactile markings are commonly configured so that the 3, 6, and 9 hours are identified by two dots, the 12 is marked with three, and the rest of the hours are embossed with a single dot (Source).
The watch will swing open, often hinged at the 3, 6, 9 or 12 hour mark. In terms of adaptive timepieces, there are also
- low-vision watches (with extra-large lettering)
- digital talking watches
Though, the LSS and the Reizen are both talking braille watches themselves. You just press a button and the watch tells you what time it is.
Indeed, if you're buying an adaptive timepiece for a loved one, you'll want to figure out what their preference is- whether a braille watch, a low-vision watch, or a standalone talking watch is the best option for them (Source).
For men, the talking Reizen option is the best bet- though it has a 7" as opposed to a traditional 8" watch band. So you'll want to make sure that it will fit your or your loved one's wrist.
Video: The Seiko Women's Braille Watch
For women, reviewers endorse the Seiko braille watch, though if you're looking for a speaking braille watch, the LSS is a runner-up.
Contents
| Braille Watches | Our Rating | Price ($) | Talking? | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The VisionU Men's Braille Watch | 4.2 | $ | No | |
| The LSS Ladies Braille Watch | 3.3 | $ | Yes | |
 | The Seiko Men’s Braille Watch | 3.2 | $$$ | No |
 | The Seiko Women's Braille Watch | 3.8 | $$$ | No |
  | The Reizen Men's Talking Braille Watch | 4.0 | $$ | Yes |
Best Braille Watches For 2023
Effectiveness
Price
Ease of Use
This Braille watch offered by VISIONU is stylish, elegant and an excellent choice for visually impaired people. Users love that the watch is easy to read, but some do note that it’s suitable only for men.
The VISIONU gray Braille watch features a case diameter of 38 mm, a stainless steel band with a width of 18 mm, and a glass cover which opens up to 180 degrees, which allows easy access to the watch’s face. Another great thing about this watch is that it has three tactile dots at 12 o’clock, two dots at 3, 6, and 9 o’ clock and one dot for the rest of the hours.
A reviewer observes that the band of the Braille watch is fairly large and that it fits well around his wrist. He adds that the cover opens smoothly and that you don’t have to worry about breaking it.
The buyer also states that the tactile watch is sturdily constructed, but he admits that it’s hard to tell the difference between one and two dots. Nevertheless, he shares that he doesn’t have issues finding the clock’s hands and that he would gladly buy one more.
He highly recommends this Braille dot watch to anyone that has eye problems.
Pros
- A stainless steel band
- A glass cover
- Tactile dots
- Easy to read for the blind
Cons
- No talking option
Effectiveness
Price
Ease of Use
If you are looking for a top-rated Braille dot watch, you might take a look at this gold-tone Braille talking watch offered by Reizen. Users love that the band is made of leather, but some do note that it’s too small for them.
The Reizen dot watch features a talking function that announces the time in a clear male voice, when you press a button, and raised tactile dots which allow you to tell the time by touch. Another great thing about this watch is that it has an alarm and a selectable hourly chime. The watch runs on battery CR2025.
A buyer comments that he bought the Reizen gold-tone Braille watch for his father who is visually impaired and that he loves it. The reviewer adds that his father doesn’t have any issues using the watch and that he highly recommends it.
Another purchaser states that the dot watch arrived without proper instructions, but this wasn’t a deal breaker for him.
However, he observes that the band has a size of 7 inches and that a normal man’s watch has an 8-inch band. He warns that if you plan on giving this watch as a gift, you should know the size of the wrist before ordering.
Pros
- A leather band
- A talking option
- Raised tactile dots
- An alarm mode
Cons
- Small-sized band
Effectiveness
Price
Ease of Use
This Braille talking watch offered by LSS is elegant, well-crafted and an excellent choice for the ladies. Users love the watch speaks the time and the date in a clear male voice, but some do note that they had issues with the hands.
The LSS talking dot watch features a button for activating the speaking function, a silver face, a silver flex band and an option to set a daily alarm. Another great thing about this watch is that is has raised tactile dots – three for 12 o’clock, two for 3, 6 and 9 o’clock and one mark for the rest.
A user comments that the LSS talking watch is easy to read and that it speaks clearly. He adds that it’s neither too loud nor too quiet and that you can easily use it both at home and the office.
He also notes that his friend hasn’t encountered any issues with the dot watch and that she is very pleased with its performance. However, one other user has said that the hands are fragile because they popped off right after she opened the cover.
Even though she doesn’t have any issues with the talking function, she is not pleased with the quality of the watch.
Pros
- Well-crafted
- A talking option
- Raised tactile dots
- A daily alarm
- A silver flex band
Cons
- Fragile hands according to some users
Effectiveness
Price
Ease of Use
This Braille talking wrist watch offered by Seiko is expensive, reliable, accurate and an excellent choice for a gift. Users love the stainless steel case, but some do note that it’s not as durable as they expected.
The Seiko Braille strap watch for men features a Japanese-quartz movement, a strong Hardlex crystal to protect the dial from scratches, a 37 mm stainless steel case, a silver dial, raised marks, and a leather strap. Another great thing about this watch is that it’s water resistant, which means that the Seiko watch will withstand rain and splashes, but you shouldn’t shower with it.
In general, users have a mixed opinion regrind the Seiko men’s Braille watch, and they agree that the case needs improvement. A satisfied buyer comments that it’s easy to open and close the cover and that the leather band fits well because it’s adjustable.
He adds that he has had it for two months and that he hadn’t encountered any defects. Another reviewer observes that the hands of the watch are very well-designed and that it’s easy to “see” them with your fingers.
He highly recommends this as the best Braille watch. However, some customers have said that the case cover breaks very quickly and that it is not covered by the warranty.
Pros
- Reliable
- Accurate
- A stainless steel case
- A silver dial
- Water resistant
- A leather strap
Cons
- Case cover breaks quickly according to some users
- No talking option
Effectiveness
Price
Ease of Use
If you are looking for a female Braille watch, you might consider this black leather strap watch offered by Seiko. Users love the reliable Japanese-quartz movement, but some do note that they had issues with the lid.
The Seiko women’s Braille watch features a strong Hardlex crystal to protect the dial from scratches, a 27.3 mm stainless steel case diameter, a black dial and a black leather strap. Another great thing about this watch is that it has raised marks to make it easy to tell the time, and it can withstand rain and splashes of water.
As a whole, users have a favorable opinion regarding the Seiko women’s Braille watch, and they praise its performance. A buyer comments that this Braille watch keeps the time accurately and that it’s easy to read it.
She adds that the leather band is comfortable, adjustable and durable, and it takes seconds to put on the band or take it off. Another reviewer mentions that the watch works well and that the hands are well-made and easy to feel. She recommends it for anyone looking for the best Braille watch. A user also notes that the watch is of high-quality and that it’s perfect for everyday use.
However, some customers have said that the pin keeping the cover closed wears with time and it’s difficult to open and close the lid. Some also note that they received the watch with a dead battery.
Pros
- A black leather strap
- A stainless steel case
- A black dial
- Raised tactile marks
- Water resistant
Cons
- Pin wears quickly
- Arrived with dead battery
- No talking option
What Are Buyers Saying?
The VisionU
The first braille watch we examined is provided by VisionU. This gray, quartz tactile option is made for buyers suffering from vision problems. Examining its marketing materials, they say that tactile dots help its wearers tell the time by identifying the dots by touch.
A battery-powered option, reviewers advise that you be gentle when pulling its timepiece cover off to access the face of the watch and its tactile hour markings.
The Reizen
The second option is a little bit different- besides just braille functionality it is also a talking watch for the blind and visually impaired. It speaks in a male English voice and also features hourly chimes.
- Examining their product description, the company advertises it as a convenient alternative to traditional watches that the blind are incapable of using.
- Since this option will tell the time by a button press or even using its braille timepiece interface viewers who lack sight have a convenient option for telling time.
- One reviewer we spoke with tells us that the watch band is 7 inches- this means you should take some measurements prior to purchase to ensure it will be a fit for you or a loved one's wrist.
The LSS
The third option is for a woman- it is the LSS silver speaking watch. As with the last option, it will tell you the time as well as let you discover it through braille.
- One buyer tells us that the clock's hands fell off and she was unable to find them.
- Other reviewers have bought them as medical assistance devices for visually impaired relatives- saying that the dual functionality has been convenient for their time-telling purposes.
The Men's Seiko
The fourth option we examined is the Seiko braille strap watch- this is a water-resistant option with quartz movement.
- Reviewers say that this is an attractive option that includes leather band straps that are blind-friendly, easy for the visually impaired to strap on.
- Other buyers bemoan how few watches there are for the visually impaired- and because of the limited options they sometimes end up buying items that suffer from durability and quality issues.
- Buyers had some issues with its durability, with some reviewers complaining that the watch face clip broke and that Seiko charged what they felt was an excessive amount of money to get it fixed.
The Female Seiko
The last option we examined was another Seiko product- this one for women. One reviewer said that while it was a functional and accurate device that over time it wouldn't stay closed- and other buyers complained that Seiko charged the price of the watch for a repair.
