Hello everybody
A few weeks ago, I wrote a glowing mini-review of the Bradley Timepiece wrist
watch. Just a refresher. This watch is distributed in the UK by RNIB. To the
very best of my belief, it is British manufactured, although I’m still not 100%
sure about that. I am making enquiries.
Anyway, I just thought I’d update the group again, now that I’ve had the watch
for a couple of months.
I honestly cannot speak highly enough of this tactile instrument. I say tactile
because it is not a Braille watch. It is designed to be used by both
vision-enabled and vision-disabled people alike. The indicators which make up
the markers around the face of the watch are different shaped symbols. For
example, the twelve-O’Clock symbol is a large triangular shaped raised symbol,
which is also brightly coloured making it both easy to see and feel.
The one-O’Clock, two-O’Clock, four-O-Clock, Five-O’Clock, Seven-O’Clock,
eight-O’Clock, ten-O’Clock and eleven-O’Clock positions are indicated by short
lines, whilst the three-O’Clock, six-O’Clock and nine-O’Clock positions are
marked by longer lines, easy-to-see and easy-to-feel.
The watch uses quite a clever system of indicating the time, utilising the
forces of nature, as in magnetism. Instead of traditional hands, the watch uses
small ballbearings which move around the face of the watch, to indicate the
minutes, and around the outer rim of the watch to indicate the hours. So
although the ballbearings are exactly the same size, there is no chance of
confusion once you become familiar with the way it works.
Indeed, I am now wondering how I ever used to manage with a traditional Braille
or even a talking watch. This device enables me to check the time quietly and
accurately so that, if I’m in a meeting, for example, I disturb nobody unless
they happen to be watching me at the time.
Regarding the build quality of the device, I would summarise it as excellent!
There are two models available. The first is made from Titanium, and has a
brown canvas strap with a leather interior. The second model is made from
stainless steel, and has a black leather strap. Both models use standard
batteries which are obtainable from any jeweller’s shop, so no need to worry.
Because the watch does not offer any other function other than that of a
timepiece, the battery should last between 3 and 7 years, based on experience.
Obviously, the most crucial factor is how accurate is the device. I first set
the time on mine way back in late February when I received it. Since that day,
it has neither gained nor lost a single minute. The watch uses liquid crystal
to give it the most stable functionality.
I would point out that one does need to be a little careful when wearing this
watch, because it isn’t scratch-resistant. Nor is it waterproof. Although the
odd splashes, for example, when you’re out in the rain or washing your hands,
won’t adversely affect functionality. But take the watch in the shower with
you, (as I almost did this morning), and your watch will become a useless pile
of scrap metal!
I tried the Titanium model, and didn’t feel comfortable with it. So I opted for
the stainless steel model which I find suits me just fine. These watches do
come with a somewhat hefty price tag. The Titanium model costs £149.99 here in
the UK, and the stainless steel model checks in at £199.99, but a blind person
within the UK can get VAT relief so some of that price tag is reduced.
In summary, although as I said the price of the item is a little high, once I
had it on my wrist I found myself very happy indeed with my purchase. That view
has not changed. Probably the best watch I’ve ever owned I think, and I would
thoroughly recommend this timepiece to anybody looking for a good quality,
accurate and long-lasting watch.
Just one more thing I should mention. I was somewhat surprised that there isn’t
a lady’s version of this device. But hopefully that will come as time goes by.
Oh yes, and one more thing.
Some blind people may find setting the time a little difficult. You should
never ever move the mechanism in a counterclockwise direction, as doing so will
damage it. The way you change the time is pretty much standard. There is a
rotary control on the edge of the watch in the three-O’Clock position. You need
to use a fingernail to move the control into the outer position, then use a
finger and thumb to turn it clockwise. Of course you also need to made sure you
keep your other fingers out of the way so that you don’t impede the rotation of
the hour-marker ballbearing. So the trick, if you’re blind, is to turn the
control in very small increments and keep checking the position of the hour
marker. Once you have your hour set, you then can place your finger on the face
of the watch and lightly hover it over the marker where your correct minute is
indicated. When the ballbearing slides beneath your finger, you just stop
turning the control and let it calibrate. When you have the right time set,
just push the control inwards again and you’re all set.
I found it awkward at first, but practice helped me to perfect this technique.
OK, there we are. As I say, I am more than pleased with my purchase.
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My compliments and kindest regards
Gordon Smith:
<[email protected]>
Accessibility & Information Technology Support Specialist..
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