With so many different types of clocks and watches available it can be hard to know where to start. Use this guide to understand what's available and what's best for you.
The basics
First things first: read this page and decide which type of clock or watch will suit you best. For instance, do you have enough sight to read a clock if the numbers stand out well? If you have very little sight, would you prefer to read the time by touch or would you rather have it read out to you?
Once you know what type of clock or watch is right for you, read about some of the other features they have, such as calendars and alarms. You can also think about whether you prefer digital or analogue, and what kind of watch strap you want.
Types of clocks and watches
Talking clocks and watches
At the touch of a button, talking models will speak the time! You've got different voice options, usually:
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male or female
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English or American accent
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natural or synthetic speech.
The majority have spoken or audible prompts for operation and settings for the time and/or alarm.
We recommend...
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RNIB Communiclock radio controlled talking calendar clock - announces the time and date in a high quality natural male English voice. Also includes an alarm and volume control.
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Talking MedCenter clock - perfect if you take regular medication as it allows for up to four daily alarms reminding you to take your medication. The time and date are announced in a female American synthetic voice and all setup modes are audible. A large backlit display shows the date in large characters. Also includes an alarm and volume control.
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Large talking watch with auto-sync hands - announces the time and date in a natural male English voice. When the talking time has been set the hands on this analogue watch face automatically set, making sure the watch face and talking time are always the same. Varying face styles and straps are available.
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Browse all talking clocks
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Browse all talking watches
Tactile clocks and watches
Tactile clocks and watches allow you to tell the time by touch, as the hands are raised from the face and each hour and minute is marked by a series of tactile dots.
The tactile face is usually protected under a lid or cover, which when opened allows access to the face to tell the time discreetly. The twelve o'clock position usually has either three dots or a narrow bar, whereas the three, six and nine o'clock hours will have two dots each with other hour markings having a single dot.
The most effective method to tell the time is to feel with your index finger, beginning at the centre point of the clock/watch face and working your finger along the hand towards the hour/minute mark. This prevents the hands from being moved by applying too much pressure.
We recommend...
Easy-to-see clocks and watches
Our easy-to-see clocks and watches have clear faces with bold hands and numbers, providing good contrast.
We recommend...
Talking easy-to-see
Get two features in one, with a well designed analogue watch face with bold hands and numbers complemented by the time being announced at the press of a button. These alarm watches announce the time in a synthetic female American voice and are available in large or small sizes.
We recommend...
RNIB talking calendar watch - this extra large talking watch announces both the time and date and has thick hands and numbers on a contrasting colour face that is easy-to-see.
Other features
Radio controlled
Some of our clocks and watches have a radio control feature which automatically sets the time and date straight out of the box. Just leave it on a windowsill for an hour or so and it will automatically update. This is particularly important when the clocks change in spring and autumn and a great benefit if you struggle to set the time and date manually .
A radio antenna is built into the clock or watch, which receives a radio signal from the transmitter located in Anthorn, Cumbria. The typical range of the radio signal is a radius of 750 miles (1,200km) from the transmitter.
Some of our watches can receive signals from worldwide transmitters - useful if you're on holiday! All our radio controlled products can still be used in other countries, but have to be set manually as the automatic update feature will not work.
Digital or analogue?
Faces on talking and easy-to-see products can either be an analogue or digital style face.
Tactile models always have an analogue face. The digital models have a liquid crystal display, commonly abbreviated as LCD, and usually show more information such as date, alarm time and temperature.
Analogue models usually only display the time, but occasionally a small number with the date. Mainstream digital displays can appear cluttered with thin characters, so our models usually have basic information and very large digits where possible.
Watch strap styles
Our range of watches covers a number of different strap options including: leather, plastic, fabric with easy Velcro fastening, metallic bracelet and expanding metal straps. Each watch is fitted with a certain style of strap, unless a choice is otherwise stated.
Metallic bracelet straps are very durable and open and close using a clasp; expanding ones expand to the size of your wrist and are very easy to use. Links can be removed from the bracelet and expanding straps to ensure a correct fit and leather straps offer another choice and are easy to affix using the buckle. Plastic straps are great for children as they are easy to clean.
Alarms
The majority of our clocks and watches have an alarm with different sounds to select from.
Some clocks feature a snooze function which will sound the alarm every few minutes until acknowledged, giving you an extra few minutes in bed.
If you need multiple alarms to manage regular medication throughout the day or reminders for routine tasks, then some models have four or even eight alarms in a 24 hour period, such as the Super 8 pill organiser with multiple alarms.
Some models announce the time on the hour, every hour to help keep track of the day. This feature is only available on talking models and is easy to turn off if not required.
Volume control
On some talking clocks there is an option to change the volume of the audible output, typically between two settings for hearing impairments or sensitive hearing. A rotary volume can offer greater flexibility to manage sound level output.
Calendar
Announcements of the day, date, month and year are most commonly found in our talking range. The order in which they are spoken may vary but all include the key information. Some of our digital models may display some of the information on screen.
For children
Some of our smaller watches are suitable for children.
We recommend...
Small black/silver 4 alarm talking watch - announces the time and date in a synthetic female voice and is fitted with an easy to clean plastic strap. Also features up to four alarms, 12/24 hour time option and a stopwatch.
Small talking calendar watch - just press one button to announce the time then press again to hear day and date announced in RNIB's natural English male voice. The watch is fitted with either a pink or blue plastic strap.
Buying from RNIB
We're experts in products for people with sight loss. That's why our clocks and watches address some of the challenges that mainstream clocks and watches pose for someone with a sight problem.
We work with leading companies to develop products that have clearer talking voices, are easier to see and operate and offer good colour contrast, larger hands and faces and a good tactile element.
Prices
Our range offers a wide variety of choice, varying in price from approximately £5.95 to £56.99 excluding VAT.
Instructions
Our instructions are written to make it easier to use the product and understand key features. Products are fully explained including orientation around operating buttons, battery compartment, functions and menus, as appropriate.
We provide instructions in accessible formats. You will receive large print as standard, and can order braille or audio CD with your product to get the most out of your purchase.
Guarantee
All our clocks and watches have a 12 month guarantee which starts from the date of purchase.
Try before you buy
If you want to view our clocks and watches before you buy, there are easy ways to try before you buy.
Keep up to date
To stay up to date with our full range of products, grab a free copy of our 'Everyday living' catalogue. You can also subscribe - free of charge - to our e-newsletter and our New Product Guide.