An easy-to-use audio digital watch for everyone

SEIKO

SEIKO refreshes its voice-enabled digital watch for the first time in 11 years, embracing inclusive design for universal ease of use.

Seiko Watch Corporation is refreshing its voice-enabled digital watch for the first time in 11 years, with a release scheduled for December 11, 2020.

Text by YANAKA Tomomi | Edit by TSUCHIDA Takashi

Design and Functionality Tailored for Active Lifestyles

SEIKO's voice-enabled digital watch has been updated for the first time in 11 years. The new model is designed with an inclusive approach, reflecting the needs of a wide range of users, not just those with visual impairments, but people of all ages and abilities, ensuring it is easy for everyone to use.

An easy-to-use audio digital watch | SEIKO — Model released in 1966

SEIKO's history of developing watches for the visually impaired dates back to 1939. The company began by developing and providing tactile watches for injured military officers during the war, allowing them to tell time by touching the hands through an openable cover.

Subsequently, the first wristwatch-type tactile watch was released in 1966, followed by the world's first quartz wristwatch-type tactile watch in 1979, and the first voice-enabled digital watch in 1998. The voice-enabled digital watch, in particular, has been used by many people as a watch that easily tells the time with a simple button press.

Prior to development, SEIKO conducted interviews with organizations for the visually impaired. Recognizing that many users enjoy sports such as blind marathon running and walking, models with silicone bands that fit comfortably on the wrist were added to the lineup. The watch was thus equipped with functions and a design suitable for sports.

Furthermore, in response to requests for a "stylish and easy-to-use watch," the case was redesigned into a modern, simple conical shape. The button for voice output has been made easier to identify with a groove at the 4 o'clock position, and guards have been added to other buttons to prevent accidental operation.

These enhancements were recognized with the 2020 Good Design Award for the voice-enabled digital watch.

The watch also features alarm and stopwatch functions. Naturally, alarm times and stopwatch elapsed times can also be recognized by voice. The time setting function is also guided by voice.