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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Tactile wristwatch

ARSA Tactile Wristwatch for the Visually Impaired

Partially verified

This timepiece is a woman's tactile wristwatch designed as an assistive aid for the visually impaired. Manufactured by the Swiss firm ARSA, the watch is constructed with a stainless steel case that features a hinged opening mechanism to permit direct tactile reading of the dial by the user. The silver-coloured dial incorporates both visual and non-visual indicators, featuring black Arabic numerals for even-numbered hours and dash markings for uneven hours. Raised point markings are positioned around the perimeter, providing further tactile reference points for the user. The watch is attached to an elastic bracelet band. Documentation from Region Skåne's medical history collections notes that the item was acquired in 2005, at which time the movement was recorded as out of order. The watch is historically associated with Annetorpshemmet, where it served as a practical assistive device for individuals with visual impairments.

Tactile wristwatch for the visually impaired, featuring an ARSA signed dial, stainless steel case and elastic bracelet.
Tactile wristwatch for the visually impaired, featuring an ARSA signed dial, stainless steel case and elastic bracelet. — Region Skåne's medical history collections via Europeana. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
orbiscollectibles.com
Category
Wristwatch · Tactile wristwatch
Maker / attribution
ARSA
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
/91699/RSMS_objekt_47137
Source-reported date
Unknown (Acquired 2005)
Source-reported place
Switzerland

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Construction and Design

The timepiece is constructed from stainless steel and is specifically engineered to function as an assistive aid for the visually impaired. A key design feature is the opening case, which allows the user to touch the dial surface directly to discern the time. This tactile interface is supported by a dial configuration that combines traditional visual indicators with physical markers.

The dial is finished in a silver tone and features a mix of tactile and visual data. Even hours are represented by black Arabic numerals, while uneven hours are designated by dash markers. Peripheral to these are raised point markings, which assist the user in orienting their touch to the specific positions on the dial. The watch is completed with an elastic bracelet, designed for ease of use in daily wear.

Evidence for this section
  • “The case is made of stainless steel”
  • “fitted with an opening case designed to allow direct tactile reading”
  • “The dial is configured with raised point markings and dash or bar markings alongside visual indices.”

Signatures and Identification

The watch displays specific dial-side markings that identify its origin and construction. The face bears the inscription "ARSA Stainless Steel Swiss made Reymond," clearly attributing the object to the Swiss manufacturer ARSA. These markings serve both as branding and as a technical descriptor of the watch's components and origin.

No specific model or reference numbers have been recorded for this item. Its identification within the current institution is governed by the inventory number 91699/RSMS_objekt_47137, which tracks its provenance and official records within the Region Skåne medical history collections.

Evidence for this section
  • “The piece carries the inscription "ARSA Stainless Steel Swiss made Reymond" and was produced by the Swiss maker ARSA.”
  • “Museum object number /91699/RSMS_objekt_47137”

History and Provenance

This tactile wristwatch was previously utilized at Annetorpshemmet, a facility associated with the support of individuals with visual impairments. The watch demonstrates a history of practical application as an assistive technology. It transitioned into the public domain on 13 October 2005, when it was donated to Region Skåne's medical history collections.

The donation was facilitated through the assistance of Ingrid Rigo, an adaptation teacher who provided the object from Annetorpshemmet. At the time of its entry into the collection, the watch was noted to be non-functional. Although the watch has a recorded historical association with a timeline spanning from 1922 to 2000, the specific production date of this exact unit remains broad.

Evidence for this section
  • “previously owned and used at Annetorpshemmet”
  • “acquired by Region Skåne's medical history collections on 13 October 2005 as a gift from Annetorpshemmet”
  • “Recorded historical dates associated with the item span between 1922 and 2000.”
  • “The timepiece was noted as out of order at the time of its acquisition in 2005.”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific movement caliber used within this ARSA tactile watch?
  • Can the manufacture date be narrowed down based on the specific typography and logo style used on the dial?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for ARSA Tactile Wristwatch for the Visually Impaired
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerARSA“produced by the Swiss maker ARSA”
Object TypeTactile wristwatch“woman's tactile wristwatch designed as an assistive aid for the visually impaired”
MaterialStainless steel“The case is made of stainless steel”
Dial FeaturesRaised indices and Arabic numerals“The dial is configured with raised point markings and dash or bar markings alongside visual indices.”
ProvenanceAnnetorpshemmet“previously owned and used at Annetorpshemmet”
Acquisition Date13 October 2005“acquired by Region Skåne's medical history collections on 13 October 2005”
ConditionNon-functional in 2005“The timepiece was noted as out of order at the time of its acquisition in 2005.”

Visible details

  • Hinged case design for tactile access
  • Raised dot indices on the dial perimeter
  • Arabic numerals for even hours
  • Textured metal elastic bracelet

Research qualifications

  • The exact year of manufacture remains unspecified within the provided date range of 1922 to 2000
  • Current internal movement condition beyond the 2005 status report is unverified

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

Tactile wristwatch for the visually impaired

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record b5eff4d2f8

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

Other tactile wristwatch records