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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Tactile wristwatch

Wristwatch for visually impaired person, ARSA

Partially verified

This ladies' wristwatch was produced by the Swiss manufacturer ARSA, a brand name used by Auguste Reymond SA. The object is designed as a medical aid for visually impaired individuals, featuring an openable case that allows tactile access to the dial. The dial displays white markers with black numerals for even hours and line markers for odd hours. The watch is housed in a gold-coloured metal case and is attached to a matching elastic bracelet. Acquired by Region Skåne's medical history collections in 2005 from Annetorpshemmet, the movement was recorded as being out of order at the time of acquisition. The dial bears the inscriptions "ARSA", "Swiss made", and "Reymond".

Tactile ladies' wristwatch with an openable case and elastic bracelet.
Tactile ladies' wristwatch with an openable 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 (Auguste Reymond SA)
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
MS 12998.984
Source-reported date
unknown (acquired 2005)
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
MS 12998.984

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

Design and Case Construction

The watch is constructed with a focus on accessibility for visually impaired users. It features an openable case, which allows the user to access the dial and hands directly for tactile time-reading. The exterior case and the accompanying elastic bracelet are finished in a gold-coloured metal.

The dial is white and includes specific tactile markers. Even hours are indicated by black numerals, while odd hours are represented by distinct line markers.

Evidence for this section
  • “Openable case and dot markers.”
  • “Gold-coloured metal with elastic bracelet.”
  • “Black numbers (even hours) and line markers (odd hours).”

Signatures and Identifiers

The dial is signed with the brand name "ARSA" and the manufacturer's name "Reymond". Additionally, the dial bears the statement "Swiss made", indicating its country of manufacture. The watch is further identified within the museum's collections under the reference number MS 12998.984.

This object is documented as part of a collection originating from the Annetorpshemmet, a facility associated with adaptation training for visually impaired individuals. The acquisition was mediated through Ingrid Rigo, an adaptation teacher, in 2005.

Evidence for this section
  • “ARSA Stainless Steel Swiss made Reymond”
  • “MS 12998.984.”
  • “Acquired 2005-10-13 from Annetorpshemmet through Ingrid Rigo, adaptation teacher.”

Condition and Provenance

At the time of its acquisition into the Region Skåne medical history collections on October 13, 2005, the watch was noted to be in non-functional condition. The museum record explicitly states that the movement was "out of order at acquisition."

The object's provenance links it to Annetorpshemmet, suggesting its history as an assistive device.

Evidence for this section
  • “Out of order at acquisition.”
  • “Acquired 2005-10-13 from Annetorpshemmet through Ingrid Rigo, adaptation teacher.”
  • “Wristwatches for visually impaired people, ARSA, 2005 is held by Region Skåne's medical history collections”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific mechanical movement caliber housed within the case?
  • Are there additional sub-types of the ARSA tactile watch series within the museum's MS 12998 series?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Wristwatch for visually impaired person, ARSA
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerARSA“maker recorded: ARSA”
MaterialGold-coloured metal“Gold-coloured metal with elastic bracelet”
Acquisition Date2005“Acquired 2005-10-13”
Museum IDMS 12998.984“MS 12998.984”
Design FunctionAssistive device for visually impaired“Wristwatches for visually impaired people”
Dial InscriptionsARSA, Swiss made, Reymond“ARSA Stainless Steel Swiss made Reymond”

Visible details

  • Tactile dial with raised dot markers
  • Openable bezel for manual time reading
  • Gold-coloured elastic link bracelet
  • White dial with mixed numeric and line hour markers

Research qualifications

  • The internal movement condition is described as out of order at acquisition
  • Exact metal composition is not specified beyond being gold-coloured metal

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

Consulted source

Wristwatches for visually impaired people, ARSA, 2005

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 49035728d6

Terms in this record

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

Other tactile wristwatch records