Analog Watches with Senior Friendly Features

What to Look For in an Analog Watch:

Analog watches are a fashionable, practical way to tell time. The only problem is that these seemingly uncomplicated devices actually contain a bevy of unfriendly features for seniors. If you simply go out and choose a watch based on its look or price, you’ll soon find out that there’s more to these classic timepieces than meets the untrained eye. That’s why it’s important to weigh any ailments, such as poor eyesight or limited dexterity, before you make your next purchase. In the interest of continuity, all of the exemplary watches listed below are designed for men. ElderGadget will, however, release a list of women’s watches shortly that utilize these same features equally as well.

I. Velcro Strap

Many watches, especially analog models, have small clasps that are difficult to see, let alone fasten. Unless the elderly individual purchases a watch with the same kind of clasp he’s fastened for decades (and doesn’t have any memory problems), Velcro may be the best option. Velcro requires substantially less coordination to fasten, and will alleviate eyestrain for individuals who have a hard time locating the small holes on the belt-like tang-type buckle. Velcro straps are also more comfortable than many fastening options, as they tend to be thicker than metal or leather, and they won’t pinch skin or pull arm hair the way some metal bracelet straps do.

Timex Men’s Expedition Analog-Digital Velcro Fastwrap Strap Watch #T49741

This analog-digital watch contains a black nylon strap, making it harder for others to see that it fastens via Velcro. It also boasts a strap tightener that’s kept in place by the thick Velcro. This allows the wearer to simply slip the watch on, tug on the end of the strap and fasten.

II. Synthetic Sapphire Crystal Covering

Every watch has a clear protective crystal covering that encases its face. Many inexpensive watches contain acrylic, plastic or mineral crystal coverings, which can become scratched or cracked should a senior fall or slam his arm against a wall or in a door. If you tend to be accident-prone or plan to wear the watch while engaging in rigorous activities you should purchase one with a protective covering made out of synthetic sapphire crystals. Like mineral crystal coverings, hardened glass is the main material that prevents scratches to synthetic sapphire crystals. However, this glass is only moderately successful at staving off scratches, which is why the extra sapphire coating is added to make these crystals as scratch- and shatter-resistant as possible. In fact, Swiss watchmakers, who are famous for their quality timepieces, note that synthetic sapphire crystals are three times as hard as mineral crystals and 20 times as hard as acrylic crystals. Watches with synthetic sapphire crystals tend to be more expensive, however.

Stuhrling Original Men’s Special Reserve ‘The Louis’ Master Calendar Automatic Watch #136.33451

Like most watches with synthetic sapphire crystal coverings, the Louis is pricey, costing about $250. Of course, if you’re paying this much for a watch you’ll want one with the most resistant, protective covering as possible. This will not only protect the watch’s face, which is likely also made out of high-end materials, but it will also increase the watch’s longevity, as many people tend to discard watches when they become so scratched and dinged that they can no longer see the faces clearly.

III. Legible Dial

There’s no point in having a perfect-fitting watch with an indestructible covering if you still can’t tell time easily. Thus, those with sight problems should purchase a watch with large markings and thick hands. These features should also be color contrasted against the rest of the face. For style purposes, you may want to opt for color combinations like black on white, black on gold, blue on white or vice versa. As a general rule, the greatest color contrasts are created when bright colors are paired with darker colors. Aside from contrasting colors, thick hands will ensure that they won’t get lost in the background, which is especially important for second hands. Numbers and markings should be large and displayed in a legible font. Complicated, condensed fonts with lots of slanting or looping can be difficult to read, as can Roman numerals. Spacing is also important.

TIMEX 20001 Easy Reader Man’s Dressw Watch

This Timex has it all. Its metal bracelet allows it to be dressed up or worn casually, and its simple font, large, well-spaced numbers and thick hands make it easy to tell time at a glance.

IV. Easy to Grip Screwdown Crown with Case

One of the most inconvenient features of the analog watch is the crown. These knobs are small, making them difficult to locate, pull out, twist and push back in. Crowns are also a problem because they are the gateway by which dirt, water and other debris enters the watch. According to Professional Jeweler Magazine, a screwdown crown is the most impenetrable. Like the synthetic sapphire crystal covering, a screwdown crown is essential for individuals who are heavy handed. When it comes to most senior-friendly gadgets, larger features are almost always better as they’re easier to see and handle. Watch crowns, however, become more vulnerable when they’re large because the farther they stick out the easier it is for them to break. Therefore, you need a screwdown crown that sticks out enough for you to get your grip, but remains protected from damage by a case that juts out equally as far, providing an added buffer for the crown. This case will also make it easier for the senior to locate the crown, and will provide a larger surface area for gripping and rotating.

Wenger® Men’s Mountaineer Swiss Watch #72618

This Mountaineer watch has a textured screwdown crown that, on its own would likely be very vulnerable to bumps and jolts. Fortunately, it has this large casing around it. The casing doesn’t take away from the watch’s aesthetic, but it does provide extra grip for those with less than perfect dexterity, as well as a larger visual for those with failing eyesight. Once you can locate the crown’s case it’s easy to find, and use, the crown.

Tagged as: Stuhrling, Timex, velcro, Watches, Wenger