Horology with heart: the inspiring Dot Watch stands to benefit the visually impaired community.

Every now and then, we get a chance to look at horology in a different light. It doesn’t matter if a timepiece is devoid of the usual parts and movements—horology is about the art and measurement of time-telling through any device, like the Dot Watch (above).

While braille watches aren’t new, this is likely the first smart braille watch in the market (or soon to be in the market; pre-orders start now). Using four electro-dynamic cells, each equipped with six dots that can be raised or lowered to relay information, the Dot Watch is a revolutionary tool. 

Touch sensors or the auto-scroll function enable the wearer to read not just the time in braille, but receive notification messages transmitted via Bluetooth to their device through the Dot Watch App. Instead of existing braille displays, which only allow for one line of information to be read at a time, the Dot Watch has an ‘active braille display’ where the information seamlessly passes under the user’s fingertips like on a moving belt. 

By now, you must be wondering whether all this translates into a hefty piece of equipment on the wrist. It is not the smallest ultra-thin complication out there but the good news is it weighs about as much as an average watch – 27g. The silver aluminium 43mm case has a thickness of 12.5mm and two buttons on either side of the crown, allowing users to navigate the watch functions easily. A leather band in black, gray, orange, pink or green finishes the look. 

For now, the watch is programmed in English and Korean but the founders are looking at implementing Japanese, Arabic, Chinese, French and Hindi (amongst others) in the near future. 

The watch will be available for US$300 (before tax) through their website some time next month. Check them out here for more information.