Top 9 Easy To Read Watches For Seniors

Nowadays, we are living longer with the life expectancy in most regions rising. By 2016, the World Health Organization (WHO) had estimated that the life expectancy was an average of 72 years.

While this gives us the opportunity to spend more time with our loved ones, there are numerous problems associated with aging, the most prominent of which is a loss of vision. Unfortunately, this makes it difficult for seniors to engage in tasks as simple as determining time using wrist watches.

Luckily, manufacturers have shifted to making easy-to-read watches for seniors. In our post, we’ll focus on the best easy-to-read watches for seniors.

Our Picks for the Best Easy To Read Watches for the Elderly

How to Buy an Easy To Read Watch for Seniors

Keeping track of time is just as important for seniors as it is for adults and other individuals. Thanks to watches, they can take their medications on time and keep up with their physicians’ appointments.

The majority of older folks prefer using wristwatches to other timekeeping gadgets. As such, it’s vital that these timepieces be easy to read. These are the main things you should look for when choosing a watch for an elderly individual.

Large watch face

When considering a watch for a senior, a large watch is the perfect choice. The reason for this is that a large watch face will have a bigger display; hence, easier to read.

When we say watch face, what we really mean is the diameter of the watch. Back in the 90’s, a standard men’s watch had a diameter of 37 to 39 millimetres. Currently, there are watches with a diameter of 45mm and up, which is what you should look for when getting a timepiece for the elderly.

Contrasting color hands

Another thing you want to look for is the color of the hour and minute hands. Ideally, these should have contrasting colors so that they pop out from the background to facilitate easy readability. This way, your grandmother won’t strain her eyes everytime she has to read the time.

Oversized numerals

If you’re getting the senior in your life a digital watch, then it should have really large numbers. Advisably, you should choose one, where the numbers have occupied the largest portion of the display.

A standard digital watch constitutes tiny numbers for the time, date and other aspects. Such a watch is not a good fit. Unfortunately, you might have to dig deeper to find one with enormous digits.

Large Buttons

Along with giant-sized numbers, the ideal watch should have big buttons. This way, the user can access them with ease in case they need to adjust or reset the time. The buttons should also be tactile. This simply means that the wearer can feel them or feel the “crunch” whenever they press them.

Adjustable Straps

Quick fact: did you know that as you age, your arms and legs are likely to grow thinner? The primary cause of this is a loss of muscle mass, which is often preceded by muscle weakening.

In relation to wristwatches, this means that you should choose a watch with the right band width. Whenever possible, pick one whose straps can be adjusted to help you find the right fit for the wearer.

A Closer Look: Easy to Read Watch Reviews

Timex Men’s Easy Reader Leather Watch

First up is this stylish watch by Timex. The Easy Reader collection is one of the brand’s most popular watches. According to SEMRush, the term “Timex easy reader” receives at least 2,000 searches every month. And it’s easy to see why this watch is a favorite.

For starters, it has genuine leather strap. The leather material is quite durable, so you’re guaranteed that it will provide the senior in your life, years of service. This fabric also feels soft so you need not worry about it causing any harm to the wearer.

Most importantly, it has an incredibly easy-to-read cream dial complemented with arabic numerals. Factor in the black -colored hands that contrast beautifully with the white background and you have a timepiece that’s user-friendly for any senior.

Pros

• Comes with a large display and visible arabic numerals
• Leather strap for durability
• Water-resistant up to a depth of 30 metres; can withstand splashes
• Available in multiple colors
• Sports Indiglo backl-light technology to enhance visibility

Cons

• The date setting should be improved

Final Verdict

The Timex Easy Reader is a great watch that balances pricing and features. It’s equipped with

Indiglo backlight technology to enhance readability in dark conditions.

YEENIK Waterproof Wrist Watch

While not a key consideration, a watch that is reasonably-priced and still has the essential features is an excellent option. To that regard, the YEENIK Wrist Watch is one of the cheapest easy-to-read wristwatches.

It sports a water resistance of up to 50 metres, which means it can be worn during swimming, washing hands and even taking a shower. The only caution that YEENIK gives is that you shouldn’t press any buttons when using the watch under water.

Better yet, it has two modes for displaying time: the 12 and 24-hour clock formats. In addition to time, this watch also shows the date, month and day of the week.

The main highlight of this watch is its LED screen display, which makes it easy to read. It also has an EL backlight to enhance its visibility at night and in low-light conditions. Included in the package is the watch and an instruction manual. The guide is a welcome addition considering that not all seniors are tech-savvy.

Pros

• Shows time in two modes
• LED screen for easy readability
• EL backlight enhances visibility at night
• Comes with an instruction manual

Cons

• Does not come with battery; has to be purchased separately

Final Verdict

You can get an easy to read watch for the senior in your life without spending an exorbitant amount. Simply invest in quality low-priced timepieces like YEENIK Waterproof Watch.

Armitron Women’s 25/6418 Easy to Read Watch

If you’re looking for a watch that can withstand a ton of abuse, the Women’s Easy to Read Watch by Amitron is your best bet.

It’s water-resistant to 100 metres, which makes it suitable for light water activities like snorkeling and swimming but not diving.

This watch comes in an array of colors including black, silver, gold, magenta, rose gold and silver.

The beauty about all these timepieces is that their hour and minute hands all contrast with the silver-tone luminous background, making it easy to read. Better yet, the 12, 3, 6 and 9 numbers are oversized, which further enhances its readability.

The strap on Armitron’s Women watch is made of resin. Resin is a high-impact type of plastic, which makes for an easy to care for band. Factor in the polished stainless steel buckle and you have an incredibly durable watch for a senior.

Pros

• Silver-toned background enhances readability
• Comes in multiple colors
• Water-resistant up to 100 metres

Cons

• The resin wristband requires time to break in

Final Verdict

Looking for a durable timepiece? The Women’s Easy to Read Watch is your best bet.

Citizen Men’s Eco-Drive Promaster Watch with Date

If you don’t mind splurging on a high-end watch that will provide your elderly parent all the features they want, then the Promaster Watch with Date is a fantastic choice.

The first thing you’ll notice about this watch is its classy design. It comes with a round stainless steel case that blends with the black wristband. This metallic case has a diameter of 48mm, meaning it’s in the right size range for senior-friendly watches.

The watch is fitted with a non-reflective mineral glass display that makes it easy to read even in low-light conditions. What’s more, it has hour, minute and second hands, which also enhance its readability.

Another aspect that makes this watch worth the investment is its charging feature. Unlike conventional watches that use external batteries, the Promaster uses Eco-Drive technology. This feature converts light into electrical energy, which then powers the battery.

The manufacturer has also included a second battery that stores electrical energy. When it’s fully charged, the watch will continue operating for up to 6 months without having to be charged.

Does your elderly parent always forget to remove their watch when engaging in water-related activities? Well, the Citizen’s Eco-Drive will really come in handy.

It boasts water resistance of up to 300 meters, which is equivalent to 1000 feet. This means they can comfortably use the watch without worrying about water damage.

Pros

• Superior waterproof capability
• Large case and numbers make it easy to read
• Does not require a battery
• Rubber band feels comfortable on user’s skin
• Stylish design

Cons

• Expensive

Final Verdict

Are you buying a watch for a senior who is actively involved in water sports? Citizen’s Eco Drive with 300m water resistance is a solid choice.

Timex Women’s Indiglo Watch with Date Feature

What I like most about Timex brand is the fact that they cater to different consumer needs. This particular watch is designed for elderly women and it has fairly similar features to the Easy Reader we reviewed earlier.

While most analog watches only show time, the Women’s Indiglo Watch shows time and date of the month. It’s equipped with a tiny date window with a Quickdate feature. This implies that not only is it easy to read but the wearer can also use it to keep track of their physician’s appointments.

Unfortunately, this watch errs on the small side, meaning it’s better suited for women with thin wrists. It has a case width of 25 mm and lug width of 12 mm.

Its water resistance is rated at 30 meters, which is great but not the best. Though it can withstand a few splashes of water, submerging the watch under water will likely cause significant damage.

The Indiglo watch is user-friendly and durable. The dial is easy to adjust and it has arabic numerals that are easy to read. The strap is constructed using genuine leather for optimal longevity.

Pros

• Color of the hands contrasts with background for trouble-free readability
• User-friendly dial with full arabic numerals
• Has a Quickdate feature

Cons

• Might be too small for some wearers

Final Verdict

This Timex Indiglo Watch is uniquely designed for the female market and includes a Quickdate feature.

Casio F91W-1 Classic Digital Sport Watch

When you think of watches, the first brand that probably comes to mind is Casio. This company has had a lot of influence in the watch industry, so it’s not surprising that we’ve included one of their timepieces in our review. To be specific, the F91W has very senior-friendly features.

We’ll start off with the case. While this case is not going to be winning any beauty contests, it’s incredibly light and comfortable. It tips the scales at 20 grams, which is quite light for watches. Most of the time, you won’t even notice that you’re wearing it.

This case is constructed from resin, and it has a rectangular shape. The dials constitute tiny steel cylinders that are easy to press in case you want to adjust time. The front part of this watch is equipped with a shatter-resistant acrylic window lens.

Even though this lens is resistant to high impact, it’s still susceptible to scratching so you have to be careful when using it. On the plus side, the lens provides a clear view of the LCD screen. In fact, you can see the time from any angle, and even in direct sunlight.

Casio F91W has a resin-made strap that’s soft and comfortable on your skin. The fact that this strap is also thin means that it’s easier to wear compared to other materials. The buckle is made of plastic, and includes the Casio logo imprinted on it.

Pros

• Quartz movement with a digital display
• Water resistant
• Includes an auto calendar and a digital stopwatch
• Affordable
• Lightweight design

Cons

• Does not have a timer

Final Verdict

If you’re hell-bent on getting a watch from the renowned Casio brand, then the F91W is a great place to start.

Swatch GP128K Originals Dragon Fruit Unisex Watch

Does the senior in your life like all things pink? If they do, they’re bound to love the Swatch GP128K that comes in a hot pink color. The watch is actually marketed as having a unisex design meaning it’s suitable for either gender.

But what makes this watch exceptional is its bright and colorful display. The Arabic numerals come in a white hue that contrasts nicely with the pink background to provide easy readability. Furthermore, it uses quartz movement with an analog display, making it ia breeze to use.

The only features that some buyers might have a problem with, entail the plastic band and waterproof capability. For some, this wristband feels cheap while others would want more than the 30-meter water resistance rating.

Pros

• Pretty and chic design
• Suitable for both men and women
• Easy to read with the Arabic numerals and contrasting colors

Cons

• Not the most waterproof
• Only available in one color

Final Verdict

Are you buying a timepiece for an individual who is very conscious of their style? Well, the pretty pink Swatch GP128 is a superb choice.

Casio Men’s GW9400 Rangeman G-Shock Solar Atomic Watch

The Casio G-Shock GW9400 is as tough as nails both in terms of performance and durability. Casio has equipped this timepiece with a dozen features that make it a powerhouse.

For starters, not only does it show the date and time but it also offers a stopwatch, altimeter, barometer, thermometer, compass and a timer. So if your grandma is into baking, she has a gadget to help her monitor the baking process.

Another pleasant feature of this Casio G-Shock is that it’s waterproof up to 200 meters. This means the wearer can swim, take a shower and even dive while wearing this watch.

Available in black or grey, this watch is on the higher side of the price spectrum. Good news is: it’s very easy to read thanks to the auto LED screen display. The fact that it has an analog display also contributes to its easy readability.

Also important to note is that this Casio watch is powered using solar energy. This means there’s no need to keep recharging or buy replacement batteries.

Pros

• Water resistance rating of 200M
• Powered by solar lighting
• Perfect for an outdoor environment

Cons

• Pricey

Final Verdict

The GW9400 is part of Casio’s reputable G-Shock series. Thus, you’re guaranteed that it’s a quality and reliable timepiece.

Fossil Men’s Nate Stainless Steel and Leather Casual Watch

The Fossil Nate’s Casual Watch is truly a piece of art. Fossil has long been known for its leather watches, and this watch showcases just how good this company is at what it does.

The watch sports a leather-made strap that matches well with the stainless steel case. However, the star of this watch is the overly simplistic design and gorgeous color scheme. Its user-friendly interface and minimalist design are why we recommend it for seniors.

Nate watch has a black color palette while the hour markings and analog hands are given a dull gray to contrast with the background. The case is made with the same black shade used on the hands, and this makes it look stunning against the rest of the watch.

The leather on the wristband is genuine calfskin and it feels very soft on the wearer’s skin. It’s also comfortable and it stretches the more times you wear it. Ultimately, the watch will have a snugly fitting strap that corresponds to your wrist size. The watch is also water resistant, although it’s rated at 30 meters.

Pros

• Beautiful, but minimalist design
• User-friendly interface makes it suitable for seniors
• Leather strap provides durability

Cons

• Water resistance capability can be improved

Final Verdict

If you want to keep things simple, Fossil Men’s Nate is an excellent easy-to-read watch that doesn’t have too many frills.

Best Easy to Read Watch Brands

Timex

Established in 1854, the Timex brand has been making watches for over a century. This company’s roots can be traced back to Waterbury in Connecticut- a place that’s popular for its brass making activities.

Currently, its headquarters are situated in the Netherlands, although it has several other companies worldwide. Interestingly, the technology of Timex is developed in the US and Germany but manufactured in various nations.

One aspect that makes Timex stand out is the fact that they make affordable and quality watches. This watch maker is known for its minimalist and simplified approach. However, they’re careful not to compromise on the quality or durability of their watches.

Armitron

If you’re looking for a senior-friendly watch, another brand you should consider is Armitron. This brand is actually owned by a larger company called E.Gluck Corporation, which has its headquarters in Little Neck, New York.

Established in 1956, this company has been in the watch making industry for a long time. At the time of Armitron’s establishment, E. Gluck Corporation existed as a subsidiary of the larger Armin Corporation.

The current Armitron watches can be identified using several traits. These include LED screen, a five-function mechanism- hour, minute and second hands, day and date.

The Armitron line of watches fall into 5 different categories:

• Men’s dress watches
• Men’s sport watches
• Ladies’ dress watches
• Ladies’ sport watches
• Licensed or Character watches

Citizen

This brand is the primary company of the Japanese-based conglomerate Citizen Watch Co. Ltd. Citizen brand is mainly known for its line of Eco-Drive watches that are solar-powered.

Essentially, every eco-drive watch is equipped with a secondary battery. This battery is charged by an amorphous silicon photocell that’s positioned behind the dial. When the watch harnesses light energy, it stores it in the secondary battery which is then charged to provide continuous operation.

With each of its inventions, Citizen strives to stay true to its slogan, Better Starts Now. Due to this, they’re always incorporating more functions to their watches in addition to their eco-drive tech. They now have an array of watches customized to meet different consumer tastes.

Casio

This is one of the most prominent watchmakers globally. The Japanese company was established back in 1946 by an engineer- Tadao Kashio. Nearly a century later, Casio has become a vital part of the global revolution in the watchmaking industry.

Even though the company was founded in 1946, it did not venture into the watchmaking market until 1974 when it released their first wristwatch called Casiotron. This timepiece was more advanced than others in the market in that it had an automatic calendar.

But what really helped Casio to stay ahead of the curve is the fact that it had a background in the manufacture of calculators. Thus, this company was able to incorporate cutting-edge technology into its creations.

Currently, this giant corporation designs a variety of watches, some of which are suited for the elderly generation. These include timepieces such as the G-Shock GW9400 and Casio F91W-1 Classic.

Fossil

Many know Fossil as an American fashion design company. But there’s so much more to this brand, specifically, its watchmaking activities.

In fact, Fossil deals with designing, manufacturing and distributing premium-quality and trendy watches across the globe. This company has many subsidiary firms, all of which manufacture different brands of watches. These include Fossil, Skagen Denmark, Misfit, Michele Watch, WSI and Zodiac watches.

The majority of this company’s watches feature Japanese quartz movements. But recently, the brand ventured into Fossil Swiss. This is a technology that blends quartz and mechanical movements.

Swatch

This is a diversified global holding company that deals in the making and sale of watches, jewelry, watch movements and other elements of timepieces. It’s one of the biggest watchmaking groups in the world, and it supplies almost all the components that are integrated into watches.

It has an array of production companies located in different countries. One of these firms supplies movements and parts to third party watchmakers in Switzerland. And even though Swatch mainly manufacturers watches, it’s also actively involved in the sector of sports event timing.

Conclusion

While there are many watches designed for seniors, not all of them are easy to read. Ideally, an easy-to-read watch should have contrasting color hands, a large, bright display, and big numbers. One timepiece that ticks all these boxes is Timex Easy Reader. As its name suggests, this watch is very easy to use, making it the ultimate gift for the senior in your life.