A Blind Celebrity and The Accessible Watch He Wears
“Just because a man lacks the use of his eyes doesn't mean he lacks vision.” --Stevie Wonder
Stevie Wonder is an iconic musician who was born six weeks premature with retrolental fibroplasia, a condition which rendered him permanently blind at birth. Despite his blindness he went on to become a child prodigy at the young age of 12 and produced his first number one hit in 1963. Since then, Stevie Wonder has been topping charts and taking names, producing a plethora of hits, chart-toppers, singles, 25 Grammy awards, and countless albums.
Throughout the years, Stevie has been a style icon wearing crisp, colorful fitted suits, and accessories like watches and jewelry. During an episode of Carpool Karaoke with James Corden, as well as at the Grammy Awards, Stevie was allegedly spotted wearing the “Bradley” watch from Eone Watch Brand.
WHY WOULD A BLIND PERSON WEAR A Watch?
After being seen wearing this watch, many people took to the internet to ask questions like, “Why would Stevie Wonder wear a watch?” and “Can someone explain why a blind person needs a watch?”
The answer to this question is simple. Everyone, regardless of ability, has a “right to time.” It is this exact reason why Hyungsoo Kim, a MIT graduate decided to dedicate his talents and resources toward making an inclusive and accessible watch. He felt strongly that everyone has a “right to time” and a right to look stylish as well. He collaborated with friends, designers, and people with vision impairments to create a watch that “everyone--sighted or blind--can use and enjoy.”
The “Bradley” watch is one watch model from the brand called Eone, created and founded by Hyungsoo Kim. The name Bradley was inspired by formal Naval Officer Bradley Synder who was rendered blind after defusing bombs in Afghanistan. Later he participated in the Paralympics receiving multiple gold medals and breaking existing world records.
HOW DOES THE BRADLEY WATCH WORK?
The watch features raised hour markers and two magnetised ball bearings, one that marks hours on the outside of the dial, and the other that marks minutes on the inside of the dial. These two metal balls travel around the watch dial on two separate magnetic tracks.
To tell the time, wearers simply run their fingers over the raised hour markers and feel where the ball bearings are located. If you accidentally press too hard or knock the ball out of position, a simple shake of the wrist will bring the balls right back to the correct time.
Hyungsoo describes the Bradley as a “timepiece not a watch, because you don’t have to watch it, to know the time.” It is truly a simply wonderful design that is not only functional and accessible to all, but quite beautiful as well.
While the Bradley watch is an amazing accessory for people who are blind or visually impaired, it is also a very cool watch for any horology nerd. Plus, how many times have you wanted to look down at your watch, but knew it would be rude to do so? For a sighted person, this watch could also help you know the time while still appearing interested and engaged in your surroundings.
According to the Eone website here are the watch stats:
DETAILS
The Bradley timepiece features raised markers that allow you to feel the time by touch: a triangular marker for twelve, elongated line segments for three, six, and nine, and shorter line segments for the other markers. Two magnetized ball bearings travel around the watch face in separate, recessed tracks: one track around the center of the watch face for the minute, and one track around the outside edge of the watch face for the hour.
While our timepieces are engineered from highly durable materials, please note they are not completely scratch resistant.
MATERIALS
Case: titanium
Face: titanium
Strap: Italian leather with nylon accented stitching
QUARTZ
Ronda quartz movement with Swiss parts
DIMENSIONS
40 mm diameter / 11.5 mm thickness
FIT
adjustable buckle with holes fits wrists 6 ¼ – 8 ½ inches (159 – 215 mm) in circumference, 20 mm strap width
WATER & SHOCK RESISTANCE
The Bradley will easily withstand brief contact with water, like getting caught in the rain or washing hands. It is not intended for submersion in water or high intensity sports.
BATTERY
Renata 371 button cell
WARRANTY
2 year full warranty
Designs such as this are so inspiring in many ways. Other people have made braille watches which are also design feats, and of course there are a handful of talking, haptic, and smart watches, but the simplicity and lack of modern technology of the Eone Watch really intrigues us. We also love that this watch will help people that are both vision and hearing impaired as well.
ISN'T SHE LOVELY?
The simplicity and elegance of the watch is just as impressive as its functionality. We love innovative watches that are geared toward inclusion and accessibility. These types of watches are more than just watches: they are devices which can truly enhance the daily life of people living with blindness or visual impairments.
The watch also comes on a variety of strap choices and dial colors. On the site you can find canvas straps, mesh straps, leather straps, and more. The 2020 prices range from $260-$360 depending on the model you choose.
In its own small way, Everest Bands help make your lifestyle a bit more accessible. If you’re someone who likes surfing, skiing, sports, hiking, or other outdoor activities, a rubber watch strap can allow you to take your Rolex, Panerai, or Tudor watch anywhere you want to go. It can also help you preserve your watch bracelet so as not to damage it or scratch it while enjoying your lifestyle. Having the flexibility to wear what you want, when you want, is a great enhancement to your daily life. If you’re a watch collector, be sure to check out our selection of gorgeous watch rolls and watch pouches as well.
What do you think of the Eone Watch? What other accessible watches are worth looking into? Let us know in the comments!
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