Patek Philippe Braille watches?
quattro
Spotted by Tim Vaux for Hodinkee during the recent Miami Beach Antique Show 2026 is this braille watch signed “Patek Philippe & Co Genève”.
credit: Hodinkee
I was very surprised and interested, especially since I've dedicated a whole thread to Tactful & tactile watches.
It features a release button located at two o'clock on the case, allowing the crystal to be lifted in order to touch the raised indices and hands and read the time.
credit: Hodinkee
I was very surprised and interested, especially since I've dedicated a whole thread to Tactful & tactile watches.
So I started doing some research and found this other example sold by Arteal, which has a different crown and seconds hand (authentic?).
credit: Arteal
I also discovered this article by John Reardon for the Patek Philippe Magazine describing a platinum braille watch made especially for Ray Charles.
credit: Patek Philippe Magazine
This purpose-built watch was referenced 3482 and measured 37 mm.
credit: Arteal
I also discovered this article by John Reardon for the Patek Philippe Magazine describing a platinum braille watch made especially for Ray Charles.
credit: Patek Philippe Magazine
This purpose-built watch was referenced 3482 and measured 37 mm.
It featured diamond indices and a hinge cover studded with 40 brilliants.
It has disappeared and can only be seen through some drawings from the Patek Philippe archives...
... and some photos of Ray Charles wearing it on his wrist.
credit: @watchpoint.ag, @johnreardon570 & Wikipedia
... and some photos of Ray Charles wearing it on his wrist.
credit: @watchpoint.ag, @johnreardon570 & Wikipedia
I find it quite fascinating to note that Patek Philippe seems to have produced a few braille watches and, if the “ordinary” examples are indeed authentic, not just for a celebrity like Ray Charles.
Thanks for reading.
Best, Emmanuel
Comments:
GLau April 28th, 2026-09:03
Thanks Emmanuel for highlighting this type of functional watches ! Very interesting read !
quattro April 28th, 2026-09:40
My pleasure, Gordon. Tactful and tactile watches are a very interesting topic indeed. Best, Emmanuel
pw927 April 28th, 2026-10:39
Quite fascinating. What a concept for its time. Great read, thanks for sharing.
quattro April 28th, 2026-10:59
Thank you! In fact, as far as I know, braille watches are still in use among the visually impaired because of their simplicity and autonomy (no need to charge them electrically, just wind them manually). Best, Emmanuel
pw927 April 28th, 2026-12:41
I have never noticed this. Many of my patients are visually impaired and I have spent time in low vision clinics; the trend seemed to be very large print analog watches or high contrast digital watches. It has shifted to more smart watch type that announces the date. I will inquire...
quattro April 28th, 2026-13:29
My apologies; my wrong assumption was due to insufficient online research. You are clearly much more knowledgeable than I am on this subject (I have no contact with visually impaired or blind people), and I find your account very interesting. Regarding minute repeaters, I think they were used by people who could afford them befo...
pw927 April 28th, 2026-13:34
I certainly could be mistaken. I am curious to learn more. Your initial post piqued my curiosity. I will do a bit of research and report anything back here. Interesting topic, to me at least
quattro April 28th, 2026-21:38
Very interesting topic to me too. Exploring tactful and tactile watches was a pleasure and I will be happy to learn anything you might find in the future !
0-10-10
Load More Comments
Next Article
patrick_y
Celebrating Fifty Years of The Patek Philippe Nautilus!
patrick_y
The Nautilus has been bringing joy to human wrists for 50 years since 1976! The Nautilus was the first timepiece I ever bought for myself around 2010 (before they became extremely popular). And I wore it as my primary daily watch for about a decade. It's been a wonderful companion! When I first saw the Nautilus, as a teenager, I thought it was a strange watch. I remarked, "it has ears" and in my mind I thought it was much too expensive.
© 2017 - WatchProZine