Seiko Talking Watch A860-4001

Seiko Talking Watch A860-4001

Digital Saturday, on voice!

Designed specifically for the visually impaired, the A860 was one popular choice in Japan for those who need a watch which can announce the time by voice, by simply pressing one big button in front. Also equipped with a alarm and voice-chronograph, which is practical and easy to use. However, I believe the A860 is only available in Japan, and can only speak Japanese. Where the A965/966 can speak other languages to serve other countries.

【數碼跳字星期六】自60年代初,精工已推出第一代為視障人士設計的手錶。是一枚手動上鏈,靠用者的手指觸摸時針及分針位置,來得知時間。隨著科技發展,往後在石英時代,在不需用者重新適應的前題下,在相同外形及錶面設計,換上石英機芯,省卻了上鏈的須要。

直至80年代中期,跳字錶科技成熟,廠方重新設計,以石英跳字機芯為發展核心,配備額外語音晶片及內置揚聲器,推出第一代為視障人士服務的電子跳字錶。到90年代中旬,推出第二代價格相對親民的型號,相片中的A860。

此錶操作簡單,用者只需按下設在錶面的特大突起按鍵,手錶便會用預錄人聲透過錶面上半部的內置特大揚聲器,音量恰當地準確報出時分。也設有響鬧功能,利用電子鈴聲透過相同揚聲器,提醒用者。新增功能,是會發聲的計時碼錶,開始及停止均會聲音響示,按停後會報讀出停下時間。在設定模式內,所有調校均有語音指示,閉眼也能完成操作。

語音方面,此錶只支援日語,供日本本土發售。直至今天,在沒有半點設計改動下,仍然在日本市場低價發售,服務有需要之人士。

About the Author Eric

Eric has been a gadget lover for decades and had been collecting affordable vintage since the nineties. With his passion for vintage watches, he had been sharing thoughts and photos in interest groups, with his intention of raising public interests on forgotten classics.

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