Talking Watches, Clocks and Alarms

Keeping track of time becomes harder when vision is reduced or memory is affected, and a standard clock or watch often does not help much. Our range includes large-display clocks, talking clocks that announce the time at the press of a button, and dementia-friendly models that show the day, date and time of day clearly. Browse our full range of visual aids if you are looking at other products for low vision alongside these.

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For anyone with reduced vision, the most useful features are high-contrast displays with large digits, a talking function that reads the time aloud, and a simple button layout that does not require fine dexterity to operate. For people living with dementia or Alzheimer's, clocks that show not just the time but the day of the week and whether it is morning or afternoon can significantly reduce confusion and help maintain a sense of routine.

Many of our models also work well alongside a magnifying glass for anyone who has some remaining useful vision. If medication reminders are also a concern, our pill organisers with alarms can complement a talking clock well as part of a broader daily routine.

Easy Read and Talking Watch and Clock FAQs

  • What is a talking clock and how does it work?

    A talking clock announces the time aloud rather than displaying it on a screen. Most work by pressing a single large button, which triggers a clear spoken announcement of the time, and sometimes the date too. Some models are set to announce the time automatically at regular intervals without needing to press anything. The Talking Button Clock is a straightforward example, doing exactly what it says without any complicated setup.

  • What type of clock is best for someone who is blind or has very limited vision?

    A talking clock is generally the most practical option. If there is no useful vision at all, an audio announcement is more reliable than any display, however large. For someone with partial sight, a combination of a large high-contrast display and a talking function gives the most flexibility, as they can read the display when conditions are good and use the audio when they are not.

  • What makes a clock suitable for someone with dementia?

    The most helpful feature is showing more than just the time. A clock that clearly displays the day of the week, the date and whether it is morning or afternoon removes a lot of the confusion that comes with dementia. Many people living with dementia can read a clock face but lose track of whether it is Tuesday or Saturday, or AM or PM. A clock that spells those things out clearly reduces that anxiety. Programmable alarms for medication or mealtimes can also be useful as part of a daily routine. This advice article covers helping people with memory problems stay independent in more detail.
  • Are talking clocks useful for people without visual impairment?

    They can make such a difference for those with sight issues. Anyone who wakes in the night and does not want to put the light on, or who finds reaching for a phone or squinting at a bedside clock frustrating, often finds a talking clock considerably more convenient. They are also useful for anyone with arthritis or reduced dexterity who finds handling a phone or small watch difficult.

  • What is the difference between a low vision clock and a standard clock?

    A low vision clock is designed specifically so the time can be read without straining. That means larger digits, higher contrast between the numbers and the background, and a simpler layout with no small text or cluttered design. Standard clocks prioritise aesthetics over accessibility. The difference in usability for someone with reduced vision can be significant even if the magnification looks minor on paper.
  • Can these clocks help with medication reminders?

    Some models have programmable alarms that can be set to go off at specific times each day, which makes them useful as a medication reminder. For more structured medication management, a pill organiser with a built-in alarm works alongside a talking clock well, as the organiser shows which tablets to take while the clock or alarm prompts when to take them.
Natasha Bruce-Jones, Occupational Therapist
“Being just as helpful for those with visual problems as it is for anyone who doesn’t enjoy opening their eyes first thing in the morning to check the time, this talking clock is an obvious fit for the everyday essentials list. With the big, bold coloured area to push, even those with poor dexterity or confusion could master the one push needed to hear the announcement, helping everyone stay orientated to day and night, or important daily events like breakfast times, lunch, and bedtimes.”
– Natasha Bruce-Jones, Occupational Therapist
Part of the Everyday Essentials Range – Practical, affordable support for everyday life.

Content reviewed: July 2026