Tactile Watch Enables Time Telling in the Dark

Well, it's not exactly  a watch, because you don't actually have to look at it to determine the time. In fact, its creators are making a point of referring to it as a timepiece - "The Bradley" timepiece, to be precise.

And it's promising to put an end to many an awkward moment. Once you're wearing The Bradley, you can tell the time simply by touch. That means there's no longer any need to peer at your mobile phone in front of clients or bosses or particularly verbose lunch buddies.

"The Bradley" (watch) face is comprised of 12 raised marks and a side ball bearing, which, in combination, indicate hours, and a side ball bearing, which indicates minutes. Magnets connect the ball bearings to the timepiece's mechanics, hidden underneath its titanium casing. Watchbands are available in fabric and leather, coloured mustard yellow, olive green or blue; and in stainless steel mesh.

Designers, engineers and individuals with vision impairment have all contributed to The Bradley's development. According to the team, it "changes the way we interact with our timepieces". The invention's title is a reference to Lieutenant Brad Snyder, who lost his sight in 2011 while serving in Afghanistan. A year later, in the 2012 London Paralympics, he won a gold medal in the 400-metre freestyle, as well as two silver medals in other events.

With 20 days of Kickstarter campaigning to go, "The Bradley" has already reached its initial goal of $40,000 10 times over, with 2,602 supporters having pledged $395,501.

[via Mashable]