As time goes on and we go from being adults to senior citizens, what we look for out of our fashion and accessories is like to change. Usually we put the flashy things away in favor of more practical clothes and modest accessories which emphasize comfort over form. This is even the case when it comes to watches. Some normal watches can be extremely hard to read for a senior with tiny Arabic numerals and interfaces that just look jumbled as one’s eyesight becomes more strained.
The best watches for seniors are actually the best easy to read watches for seniors, with the face of the watch featuring bigger numbers and easy to read print which can be seen with little effort. In addition, the best easy to read watches for seniors should also be comfortable to wear! If you’re a senior who struggles with wrist and joint pain, the last thing you want is an uncomfortable watch pinching at your wrist and causing your even more discomfort.
Now of course you want to be able to read the time and have a comfy fit which doesn’t annoy you, but there’s a secret we want to tell you about the top watches for seniors — they don’t have to look like watches for seniors! In fact, some of the best easy to read watches on the market today are also really stylish and add a touch of class to any wardrobe. And, you can even find so of these easy to read watches in multiple color options with touches like black leather to go along with more practical features like a large face and comfy watch band.
So put away those hard to read watches with Arabic numerals you can barely see when you squint. Get comfortable and peruse are definitive list of the eight best watches for seniors right now. You’ll be glad you did and you’re bound to find your new favorite watch in the process!
The 8 Best Watches For Seniors In 2021
8) Anne Klein Women’s Leather Strap Watch
- 1 inch wide gold-tone case with mineral crystal lens
- Champagne dial with gold-tone hands and black-printed inside minute tracke
- Tapered brown leather band with buckle closure
- Inner band circumference: 7.5 inches
- Japanese quartz movement with analog display
We start our list with a real looker that definitely does not sacrifice refined style for ease of use. The Anne Klein Women’s Leather Strap Watch doesn’t overdo it, instead opting for an elegant and simple design that will go well with anything in your closet. The champagne colored dial is one of the prettier dials on this countdown and plays well off the gold-tone markers and hands. The large numerals and markers are easy to see and the honey brown leather brown is the perfect added touch. It’s one of the most style conscious watches at its price point and its also one of the most reliable thanks to its Japanese quartz movement.
Specs
Display Type: Analog
Clasp Style: Tang Buckle
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Case Diameter: 26 mm
Case Thickness: 9 mm
Band Material: Leather
Band Width: 12 mm
Band Length: 7.5 inches
Band Color: Brown
Dial Color: Beige
Bezel Material: Metal
Water Resistant Depth: 30Meters
Movement: JapaneseQuartz
Pros
- The leather band is extremely soft and easy on older wrists. It floats on your wrist like a feather, especially since the case is lightweight and small as well.
- The Japanese quartz movement is one of the most precise movements on this list. For seniors that have places to go and engagements to keep, such precision is certainly welcome.
- We love the elegant champagne and gold color scheme. The champagne dial adds a real air of refinement to a watch that doesn’t cost that much to procure!
Cons
- Some people complain about the gold-toned hands on the champagne dial, claiming it’s not enough contrast for it to be consistently easy to read.
- There’s no backlight on this watch which makes it really hard to read in low light.
7) Seiko Men’s Stainless Steel Automatic Self-Wind Watch
- DAY/DATE CALENDAR: stay organized with the convenient day/date calendar displayed on the beautiful blue dial
- STURDY STAINLESS STEEL CASE: designed for durability, this men's watch features a stainless steel watch case that can withstand everyday wear and tear SEIKO QUALITY: handcrafted timepieces for every occasion
- CLASSIC BROWN LEATHER STRAP: the combined sophistication and versatility of a supple leather watch band make these the perfect men’s watches for any occasion
- 50M WATER RESISTANT: whether you're washing your hands or snorkeling off the coast, these men's wrist watches are water-resistant up to 50 meters, providing peace of mind in any situation
- SMOOTH AUTOMATIC MOVEMENT: our self-winding automatic watches for men deliver precise and smooth movement, ensuring accurate timekeeping LUMINOUS HANDS AND MARKERS: even in low light conditions, the luminous hands and markers ensure that you can read the dial indicator
We’re just absolutely enthralled with the blue sun ray dial on this gorgeous watch from Seiko. Just because this watch is great for seniors doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice the pop of such a bold color choice! And the six numerals and six markers are super easy to see in relation to the beautiful blue dial, as are the luminescent hour and minute hands. This watch is also very durable with a stainless steel case and a distressed leather band which both hold up under inordinate amounts of pressure. It also has an automatic self-wind movement which means you’ll never have to take the time to wind it yourself! When it comes to style and substance in watches for seniors, this is right up there!
Specs
Display Type: Analog
Clasp Style: Tang Buckle
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Case Diameter: 43.5 mm
Case Thickness: 11.4 mm
Band Material: Leather
Band Width: 24 mm
Band Length: Men’s Standard
Band Color: Brown
Dial Color: Blue
Bezel Material: Stainless Steel
Water Resistant Depth: 50Meters
Movement: Automatic
Pros
- The automatic self-wind movement on this watch is perfect for seniors who forget to wind their watches or for seniors who simply don’t want to deal with the added stress of doing so.
- The stylistic contrasts of the sun ray blue dial and brown leather band is really striking either up close or from a distance. Not only is this watch easy to read, but it’s also easy on the eyes in other ways.
- The rugged stainless steel construction of the case and bezel make this a really hard watch to break or scuff considerably. If you’re one of those seniors who is hard on their watch, you’ll appreciate its durability.
Cons
- While the distressed leather strap is comfortable to wear over time, it can be a little bit stiff for some seniors right out of the box. You’re going need to soften it up with repeated wears or find a way to do so otherwise.
- It’s a pretty big watch overall and can be rough on smaller wrists.
6) Casio Men’s FT500WVB-5BV Forester Sport Watch
- 100 M Water Resistance
- Date Indicator at the 3 o'clock position
- Rugged cloth/Velcro band
- LED light ensures easy visibility during day or night
- Analog (3-hand) movement
If you’re love rustic touches in both your decor and your fashion choices, you’re going to love the Casio Men’s Forester Watch. The different touches of brown, beige, red, and muted black all come together in a way that’s both understated and unique. The brown numerals are easy to make out on the beige dial and the nylon fast-wrap band is extremely easy on your wrist. And for seniors who still have appointments to keep, you’ll be happy to know that Casio promises an impressive accuracy of 20 seconds per month with this standout watch. It’s one of the more personable watches on our countdown and makes a great gift for seniors of all ages.
Specs
Display Type: Analog
Clasp Style: Tang Buckle
Case Material: Resin
Case Diameter: 41 mm
Case Thickness: 11 mm
Band Material: Nylon
Band Width: 20 mm
Band Length: 8 inches
Band Color: Beige
Dial Color: Beige
Bezel Material: Stainless Steel
Water Resistant Depth: 100Meters
Movement: Quartz
Pros
- The fast-wrap nylon band is one of the most comfortable straps on this list. It conforms to most wrist sizes without exacerbating wrist problems common for most seniors.
- The color scheme of this watch is atypical compared to most offerings at this price point. If you want a bit of variance when it comes to the look of your watch, you’re going to dig this one.
- The numbers on the dial are as easy to read as any of the other options on this list. And the way that they play off the beige dial has a cool pop which is fun to look at!
Cons
- The LED backlight is positioned awkwardly for seeing the entire watch face in low light. It also doesn’t help that the hour and minute hands aren’t luminescent.
- The crown is a bit stiff and there’s a few aspects to the overall construction of this watch which feel rushed. It’s a budget watch, so it makes sense. But, there’s still some design flaws which are evident.
5) Timex Men Expedition Metal Field Watch
- Adjustable brown 20mm genuine leather strap fits up to 8-inch wrist circumference
- Black dial with date window at 3 o'clock; full Arabic numerals
- Silver-tone 40mm brass case with mineral glass crystal
- Indiglo light-up watch dial
- Water resistant to 50m (165 ft): In general, suitable for short periods of recreational swimming, but not diving or snorkeling
The Timex Men Expedition Field Watch is an awesome choice for those who want choices! That’s because this Timex Men classic has eight different color schemes for you to choose from! We featured our favorite with a classic black dial and brown leather band combination, but there’s so many other options to choose from including one with an easy to read white dial! This watch comes with luminous hands and a bright Indiglo backlight which makes this a really easy watch to look at when in the lowest of light. And the nylon strap with genuine black leather trim both looks great and feels great wrapped around your wrist. This Timex Men budget masterpiece is made with the comfort of seniors in mind!
Specs
Display Type: Analog
Clasp Style: Tang Buckle
Case Material: Brass
Case Diameter: 40 mm
Case Thickness: 9.5 mm
Band Material: Leather, Nylon
Band Length: Men’s Standard
Band Width: 20 mm
Band Color: Brown
Dial Color: Black
Bezel Material: Brass
Water Resistant Depth: 50Meters
Movement: Quartz
Pros
- Timex did a fantastic job with the eight different color and design schemes for this watch. There isn’t an ugly duckling in the flock!
- Seniors who struggle to see things clearly in either low or diminished light will love the brightness of the Indiglo backlight. In addition, the luminescent hour and minute hands simply pop of the dial in whatever light.
- We’re big fans of the fit of the nylon band with leather trim. It doesn’t look like a utility band as nylon straps often do. This is great for seniors who don’t want a watch that looks like it was made for seniors.
Cons
- The Indiglo backlight is fantastic at illumination but also has a short overall life in some models. The watch is inexpensive, but that’s still a drag if you want to keep using this watch for years to come.
- While this watch is water resistant up to 50 meters, some defective models have been called out which don’t quite hold up to that kind of water pressure.
4) Spiedel Original Scrub Watch
- Designed for Nurses: This Speidel Original Scrub Watch is perfect for doctors, nursing students, physician assistants, surgeons, EMTs, and other medical professionals: Super easy to read, Reliable 3-Hand Japanese Quartz Movement featuring a white Dial with 12- & 24-Hour Markers, Luminous Hour & Minute Hands, and a Highly Visible Red Second Hand that makes taking accurate pulse readings a breeze.
- Featuring a 38MM, 5ATM Case: The Original Scrub Watch fits a wide range of wrist sizes from 5" (127mm) to 7.8" (198.12mm). The face is large enough, so it is easy to read without being too bulky on your wrist. Its unisex sizing is perfect for a men’s or women’s wrist size.
- Durable and Comfortable: Made by Speidel, this watch is built to withstand the demands of a medical professional. It features an easy-to-clean super soft 100% silicone band and a stainless-steel case back. The watch is designed to be worn comfortably on the wrist throughout the day. It is water resistant up to 50M (160ft) and is rated for hand washing, showering, and swimming.
- Available in a Variety of Scrub Matching Silicone Band Colors: Pink, Light Pink, Black, White, Teal, Blue, Purple, Sage, Army Green, Lilac, Red, Royal Blue, Light Grey, and Navy Blue. Each watch includes an EZ-change silicone band and an engravable stainless-steel case back cover, so you can make this watch your own. The Watchband is easy to remove and swap out with a new band in one of our countless available colors that allows you to match every outfit, mood, and style.
- Buy with Confidence From a Brand that Dates Back to 1904: We are confident that you will cherish your timepiece, and to underscore our commitment, we offer a guarantee of a full refund within 30 days of purchase if your Speidel watch falls short of expectations. Furthermore, for your peace of mind, we extend a limited 2-year manufacturer's warranty on our watches. Our customer service is U.S.-based and available to help if needed.
For the senior who loves a splash of pink in everything they do, we present to you the Spiedel Original Scrub Watch. Originally constructed for use by those in the medical field, the Spiedel Original Scrub Watch is also extremely senior friendly with a stark white dial and easy to read hour markers. In addition, the red second hand and second markers are much easier to see than normal because of the contrast against the dial. The band is made of durable and feather soft silicone, and the stainless steel case can even be engraved on its back! Any senior who digs pink and digs comfort is going to dig this watch.
Specs
Display Type: Analog
Case Material: Resin
Case Diameter: 38 mm
Band Material: Silicone
Band Width: 18 mm
Band Color: Pink
Dial Color: White
Water Resistant Depth: 30Meters
Movement: Japanese Quartz
Pros
- The stainless steel case is very durable for a watch at this price point as is the silicone strap. This watch is built for long days at the hospital, so you know it’s going to last!
- Sometimes watches made with a senior in mind opt for muted colors and don’t quite stand out when worn. This one is the exact opposite with its striking pink band and watch face design.
- The hour numbers are among the easiest to read on this entire list! Part of it has to do with the font and part of it has to do with the contrast against the dial.
Cons
- While the silicone strap is made to conform to your wrist, some people think it feels weird and kinda gooey when on your wrist for a long time.
- The hook on the buckle is a bit short and can slide out of the holes in the strap when it’s bent ever so slightly.
3) Timex Unisex Weekender Watch
- Unisex
- 24 hour timekeeping
- Water resistant to 30 meters
- Indiglo night light; red and blue stripe nylon slip through strap
- Water resistant to 30 Meter (99 feet)
When it comes to quality watch construction at an agreeable price point, you can’t beat Timex. That’s why this the second of three different Timex watches on our list! The Timex Unisex Weekender Watch marries classic style and stark contrast for a watch that’s both easy to read and super fun to wear! It also has a detachable strap which means you’re not stuck with the blue/red strap combination if that’s not what you’re feeling on a certain day. And for a senior who wants to vary things up here and there, that’s a great thing! We also love how durable the brass case is and how stark the black numerals are against the dial. This is watch is a great option for any senior of any gender, too! It’s unisex in the best sense of the word.
Specs
Display Type: Analog
Clasp Style: Tang Buckle
Case Material: Brass
Case Diameter: 38 mm
Case Thickness: 9 mm
Band Material: Nylon
Band Length: Men’s Standard
Band Width: 20 mm
Band Color: Blue
Dial Color: White
Bezel Material: Brass
Water Resistant Depth: 30Meters
Movement: Quartz
Pros
- The Swiss quartz movement is reliable and extraordinarily precise.
- We adore the black-on-black look and we know your coworkers will as well!
- The rugged nature of this watch’s ceramic construction will keep it running through the longest and hardest of kitchen shifts.
Cons
- If you’re in a quiet place, the second hand does tick rather loudly. It can be a bit disconcerting when you’re in a library, church, or another place where quiet is the norm.
- The crown has a bit of sharpness to it which can get snagged on clothing rather easily.
2) Timex Ironman Classic Full-Size Watch
- Adjustable black 16mm resin strap fits up to 8-inch wrist circumference
- 100-hour chronograph with 30-lap memory; 24-hour countdown timer
- 3 daily, weekday or weekend alarms; 24-hour military time mode; 2 time zones; day, date & month calendar
- Blue & black 38mm resin case with acrylic lens; gray digital display; Indiglo light-up watch dial
- Water resistant to 100m (330ft): in general, suitable for swimming and snorkeling, but not diving
You thought we forgot about digital watch but think again! The third and final watch from Timex on our countdown is a digital wonder with a sleek design and easy to read screen. The Timex Ironman Classic Full-Size Watch is made for seniors who haven’t given up on working out and enjoying the spoils of an active lifestyle. It has more added features than any other watch on this list including multiple alarms and timers, a 100-hour chronograph with 30 hours worth of memory, and a 24-hour countdown timer. The digital display is also much easier to read that most digital watches and it’s protected extremely well by a durable acrylic lens. This watch is both rugged and a really good looking unisex digital watch — a fantastic combination!
Specs
Display Type: Digital
Clasp Style: Tang Buckle
Case Material: Resin
Case Diameter: 38 mm
Case Thickness: 12.73 mm
Band Material: Resin
Band Length: Men’s Standard
Band Width: 16 mm
Band Color: Black
Dial Color: Gray
Bezel Material: Resin
Water Resistant Depth: 100Meters
Movement: Quartz
Pros
- Digital watches are often tough for seniors to read, but not this one! The full-size face is super easy to make out and the added Indiglo backlight adds extra visibility in diminished and low light.
- This watch is built for active seniors. That means that it’s durable enough to withstand the added stresses of hiking, biking, swimming, and other outdoors pursuits. The resin case really doesn’t budge.
- Some digital watches sacrifice style for substance, but we actually really like the look of this one. It has a classic and somewhat minimal feel that looks great with a variety of different outfits.
Cons
- While the watch itself will last you for a long time, the band is prone to loosening after a few years’ worth of use. You’ll probably have to get a replacement at some point.
- This watch fits a bit loose on tinier wrists.
And our pick for the best watch for senior citizens is…
1) Citizen Eco-Drive Chandler Field Watch
- These military-inspired watches with rugged looks and a comfortable fit are born ready for adventure.
- 3 Hand, Day / Date
- Silver-Tone Stainless Steel Case with Olive Green Nylon Strap
- Luminous Hands and Markers and Mineral Crystal
- Featuring our Eco-Drive technology – powered by light, any light. Never needs a battery100 Meters Water Resistant and 5 Year Limited Warranty
Our pick for the best watch for seniors is a bit pricier than some of the budget options we’ve highlighted, but you’ll still think it’s a steal of a deal as soon as your put it on! The Citizen Eco-Drive Chandler Field Watch is an absolutely perfect balance of understated style and undeniable quality. The minimal look is perfect for those who can’t stand cluttered watch faces, and the large dial has super easy to read white numerals against a pitch black dial background. What really cinched this as our number one watch is the inclusion of Eco-Drive technology which charges the Japanese quartz movement under any light source you can think of. That means you’ll never have to change its battery and you’ll always be on time with this absolute joy of a watch on your wrist.
Specs
Display Type: Analog
Clasp Style: Tang Buckle
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Case Diameter: 37.2 mm
Case Thickness: 9.5 mm
Band Material: Nylon
Band Length: 7.5 inches
Band Width: 18 mm
Band Color: Green
Dial Color: Black
Bezel Material: Stainless Steel
Water Resistant Depth: 100Meters
Movement: Japanese Quartz
Pros
- The inclusion of Eco-Drive technology makes this one of the easiest watches to use that we’ve tested. If you’re prone to being forgetful, you’re going to love how this watch charges itself in natural and artificial light.
- The white numerals really contrast perfectly against the black dial. In addition, the numbers and hands are both luminous for visibility in the dark.
- This watch looks great and lasts a long time! It’s even water resistant up to 100 meters and won’t lose time if you wear it while swimming. There’s even a 5-year warranty included on the off chance that it doesn’t last!
Cons
- This is a small watch so it will look really tiny on big wrists. If you like bigger watches with more pop, you may want to choose a bigger option on our list.
- The included strap is short and not as comfortable as some others on this list. Thankfully, you can buy a cheap and comfortable replacement from Citizen.
Frequently Asked Questions
What features should you look for in the best watch for seniors?
There are many features which separate the best watches in the marketplace and the best watches for seniors in the marketplace. Firstly, you want to look for the best easy to read time pieces available. Having a watch which is difficult to use makes no sense and turns it into a glorified bracelet on your wrist. Whether you’re looking for a men s easy reader or a stylish watch for an older woman, you want to make sure the numerals are easy to read — regardless of if they’re Arabic numerals or otherwise.
Not only do you want an easy to read watch, but you also want one that is comfortable to wear! If you’re already going through the normal aches and pains of getting older, adding an accessory which hurts to wear just doesn’t make sense. Make sure your watch comes with a band that’s built for comfort and that’s also easy to use and adjust.
You should also never sacrifice style for a watch that’s easy to use. Just because it’s a watch for seniors doesn’t mean it can’t come with cool features like a black leather strap and multiple color options to choose from. An easy to read watch shouldn’t have to be an ugly watch, and that’s why we chose the eight options we did!
Finally, you’ll notice that the eight watches we chose were cost-conscious options. While there are definitely luxury watches out there for those who have the money to spend, a great watch for seniors in general should take into account the idea of a fixed budget for someone in retirement. Just because you want one of the best watches for seniors doesn’t mean you want to break the bank to do so.
How are easy to read watches different from regular watches?
An easy to read watch has many identifiable traits which separate it from a normal watch. For one, most easy to read watches have a large face with Arabic numerals that are considerably larger than that that of a normal watch. Some have added touches like a white dial and luminescent markers to add to the overall visibility of the piece.
You’ll also notice that most men s easy reader watches and other easy to read watches don’t have weird contrast schemes like black-on-gray. Men s easy reader watches and the majority of other easy to read time pieces are designed with simple and stark contrasts so you can easily see the hour hand, minute hand, and other aspects of the dial without much effort. You want to be able to read the time without getting a headache!
Whether it’s a men s easy reader or a fashion watch for a woman, you’ll see some of these same traits in most easy to read watches.
Closing Thoughts
One of the best things about growing older is all the experiences you have both behind you and ahead of you. You need a watch that matches up with that experience while also making it easy on you to use it! Grabbing one of the eight watches on our countdown ensures that you’ll have a time piece that’s comfy to wear, easy to read, and fashion forward.