A Wrist-Worn Map for Drivers
In the 1920s, as automobiles became more common, drivers faced a challenge—there were no GPS systems or widely available road maps. To solve this, a British company introduced the Plus Four Wristlet Route Indicator, a wrist-worn navigation device designed to help motorists find their way.
How It Worked
The device resembled a small watch but contained a scrollable paper map inside. The driver could turn small knobs to advance the map, revealing step-by-step directions. Each scroll was customized for a particular route, and users could swap them out depending on their journey.
A Short-Lived Innovation
While innovative for its time, the device had limitations. It required pre-printed routes, making spontaneous trips difficult. As road maps and better signage became more widespread, the Plus Four Wristlet Route Indicator quickly faded from use.
A Collector’s Item Today
Though it never became a mainstream success, surviving examples of the Plus Four Wristlet Route Indicator are now rare and sought after by collectors of early automotive gadgets and historical technology.
In the 1920s, as automobiles became more common, drivers faced a challenge—there were no GPS systems or widely available road maps. To solve this, a British company introduced the Plus Four Wristlet Route Indicator, a wrist-worn navigation device designed to help motorists.🧵👇 pic.twitter.com/oxKq01AAp5
— Detective Tiger's Stories (@TigerDetective) March 12, 2025