Abstract: A wrist watch radio pager which includes a microprocessor and which receives different types of messages. Normal messages received by the wrist watch pager are displayed in a conventional fashion. However, one type of message is transmitted together with a code which indicates that the message is a "private" or "secure" message. A private message can for example be used to automatically transmit a user's bank balance to the wrist watch pager. Private messages are not automatically displayed on the wrist watch pager as are normal messages. When a private message arrives at the pager, it is stored in the pager's memory. When the user seeks to display the message, a special display appears which asks for entry of a security code. The security code entered by the user must match a security code previously delivered to the pager by way of a security code message. The security code is entered in the same manner that the time digits on a digital watch are entered.