How do you read a pulsometer?

Start the chronograph, count the number of beats printed on the dial (usually 30), stop on the last one, and read the bpm where the seconds hand points.

Timing complication

What is a pulsometer?

A scale on a chronograph dial that gives a heart rate in beats per minute after timing a set number of beats.

Beats countedSeconds taken

90 bpm

What a pulsometer graduated for this many beats would read.

How it works

Start the chronograph, count a set number of pulse beats, usually 30 and printed on the dial as 'graduated for 30 pulsations', and stop on the last beat. The seconds hand then points at the heart rate in beats per minute.

The scale is 60 × beats ÷ seconds: 30 beats in 20 seconds is 90 beats a minute. Some scales are graduated for 15 or 20 beats instead.

History

Pulsometer scales were made for doctors in the early 20th century, before digital monitors, and often appear on vintage chronographs in red or with medical motifs.

Before you buy

Today the pulsometer is a vintage design touch rather than a medical tool. Check the dial for how many beats it's graduated for.

Questions

How do you read a pulsometer?: Start the chronograph, count the number of beats printed on the dial (usually 30), stop on the last one, and read the bpm where the seconds hand points.