U.S. Navy Medical Corps Pulsograph

When presented with a chronograph and pressed to name a purpose for it, many might spring to mind. For example, there are chronographs like the Breitling Co-Pilot or the Gallet Multi-Chron Regulator, which were used by pilots. Divers (both recreational and military) might find themselves descending into the murky depths with a JLC Deep Sea Chronograph or Fortis Marinemaster strapped to their wrists. And many of the best Formula 1 drivers tackled the turns of the world’s preeminent racecourses with a Heuer Autavia or a Heuer Camaro timing their laps. So when it comes to the medical field, a profession in which accurate timekeeping is a matter of life and death, it stands to reason that there would be a chronograph made specifically for doctors or nurses. Starting in the days of pocket watches, chronographs began to emerge with a specialized scale on the outer edge of the dial. Known as a a pulsometer or pulsograph, it measures heartbeats per minute on a scale of 15 to 30 heart beats. To calculate a patient's pulse, the wearer would stop the chronograph at the patient's 15th or 30th heartbeat, and the patient's pulse would then be indicated on the dial without any additional calculations necessary.  The chronograph that we feature here is a pulsometer with an incredible US navy engraving on the back.  This piece is unlike most watches we typically handle in the office. It looks more like a pocket watch than a wrist watch, and that's part of the charm. Paired to an awesome bund strap, this piece has a unique vintage personality that immediately sets it apart from the crowd, and from anything else likely to be in your collection. What really sets this one apart is the US Navy Medical Corps engraving on its caseback! For the medical professional, or the chronograph enthusiast, this is sure to be a conversation starter no matter your collection.