America's premiere watch manufacturer introduces the Timex Pulse Timing Watch, a wristwatch designed to help medical personnel check pulse rates in low light conditions. Indiglo night-light, the patented lighting technology from Timex, has been adapted for this unique application in response to scores of letters from consumers in the medical field. They loved the feature but wanted a way to time a pulse count in a dark patient room or emergency situation without having to keep one hand on the Indiglo button to keep the watch illuminated.

The pulse timing option is activated by holding in the dedicated button, located at the 8 o'clock position, for three seconds. When the light blinks off, you have four seconds to locate the pulse. At that time, the Indiglo night-light blinks again, indicating that the pulse count should begin. The light will flash in fifteen second intervals for the next minute, allowing the wearer to take a 15-, 30-, or 60-second pulse rate by stopping the count at the appropriate interval. The watch will stop flashing after one full minute or the timing function can be canceled at any time during the counting period by pressing the pulse timing button.

The need for a product with this capability was dramatically illustrated in a letter from JoAnn Gay, an aeromedical nurse from Fremont, Indiana. She won the Timex Bright Idea Contest with her recounting of nighttime helicopter flights in which she and her colleagues use the Indiglo night-light on their Timex watches to help treat trauma patients. Due to the strong restrictions regarding light output on helicopters at night, they have found their watches to be the best way to check everything from patient pulse rates to medical equipment.

The watch design is simple with a round silver case that is water-resistant to 98ft/30m, and a strap constructed of white resin, for durability and easy cleaning. Indiglo night-light can be activated without the pulse timing feature by depressing the watch crown.

The Timex Pulse Timing Watch will be available at watch retailers nationwide for around $40.00 by the beginning of May. For local retail information, consumers can call (800) 367-8463.