15 Vintage Health Monitors That Are Now Collectibles
Here's a nostalgic roundup of old-school health gadgets that have become prized collector’s items.
- Chris Graciano
- 4 min read
Before smartwatches and fitness apps, people relied on early digital gadgets to track their health. Many of these retro monitors are now hot collectibles. Here are 15 vintage health monitors that once tracked bodies — and now turn heads.
1. Polar Pulse Meter (1980s)
SHVETS production on Pexels
One of the earliest personal heart rate monitors, this chest-strap device was a game-changer for runners. It used infrared sensors and required a wrist receiver.
2. Omron Fat Loss Monitor (1990s)
Wikimedia Commons
This handheld gadget claimed to estimate body fat using bioelectrical impedance. It looked like a video game controller but offered quick readings with minimal input.
3. Health-o-Meter Bathroom Scale (1950s)
mark6mauno on Wikimedia Commons
These heavy-duty mechanical scales were a staple in American homes. With their oversized dials and chrome finishes, they had undeniable style. Unlike modern digital models, they required regular recalibration.
4. Sears Blood Pressure Kit (1970s)
Tunstall on Flickr
Sold in Sears catalogs, this manual kit came with a stethoscope and inflatable cuff. It required a bit of medical know-how, making it a favorite of DIY health hobbyists.
5. Accutron Thermometer (1960s)
Don on Wikimedia Commons
This early digital-style thermometer had a sleek, futuristic look for its time. Instead of mercury, it used electrical sensors for quicker reads.
6. LifeScan OneTouch Glucometer (1987)
Denise Chan on Flickr
This was one of the first user-friendly blood glucose meters for diabetics. It required test strips and a bit of patience, but it improved lives. The brand still exists, but the original model is considered a relic.
7. Weider Body Fat Calipers (1990s)
Jks111 on Wikimedia Commons
Used in gyms and home settings, these plastic pinchers measured subcutaneous fat. They came with body charts and instructions on how to read the results. While crude compared to today’s tech, they were all the rage in fitness circles.
8. Digital Pedometer by Sportline (1990s)
Janet A on Flickr
Before Fitbit, there was Sportline. These tiny step counters are clipped to your belt and display the step count with a basic LCD screen. Battery life lasted weeks, but accuracy varied wildly.
9. Sunbeam Heat Pulse Massager (1970s)
Geancarlo Peruzzolo on Pexels
Part health monitor, part therapy tool, this gadget claimed to improve circulation. Its built-in heat function and rhythmic pulses offered relief for sore muscles.
10. Weight Watchers Tracking Scale (1980s)
Pavel Danilyuk on Pexels
This wasn’t just a scale — it came with a tracking guide and point system. Dieters used it alongside food journals to keep tabs on progress. The pastel colors and bold numbers make it stand out today.
11. Timex Pulse Watch (1990s)
TopGear-V12 on Wikimedia Commons
Timex released one of the earliest fitness watches with heart rate tracking. It required touching a metal pad to get a reading — no sensors yet. Rugged and water-resistant, it appealed to casual athletes.
12. Panasonic Body Composition Analyzer (1990s)
i yunmai on Unsplash
This floor-based device looked more like a game console than health gear. With multiple sensors and a digital display, it analyzed weight, fat, and hydration.
13. Fisher-Price Baby Scale (1980s)
Brian Kimball on Flickr
Designed for new parents, this plastic scale helped track infant growth at home. It came with cartoon decals and a curved cradle. Pediatricians no longer recommend home scales, but this one’s become a nostalgic keepsake.
14. Radio Shack Health Monitor Kit (1970s)
Artem Podrez on Pexels
This DIY electronic kit let users build a functioning heart rate monitor. It was more of a science project than a medical device, but it worked. Popular with young tech geeks, it bridged health and hobbyism.
15. Beurer Infrared Ear Thermometer (1990s)
Ph0705 on Wikimedia Commons
This German-made thermometer was ahead of its time. It used infrared tech to read body temperature through the ear in seconds. It became a go-to in pediatric offices before being replaced by newer models.