Abstract: An electromechanical short interval timer has an actuating dial which can be manually rotated from a rest position to establish a time-elapse period. An electric motor returns the dial to its rest position. A timing circuit delivers electric pulses to drive the motor. A frequency selector switch is connected to or within the timing circuit whereby the pulse frequency can be varied. In this way, the time elapse period which is set by a given amount of dial rotation can be varied in a simplified manner. The dial activates a signal emitter before reaching its rest position, and simultaneously activates a timer circuit to continue returning the dial to its rest position. The dial engages a movable stop at both ends of its 360 degree travel stroke which assumes that the dial travels exactly 360 degrees.