Abstract: A pulse wave detecting apparatus for detecting a blood pressure pulse wave of an arterial vessel of a subject, based on an oscillatory motion of at least one contact element which is adapted to be depressed against a surface of a body member of the subject, such that each contact element is iscillated in response to the pulsation of the arterial vessel. The apparatus includes a main frame for supporting each contact element such that the contact element is movable relative to the main frame fixed in position on the surface of the body member. A positioning device is provided, which is capable of at least moving the contact element relative to and along the body surface, in a direction perpendicular to the arterial vessel, to thereby locate one of the at least one contact element right above the arterial vessel. A pressing device is provided for moving each contact element relative to the main frame, in a direction toward the surface, for forcing each contact element against the surface.