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Seth Tomas Clock Co.
‘METRONOME DE MAELZEL,’
H 9", W 4 1/2"; marked on
the case “Metronome de Maelzel
Trade Mark Made by
Seth Thomas Clock Co. USA.”
photo: liveauctioneers.com
Metronome in the form of a pocket watch
signed “Patek Philippe & Co / Geneve”
made in Switzerland, ca. 1880
In 1696, Etienne Loulié (1654–1702), a noted French musical
theorist, attempted to apply the principles of the pendulum to a
metronome. His “machine” was merely an adjustable pendulum with
calibrations, but without sound or an escapement to keep it in motion.
Plaguing Loulié and his contemporaries was the problem of creating a
metronome that would beat slowly enough to keep the tempo of many
classical musical pieces, often set at a mere 40 to 60 beats per minute.
In 1814, the German inventor Dietrich Nikolaus Winkel developed
a “musical chronometer” capable of keeping fast and slow times, but he Metronome Makers
failed to patent his device. Through questionable practice (so goes the
story), Johann Maelzel appropriated Winkel’s ideas, added a scale, Philippe-Nicolas Paquet was born in 1823 into a family of
called it a metronome and started manufacturing the metronome under watch makers and followed the family tradition by entering the
his own name in 1816: “Maelzel’s Metronome.” Maelzel also patented time-keeping industry. He settled in Paris, working for the
this creation in London, Paris, and Vienna. Maelzel Metronome company, and after the death of Johann
Maelzel’s metronome used an escapement (think of the toothed Nepomuk Mäelzel in 1838, eventually took over the running of
wheel that makes a watch tick) to transfer power from a wound-up the factory. Paquet went on to establish a new small machine
spring to a weighted pendulum. Each swing of the pendulum produced tools plant and metronome producing plant in Beaumont Sur
an audible tick, and users could adjust a dial to control the tempo of Oise in 1867, winning many awards at International exhibitions.
the ticking. An early example of a Maelzel metronome can be found in The factory in Beaumont remained in production until 1983.
the Metropolitan Museum’s collection, acquired by The Met in 1979 The two dates shown on the majority of Paquet – Maelzel
as part of its acquisition of The Crosby Brown Collection of Musical metronome trade labels are 1815-1846, the former being the
Instruments. year the patent was first approved by Maelzel, and 1846 being
Ludwig Van Beethoven became the first composer to give his pieces the year that Paquet took over the company. Paquet is by far the
metronome markings, and even pledged to do away with indicating most common maker of antique metronome. They produced the
such indefinite tempi as “allegretto.” Musicians had already adopted metronomes in large numbers under their own brand, and then
standardized symbols to indicate time signature, key, dynamics and note licensed through many distributors.
relationships. In the same way, metronome markings were a way for Robert Cocks founded his music publishing firm in 1823 and
composers to communicate the tempo at which they intended a piece went on to become one of the largest musical publishing and
to be performed. Others quickly followed suit. Modernist composers of accessory manufacturing companies of the era. Robert Cocks
the 20th century, such as Stravinsky and Bartók, wrote music metronomes were manufactured in London until
demanding stringent rhythmic precision, and conductors 1898. The Cocks firm used two distinct door
obliged, forming the basis for a pro-metronome movement in emblems on their metronomes; the earlier badge is
the music world. believed to have been used prior to 1868 and reads
There are various types of metronomes on the market “Robert Cocks & Co 6 New Burlington St London
today. Mechanical Metronomes are what might well be – Metronome De Maelzel.” After bringing his
thought of as the “classical” metronome. They usually come sons into the business, the firm updated its plaque
in a pyramid shape and use an inverted pendulum to keep to read “Best English Make London –
the beat. Electronic, or Quartz, Metronomes came onto Metronome De Maelzel” until production
the scene as the more precise way of determining time. ended in 1898.
Quartz metronomes make use of quartz crystal, much like The Cramer company was founded in 1824
a watch does. A Digital Metronome is just a piece of by Johann Baptist Cramer, and used the
software. It does, however, often provide additional Cramer name alongside various partners until
features, particularly for recording artists. Although 1968 when it was taken over by the piano
digital metronome software has replaced the need for manufacturer Kemble and Co. Metronome
the classic mechanical metronome, the beat goes on production had ceased around 1910.
for collectors who respect the engineering and
craftsmanship of the box on top of the piano. Metronome, Johann Nepomuk Maelzel (German, Regensburg
1772-1838), La Guaira, Venezuela Photo: The Metropolitan Museum of Art
22 Journal of Antiques and Collectibles
