Patek Philippe Metronome

#AntiqueClock"In this video, John Reardon presents one of the rarest Patek Philippe novelties that we have ever seen — and it does not tell the time! Instead, this mechanism helps a musician play rhythms accurately by marking beats per minute. In other words, it’s a metronome. Today, many musicians will use an app on their phone to help keep a steady time when practicing music; although, traditionally, we might think of a device with a pendulum that swings back and forth placed on top of a piano. Metronomes have been used for many centuries, but in 1815, a German inventor, Johann Maelzel patented it as a tool for musicians. The word 'metronome' comes from the Greek word metron, meaning to 'measure', and nomos meaning 'regulating’. Why Patek Philippe decided to produce a small number of these pieces between 1880 and 1890 is a mystery. Perhaps a clue lies within the choice of musical notes delicately painted on the enamel dial. John Reardon investigates further in this video about a rarely seen, but important Patek Philippe.