Precision timepiece crafted by Wittner, not your ordinary clock
Restored Wittner Metronome Brings Musical Timing Back to Perfection
A recently found Wittner metronome, a German-made practice tool dating back to the late 19th century, has been restored to its former glory. This mechanical wind-up device, known for its high-quality craftsmanship and intricate design, has regained its accuracy after a series of repairs.
The metronome, produced by the renowned company Wittner since 1895, features a pendulum with an adjustable weight for tempo control and a bell mechanism operated by a pull-out knob. However, this particular model had some issues, including a missing pull-out knob for the bell, a broken screw end of the mainspring arbour where the key attaches, and a need for a pull-out knob for the bell.
To address these problems, the metronome's mechanism was successfully replaced with new parts, and the pivots and pivot holes were cleaned and oiled with Keystone clock oil. The replacement mainspring housing, provided by Wittner, has an enclosed mainspring, which appears to be a sturdier design. A temporary solution for the missing pull-out knob for the bell was fashioned out of a spare finial and screwed in place.
The owner, expressing satisfaction with the acquisition, shared that Wittner offered to send the parts needed (a complete one-piece mainspring housing and a winding key) free of charge. After the replacement of its mechanism and cleaning, the metronome works perfectly.
Wittner metronomes are prized for their durability and quality but do require precision handling in repairs due to their intricate mechanical parts and vintage nature. Professional servicing typically includes complete disassembly, cleaning, oiling, calibration, and part replacement as needed to restore their reliable function and accurate tempo.
Key tips for maintenance are avoiding over-winding, keeping the mainspring and gears free from dust, and handling the bell mechanism delicately. While comprehensive official repair manuals may not be readily available online, collectors and repairers often share advice in specialist forums due to the mechanical complexity and rarity of some parts.
This restored Wittner metronome, dating back to October 1967, is now ready to help musicians keep their timing accurate once again. Its history and craftsmanship make it a valuable addition to any music lover's collection.
Vintage clocks, such as the restored Wittner metronome, add a touch of nostalgia and elegance to one's home-and-garden lifestyle. The meticulous clock repair process, which revitalizes faulty parts and restores the clock movements to their original precision, underscores the importance of preserving fashion-and-beauty artifacts from bygone eras. With the accurate functioning of the metronome, musicians can enhance their practice, demonstrating that proper maintenance is essential for maintaining its value in music and history.
