It's a RETRO metronome... it's a RETROnome!!!
These are fantastic! I have another version of a "tube" metronome in my collection as well, the Crystalab Metronoma. This one's nicer to look at than the bakelite of course because of the wooden case.
I have several quartz metronomes and those are likely always going to be more accurate, no doubt, but these are close enough that there's no real noticeable differentiation of timing or meter. It's worth it to me for one more thing making hours of practice time more enjoyable. These have a great "sound" that doesn't drive you nuts after a long time. The volume control will actually alter that tonal characteristic a bit once you get to one extreme end of the adjustment. You DO have to wait almost 30 seconds sometimes for the tube to warm up, getting the click and flash to be synchronized.
If you want a classic vintage metronome that'll double as a conversation piece, these Seth Thomas metronomes are an all around better choice than the Crystalab models. Make sure you're getting one where the metal face plate isn't lifting and that the adjustment controls are still functioning and not damaged.
Verified purchase: YesCondition: Pre-owned