October DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsPC HealthRecommendedCrashes, freezes, slowdowns? Check your PC nowSpot repairable issues before they interrupt work.Check PCOctober DealsAmazon USDeal season is back - check today's better picksAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.See Picks×
Skip to content
WatchRanker
Search
For vendors
Blog

Portrait: Gaku Okada and the Tempo Rubato Metronome Watch

Gaku Okada’s Tempo Rubato is a wrist-worn mechanical metronome built as a watchmaking graduation project—not a conventional time-telling watch.
Estimate3–4 min Catalogued SpecialistWatchRanker Team
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Gaku Okada is a Japanese watchmaking student and jazz drummer who made the Tempo Rubato, a wrist-worn mechanical metronome. It is designed to produce a selected beat—not to tell the time. In a February 2025 interview, Okada said he was developing a later version with hours, minutes and seconds; that statement does not establish whether it is available today.

Who is Gaku Okada?

Born in Hokkaido in 2002, Okada studied in the Watchmaker Institute Course at Hiko Mizuno College of Jewelry in Tokyo. He told MONOCHROME Watches in February 2025 that he was drawn to mechanics and detailed work, and that his experience playing drums helped inspire a project combining music and watchmaking.

In the same interview, Okada said he had begun part-time work at Precision Watch Tokyo around February 2024. He credited watchmakers Hajime Asaoka and Jiro Katayama with offering design advice and guidance on the project’s concept and aesthetic.

What is the Tempo Rubato?

Tempo Rubato is Okada’s watchmaking graduation project: a mechanical metronome built in wristwatch form. Its purpose is to mark a regular tempo with a beat the wearer can hear and see. Despite its watch-like proportions and construction, the original project is not a conventional timepiece with an hours-and-minutes display.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
#1 Best Overall
Smart Vibrating Metronome Watch, App-Controlled Multi-Mode Wearable Tempo Trainer, Rechargeable Wearable Metronome, Strong Haptic Feedback Feel the Beat for Instrument Practice and Running (Black)
  • 【Powerful & Clear Pulse Vibration】 Feel every beat with precision. Unlike traditional audible metronomes, the advanced vibrating motor delivers a strong, crystal-clear pulse directly to your wrist. Perfect for loud band rehearsals, outdoor running, or silent practice sessions without disturbing others.
  • 【Music & Sport & Time】 A 3-in-1 wearable device smart metronome. Easily switch between instrument practice (40-240 BPM, 0-9 beats, 6 rhythm types) and fitness running (steady rhythm cadence mode). An all-in-one tempo master for guitar, drums, or jogging.
  • 【Smart APP Control & Multi-Device Sync】 Take control via APP connection. Adjust tempo or set beat patterns directly from your smartphone. Multi-device sync allows multiple players to lock into the same beat wirelessly—for bands and orchestra practice.
  • 【Lightweight Wearable Design】 Designed for all-day comfort, this wearable metronome features an adjustable strap that fits snugly on your wrist. Black metronome features an upgraded scratch-resistant screen for enhanced durability. Features portable USB magnetic charging.
  • 【Beat Loop Function】The metronome now features a single-beat loop function. Performers can repeatedly practice specific sections to build muscle memory and enhance rhythmic precision.

The name should not obscure that distinction: the original Tempo Rubato indicates beats per minute (BPM), not the time of day. Okada’s stated plan for a successor that adds a time display is separate from the graduation project.

How does the Tempo Rubato work?

Starting it and setting the tempo

A pusher starts or stops the mechanism. To set the tempo, the wearer rotates the bezel, which moves a carriage and counterweight. Their position changes the counterweight’s rotation and, in turn, the beat rate. Okada said the tempo can be adjusted while the metronome is running. Turning the bezel to the right also winds the mainspring.

Rank #2
Tama RW200 Rhythm Watch - Drummer S Metronome
  • Metronome for Drummer with Backlit Display
  • Beat Division Volume Controls
  • 9 Different Beat Divisions
  • 30 Memory Settings
  • 35-250 BPM Support

The movement and escapement

The mechanism combines selected components from an ETA 7750—the mainspring barrel and second wheel—with an original escapement, according to Okada’s interview. He described specially designed escape-wheel teeth and pallet-fork jewels. A slotted lever at the pallet-fork pivot moves the counterweight, linking the escapement’s action to the metronome’s beat.

MinebeaMitsumi reported that 15 of its miniature ball bearings were used in the device. Its April 24, 2025 announcement also said the Tempo Rubato entered the collection of the Musée International d’Horlogerie in Switzerland that month.

Free tools Windows power users keep installed

One-click scans. No signup required.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Rank #3
AKLOT Vibrating Metronome Watch, App-Adjustable Pulse Metronomes (Instrument/Sports/24-Hour Time), Wrist Metronome for Drum/Guitar Practice, Vibration Beat to Avoid Sound Disturbance (White)
  • AKLOT Metronome II builds on the standard metronome with an added 24-hour timing mode and beat loop function. Via the dedicated companion app, you can adjust the screen brightness and vibration intensity, delivering a comfortable and precise beat vibration experience for wearers.
  • Metronome Mode: Switch to this mode to freely customize your desired tempo (40-240 BPM), time signature (0-9 beats), and rhythm style (6 types). Each parameter offers a wide adjustment range, making it ideal for all types of musical instrument practice and performance.
  • Sport Mode: It’s not just a metronome—this doubles as a fitness companion watch! Switch to Sport Mode to select your desired vibration frequency (10-240 BPM). Sync your breathing with the steady vibration beats to boost stamina and endurance during workouts.
  • Time Mode: The screen defaults to Time Mode when activated, featuring a clear, intuitive 24-hour display. Ideal for users who prioritize precise time management or need to align with international time zones, its accurate timekeeping fulfills daily time-tracking needs.
  • Metronome Notes: The electronic version of our user manual is available on the detail page. The vibrating metronome will produce a slight vibration hum during operation, which is unavoidable. However, you can adjust the vibration intensity to alter the hum volume. If you’re looking for a metronome free from disruptive noise, this one is well worth a try.

What was the hardest part to design?

Okada identified the dial as a particular challenge because it had to reveal the mechanism rather than conceal it: “The most challenging part this time was designing the dial in a way that allowed the interesting mechanical parts of the movement to be visible.”

Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Can you buy Gaku Okada’s Tempo Rubato?

The sources establish no current sale. In the February 2025 interview, the original project was described as a graduation work with no plan for commercial sale. MinebeaMitsumi later said on April 24, 2025 that the original device was not scheduled for release at that time. Those dated statements do not confirm its status now, so check with Okada or an authorized source before treating it as available.

Rank #4
Tama RW30 Rhythm Watch Mini - Drummer S Metronome
  • Compact Metronome for Drummer with Backlit Display
  • Beat Division Volume Controls
  • 9 Different Beat Divisions
  • 35-250 BPM Support

Is a time-telling version planned?

In the February 2025 interview, Okada said: “Right now, I’m working on a new version of this Tempo Rubato metronome that also displays the hours, minutes, and seconds, and I’m planning to sell a small number of them.” This describes his intention at that time, not a confirmed launch, current production status or offer to buy. The reported plans for a future model should not be confused with the original metronome project.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

More lots from the Journal

  1. Lot1How to Best Sell Your Watch: Choose the Right Channel for Your GoalBlogEstimate 7–9 min
  2. Lot2Spring-Bars and NATOs: A Practical Guide to Watch Straps, Buckles and BarsBlogEstimate 6–8 min
  3. Lot3A Philosophical Guide to Building the Perfect Watch CollectionBlogEstimate 6–8 min
Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?Free driver scan
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They SpreadFree repair scan

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.