The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word METRONOME
I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
M
E
T
R
O
N
O
M
E
More clues leading to the result METRONOME
- Encountered Monroe dancing — measure of pulse
- Ticking device Swiss banker reported on underground?
- Newspaper and music magazine once featuring old timer
- . Monotreme’s dicky ticker
- Banker reportedly supports railway that keeps time
- Counter in music shop?
- Musician’s assistant paid for Monroe to jiggle
- Underground goblin heard marking time?
- Ticker no good in underground dwarf?
- I keep time, but I’m missing from relaunch of 28 27
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "that keeps time" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case that keeps time = metronome.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does METRONOME mean?
METRONOME noun- A device, containing an inverted pendulum, used to mark time by means of regular ticks at adjustable intervals; an electronic equivalent that emits flashes.