"Timed to perfection!"

We all have a watch that doesn’t tick and a clock that doesn’t tock, so if ‘time’ is standing still for you?…we know a man in Perth who can get you going!!

by Athole Murray Fleming

The Watch and Jewellery Repair Centre There is a little shop situated in one of Perth’s old streets, Fleshers Vennel to be precise, where you can go and get your old timepiece or family heirloom brought back to life.

This little shop is run by Alastair Neaves, a gentle Aberdonian (if there is such a thing?), who moved to Perth just over a year ago.

“I have always enjoyed visiting Perth, so when I saw that there was no other watchmaker actually working in the town, I knew that I had found a niche and a new home”, said Alastair.

The Watch and Jewellery Repair Centre “Since opening my business, I have met so many people from all over the UK and the world …even some Aberdonians down on a day trip who have needed my help, and it is always a lovely feeling to save a piece of someone’s family history, even it is a simple children’s watch that I can get working again. I have been made very welcome here and I have quite a number of new friends who recommend me whenever possible, you can’t get better than that” continued Alastair.

Alastair served a seven-year apprenticeship with clockmakers to the Queen, William Moir of Aberdeen. One of his many jobs was to go around the town winding up the city’s main clocks such as the Townhouse, Toll Booth and Marshall College, all well-known sights to the average Aberdonian and visitor alike.

The Watch and Jewellery Repair Centre Now living in Perth, Alastair also works with local businesses within the antique and auction trades, refurbishing old clocks and bringing them back to life. Alastair’s repair service includes all timepieces; even digital watched can be tackled. Sourcing specialist parts is also an invaluable service.

On the retail side of things, there are a fair number of watches, clocks and even some jewellery pieces on display. So perhaps the next time you see your old heirloom sitting there devoid of its’ tick or tock and looking rather lifeless, think on…there IS a man in Perth with the gift of life!!….well, for clocks anyway!