Tasmanian watch repairer Craig Gathercole retires

The skills of Tasmanian watch repairer, Craig Gathercole, are sought far and wide. Read why he will be sorely missed when he shuts up shop.

Craig Gathercole is set to retire after 39 years as owner, operator and watch repairer at The Watch Repair Shop in Hobart. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

After 52 years, Craig Gathercole is calling time on a career that has endeared him to generations of Tasmanians.

He will close his popular watch repair shop in Hobart next month, where he has spent the past 39 years.

“I’ve loved the people, seeing the grandparents and even their great grandkids come and go,” Mr Gathercole said.

“But the time is right to retire.

“I had major eye surgery in November after an eye infection in and I need to rest it.”

Mr Gathercole began his apprenticeship in watch making in 1973 and studied at RMIT in Melbourne as part of his four-year training.

“My uncle had a jeweller’s shop and had a friend who needed an apprentice,” he said. “I was happy with that.”

Craig at far left as an apprentice in 1974 with Henry and Robert Bertoz. Craig Gathercole is set to retire after 39 years as owner, operator and watch repairer at The Watch Repair Shop in Hobart. Picture: supplied

He moved to his shop in Liverpool St where he built the business seeing between 30 and 100 people a day.

Mr Gathercole recalls there were no electronic watches when he started out but now there are batteries to replace and parts for older watches are often hard to come by.

“It used to be that you got a watch when you turned 13 which was your pride and joy and then another when you were 21 but now kids get them when they are two,” he said.

Mr Gathercole’s departure will leave a gaping hole for thousands of customers.

“I do the repairs for 12 jewellers, including one in Melbourne, who will have to find someone else to do the work,” he said.

Craig Gathercole is set to retire after 39 years as owner, operator and watch repairer at The Watch Repair Shop in Hobart. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Mr Gathercole says his favourite watch is a Swiss made Certina but he sees why smart watches are popular.

“I don’t have a smart watch but I know they have saved people’s lives,” he said.

As one loyal customer said: “Craig will be sadly missed. He is a very dedicated watch maker and people from interstate make the trip to Hobart just to get his unique knowledge and service.”

The shop closes on June 27.

Originally published as Tasmanian watch repairer Craig Gathercole retires