Watch repair shop stands test of time

A watch repair business is celebrating 50 years of serving residents in Thatcham.

J Drummond and Son is a watch repair service on Thatcham High Street, run by 67-year-old Dave Drummond.

The business was started by Mr Drummond’s father John Drummond in Swindon in 1953.

The family, originally from Newbury, moved back to West Berkshire, after working in Swindon for some time, in 1961 and have remained here ever since.

Dave, who is the third son to take the business into his own hands, has expressed his pride in reaching such a milestone.

“The time has gone so quickly,” he said.

“My grandfather was a watch maker as well, Charles Drummond, and he had a shop in Cheap Street in the 40s and early 50s.

“I joined [dad] full time in 1972 at the age of sixteen, although I had already been involved in the business from the age of twelve doing jobs in the evenings and working as a Saturday boy.

“My dad reduced his hours, but continued working into his early seventies.

“I am sure he would be proud that the business is still going 70 years after he started it.”

Mr Drummond, who turned 67 yesterday (Wednesday), said so much has changed in those 50 years.

“The three day week, the boom times of the eighties and nineties, the financial crisis, several recessions and then Covid,” he said.

“We have adjusted and modified the business through the last 50 years as life has changed.”

He added: “Customers go through generations; people in their 80s come in and then their children come as well. There is nice continuity.

“Long may it continue.”

Despite having many other hobbies, working with antique clocks is what makes him tick.

“I enjoy the antiques, because there is a history there,” he said.

“It is interesting to me.

“Lastly I would like to thank our customers for their support over the last 50 years.”