One clock enthusiast said he hopes to make a full-time living by repairing nonworking timepieces.
For now, Steve Scott works part time repairing clocks at his Scott’s Clock Repair and Antiques at 4115 Ringgold Road in East Ridge. He works full time for the Hamilton County Emergency Medical Service. Hours vary, but the shop is open four days a week, he said.
“I’ve fooled with clocks a long time,” Mr. Scott said. “And I’m fascinated with history.”
Mr. Scott said he officially has been in the clock repair business for 5 1/2 years, but worked on timepieces for at least 13 years as a hobby. His store sells a number of old clocks, including a rebuilt clock that has parts dating to around 1725, he said.
The store also sells a number of collectibles such as old soda bottles and knives.
Clock repair shops are becoming rare, Mr. Scott said, especially since a new clock costs about a third of the price of a repair. But, there are still plenty of people who want to have their heirlooms repaired, Mr. Scott said.
Clements Jewelers, formerly at 737 Market St., is one clock shop that recently closed. Sam Simmons, the owner, said he still repairs clocks part time at his residence in Jasper, Tenn.
There are a few repair shops around, but there also are some repairmen who don’t do a thorough job, said Mr. Simmons, who worked on clocks for 53 years. He said that Mr. Scott, though, has been learning a great deal about the business.
Mr. Scott belongs to the National Association of Watch & Clock Collectors Inc., which has an extensive library on clock repair, he said. Mr. Scott plans to make clock repairing his retirement job one day.
“I can’t stand to just sit around,” he said.
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