AN ELLESMERE clock and watchmaker says he will be closing his jewellery retail business next month.

Vito Sanchi’s jewellery shop in Scotland Street will close on Tuesday, October 31 – the same day he turns 74 – but he will continue his repair work from the premises for a while longer.

After nearly four decades of watch and clock repairs, as well as his retail business, he says the time has come to call it a day, and he has thanked all of his customers and friends for their support.

“I moved to Ellesmere 38 years ago in August 1985 to follow in my predecessor’s footsteps as a watch and clockmaker,” said Vito.  

“I have enjoyed my time in Ellesmere but like all good things, it must come to an end and I have decided to close down the retail side of my business.

“I will sell the property if I can – I would really like to pass on the baton, if I can, to the next generation of watch and clockmakers.

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“Failing that, on October 31, the retail part of the business will close and I will continue mending watches and clocks like I have because I have enjoyed it since I started in 1974.

“We have a sale for 25 per cent for all items and some even have 50 per cent off.

“I would like to thank all my customers for their support over these years and to my family in Ellesmere.

“I will miss them as much as they will miss me and my shop.”

Hailing from an Italian market town called Mercatino Conca, five miles south of San Marino, he says that Ellesmere was a home from home.

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He added: “Ellesmere was a market town like I was used to and you went out into the street and people would say hello.

“It was very friendly and after a few weeks of being here, people would give me watches in the street to repair.

“They got to know me and me them, and it’s been very pleasant over the years – I’ve had no dissatisfied moments in the town.

“I’ll probably be working as hard as clock and watchmakers are a dying breed – I would love someone to come in and finish what I started 38 years ago.

“I turn 74 on the day I shut so it could be a birthday celebration to remember.”