Services still thriving for old-school tech
While the sound of 85 clocks ticking in unison might be irritating to some, Jeff Campbell doesn’t even notice it unless he hones in on it.
Campbell has been fixing clocks professionally since 2006, and over the years has collected 85 clocks of all shapes, sizes and eras. While keeping them all running in unison is its own time consuming task, Campbell, who works out of his home in Seven Fields, said the work proves its worth every quarter hour.
“The ticking is very relaxing. You get so used to something you don't even hear it anymore,” he said. “I have five grandfather clocks, too; they are all running. The ringing on the quarter hour can be interesting.”
One of the only feelings that surpasses what Campbell experiences from looking at interesting clocks is the satisfaction he sees in the eyes of clients when he fixes what is often a family heirloom that has stopped keeping time. Campbell understands the emotions clocks can bring, because he was originally taught about them by his grandfather, a fellow clock maker.
Clocks are often passed down from generation to generation and Campbell has a backlog of requests to fix them with clients needing to book almost a month ahead. His job, he said, is still necessary.
“People have these pieces and they are family heirlooms, and it is so rewarding to see their face when they see it running,” Campbell said. “I have seen tears in people's eyes many a time when they hear their clock ring. You can't buy that feeling.”
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