THE LONG history of quality clock and watch making in Stamford is being continued by a local craftsman who is producing his own limited-edition timepieces.
Robert Loomes, who has a shop and workshop in St Mary's Hill, decided to design and make his own wrist watch after spending years repairing and refurbishing models produced by big name firms including Rolex and Omega.
Following five years of detai
led planning, research and design work the finished product, known as The Stamford Watch, is now on sale. Only 100 – each individually numbered – will be produced.
Mr Loomes, 40, said: "It has been a dream of mine for years to create my own watch and I'm delighted with the result.
"More than 50 have already been sold since the product was launched a couple of weeks before Christmas and we've had some fantastic feedback."
Mr Loomes, whose wife Robina is the head of performing arts at New College Stamford, joined his father Brian's watch and clock business in North Yorkshire in 1987. After learning his trade alongside some of the best clock restorers in the country he moved to Stamford in 1993 and opened his first shop in St Leonard's Street.
The business moved into its current premises, a building dating back to 1558, last year.
Mr Loomes added: "It seems very appropriate that a business specialising in a craft which has changed little in hundreds of years should be based in a historic building.
"I'm also proud to be trading in Stamford, not only because it's a beautiful place in which to live and work, but also because the town has had a close connection with the clock and watch industry for centuries."
The first clockmaker to work in Stamford is believed to have been John Watts who was granted freedom to trade in 1682.
He, along with Guy Dickinson who worked in Grantham, was among the first clockmakers in Lincolnshire.
Mr Watts was noted for his work on church clocks throughout the county.
The Stamford Watch is on sale now for £470, which Mr Loomes believes offers good value.
He said: "Despite the current tough economic climate there are still many people who are happy to treat themselves and pay for a quality watch which will last a lifetime.
"Watches are a good investment and tend to hold their value very well."
