Servicing has been a huge issue in the watch industry over the last few years; firstly finding potential novice watchmakers, training them and then getting them to the level of experience needed to service the huge number of watches that require servicing and repairs.
Tony Coe is someone who has been fostering a working environment where watchmaker training and development is at the forefront of everything it has done for more than 20 years.
Tony launched Swiss Time Services in 1993 which has turned into one of the largest independent service centres in the UK by specialising in Omega. He then launched Swisstec in 2008 to diversify the business and take on brands including Ball, Ebel and JeanRichard.
“Our single greatest success this year has been establishing our facility as the UK Service Centre for Girard Perregaux.” He states proudly. Tony sees Girard Perregaux official stamp of approval as testament to the business’ ‘outstanding technical team and resources’. The companies moved into new 7,000 sq ft premises in Essex six years ago which have been fitted with state-of-the-art facilities including a polishing department with equipment that any in-house manufacturer would be envious of.
In the last two years Tony has introduced laser welding, lapping and sandblasting facilities to the business’ already impressive tick sheet and exhaustive inventory of vintage parts.
Explaining his dedication Tony concludes: “The pursuit of horological accuracy has always held a fascination for me and is central to my approach in business. This strive for perfection can be witnessed throughout the history of watch and clock making, from Harrison’s great feats that are displayed here at Greenwich, through to the Omega Marine Chronometer that I wear regularly.
“I have always endeavoured to obtain the best results that I can from my business, and continue with this aim supported by my outstanding management team along with the backing from the rest of our staff, who share the same goal. Above all none of this could be achieved without the support of my wife Jacqui, with whom the concept of an idea over 25 years ago has grown into the business we have today.”
IMAGE: Kalory.co.uk
