POLOKWANE- Watch technician Ngoako Rakgoale says the decision to repair watches is not to sell it, but often to honour the memory of an individual who owned the watch but who had passed on.
“I would bring an object they had during the living years back to life, so sometimes it’s not just about repairing watches but to keep a family memory alive.”
He added that having your watch serviced regularly by a qualified watch professional is important to maintains its value.
Rakgoale, who has worked in the field for more than 30 years says everyday pollutants such as soap and perfume cause excessive wear and require premature replacement of the watch’s bracelet, which is something most people don’t realise.
Based at The Farmyard Trading Post, he has successfully completed a three-year-course in the trade training at a departmental trade school and also a watchmaker and repair course where he successfully became a qualified technician in 1981 through The Watchmakers of Switzerland Technical Centre in Pretoria.
“Watches are something most people don’t realise the importance of.
“It keeps us in the loop in life, it makes sure you’re not late for whatever appointment you have. Therefore, make a booking for it in the ‘watch clinic’ and see how it can still work for you for years to come.”