Harry Collinson Snr is 72, he opened his first shop as a clock and watch repairer in 1981 on Blandford Street and since then his family run business has gone from strength to strength.

He served a six year apprenticeship under the guidance of well-known watch repairer, the late Mr S Witten, and took a job in a Sunderland store doing while-you-wait repairs.

He was then seconded to a prestigious job in London, working in Chelsea on antique clocks and watches.

Although he loved being in London and his first child Harry, was born there he wanted to head back up North.

Harry decided the time had come to try his hand at going alone and with the help of his wife Sandra he opened his first shop.

“I love it,” he said. “It’s a challenge or a puzzle repairing antique clocks and watches, it’s really satisfying getting them back in tip top condition.”

One such time piece made the headlines in 2007, Harry sourced a 19th century clock for the Adelaide which would form a contemporary fitting if the ship was to be restored. He said at the time: “It’s one of the few trades where people still help each other. “We’ll ring each other up and down the country to find different parts.”

Harry and Sandra’s children joined the team and expanded in 1992 by opening its first retail shop selling watches and jewellery.

Harry said: “It was a natural progression to move into jewellery, when my children came on board they pushed it forward.” Fast forward to 2017 and our repair counter has been moved into a ground floor specialist repair shop premises on Crowtree Road. You’ll find Harry alongside son-in-law Lawrence in Collinsons Sunderland to advise you on your watch, clock & jewellery repairs whilst daughters Rachael (who joined the family firm 1992) and Victoria (joining in 2015) looking after our customers within the Nomination Italy store, just next door.

One thing’s for sure the clock will never stop ticking for this family business.