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Clock Repairs: Our History

Henry William Page was educated in London as an apprentice in the skilfull art of Horology (watchmaking)  by  Swiss and German Horologists, eventually setting up the business of  H.W.Page watchmaker in 1912 in the area of Pondersend, North London.

Business was interrupted with the outbreak of the 1st World War - my Grandfather being on the first wave sent to Belgium in the force known as the B.E.F’s (British Expeditionary Force) taking part in the battle of Mons.

Returning to civilian life after the war, business was set up in Edmonton, North London. The business soon becameH.W.Page & Son with Ronald Page, Henrys son entering the business as a watchmaker. 

As with all Page horologists, Ronald started young at the age of 9 in 1929 working by gas light! Ronalds sister, Yvonne, also worked in the business repairing customers clocks which had been brought into the workshop. This continued right up until the Second World War, with Ronald joining the R.A.F. in 1940 his watchmaking skills being put to use on the service and repair of aircraft instruments and bomb sights.

During 1940 H.W.Page  relocated to Ibstock, Leicestershire. The Edmonton shop and home being very badly damaged in the blitz. Local Ibstock people may remember the original shop located at the corner of Chapel St/High St opposite Mea’s bakery.

It was here that Ron’s son, Keith, as a boy would learn about horology and eventually work along side his Grandfather and Father on both clocks and watches.

H.W.Page died in 1960 and the business moved shortly afterwards to 91–93 High St, the current premises. Keith’s brother Richard began to learn the trade at the age of 10 in 1970 taking an interest in the repair of older clocks, becoming a full time horologist in 1976.

Today the business continues, with Ronald, Keith and Richard pleased to offer customers from near and far their horological  services, and above all their expertise.

Ronald Page jokes that it’s not blood in these veins, it’s watch and clock oil!

© HW Page & Son 2011. 91-93, High St, Ibstock, Leicestershire LE67 6LH.