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Cheong Ann Watch Maker

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  • Serangoon
  1. Cheong Ann Watch Maker
  2. Cheong Ann Watch Maker
    David Lim and his son
  3. Cheong Ann Watch Maker
  4. Cheong Ann Watch Maker
    Cheong Ann Watch Maker
  5. Cheong Ann Watch Maker
    David Lim and his son
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Time Out says

Clocks of all shapes and sizes occupy every possible nook and cranny of this two-storey shophouse. Some have been restored to their former glory, but most are waiting for their turn to be tinkered by second-generation owner David Lim, 55, or his son and protégé Shawn, 23.

Located at the end of a sleepy, sun-drenched street in Upper Serangoon, the shop is quiet, punctuated only by lulling chimes as the duo work on mending timepieces. It’s a job that requires fine tools, intense concentration and years of experience passed down through hands-on practice since the shop opened in 1947.

Despite his store’s name, David doesn’t deal in watches. He gave that up about a decade ago, deciding to focus on antique clocks instead – they’ve a longer and more interesting history that appeals to him. Sourcing from overseas dealers, regular customers and even karung guni, David has amassed a collection so vast that it extends into his home and, at one point, into his toilet. Asked how many he has and he simply shrugs: too many. 

While repairing and restoring clocks – from grandfather’s clocks to a rare 19th-century, French-made Oriental clock – is the mainstay of the business, the father-son pair also handles gramophones, musical boxes, or, as David so succinctly puts it, ‘Anything with gears in it’.

Details

Address:
4 Lim Tua Tow Rd
Singapore
547714
Opening hours:
Mon-Sat 10am-7.30pm; Thu 10am-5.30pm
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