After being based in the Launceston CBD for 25 years, specialist business Clockwise is on the move.
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Clockwise has operated from three addresses during that time - Elizabeth Street, St John Street and, most recently, York Street - but after being given five weeks to vacate, owners Graham and Sallie Mulligan have decided to close their retail premises at the end of August.
"We haven't got a choice. Our lease had expired and we weren't given the opportunity to renegotiate our rent," Mr Mulligan said.
"In the timeframe given we haven't found suitable premises in the city. Due to this, and the downturn in retail in recent years, we have decided to relocate out of the CBD."
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Instead, the business will operate from a workshop, with a clock and watch repair and restoration pick up and delivery service offered.
"The workshop will not be open to the public," Mr Mulligan said.
"We have notified our customers [of the move], but we're not closing the business," he said.
Clockwise specialises in the restoration and repair of antique clocks and watches and was the state's only remaining dedicated clock and watchmaking retail shop.
"There are two watchmakers in Launceston and others do repairs from home, but we were the only clock and watch restoration business in the state," Mr Mulligan said.
His interest in mechanical clock movements started in the 1980s and, after years of tinkering and pulling clocks apart in the garage, the Mulligans established Clockwise in 1993.
A recognised expert in restoring and repairing mechanical clocks and wrist and pocket watches, he also repairs and services quartz clocks and watches.
Beyond clocks and watches, Mr Mulligan has also tried his hand at repairing music boxes, mechanical toys, musical instruments and vintage car parts, as he understands manufacturing parts that are no longer available.
However, it is older timepieces that hold a special interest for Mr Mulligan.
"Restoring a treasured family heirloom to working condition is very rewarding," he said.
Orders will be taken via phone, online at clockwisetas.com.au and via the business Facebook page.
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