It’s about time.
The Milton Historical Society (MHS) says that resident Colin Potts is the first person to bring an original watch to market over 100 years ago. The last watchmaker in Milton was Emile Marchand, who passed away in 1928.
MHS President John Challinor II talks about the work of Marchand.
He adds that local historian and rare antiquities collector John Duignan has found Marchand watches as far as Las Vegas.
Interestingly enough, Marchand established J. & A. Marchand Jewellers locally in 1894 after purchasing the jewellery business of Charles White. The Marchand family ran the business until 1966, when Mr. Marchand’s son, Marcel (1901 – 1968), sold it to Ross Brancier, who renamed the business Ross Brancier Jewellers. Today, Brancier Jewellers is operated by Mark Brancier, Mr. Brancier’s son, at 1015 Bronte Street South.
Challinor says Potts chased a dream and it’s paying off.
Speaking with the Milton Historical Society, the proprietor of Watch off the Cuff (a boutique timepiece repair and sales business) touches on his passion of designing a watch.
“Collecting and repairing watches has evolved from a hobby to a business, but designing a watch has always been a passion of mine, something I absolutely had to do at some point in my life,” explains Potts. “Two years ago, my vision of a modern luxury timepiece that paid homage to the classic 1970s sport watch moved from concept to manufacture. Today, the Jakob Eitan brand, which is named for my sons, is a reality.”
He adds that a watch is more than just a time-teller on your wrist, calling it an investment into your personal style and identity.
Challinor hopes that longtime Milton residents will look in their drawers to see what kind of history they may have buried away.
The Jakob Eitan brand watch features a Japanese Quartz movement, 316L stainless steel 41mm case and bracelet, sunburst blue dial and Sapphire crystal.
If you’d like to purchase a watch that was designed and made in Milton, click here.
