From a young age, Charles Moodley was fascinated by the intricate mechanics of timepieces. Discover how this passion led him to become a skilled watchmaker and clock repairer.
Words by Elvida Sydney Growing up in Sea Cow Lake, Newlands, Charles Moodley’s life story is one of remarkable perseverance and dedication. Working alongside his mother on a farm, he’d help plant vegetables destined for the Durban morning market. This early experience instilled in him a strong sense of responsibility and resourcefulness that would shape his future endeavours.
A pivotal moment in Charles’ life came when his father’s watch stopped working. Given his father’s disability, he felt compelled to act.After a day of working at the market, he visited Victoria Street in Durban and approached a watch repairer, inquiring about purchasing a screwdriver, chemicals, tweezers, and watch oil, and was directed to Soldiers’ Way. After dismantling and cleaning each component meticulously, he carefully reassembled the watch, fitting the tiny parts back together with precision. To his delight, the watch was working again. “My dad shared in the proudest moment and excitement, and started telling the neighbours. This newly found enthusiasm and excitement led me to fix everyone’s clocks and watches at no charge. Hearing the tick-tock return was a jubilant moment!” he exclaimed.
Charles approached several watch repair companies, who initially doubted him. Undeterred, he asked for a chance to prove himself. They gave him watches to repair, and he delivered results that delighted and astonished them. This success led to a long-term partnership, with the companies trusting him with more timepieces. As they grew confident in his skills, he was soon appointed as an official employee.
Some time later, he took on a new opportunity to work with OMEGA agents, the renowned Swiss luxury watch brand, leveraging his expertise to new heights. Word spread about him, and he was introduced to two brothers, renowned watch technicians and watchmakers from Switzerland.With each passing day, he learned more, honing his skills under their expert guidance. “They put me under intense training, and they were very strict with standards, precision, and accuracy. They did not accept 99% – they wanted 100%,” Charles said. He learned under the best, acquired knowledge and experience, and as he worked over the years, he had saved up to purchase his own tools.
“The day came when I told my bosses my intention to start my own business. They felt heavy at heart to let me go, but they did. My bosses actually carried my bag and umbrella to the car; I felt like a celebrity. And they told me that if I ever needed to return, their doors were wide open.” In 1969, Charles established his own business in Tongaat, Dynamic Watch & Clock Repairs. He became a fixture in the community, operating his shop for about 35 years before relocating to Ballito.
The move marked a new chapter, and he was welcomed by everyone, as Ballito had no watchmaker to call its own. Setting up shop took a few weeks, involving flyers, adverts, and more. “I recall the morning of the opening. There was a long line of eager customers waiting to meet and greet me with treasured possessions, heirlooms, and pocket watches,” said Charles. Ballito experienced a new level of excitement, and he was at the centre of it, filled with a newfound energy. It was truly a momentous occasion.
Time is free, but it’s priceless. You can’t own it, but you can use it. You can’t keep it, but you can spend it. Once you’ve lost it, you can’t get it back. – Harvey Mackay
They have built an impressive clientele, with customers often remarking that they feel ‘refreshed’ after a visit, enjoying the conversation and laughter that accompany the service. Some clients have even described the experience as feeling like part of an extended family. He’s been in Ballito for 20 years now, and his business has expanded to receive jobs from all over the country and even internationally, with items often arriving by ship.
With over five decades of experience, he’s spent his time researching, repairing, and collecting watches, and has even worked oncomplex clocks for ships and aircraft, demonstrating his broad expertise in precision mechanics. But Charles’ work extends beyond mere repair; it is about restoration and preservation. This trade is unique, with a constant influx of unusual timepieces and tools to showcase.Â
Customers frequently arrive with sentimental clocks and watches that have been passed down through generations. “The last grandfather clock I worked on was 620 years old. This was an absolute challenge, as some parts were missing and needed to be made by hand, which I successfully crafted. One can only imagine how elated I was at the repair and restoration. The customer was ecstatic, and no words could express the satisfaction I felt,” he said. Charles also restored a carriage clock from the 1914 World War I era. He said his first thought was that it would have been destined for the scrap yard, but he took on the challenge and restored it to its former glory, working tirelessly on it. The final product was unbelievable. The customer refused to believe it was the same clock. “When I receive an intricate timepiece, it’s challenging to repair and restore. The intricacy of its inner workings is fascinating and deserves utmost respect, requiring concentration, precision, and accuracy, accompanied by steady hands and good eyesight.â€Â
Problem-finding can be critical and mentally draining, but dedication and passion are the driving forces that give him renewed energy. Bringing a piece back to life, hearing its heartbeat, gives him immense joy, a sense of accomplishment, and deep satisfaction. “My heart skips a beat seeing tears of joy stream down customers’ faces when they see their sentimental clock or watch given another chance to live. There’s no greater joy than seeing a happy chappy. All my life, I’ve worked with time, and it’s a testament to one’s ability to appreciate every second that goes by. It’s not just about possessing a trade or skill; it’s about one’s potent passion and dedication.â€
Address: Unit 2, Gregory Park, 14 Garlicke Dr, Ballito
