A long-standing clock and watch repair shop is preparing to close after decades of service.
Leonard W Coles, based on Stow Hill in Newport, will shut its doors at the end of September as watchmaker Rob retires after 55 years with the business.
The closure marks the end of a familiar presence in the city centre and has prompted an outpouring of nostalgia from customers who have relied on the shop for generations.
Nigel Corten, a Newport resident, said: "Time's up for a part of Newport city centre at the end of September, when the clock and watch repairer, Leonard W Coles, will close its doors for the last time.
"Rob, who has kept the clocks ticking for the last few years, since Mr Coles retired, will himself retire after fifty-five years with the company.
"He'll be at his bench Mondays and Wednesdays till he clocks off for the last time.
"Going to miss that place."
The business has earned a reputation for specialist clock and watch repairs, servicing everything from antique timepieces to modern wristwatches.
It is one of the few remaining shops in the area with expertise in horological repairs, and its closure represents another loss of a traditional business from Newport’s high street.
Leonard W Coles was founded by Leonard Cole, who is recognised by the British Horological Institute as an accredited repairer.
The shop has been described by customers as a "hidden gem" and praised for its craftsmanship and personal service.
In a world increasingly dominated by digital technology and disposable items, the workshop has stood out for its dedication to a trade that demands patience, precision and years of experience.
Many customers have visited the shop not just for quick repairs, but for help restoring family heirlooms and sentimental pieces.
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The team has repaired and maintained antique clocks and grandfather clocks, ensuring that treasured items could be passed down through generations.
The closure comes amid ongoing concerns about the decline of independent businesses in Newport and the wider loss of specialist retailers from the high street.
Customers still have a short window to visit the shop before it closes for good.
According to Mr Corten, Rob will continue working from the workshop on Mondays and Wednesdays until his final day.
Once the shutters come down for the last time, Newport will lose not only a skilled repair service but also a piece of its retail history.
Leonard W Coles has been more than just a place to fix a watch or replace a battery.
It has been a part of the community, helping to preserve memories and keep time ticking for families across the city.
As the end of September approaches, many will reflect on the quieter, more personal service that shops like Leonard W Coles once brought to the high street.
Its closure will leave a gap that, for some, will be impossible to fill.
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