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Runners love their racing memories , and what better way to commemorate your great times on the run than with a personalised clock , to not only tell you the time , but also remind you of those great times ? That ’ s why Jimmy ’ s Clocks are becoming more and more popular , so we caught up with the man from Pretoria behind these unique clocks for a quick chat .
– BY BRENDON LOWSON
Well-Timed
memories
work , I took three crates of vinyl records to sell at the pawn shop , to help me pay my rent . At the pawn shop a lady told me she melted them and made fruit bowls , so I immediately started making bowls as well , which a kind lady sold for me at the local flea market . Then one day another lady told me she had seen a vinyl clock , and so I immediately started cutting out clocks by hand , and wow , they started selling like mad ! Then I found a friend with a laser cutting machine and the rest is history . Now there is no limit to my designs … I can make anything !
Images : Jimmy ’ s Clocks
MA : Everyone has a story , so please tell us about yourself .
J : As a young man I played many sports . In baseball I was selected to represent South Africa on a tour to Europe , and I also played soccer and golf . Unfortunately , in 1999 I was diagnosed with a neuro-muscular disease called Polyiomysitis , which attacks your mobility . I was in a wheelchair till 2005 , but thanks to water therapy and rehab , I was able to get moving again . However , in 2015 I started to lose my strength again , and ended up losing my job .
MA : Is that when you decided to make clocks ? J : Not exactly , the clocks came a bit later . Because I didn ’ t have
MA : You appear to be getting quite a bit of business from runners these day ? J : Last year I made a personalised Comrades clock for the first time and when word of that got out , it led to many more orders from other Comrades runners , including a group of six runners from Germany that ordered custom clocks to be made and then couriered to them . I have huge respect for all runners , but especially the Comrades runners , because that ’ s a truly fantastic achievement . For this year ’ s Comrades runners , I am offering a special deal of R150 for a clock that features your race photo , or R200 for a personalised clock with your name and time .
MA : Lastly , what has your clock business done for you in dealing with your disability ? J : Making these unique personalised clocks gives me an opportunity to support myself while also creating memories for others . So people can look for Jimmy ’ s Clocks on Facebook and make contact with me there if they are interested in seeing my range of clocks , or ordering their own .
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