feature Ma
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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