Robert Bertoz, along with his wife Cheryle, were well-known proprietors of Bertoz Jewellery in Channel Court for many years.
Covid brought that business to an end in 2020, as indeed, it did to many others.
Over the past few years, Robert has had more time to pursue his passion for watches.
This started when people brought a watch into their store which may have needed repair, but they decided to buy a new one instead.
Robert didn’t want to throw them away, so set about repairing and restoring them.
He learned his trade in the early 70s at RMIT, which included a five-year apprenticeship.
Over the years he has collected some unique and interesting watches.
His oldest is from the 1700s – the movement from a pocket watch.
His 1873 Patek Philippe watch is likewise fascinating.
It’s the same model that Queen Victoria gave to Albert – she also bought one for herself.
An Omega Speed Master watch is the same as the one Neil Armstrong wore on the Moon.
It is another unique watch in his collection.
Robert’s watches and the stories behind them can be found on his website robswatches.com
