Askennonia Senior Centre has a rare resource with senior Dietmar Schafer.
The Penetanguishene resident makes use of his skill in repairing watches and clocks by volunteering at Askennonia Senior Centre two morning a month for the watch clinic.
He started volunteering in 2010, the year after he retired from running a retail store with his wife Christel.
Now, he's in demand and there is often a lineup to see him at Askennonia on the second and fourth Tuesday morning.
“I love it. I love the challenge of whatever comes. People brings me stuff and - challenge,” he said. "Around here, there is nobody who does clocks."
His wife of 60 years Christel volunteers at the front desk during the same time and often brings him over a watch, a clock or a piece of jewellery and explains to him what needs to be done.
"They are a dream team," said Blair Archibald, volunteer and events manager at Askennonia.
"He fixes everything. He's fixed so much for me even. I'm so appreciative if their time and effort," Archibald said.
Diane O'Hara of Midland said Schafer has fixed various watches and shortened straps for her and didn't charge her anything.
"He's very pleasant and very patient," O'Hara said.
“This man fixed my grandfather clock and it works like a charm and I bring in all my watches,” said Doreen Gunson, an Askennonia member.
Schafer charges $5 for a watch battery, from which $2 is donated to Askennonia. He doesn't charge for repairs but people can make a donation, which goes to Askennonia.
Looking into his old leather case, Schafer said he has about 50 types of batteries.
Schafer used to run a retail store that sold watches along with his wife. He had also purchased a store from a German trained watchmaker and inherited all the tools, including a magnifying monocle. While he didn't need the tools for his business, he uses them now for his volunteer work.
Hiliary Butterworth came in to pick up a watch she had left with Schafer after it stopped. The issue was a leaking battery.
"He did a good job and he mended my clasp, so it opens nice and easy now," she said.
Schafer said people bring him all types of things to fix.
"Not only watches and clocks. Some people come in with broken pieces and I try to fix it up," he said.
Schafer also volunteers his service occasionally at the Georgian Shores Seniors club.
With the watches he has at home, some are fixed and donated to organizations including the Salvation Army and some are used for parts to repair other watches.
"The old watches need some TLC," Schafer says while a couple of patiently wait to see him.
