Rev. Elbert Lewis is continuing a legacy he has maintained for more than three decades.
This week, Lewis will officially open his own watch academy to help train and service the people of this area.
Lewis, a certified master watchmaker, began the career of watchmaking at Jones County Junior College in the fall of 1971.
After a year at JCJC, Lewis was recruited by Bulova Watch Company to service and repair watches in the company’s southeastern office located in Forest Park, Ga.
Then in 1973, Lewis received his horology certification from Jones Junior College.
When the service center in Georgia closed in 1978, Lewis then returned to Laurel and began working at Kux Jewelers and Distributors.
He worked at the local jewelry store with enthusiasm and vigor for 12 years, which is when a job opening at JCJC was announced.
So, in August 1990, Lewis began instructing horology (watch repair; the study of time measurement as it relates to watches and clocks) at the local junior college in Ellisville.
After 19 years of teaching and mentoring students at JCJC, the Watch Repair Department finally closed and Lewis officially retired as of June 30.
Now, Lewis is embarking upon a lifelong goal to operate his own facility.
Lewis is now preparing to open Lewis Watch Repair Academy-LLC.
“Now with 38 years of experience, I am taking the next step,” Lewis said. “Watch repair is my master and passion, and it has been a joy working with college students and faculty.
“With this same passion and enthusiasm I will continue the artistry and skill of watch repair on another level,” he added. “Establishing Lewis Watch Academy will allow me to teach others while providing a service to the people.”
Lewis said horology — which includes the study of watches of all types and makes — is wanting students who have the drive, determination and discipline to learn a craft.
“It’s for those wanting to meet the challenge with time, care and patience,” he said. “It’s a place of training for those desiring to be watch technicians and watch repair specialists.”
At the academy, Lewis said, training will be available for those wanting to do the craft as a hobby or for a career.
“There will always be a need for skillful craftsmen,” Lewis said. “I look forward to serving this area to help students and to make the vocation of watch repair viable again in this great community of Jones County.”
Lewis is certified as a master watchmaker through American Watchmakers/Clockmakers Institute (AWCI), which is headquartered in Harrison, Ohio.
Lewis said he’s been a member of AWCI since his college days. He attends the group’s meetings annually to receive updates and methods while studying the changes being made in the industry and with products.
In 2006, Lewis along with Jones County Junior College, hosted the American Watchmakers/Clockmakers Institute’s National Watch Research and Educational Council on the Ellisville campus.
Lewis said in addition to training people the art of watch repair, his new academy will also be open to service the public with all types of watch repairs.
On Thursday, Lewis, along with other local community leaders, will conduct a ribbon cutting ceremony of the academy.
The school will be located at 269 Friendship Road in Laurel.
For more information about the academy or its hours, contact Lewis at (601) 425-3800.
Local News
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The Watchman
Lewis opening watch repair academy
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