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H&W Perrins is closing after 100 years Toronto, Ontario

DON
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If you need tools or are a rebuilder of certain vintage brands and need parts or want to stock up on parts. They will be closing at the end of June 28th

Check out prices for OEM Omega crystals, crowns etc. or if you want to purchase the store and run your own business

there is only one watch school left in Canada

École nationale de l'horlogerie à Trois-Rivières

Sadly. Nothing I need

DON
 
Canuck
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I was sore distressed to read in the Perrin Feb. circular that they are closing! My late father was a watchmaker in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan from 1924 until 1939. I remember him telling me of the regular visits of “Bill” Perrin visiting their store. He was the uncle of Maurice Perrin who now runs the business. Bill Perrin was the travelling rep. for Perrins. So they have indeed been around for 100 years or so. I personally have dealt with them for over 50 years. Their circular indicates they are looking for a buyer. They have indicated they will keep their clientele apprised of where they may continue to get what they need. A grand Canadian institution bites the dust! A sad day to us in Canada!
 
JimInOz
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Bummer.
I've had to use Perrins when I couldn't find what I needed in Australia and their service was first class.
 
SOG53
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Been there number of times set up my watch desk and had pocket watch crystals replaced with comfort and reassurance after I dropped them. A quirky place no store just order and pickup but they have always been polite and helpful. I will be ordering things I probably dont need and find excuse to patronize them until they close. Maybe someone will buy them?
 
Brett2444
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Thats a shame! I also end up using them due to parts shortages here in Australia
 
D
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We’ve dealt with them since they began. Our jewellery store opened in London Ontario in 1902. We’ll miss them.
 
DON
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D downtownbobbyb
We’ve dealt with them since they began. Our jewellery store opened in London Ontario in 1902. We’ll miss them.

I'm guessing theres just not enough watchmakers to keep them going. They did internet orders, but didn't advertise on any forums. One watchmaking school left in Canada as I mentioned which means not enough new watchmakers to replace the old. Was one in my old collage, but I was taking a course in cabinet making and didn't know

Also. People can buy parts off the internet most times for less than what the stores sell them for
 
Franco
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In the years 2000-2005 have ordered many Omega Rg parts from them. I had obtained the two volumes of Bestfit catalogue, and between that and the Omega furniture sheet, was able to have a good continued exchange with Maurice of H Perrin.

May I wish all of them the best for the future.
 
galaxytime
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I've dealt with Perrin for over 25 years and I must say they are a great company with great people. I've heard through the grapevine that the reason they are closing is that they sold the land for a price they simply couldn't refuse. The owners are in their mid to late 60's and no kids interested in carrying on the business. I'm hoping someone in Canada will buy their inventory and keep the business going. I personally would be interested if I had a spare million+ dollars lying around. I think it would be a great investment.
 
Canuck
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My late father was employed as a watchmaker in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, from 1924 until 1939 when he joined the RCAF. Michel Perrin’s uncle Bill Perrin was the travelling sales rep for Perrin, 100 years ago. My father often spoke of him. After the RCAF, my father ran his own business from 1946 until 1976, and he dealt with Perrin then as well. I have been involved in this business full and part time for my entire adult life, and have dealt with Perrin, as well. They have indicated to their clientele that they will let us know where we will still be able to buy what we need. They will be missed!
 
DON
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galaxytime galaxytime
I've dealt with Perrin for over 25 years and I must say they are a great company with great people. I've heard through the grapevine that the reason they are closing is that they sold the land for a price they simply couldn't refuse. The owners are in their mid to late 60's and no kids interested in carrying on the business. I'm hoping someone in Canada will buy their inventory and keep the business going. I personally would be interested if I had a spare million+ dollars lying around. I think it would be a great investment.

so they owned the building. Makes sense. Condo sized land. Lost a great deli. Katz’s as the owners sold the land. They used 2/3’ds and a kitchen ware company on the left side.

need a lot of space for that. Most guys I knew bought out watchmakers stocks, but that was nothing compared to buying out an entire business

only thing I need is some 24 and 26 mm spring bars, but do I buy from them or order from AliExpress for a lot less

will have to think about it.
 
galaxytime
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I thinks its more of their very hard to find parts that are more attractive. They have a decent stock of vintage parts for JLC, VC and many more. These are the ones that are tough to find online and certainly not on ALiExpress. I'm guilty of ordering some items from AliExpress myself but prefer to buy from and support local whenever possible. Thats just me though.
 
DON
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galaxytime galaxytime
I thinks its more of their very hard to find parts that are more attractive. They have a decent stock of vintage parts for JLC, VC and many more. These are the ones that are tough to find online and certainly not on ALiExpress. I'm guilty of ordering some items from AliExpress myself but prefer to buy from and support local whenever possible. Thats just me though.

last two items I bought were mainsprings for my Panerais and maybe I should pick up a couple more just in case. However. They can be expensive on mundane items. I need some spring bars in 24 and 26 mm and their prices are $3.40 with taxes for 10 with a 20 mile round trip. I can order 1000 off alibaba for about $12.

I used them for certain Omega projects quite a bit, but once I stopped restoring. I used them very little. I’ve only been twice in the past 8 or so years
 
Lancaster
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Perrin's was the only place I could find for some vintage Omega parts a few years ago, and relatively affordably. Would be very sad to see them go.
 
DON
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Lancaster Lancaster
Perrin's was the only place I could find for some vintage Omega parts a few years ago, and relatively affordably. Would be very sad to see them go.

lack of watchmakers. My two passed away in the late 90s and they charged me $25, $35, and $75 for servicing

only one watch school left in Canada in Quebec

internet also didn’t help if you can order parts at lower prices and still didn’t have to lower your repair bill

as someone mentioned. They got offered a price for the building. Maybe a condo project, so not sofa change.

maybe will make a drive out this week
 
Braindrain
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I was on Perrin's website and notice there are no more notices of them closing. Even the "clearance" page to sell off parts is gone. Did someone buy the biz?
 
DON
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Braindrain Braindrain
I was on Perrin's website and notice there are no more notices of them closing. Even the "clearance" page to sell off parts is gone. Did someone buy the biz?

they’re closing in about 1.5 months, so no real reason to keep mentioning it
 
precisionhrlgy
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Braindrain Braindrain
I was on Perrin's website and notice there are no more notices of them closing. Even the "clearance" page to sell off parts is gone. Did someone buy the biz?
It's not a completely done deal, but it's 95% of the way there. Once it's signed, sealed and delivered the parts will be headed to Western Canada. Don't know any more than that.
 
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