Roger Howarth started watchmaking in 1949 at Greenoughs Jewellers in Newport Street in Bolton town centre.
He started his apprenticeship there and qualified in 1954 as the North West’s highestgraded student, making him a Fellow of the British Horological institute. During his time as an apprentice he met his wife, Joyce, who worked at Greenoughs’ office.
In 1955, Roger did his national service in Malta and Libya, using his watchmaking skills as an RAF instrument technician. After leaving the RAF with hardly any money, Roger decided to become a self-employed watchmaker, working for local jewellers, which was the start of the business in 1958.
He said: “It was a struggle in those very early days, working 10 hours a day in limited space from home and bringing up a family. “Due to a lack of space in 1960, we opened a workshop in Corporation Street opposite the Market Place. “After a few years I expanded the workshop into a small shop area selling jewellery and watches, and in 1974 we decided to move into larger premises. “Our first ‘proper’ shop was in Mawdsley Street, Bolton, and, at one stage, we had six family members working together.”
Following on form a weeks work experience in 2011, in 2013 Oliver Howarth joined the company as an apprentice, working with his Grandfather Roger, and father Michael, who also started his career in the business.
The company still trades today in 2025.