It must not have been a week since I worked for Mr. Hubbard when on a cold morning a man rushed into the store just after we opened. If I had to describe the person I would have great difficulty without turning to caricature. The only thing that really stood out was a great big handlebar moustache in an otherwise narrow face. He could have worked as a ringmaster and would have fit the role perfectly. Not only did the facial features match, his entire posture and the way he carried himself gave the idea that he was delivering or announcing the most amazing event you have ever seen in your life. From when he entered the door until the moment he stood erect in front of me there was not a movement that was not executed with the utmost flair and precision. He glanced at me with keen eyes and with a wave of his hand took his top-hat and placed it carefully on the counter. "Good morning dear sir, it has come to my attention that this store is the very best in watch repair".

Not sure how to take this flattery I decided to turn the compliment into a sales strategy. "I am glad our reputation has reached you. How may I assist you?" "It is a delicate matter and I trust that it can be handled in an efficient and confidential manner?". Even though working in a store especially one as exotic as this was different for me I would not expect the simple task of repairing or selling a watch would be a confidential or delicate matter. Mr. Hubbard was quietly working in the backroom on a complicated lever replacement. Whomever this gentleman was staring at me I would have to assist him myself. "You have our promise that your watch is in safe hands", I replied. "Very well, the matter is rather involved but should be easily executed." He pulled out a silver watch on a nice matching chain with a spade guinea as a seal. The watch was a half hunter watch of good quality. Through the center glass covering one could see the name Shelley in fine small print. Upon opening the cover a clear porcelain face appeared and on the inside engraved around the glass opening in a circular fashion it said: "To my dearest. time stands still within your presence." The foppish stranger became stern and rigid the moment I started to examine the watch in detail. "The task is straightforward as I said, please erase the name on the face and replace it with: Elizabeth." It did not take too much consideration to understand what was going on here and I did not hesitate to appear agreeable and understanding. "My good sir, with my little experience in the art of watch repair I could not tell you if this is possible and if so how involved the task is". Upon hearing this the gentleman became visibly agitated and demanded to speak to the owner. Not knowing how demanding this particular repair -- would one call this a repair -- could turn out to be I started to make my way to the small workshop. "Never mind, I trust your reputation and your infallible skills, please do whatever it takes to complete this and have it delivered to this person at this address. You will receive payment upon delivery" He grabbed one of the business cards we have on display, took out an expensive fountain pen and scribbled something on the back. Without as much as even giving me the card he turned on his heels and rapidly made his way out of the store.

Still surprised I picked up the card and turned it over. In a hasty scribble it read: Deliver personally to Jack Collins at 24 Bournemouth. Picking up the watch, I made my way over to Mr. Hubbard who was looking through a loupe attached to his glasses at what appeared to be the insides of a rather large watch. "Ah Jeremy, what do we have here?" "This gentleman came in just now and wanted the name of a lady replaced on the watch face". I could not put it more succinctly and left out the strange appearance and behavior of the customer. "Replace the name ? That is quite involved, you see the name is enameled directly onto the face and isn't etched into the cover", said Hubbard with a frown. "This means we can leave the inscription in the metal alone but we can not replace the name without replacing the entire face. I seem to recall that we do have this model face in stock." I left Hubbard rummaging around his many cabinets and shelves. It would not have been useful for me to observe because was not yet time for me to learn the intricacies of watch making. Although looking at all those tiny gears and tools made me slightly curious about their function. It seems as if every instrument was designed for one specific function only and repairing a watch then became a question of knowing what tools to use and in what order. For the rest of the morning the store was busy. Mostly people came by to pick up watches or drop them off. I sold one mantel clock to a charming young lady who wanted to replace a broken one that belonged to her grandfather.

During lunch I decided to stop by Welder's to find out if he had perhaps heard of a person fitting the odd description of a burlesque stage master. "Mon ami Jeremy, how are you this wonderful morning?" You got used to greetings like this after a while. Welder wasn't French by far, but he admired their wine and their viticulture. He did study in Paris and worked as a sommelier in various establishments for years but this apparently did not give him the spotlight he so much desired. Welder had an interesting weakness. He did not want to move up the social ladder but instead he wanted to be respected and be needed by everyone above. Often he would refer to himself as the last pillar of London's social establishment. As I was wondering how to explain my experiences from earlier that day I was carefully observed by small peering eyes. "Mr. Welder, I was wondering if you could help me shed some light on a peculiar experience I had this morning", I asked politely. Welder responds extremely well to politeness and flattery, he often refers to personalized courtesy as his trademark. "My dear boy give me the details and I will solve this little mystery for you". "Well you see, we had a customer who asked for an unusual repair on a watch but he did not tell us his name or anything. All we know is where to drop off the fixed watch and in who's care to give it", I said. "There is nothing special I can see there, people do not see it important for you to know the intricacies of their lives. Take it from me, allowing your customer's to define their distance is an important selling technique. It creates an air of confidence and trust. In fact most of my customers would more likely trust me with their secrets than their lawyers." "Mr. Welder, this man who came in was dressed very much in an exaggerated manner. Everything about him was slightly accentuated", I now said, getting a bit frustrated. "He must have been about my height with a large moustache". "That does not narrow things down at all, this could describe many of my customers". "Ok then, do you know anyone who lives at 24 Bournemouth, possibly a Jack Collins". "That name is not familiar but the address is. This address you mention is in an area where lawyers and other such professionals live, somewhat upper class as I recall.", said Mr. Welder. "Could you perhaps contact some of your clientele there and find out if they know a Jack Collins", I asked. "It would not be appropriate to call upon my patrons unannounced and ask them strange questions like that. However I have some deliveries to make that take me to that general area and I can ask the household personnel. Very well I will make some general enquiries, you have me intrigued young Jeremy".