H&W Perrins is closing after 100 years Toronto, Ontario (2024)

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!

Bummer.
I've had to use Perrins when I couldn't find what I needed in Australia and their service was first class.

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?

Thats a shame! I also end up using them due to parts shortages here in Australia

We’ve dealt with them since they began. Our jewellery store opened in London Ontario in 1902. We’ll miss them.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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?