Her Majesty The Queen joined in the celebrations as renowned Swindon jeweller Deacon & Son marked its 175th birthday.
Her Majesty attended the Old Town business on Monday 22 January to officially open a new clock workshop and visit a recently completed state-of-the-art Rolex watch workshop and meet with staff including managing director Richard Deacon and his sister Sara, the sixth generation to manage the family-run business, before she unveiled a plaque.
The shop and workshop are in the original premises of the founder, George Deacon, and sit prominently on Wood Street, selling a variety of luxury brand watches, clocks and jewellery.
Richard Deacon said The Queen’s visit marks a proud day for the business.
He said: “I’m sure my great-great-great-uncle, George Deacon, would be absolutely delighted that the business he founded back in 1848 would one day receive a visit from a member of Royalty.
“We’re absolutely thrilled that Her Majesty The Queen has agreed to join in our celebrations and helped us to mark such a significant moment in the history of Deacons.”
As part of her visit, Her Majesty will be shown an original apprentice clock belonging to George Deacon, and the Regulator Clock, from which Great Western Railway’s timepieces were calibrated, ensuring Deacons became esteemed timekeepers along the important rail route between Paddington and Swansea.
To this day, Deacon & Son prides itself on offering a unique customer service experience, with highly-skilled craftspeople working with customers to create special bespoke items which often begin as a drawing on paper.
The Queen will also met staff who combine traditional skills and craftmanship with the latest technology, making and repairing clocks, watches and jewellery .
This latest modernisation sees the completion of a major investment in the shop and its services.
