Seconds tick away on timekeepers of the present as he restores memories of the past. For more than three decades, Don St. Aubin has repaired clocks, watches and jewelry.

Recently he accepted a request to revive a clock in downtown Edenton.

“They had tried to get it going for 40 years,” said St.Aubin.

On a ladder 20 feet in the air, St.Aubin began his work on the Tower Clock. St.Aubin chuckled as he recalled a “good friend” held the ladder as he commenced repairs on the broken clock.

“It took me a lot of time to trace the wires,” said St.Aubin.

St.Aubin enters every new repair challenge with a clear focus.

“I’ve got an issue that needs a solution.”

Estimating his number of clock repairs as exceeding thousands, St.Aubin utilized his knowledge and experience to fix the broken clock in Edenton.

“It is the same principle,” said St.Aubin describing his work on a diverse variety of clocks.

As the hands of the clock began to move and the chimes echoed down the street, St.Aubin knew he had accomplished his goal.

“The town is really happy about it,” said St.Aubin who continues to make repairs on the clock as they are needed.

St.Aubin said one of the most rewarding aspects of his work is to repair people’s heirlooms and treasures. Even the most “inexpensive” piece can have the greatest sentimental value.

The look on a new bride’s face as she is able to slide her ring over her finger for the first time brings the jewelry repairer satisfaction.

St.Aubin said he prefers to repair instead of replacing existing parts.

“Always intrigued with mechanical things,” St.Aubin received his first broken clock from a neighbor. The repaired clock that sits on his mantle helped inspire a passion for his craft.

Originally from Long Beach, Calif., St. Aubin retired from the U.S. Coast Guard in 2003 as the Command Master Chief at the Aviation Logistics Center. While in the Coast Guard, St.Aubin lived in Mobile, Ala., Corpus Christi, Texas and Elizabeth City.

He chose to retire in Elizabeth City with his wife, Connie, because of the “small town charm and the people.”

Focused on his craft seven days a week, St.Aubin also works in real estate.

St. Aubin said, “I try to give back to my church.” As a member of Newbegun United Methodist Church, St.Aubin said he uses his mechanical skills to help make repairs and volunteer his time.

“It’s a great gift.”

In his clock repair shop in his home in Weeksville, St.Aubin leans over an intricate piece of the Tower Clock. Using his tools and vision, St. Aubin continues to bring time back to life.

Anna Goodwin McCarthy is a correspondent for The Daily Advance.