Keeping Time: How Swansea’s Horologist Continues to Live Well in his Own Home
For decades, David Mitchell has been the quiet guardian of Swansea’s most treasured clocks—ensuring time never stood still in the city by the sea.
Now 83 and living with vascular dementia, his passion for timekeeping remains unwavering. As one of the last working horologists, he leaves behind a unique legacy as “the man who stopped time.”
From Wires to Watchworks
Born in Morriston, David seemed destined to follow in his father’s footsteps as an electrician. But with too many apprentices in the trade, opportunities were scarce. Eager to earn a living, he took a job at Astra Jewellers on Bryn-y-mor Road at just 15—scrubbing floors and cleaning windows. His hard work and enthusiasm didn’t go unnoticed, and before long, he earned a golden opportunity: a prized apprenticeship in watch repair. Without even pausing to ask his dad, David eagerly accepted—perhaps knowing, deep down, it was meant to be.
Over the years, David upscaled from watches and became responsible for maintaining some of Swansea’s most recognisable public clocks, including the the Guildhall, central police station, and churches across the city. Twice a year, he raced around Swansea adjusting time for British Summer Time—a task that required up to 250 hefty crank turns per clock, all within just two days. Scaling towering ladders, sometimes as high as the Guildhall clock tower, he relied on nothing more than a simple rope belt for safety. It was undoubtedly a dangerous job, but he said the breath-taking views more than made up for it.
When the Guildhall underwent restoration in 2012 to serve as the council’s Headquarters, it marked the longest break in its ticking history since David’s father-in-law repaired it in the 1980s—proof that keeping time really does run in the family!
The clocks that once kept Swansea ticking are now mostly automated or out of use, making David one of the last true horologists. Among the few remaining manual clocks was the grand timepiece at Salubrious Place, at the end of Wind Street – you’d recognise it if you saw it! After the retirement of the last trained staff, it ran an hour fast—until David, ever the dedicated craftsman, volunteered his expertise to restore it. In a fitting final act before laying down his tools for good, he set the clock right, and local newspapers hailed him as a local hero once more.
Though retired, his craft remains alive. Within his home, David still meticulously winds each clock in his cherished collection, filling the house with the familiar, rhythmic chimes of his storied career.
A Swansea Love Story
When David accepted his apprenticeship at Astra’s Jewellers, he had no idea it would lead to both an impressive career and the love of his life.
Gaynor, the boss’s daughter, boldly introduced herself to David by inviting him on a date to ‘The Hut’ in Langland. With a playful warning—“No funny business!”—she set the tone. David chuckled and agreed, “No, no funny business,” and happily accepted. The rest was history.
Their love flourished, bound by a shared passion for art and dance. Gaynor, a talented painter, filled their home with her work, while the couple dedicated themselves to amateur ballroom dancing, committing to weekly six-hour round trips for lessons before waking early for work the next day.
A proud and loving wife, Gaynor marked the completion of David’s apprenticeship with a treasured gift—a watch to celebrate his achievement. To this day, David holds it close, cherishing it as one of his most prized possessions.
Living Well with Dementia at Home
David was diagnosed with vascular dementia in 2017, yet his ability to enjoy life has never faded. Following a stroke and the passing of his beloved Gaynor, he realised he could use some extra support. With the help of a friend and neighbour, he explored his options.
“Residential care? No thanks!” David insisted. Staying in his cherished home—surrounded by Gaynor’s paintings, his treasured clocks, and decades of memories—was the only choice for him. In 2023, Home Instead Swansea stepped in to provide the support he needed to continue living independently, particularly with cooking, as Gaynor had always handled their meals.
These days, David enjoys nutritious meals lovingly prepared by Danuta, his daily Care Professional. With a playful grin, he admits she always encourages him to eat his vegetables—despite his long-standing resistance. Beyond the meals, he values the consistency of familiar support, saying, “It’s nice to know who will be visiting me each day.”
Initially, three daily visits helped support him following his falls. Now, as he’s feeling more himself, visits have reduced to twice a day, showcasing the flexibility of home care—care that adapts to his needs, on his terms.
David, a fit and social gent, still drives and regularly meets up with friends and former Astra Jewellers colleagues for lunch at his favourite spot—the West Cross Pub.
Time Doesn’t Have to Stand Still
David’s story proves that dementia doesn’t mean losing yourself or the life you love. With the right support, people can continue to enjoy their passions, maintain friendships, and remain in the comfort of their own home, surrounded by what matters most.
Through Home Instead Swansea, David has found a way to keep moving, keep living, and keep winding the clocks—just as he always has.