Timekeepers: Vintage Watch and Jewelry Shop Now Antique of Its Own
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| Photos by Julia Gabbert |
An immigration agent placed the couple in St. Louis because the city had few other watchmakers. Still, Semyon wasn't sure he was going to open his own shop here. He and Alina worked a couple odd jobs before launching Timekeepers, an antique watch and jewelry store in Olivette. Little did he know 30 years later the shop would still be in business and expand to two locations.
Today Timekeepers is a family affair. Semyon is the watchmaker, Alina is the manager and Rachel is an engraver. Ella and her husband, Edward Pernik, run the Clayton location.
"Right now it's a huge trend--young people buying antique engagement rings," Rachel said. "People are realizing that antique is prettier, and it's cheaper, and it's one of a kind."
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Rachel, 26, is almost as old as her parents were when they opened Timekeepers in 1981. Now married with children, she hopes to keep the family business alive as long as she can. Since she began working at the store when she was only eight, Rachel has built a relationship with many regular customers, oftentimes remembering their names and phone numbers.
"It's not just a place where I work," she says. "This is my home. It's a place where I can be myself and constantly do what I love and appreciate."
Timekeepers is now inviting all those old customers and potential new customers to come toast the company's 30th anniversary this weekend with wine and food. The celebrations get under way Friday night at the Olivette store and continue Saturday afternoon and evening at both locations.
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