With a background in computer science, electrical and mechanical engineering, and graduate work in neurophysiology, you might not expect Winston Butts to also be a watch repairer. Yet that is exactly what this dedicated volunteer does—repairs watches as needed for members and guests of the Meals on Wheels Community Center.
When asked how his journey into watch repair began, Winston shared that he has always been curious about how things work. “As a child, I purchased a broken pocket watch at a garage sale. Although the specific part was not repairable, taking it apart to diagnose the issue was a great learning experience,” he explained.
For Winston, watch repair is intertwined with our Community Center in more ways than one. After retiring from a management position in San Francisco, he moved home to care for his parents. Each day, Winston brings them to the center for lunch so they can enjoy a richer social experience than they would have spending the day at home with him. Winston is deeply committed to doing whatever it takes to improve their quality of life.
Winston’s watch repair service also serves as a fundraiser for Friends of Meals on Wheels. “Most watch batteries only cost a few dollars, yet professional replacement services are often quite expensive,” he said. “Asking for a $5.00 donation for fixing a watch, seemed like a fair price and a meaningful way to benefit a group that supports Meals on Wheels of the Monterey Peninsula.”
Of course, not every watch can be repaired. Winston notes that this happens fairly often. Problems and issues can range from damaged quartz movements, unavailable parts, and corrosion caused by old batteries or internal damage resulting from failed water seals.
When asked what motivates him to offer these services, Winston simply said, “I want to give back to the community and help others.”
For anyone considering volunteering their own unique skills, Winston offers this advice: “If you have an interest, pursue it. It can take years to figure out what you truly enjoy, so the sooner you start, the better.”
We are very thankful for Winston’s contribution in helping everyone keep good time, and his dedication and kind heart in supporting Meals on Wheels
