Cánovas, the hour on the dot in Barceloneta

That no two neighborhoods in Barcelona are alike might seem like a blatant truism. And it's even more so when we say that in the case of Barceloneta, this obvious truth is five times more pronounced. Alfons Cánovas and his son, also named Alfons, are the second and third generations to run Cánovas Jewelers, at number 16 on the bustling La Maquinista street. Perhaps their shop is the last bastion—or one of the last—of local, traditional businesses—or neighborhood shops, call them what you will—that remain in a neighborhood as special, beloved, and ever-changing as Barceloneta. There are, of course, many iconic restaurants – Salamanca, Chérif, La Electricidad, La Bombilla, Can Ramonet, Café Salvador, La Cova Fumada, Casa Leo... the list is quite long – but the complaint of the two Alfonses is clear: "We're left all alone; there are no shoe stores in the neighborhood." They are happy because their business is doing well and remains deeply rooted in the neighborhood's character. They have invested in its growth, in gaining customers, in adapting it to the changing times, but at the same time, they regret that Barceloneta is no longer a neighborhood for its residents. "No effort has been made to protect local, iconic businesses; all they do is open supermarkets, mobile phone shops, and identical restaurants," argues Alfons Jr.

To find the origins of the Cánovas jewelry and watch shop, we must go back to 1929, when Alfons Cánovas Lapuente, at the age of 12, began working as He apprenticed at the Cabanes jewelry workshop. Ten years later, along with two relatives, he decided to start his own business in Barceloneta, in the doorway of 18 Maquinista Street. Since, despite the hardships of the immediate post-war period, the business seemed to be doing well, Cánovas thought it would be a good idea to take a leap of faith and look for a larger premises. His relatives didn't want to follow him, but he was determined. Thus, in 1945, the Cánovas jewelry and watch shop was born in the location it still occupies today. Together with his wife, Joaquina, Alfonso built the business. He went from being a simple jeweler and goldsmith to managing, selling, and leading a team that grew to be quite large: five people for jewelry and four for watches.

His son, Alfons Cánovas Barbarà, began working side by side with his father at a very young age. Together they experienced the successive renovations and Expansions of the premises. In parallel, a progressive and very satisfying sense of community with the neighborhood. The founder of the jewelry store was also a member of the Barceloneta Industrial and Commercial Association. A key organization in keeping the flame of the neighborhood's identity alive, even today, despite the many setbacks, disappointments, and setbacks it has faced. And will continue to face. He was also president of the Barceloneta Swimming Club for three decades and a city councilor. He died in 2021 at the age of 103. What a life!

Online sale

Today, his son and grandson work tirelessly, leading a team of five to keep alive the essence of the business they love so much, and that the neighborhood loves so much. The addition of Alfons Net—the third generation—about ten years ago was crucial in giving the business a technological boost. The website itself contains some 50,000 items. Watches are the mainstay of sales, of course; they carry all brands and all price ranges. Last year they even dared to create their own, the Cánovas 1929, a run of 350 units, which was a great success. And it's affordably priced, around 130 euros depending on the model. They have ideas for the future, such as a wall clock, also designed and manufactured in-house, which has been very well received in schools because it teaches children how to tell time correctly: 1:30, 6:30, etc. They even have one customized with the Barceloneta flag. Now that's what I call community spirit!

They shouldn't lose sight of local businesses, over-the-counter sales. Those who want to change the battery or the strap, the watch movement, or those who want to get a new ring or buy wedding bands. Long-time customers, customers who see products online and come to buy them, and also, of course, tourists and exadosNewcomers to Barcelona life also need the services offered in Cánovas. These days in December are the busiest of the year, from Black Friday to Three Kings Day. A few weeks of intense work. What's selling best? Watches!