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C.R. Time’s Chuck Murphy dies at 85

OtherApr 14, 2015

C.R. Time’s Chuck Murphy dies at 85

Charles “Chuck” Murphy, who spent his entire career in the watch industry, died Saturday of complications from Alzheimer’s disease. He was 85.

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Charles “Chuck” Murphy holding his grand-nephew, Patrick Charles Thomas Murphy. The longtime watch salesman died Saturday at the age of 85.

San Antonio, Texas--Charles “Chuck” Murphy, who spent his entire career in the watch industry, died Saturday of complications from Alzheimer’s disease. He was 85. 

For Murphy, being in the watch and jewelry industry was a family affair. The veteran followed his father and uncle into the business in Phoenix after the Korean War, where he served in the Marines and earned a Purple Heart and Silver Star.

In Phoenix, he was the longtime National Sales Manager for Wyler Watch Co., a Swiss watch manufacturer.

Eventually Murphy and his wife Betty Lou moved to San Antonio where he worked as a salesman for Bulova, Seiko, Citizen and Belair Watch Co.

In 1980, Murphy and his son Scott started C.R. Time, which became one of the largest suppliers of watch movement parts and watch batteries in the United States and Canada. (C.R. stands for Charles Robert.) His son continues to operate the business today.

Murphy will “always be remembered as one of the greatest watch salesmen ever,” his family said in a statement. 

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Betty Lou; three children, Scott Murphy, Kevin Murphy and Teri Babineau; two brothers, Thomas and Jack; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Michelle Graffis the editor-in-chief at National Jeweler, directing the publication’s coverage both online and in print.

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