Ian Smith has operated Cog and Hand, a watch and clock repair service, out of Tallangatta for 12 years, but was faced with the possibility of not seeing his family to keep it open at full capacity.

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With Tallangatta not in the border bubble put in place last week by the NSW government, Mr Smith has closed his workshop indefinitely and lost jobs from Victorian customers, leaving him to do what he can from home.

"I don't have everything to set up a fully functional workshop like I have out there. I can do most things, but there's a few jobs I can't do that I've got to weigh up," he said.

"I've had quite a few (Victorian customers) ring me up and I've had to say until I get out across the border, I can't do any work for them, unless it comes in by mail."

Fortunately, Mr Smith has a lot of regular work with Albury-based jewellers and doesn't expect the changes to greatly impact his overall income.