What People Say
Watches Returned,
Stories Shared
We're grateful when people take the time to describe their experience. Here are a few of those accounts.
Back to Home800+
Watches Serviced
4.9
Average Rating
12+
Years Workshop Open
3
Service Tiers
Client Voices
From the People Who've Been Here
Prayut Wongkham
Chiang Mai
I brought in my father's old Seiko that had been sitting unworn for years. Krit assessed it clearly — told me what the movement needed and what it would cost before touching anything. The full service took about three weeks. When I collected it, he walked me through what he'd found and what he'd replaced. It keeps good time now.
April 2025 · Full Service
Sunisa Tanaka
Bangkok · visiting Chiang Mai
The workshop is small and quiet — nothing like a mall counter. I came in wondering whether my vintage Omega was worth restoring. The team was straightforward about the options and didn't push me toward anything. I ended up leaving it for the full restoration and it came back looking like itself again, not over-polished or new-looking.
May 2025 · Full Restoration
Richard Howell
British expat, Chiang Mai
I've brought two watches here now — once for a polish and once for a full service. Both times, the communication was clear and the work was done properly. The case polish took about ten days, which felt about right for the detail involved. My only note would be that the workshop keeps limited hours, so plan around that.
March 2025 · Case Polish & Full Service
Nongkran Jaidee
Chiang Mai
I had my grandmother's pocket watch looked at. I wasn't sure if it could be repaired at all. Chaiya said they'd assess it and tell me honestly what was possible — which they did. The restoration took longer than I expected, but they kept me updated throughout. The watch is now in working order and looks the way it should.
April 2025 · Full Restoration
Marco Stefanelli
Italian tourist, Chiang Mai
My watch stopped during the trip. I found Chaiya on Wualai Road and went in without an appointment. They looked at the watch on the spot, told me what the problem likely was, and said they could service it in time before I left. It was ready when they said it would be. Good, quiet work — no theatrics.
May 2025 · Full Service
Worawan Kanchanarat
Chiang Rai
Came specifically from Chiang Rai to have a case polish done on a watch I'd had for ten years. The bracelet had some deep scratches I thought were permanent. They did a careful job — not over-polished, which I was glad about. The crystal was replaced too. Worth the journey.
May 2025 · Case & Bracelet Polish
In More Detail
Three Watches, Three Journeys
A closer look at three representative repairs — what arrived, what was found, and what was returned.
Case Study · Full Restoration
A 1960s dress watch, unworn for two decades
The Situation
A thin hand-wound movement that had sat in a drawer since the 1990s. The case had accumulated grime in its lug areas and the dial showed some age spotting. The owner wanted to wear it again without losing what made it look of its era.
What We Did
We discussed the dial carefully — the owner chose to leave the patina rather than attempt a refinish. The movement was fully serviced. The case was cleaned and lightly polished only along its bevelled edges, preserving the flat brushed surfaces. The crown gasket was replaced.
The Result
The movement runs to approximately +6 seconds per day. The case looks attended to rather than renewed. The owner wears it regularly now. The full process took six weeks and was documented throughout.
Case Study · Full Service
An automatic worn daily, serviced at irregular intervals
The Situation
A Japanese automatic that had been worn daily for seven years without servicing. The rate had become irregular — sometimes losing 30 seconds a day, sometimes gaining. The rotor felt slightly rough when wound by hand.
What We Did
Full disassembly and ultrasonic clean. The rotor bearing was worn and replaced — discussed with the owner before sourcing the part. Lubricated and regulated over three days of positional timing. New crown and caseback gaskets fitted.
The Result
Regulated to approximately +4 seconds per day. The rotor winds smoothly. Returned with a service record noting the part replaced. The owner was advised to return for service in five to seven years.
Case Study · Case & Bracelet Polish
A sports watch, scratched but running well
The Situation
A mid-range Swiss automatic in regular daily use, keeping good time but with a heavily scratched crystal and a bracelet that had lost its finish at the centre links. The movement needed no intervention.
What We Did
Crystal replaced with a mineral unit matched to the case. Bracelet links polished on the brushed faces and the clasp. The case flanks were lightly attended to — the owner specifically did not want the case to look new. Crown gasket renewed as standard.
The Result
Ready in nine days. Clear crystal, refreshed bracelet, caseback sealed. The owner noted the watch looked "like it used to rather than like it's new" — which was what they'd asked for.
Workshop Details
Where to Find Us
Phone
+66 53 318 6427Address
91 Wualai Road
Haiya, Chiang Mai
Hours
Tue–Sat
9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Professional Standing
A Record of Care
Thai Watchmakers' Network
Active member — participates in ongoing professional development for independent mechanical watchmakers.
Wualai Artisan Quarter
Part of Chiang Mai's traditional craft street — alongside silver and gold workshops of long standing.
12+ Years in Operation
Opened on Wualai Road with one watchmaker and one focus — that hasn't changed.
Have a Watch You'd Like Looked At?
Come in during workshop hours or send a message. We'd be glad to take a look and talk through what makes sense.
Send a Message