Watch being returned to its owner

Words from Owners Who Have Been Through the Process

What we hear most often is that owners appreciated being kept informed, and that the result was better than they expected without being oversold.

Back to Home

15+

Years of practice

800+

Movements serviced

4.9

Average client rating

97%

Satisfied on return

Client Reviews

SK

Somsak Kiatnithichai

Bangkok

I brought my grandfather's Omega pocket watch in — it had not run in about twelve years. The assessment came back within a week, clearly written, with a photograph of the movement. The price was fair and there were no additions at collection. The watch now keeps time I can trust.

May 2025

NP

Nopporn Phromthep

Nonthaburi

Honest workshop. I asked whether the case needed refinishing and was told it did not — the wear was not significant enough to justify the cost. That is not what you expect to hear from a business trying to sell a service. I had the movement serviced only and am happy with the result.

April 2025

WT

Wanida Thepsuwan

Bangkok

My mother's dress watch had sentimental value I could not really put a price on. The heritage restoration took about ten weeks but they kept me informed throughout. The dial conservation was handled sensitively — the original ageing was preserved rather than replaced. A lovely outcome.

April 2025

PC

Pichit Charoenwong

Chiang Mai

Sent my vintage Seiko from Chiang Mai. Communication was good throughout, which matters when you cannot drop in easily. The rate after service is within a few seconds a day — a significant improvement on the three to four minutes it was losing before.

May 2025

RS

Rattana Srisuk

Bangkok

The case refinish was well done. I was slightly uncertain about keeping the brushed finish rather than going fully polished, but the conversation beforehand helped. I am glad I kept it as it was. The only thing is the turnaround took a week longer than quoted — not a problem in practice, just worth knowing.

May 2025

AP

Anong Prateep

Bangkok

A friend recommended Phet Bua after I could not find anyone willing to look at my father's old pocket watch. The service record they produced on return is thorough. The watch runs and will continue to, with evidence of how it got there.

April 2025

Stories from the Workbench

A few pieces and the processes behind them.

Case Study — Heritage Restoration

A 1960s Pocket Watch, Stopped for a Decade

Challenge

A Thai-made lever pocket watch from the 1960s that had not run in over ten years. Several pivot jewels were cracked and the mainspring was set. The dial had significant foxing but the owner wished to preserve it as it was.

Process

Full disassembly and inspection produced a written plan agreed with the owner before any work. Replacement jewels were sourced and fitted. The mainspring was replaced. The dial received a careful conservation clean but was not refinished.

Outcome

The watch now runs at +8 seconds per day — well within acceptable range for a movement of its age. Timeline was nine weeks. The owner described the result as better than hoped without the dial being touched beyond cleaning.

"I expected to be told it could not be done. The result was honest and careful — which was exactly what I had asked for." — S.K., Bangkok

Case Study — Timekeeping Adjustment

Vintage Automatic Running Minus Four Minutes a Day

Challenge

A 1970s automatic wristwatch losing over four minutes per day — unusable as a daily watch despite its sentimental significance to the owner. Last serviced approximately fifteen years prior.

Process

Movement removed and timing measured at −4 min 12 sec per day flat. Full service performed: ultrasonic clean, new lubricants, worn pallet stones replaced. Multi-position regulation over several days of dial-up running.

Outcome

Post-service rate: +3 seconds per day. Turnaround was three weeks including the regulation period. The owner now wears the watch daily. Before and after timing printouts were included in the documentation.

"The rate readings before and after made it easy to see exactly what had changed. A transparent process." — N.P., Nonthaburi

Case Study — Case Restoration

Steel Sports Watch, Heavily Scratched Case

Challenge

A 1980s steel sports watch with a mixed-finish case showing significant scratching on the polished bezel and crown. The brushed flanks were lightly worn. The movement was running satisfactorily.

Process

Discussion established that the owner wanted the bezel and crown polished but the case flanks left in their present condition. Movement removed and protected. Case polished to original specification on the agreed surfaces only.

Outcome

Bezel and crown restored to a clean mirror finish. Flanks unchanged, retaining their original brushed character and honest age. Turnaround was four weeks. Before and after photographs provided to the owner.

"They did exactly what we agreed — no more and no less. That is harder to find than it should be." — P.C., Chiang Mai

Contact the Workshop

Workshop

204 Phaholyothin Road
Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900

Hours

Tue–Sat: 10:00–18:00
Sun: 11:00–15:00
Monday: Closed

Professional Recognition

Thai Horological Association — Registered Workshop

Advanced Movement Servicing — Certified Practitioner

Bangkok Vintage Watch Society — Recommended Workshop 2024

Thinking of Bringing a Watch In?

We will take a look and give you an honest view. No commitment required at that stage.

Request an Assessment