Watches brought in, and what happened to them.

Challenge

The client's watch had run continuously since purchase and stopped without warning. The crown had become difficult to turn and the client was concerned about damage from a fall a year earlier.

Approach

Assessment revealed a worn mainspring and dried lubrication throughout the movement — consistent with fifteen years of regular wear. The earlier fall appeared not to have caused structural damage. A full clean, re-lubrication, and new mainspring were carried out with the client's written agreement.

Result

Watch returned to regular timekeeping within ±6 seconds per day. Client collected on day nine. No additional charges arose beyond the original written quote of ฿4,500.

Challenge

A client had worn a dive-rated watch in the sea almost daily for three years without a seal service. He noticed slight fogging under the crystal after a swim and was concerned about internal moisture reaching the movement.

Approach

The case back and crown gaskets had degraded significantly. The crystal seal was no longer maintaining its profile. All three were replaced, the case back re-fitted, and the watch was pressure-tested to its rated depth equivalent. Fogging resolved after thorough drying of the interior.

Result

Pressure test passed at rated specification. Watch returned in four working days. Total cost ฿7,400 as quoted. Client advised on annual seal inspection intervals for Phuket conditions.

Challenge

The client had inherited a pocket watch from his grandfather, a former watchmaker. The movement had not been serviced in decades. Several wheels showed corrosion, two jewels were cracked, and the dial had lifted at one edge.

Approach

A written restoration plan was agreed before any work began. The movement was fully stripped, cleaned, and rebuilt. Period jewels were sourced from a supplier in Germany. The dial was stabilised without alteration to its aged patina, at the client's request. Total project duration was five weeks including parts transit.

Result

Movement returned to full function with consistent amplitude. Dial patina retained as requested. Client received a detailed restoration record. Total cost ฿14,700 — unchanged from the original written plan.