Client experiences
What owners say after their watch comes back from the bench.
Collected from clients across Bangkok and Thailand — owners of everyday mechanical watches, inherited pieces, and collector-grade vintage calibres.
Back to Home14
Years in Operation
900+
Pieces Completed
4.8
Average Rating
96%
Return Clients
Reviews
What clients have written
Somchai Kriangsak
Bangkok, TH — Movement Servicing
I brought in my grandfather's Seiko 5 — it had been sitting in a drawer for fifteen years after the rotor stopped. Nattapon looked at it the same day, told me what was worn and what wasn't, and had it back to me in three weeks. It now keeps better time than my phone. The condition note he gave me at the end was surprisingly thorough.
June 2025
Andrew Thamrongsak
Sukhumvit, BKK — Case Restoration
Had the case and bracelet done on a watch I wear daily. The scratches on the case flanks were pretty deep so I wasn't expecting miracles, but Krit was upfront about what the brushing could realistically do. The result was clean without looking over-polished — still looks like it's been worn, just properly maintained. Took about four weeks from drop-off to collection.
June 2025
Napasorn Wattanakit
Chiang Mai, TH — Full Service
I sent my watch from Chiang Mai by registered post after emailing them first to confirm the process. Everything was smooth. They received it, contacted me with the inspection report the next working day, and we agreed on the work by email. I appreciated that they didn't proceed until I confirmed. Back with me in three weeks in good condition.
May 2025
David Phongpan
Silom, BKK — Vintage Overhaul
Brought in a 1968 Longines manual wind that had been running five minutes fast every day. Previous workshop had told me it just needed a service, but the real issue was a worn escapement lever — something they'd apparently missed. Chronavault found it during the inspection, explained it to me with photos, and fabricated a part because nothing was available commercially. Now running within twenty seconds a day.
May 2025
Manisa Lertchai
Thonglor, BKK — Case Restoration
My mother's watch — an old Omega De Ville that she hadn't worn in years because the crystal was cracked and the bracelet was loose. I was nervous about sending it somewhere because of its sentimental value. They treated it carefully, replaced the crystal with the correct period-appropriate type, and tightened the bracelet clasp. Timekeeping wasn't a concern with this one — it was about the look — and it came back well.
June 2025
Robert Bauer
Sathorn, BKK — Vintage Overhaul
I collect pocket watches and had a Patek Philippe lever movement from the 1920s that needed attention. I'd had two Bangkok watchmakers decline to touch it. Krit at Chronavault knew the calibre, had documentation for it, and walked me through the plan before starting. It took longer than a standard service but the documentation I received at the end is thorough enough to use as provenance going forward.
June 2025
Case studies
Three pieces, three different problems
Case Study 01
1972 Rolex Datejust — movement running erratically
Challenge
The client reported the watch was losing two to three minutes per day despite a recent service elsewhere. The previous watchmaker had declared it within specification. The owner was not satisfied and brought it for a second opinion.
Work Done
Full strip-down revealed dry mainspring and incorrect lubricant used in the previous service. Several pivots showed increased friction. The movement was cleaned, re-lubricated to correct specification, and the balance staff play was corrected before regulation.
Result
Movement left the bench running +4 seconds per day across multiple positions — well within the watch's original specification. Timeline: three weeks. The client reported the watch is still running well six months later.
"After the other place, I didn't expect much. I was wrong." — Client note
Case Study 02
1955 Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox — alarm module non-functional
Challenge
The alarm mechanism had not functioned for years. The dial had a small hairline crack at the six o'clock position. The owner, a collector, had tried to find a specialist in Singapore and Hong Kong but was quoted very long lead times.
Work Done
Full movement and alarm module overhaul. A small alarm hammer pivot was worn beyond use — this was sourced through a Swiss parts broker after a four-week wait. Dial crack was stabilised at the owner's request rather than replaced. Full documentation prepared at each stage.
Result
Alarm mechanism fully operational. Movement running to specification. Total timeline: eleven weeks including parts wait. The owner received a twelve-page condition and service report which has since accompanied the watch in its collector documentation.
"The report alone was worth the trip to Bangkok." — Collector, Singapore
Case Study 03
Family heirloom Omega Constellation — 30 years unworn
Challenge
The client's father had owned this watch since the 1980s and it had not been wound or worn since his passing. The client wanted it running again for personal wear, not as a collector piece — the watch had emotional significance, not monetary value.
Work Done
Full movement service and case cleaning. Crown seal replaced. Crystal replaced with correct period mineral glass. The case brushing was kept minimal at the client's specific request — she wanted it to retain visible wear rather than look restored.
Result
Running within specification. Case retained its patina. Timeline: two and a half weeks. The watch is now worn daily. Total cost: ฿4,200 for the service plus a small amount for the crystal.
"It looks exactly as my father wore it. I'm glad I didn't let anyone over-polish it." — Client
Find us
Workshop contact details
Phone
+66 2 634 7821Address
142 Sukhumvit Soi 24
Khlong Toei, Bangkok
Hours
Mon–Fri 10:00–18:00
Sat 10:00–15:00
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