Words from people who've been to the bench

The situation

A customer brought in a mechanical dress watch that had belonged to his grandfather. It hadn't been worn for around fifteen years and was running roughly — several minutes slow per day. The dial showed some patina but the customer wanted to preserve that rather than polish it away.

What was done

After a condition assessment, a full service and restore was agreed. The movement was cleaned and lubricated, worn keyless parts replaced, and the watch regulated. The case was cleaned carefully without affecting the dial patina. A new crystal was fitted as the original had a hairline crack not visible at first glance.

The outcome

Timing checked at plus three seconds per day in dial-up position — within normal range for the movement type. Customer collected after eighteen days. A condition note was provided. The watch was worn regularly for the first time in over a decade.

Service and Restore — ฿4,070

The situation

A tourist visiting Pattaya dropped her watch on a tiled floor, cracking the mineral crystal. The watch was otherwise working and she was leaving Thailand in five days. She needed to know honestly whether a replacement was possible within that window.

What was done

The size was measured, stock checked, and a matching mineral crystal sourced within two days. Crystal was fitted using a press, gasket replaced as a precaution given the coastal setting. Case was lightly cleaned around the bezel area. Customer was contacted when ready — four days before her departure.

The outcome

Watch collected on time, crystal matched to original spec, no additional charges. The customer noted that the shop had been honest about the timeline risk upfront rather than simply saying yes and hoping for the best.

Crystal and Bezel Care — ฿2,830

The situation

A long-term Pattaya resident brought in a daily wear quartz watch with a worn rubber strap that had become uncomfortable in the heat. He also wanted the lugs cleaned — they'd accumulated salt and grime from beach use.

What was done

A silicone strap in a matching width was fitted while the customer waited. Lugs were cleaned and dried. A brief conversation about strap care in salt air environments — particularly useful for someone near the beach regularly. Total time at the bench: under twenty-five minutes.

The outcome

Customer left with a comfortable, clean watch in under half an hour. No appointment needed, walk-in handled efficiently. He returned three months later for the same service on a different watch.

Strap Change and Clean — ฿1,450