What sets us apart
What You Can Actually Expect From Us
Not what every workshop claims, but what we have built our day-to-day practice around — and what the owners who return to us year after year have found to be true.
Back to HomeA quick summary
Six Things That Shape How We Work
These are not aspirations — they are the practical commitments we make to every owner who brings us a watch.
Honest assessment first
We look carefully before we quote. If a watch does not need a service, we will say so. If it needs more than you expected, we explain why before touching anything.
No hidden costs
Every part and every labour cost is agreed in writing before work begins. The price you are quoted is the price you pay on collection. There are no additions.
Service warranty included
All service and oiling work carries a warranty on the workmanship. If something within scope needs revisiting, you bring the watch back and we take care of it.
Timing verified on a machine
Every serviced movement is measured on a timing machine before it goes back into its case. We document the rate and include it with the condition note given on collection.
Original character preserved
For vintage and inherited pieces we discuss every proposed change before making it. We conserve original details where we can, and never alter a watch without your knowledge.
Plain language throughout
We write and speak in straightforward terms. You will leave with a clear picture of what was done, what was found, and what — if anything — to watch for in future.
A closer look
Each Benefit, in a Little More Depth
Professional Expertise
Our principal watchmaker has worked with mechanical movements for more than fifteen years, covering daily-wear automatics, vintage manual-winds, and complicated pieces. The depth of that experience shapes the assessment process — small signs that might be missed by a generalist are noticed, noted, and discussed.
This matters most for vintage restorations, where the difference between a careful approach and a hasty one can mean the difference between a watch that runs well for another decade and one that does not. Experience does not speed the work — it makes the decisions behind the work more reliable.
Process & Tools
We use watchmaker-grade instruments throughout — cleaning solutions appropriate to the movement type, lubricants sourced from established suppliers, and timing equipment that measures rate across multiple positions. These are not optional extras; they are the baseline for work done to a proper standard.
Components are handled on padded surfaces and kept in order throughout disassembly. Nothing is rushed. Regulation after reassembly is performed patiently until the movement settles to a consistent rate.
Owner Involvement
You are kept in the picture at each decision point. Before work begins, you know the full scope and cost. If we discover something unexpected during the service, we contact you and discuss it before proceeding. You are never presented with a decision after the fact.
For vintage restorations we prepare a written plan before beginning, covering what will be done, what components may need replacement, and the projected timeline. This sits on file and can be referred to at any point.
Transparent Pricing
Our service prices are published openly: ฿4,500 for a Service & Oiling, ฿7,900 for a Crystal & Bezel Service, and ฿14,600 for a Full Vintage Restoration. Parts and any additional work are itemised separately and agreed before they are undertaken.
We do not add administration fees, handling charges, or storage costs. If a watch stays with us longer than anticipated because the owner needs time to decide on a course of action, that is not a problem and it is not charged.
What the Work Achieves
A well-executed service will bring a mechanical watch back to a stable, accurate rate and extend its service life significantly. Crystal and bezel work restores both the appearance and the protective function of the case front. A full vintage restoration can return a long-dormant piece to daily wear while preserving its original character.
The condition note provided with each watch records the rate achieved and any observations worth keeping. It forms a useful reference for future assessments.
How we compare
Charoen Craft vs Typical Watch Repair Providers
Not all watch repair services approach their work the same way. This comparison reflects what owners commonly experience elsewhere, and what they find here.
| Feature | Typical Providers | Charoen Craft |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-work assessment shared with owner | ||
| Costs agreed before work begins | ||
| Timing rate verified on a machine | ||
| Written condition note provided | ||
| Service warranty on workmanship | ||
| Published, fixed-base pricing |
What makes this workshop different
A Few Things You Will Not Find Everywhere
Written Restoration Plans
For full vintage restorations, we prepare a written plan before work begins — covering scope, parts, timeline, and costs. It is agreed with you, kept on file, and referred to throughout the process. Changes require your approval.
No Rush on Vintage Work
We do not take on vintage restorations with a fixed-date deadline unless it is one the owner and the watch can comfortably accommodate. Delicate work done under time pressure is a different kind of work, and not the kind we do.
Period-Correct Part Sourcing
Through established supplier relationships, we can often source original or period-correct components for vintage movements. When a substitute is the only option, we discuss the implications with you before fitting anything.
Climate-Aware Service Advice
Phuket's warm, humid conditions place specific demands on lubricants and seals. We factor the local climate into our service recommendations, which may differ from what a manufacturer in Switzerland or Japan advises for their home conditions.
A few milestones
Work We Are Quietly Proud Of
15+
Years of movement work
400+
Watches serviced or restored
3
Services offered
฿0
Surprise charges on collection
Watchmaker Craft Recognition
Recognised by the Thailand Horological Craftspeople Network for sustained standard of movement service work, 2024.
Phuket Heritage Trade Community
Member of the Phuket Old Town craft and heritage trade group, supporting preservation of traditional skills in the region.
Repeat Clientele
A significant portion of our work comes from owners who have returned for a second or third service, or recommended the workshop to someone they know.
Ready to Discuss Your Watch?
Get in touch and we will take a careful look, give you an honest view, and leave the next step entirely with you.
Request a Quote