Why Tawan Watchcraft
What you can expect
when you bring us your watch
We've tried to describe our advantages plainly — not as a sales exercise but because you deserve to know what you're choosing when you leave a timepiece with us.
At a Glance
Six things that shape how we work
You're informed before we start
We describe what we find in plain terms, share what we recommend, and wait for your go-ahead. No work begins without a clear agreement.
Experienced hands on every piece
Every watch is handled by a trained technician, not an apprentice working unsupervised. Our founder still carries out the more complex restoration work personally.
Correct materials throughout
We use horological lubricants and sourced seals — not general-purpose alternatives. The cost of doing this properly is built into our pricing from the start.
Written record with every service
You receive a summary of what was done. We keep a copy too — which is useful if you return years later, or if you want a second opinion from another workshop.
Timing measured before and after
We record the watch's running rate at intake and again at completion, so there's an objective reference point — not just an impression that things seem better.
Clear pricing, no surprises
Our service rates are stated up front. If additional parts are needed, we quote separately before proceeding — never after the fact.
Expertise
Over a decade of movement work in Bangkok
Tawan Watchcraft has been operating on Sukhumvit Road since 2011. In that time the workshop has developed a working familiarity with a wide range of calibres — Japanese automatics, Swiss lever escapements, vintage movements from the 1960s to 1990s, and various dresswatch mechanisms that other workshops sometimes decline.
This breadth comes from a deliberate choice to keep taking on pieces that require careful work rather than only the straightforward jobs. It means we are rarely surprised, and when we are, we say so honestly rather than press ahead anyway.
- 14+ years of active workshop operation in Bangkok
- Three trained technicians, all brought up within the workshop
- Experience with Japanese, Swiss, and vintage calibre families
- Founder personally handles complex restorations
- Straightforward referral if a watch is outside our scope
- Timing analyser used for objective rate measurement
- Dry-air pressure tester for water resistance verification
- Ultrasonic cleaning unit for case and bracelet components
- Movement-grade lubricants from specialist suppliers
- Climate-controlled parts storage to protect seals and springs
Equipment
The right tools for the job
We've invested in equipment that is appropriate for professional movement work rather than making do with general repair tools. This includes timing analysis, water resistance testing, and proper ultrasonic cleaning — each used where it genuinely improves the outcome.
Equipment is only part of the picture, of course. The more important thing is knowing when and how to use it — and when to leave it alone.
Service
A conversation, not a transaction
We find that most misunderstandings between a workshop and a client come down to one thing: not enough was said before the work started. We've tried to address that by making the initial assessment and discussion a standard part of every job — not an optional step.
You're welcome to ask questions at any stage. If something comes up during the service, we'll contact you rather than press on and tell you afterwards.
- Assessment and recommendations shared before work begins
- Progress updates for longer restorations
- Responsive to questions by phone or message
- Drop-in visits welcome during workshop hours
- No obligation to proceed beyond the first assessment
How We Compare
Typical workshop vs Tawan Watchcraft
| Feature | Many workshops | Tawan Watchcraft |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-work assessment shared with client | ||
| Timing measurement before and after | ||
| Written service record provided | ||
| Water resistance tested after seal work | ||
| Pricing stated before work, not after | ||
| Honest referral if job is outside scope | ||
| Movement-grade lubricants throughout |
■ = varies by workshop ✗ = often absent ✓ = standard at Tawan Watchcraft
What Sets Us Apart
Specific things we do differently
No-obligation first assessment
We will assess your watch and describe what we find without charging for the consultation. If you decide not to proceed, we simply return your piece. We believe this is the fair way to handle things.
A service record you can actually use
Our written notes include the movement's condition on arrival, what was done, and what we observed. This is useful for your own records, for insurance purposes, and for any future workshop that works on the piece.
Bangkok climate awareness
Bangkok's heat and humidity put specific demands on watch lubricants and seals. We account for this in our service recommendations — a watch here may need attention sooner than the manufacturer's general guidelines suggest.
Long-term relationships with clients
Many of our clients have been bringing the same watches for years. Because we keep records, we can advise based on a watch's actual history rather than treating each visit as a new case.
Recognition
Milestones along the way
Thai Horological Society
Associate member since 2014 — a professional group for practising watchmakers in Thailand.
Movement Servicing Certificate
Khun Tawan completed a formal movement servicing programme with accreditation from a recognised horological training body in 2009.
800+ watches serviced
Over fourteen years we've completed service records on more than 800 individual pieces — a figure that reflects steady, careful work rather than high volume.
95% returning clients
The large majority of our clients return with the same pieces over time. That kind of continued trust is more meaningful to us than any external award.
Get Started
Ready to bring your watch in?
There's no rush and no obligation on the first visit. Get in touch and we'll take it from there at whatever pace suits you.
Send a Message