What Sets Us Apart
A different kind of watch repair.
Thoughtful process, honest communication, and respect for the piece — from the first conversation to the moment it leaves the workshop.
Back to HomepageAt a Glance
What working with us looks like
Written Plans
Every service begins with a written cost summary agreed by the owner before work starts.
Regular Updates
Owners are kept informed as the work progresses. No long silences, no surprises at collection.
Original Character Preserved
We do not alter, polish, or modify beyond the agreed scope. The watch leaves as itself.
Service Warranty
Work comes with a warranty period. Related issues arising after the service are addressed as part of our commitment.
In Depth
Each benefit, explained
Depth of mechanical knowledge
The watchmaker at Thep Timeworks has worked with mechanical movements for over two decades — Swiss ebauches, Japanese calibres, and vintage pocket-watch movements from various origins. That depth means that less common faults, unusual calibre requirements, and period-correct repair methods are within reach rather than outside it.
When something unfamiliar arrives, the response is investigation rather than guesswork. We take time to understand the calibre before recommending an approach.
Swiss and Japanese movement service
Vintage pocket watches and dress watches
Complication diagnosis and restoration
Honest assessment of what is and is not feasible
A clear, considered process
The service process at Thep Timeworks is designed so the owner understands what is happening and why. Assessment first, written summary second, work only after agreement. If something unexpected arises during disassembly, we pause and communicate before proceeding.
Timing machine results, lubrication notes, and part replacement records are documented and available to the owner on request. We find that people appreciate knowing what was done — not just that the watch now runs.
Unhurried initial assessment at no charge
Written cost plan agreed before any work begins
Service documentation provided on completion
Original removed parts returned where possible
Direct, personal service
You deal with the watchmaker directly — not a service desk, not a branded intermediary. Questions are answered by the person doing the work, in plain language. There is no pressure to proceed, no package you are encouraged to upgrade to.
For clients outside Chiang Mai, correspondence by email or telephone is handled personally. We find that straightforward communication early avoids misunderstanding later.
One-to-one communication throughout the process
Questions welcomed before, during, and after service
Remote clients served by email and phone
No obligation at the assessment stage
Fair, transparent pricing
Service prices at Thep Timeworks reflect the actual work involved, and they are stated clearly before anything begins. Movement Clean and Regulate is ฿4,500. Complication Adjustment and Repair is ฿9,200. Full Vintage Restoration begins at ฿14,800, with final cost confirmed after assessment.
There are no hidden additions. If parts are needed, costs are confirmed before ordering. The owner decides whether to proceed at each stage.
Published service prices with no hidden additions
Parts costs confirmed before ordering
Assessment stage carries no charge
Scope changes require fresh confirmation
How We Compare
Thep Timeworks against the typical approach
| Feature | Thep Timeworks | Typical Repair Counter |
|---|---|---|
| Written cost plan before work begins | ||
| Work by the same person who assessed the piece | ||
| Original patina and dial character preserved | Varies | |
| Owner informed at each stage of progress | ||
| Timing results documented and shared | ||
| Removed original parts returned with watch | Rarely | |
| Service warranty on completed work | Varies |
What Only We Offer
Distinctive aspects of our service
The unhurried assessment
When you bring a watch in — whether for a routine service or an unfamiliar fault — the first conversation is genuinely exploratory. There is no queue, no time limit, and no pressure. We look at the piece together and share what we find. Many owners find this the most useful part of the process.
Calibre research for unusual pieces
For less common movements — obscure Swiss ebauches, Japanese collector calibres, or vintage pieces with limited documentation — we research the calibre before making recommendations. We do not apply a standard procedure where it does not fit.
Parts retention for vintage watches
Removed parts from vintage and collectible pieces are retained and packaged with the watch at completion. For collectors, this record of the original state — even worn or non-functional parts — carries both sentimental and historical value.
A workshop you can visit
Thep Timeworks is a real workshop at a fixed address in Wat Ket, Chiang Mai. You can bring the piece in, sit with us during the initial look, and return to collect in person. For those who value that directness, it makes a difference.
Milestones
A record built over years
20+
Years in mechanical watchmaking
600+
Movements serviced and restored
40+
Calibres worked on regularly
3
Core services, each with clear scope
NAWCC Study Member
National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors — ongoing technical study and reference access.
Chiang Mai Artisan Craft Directory
Listed among recognised craft workshops in the Wat Ket riverside quarter since 2018.
Thailand Horological Society
Active participant in regional horological study groups and movement identification resources.
See the Difference
Bring your watch in for a look
The assessment costs nothing and carries no obligation. We'll tell you what we find and what the options are, at your own pace.