Kala
Pocket watch being examined

Client experiences

What people say
about the work

These are accounts from people who brought their watches to us. We share them as they were written — candid, specific, and varied in length.

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16+

Years in Phra Nakhon

800+

Watches serviced

4.8

Average client rating

94%

Return for further work

Reviews

From the people who came to Kala

PT

Priya Thongchai

Bangkok · April 2025

My grandfather's Omega had not run properly in about eight years. I was a little nervous leaving it anywhere. Narong spent time explaining what the movement needed before I agreed to anything — which was reassuring. The watch came back running accurately and with a written record of everything done. Three months on and it is still keeping good time.

Full Movement Service

WK

Wittaya Karnjanawat

Nonthaburi · March 2025

Good work and very honest people. They told me the crystal on my Seiko 5 was chipped and asked whether I wanted it replaced before quoting the cost. I appreciated being consulted rather than just charged. The service took three weeks as they said it would, and the movement is running well. Would have liked a progress update midway through, but otherwise a smooth experience.

Full Movement Service

SS

Siriporn Suksawat

Bangkok · May 2025

I brought in a 1970s Longines for the full restoration service. What stood out was how carefully they went through the cosmetic options with me — they had photographs of the case from different angles and explained what each refinishing choice would look like. In the end I kept most of the original surface. The watch looks like what it is: a fifty-year-old piece that has been cared for, not polished into anonymity.

Considered Restoration

AN

Arthit Noiphan

Pathum Thani · April 2025

I went in for the gentle service on a field watch I wanted to start wearing again after a few years in a drawer. The assessment note was useful — they flagged the mainspring as showing early signs of fatigue, which I would not have known. I chose to leave it as is for now and see how the watch behaves. That feels like the right kind of honesty.

Gentle Service & Check

NR

Nattaya Ratchanon

Bangkok · March 2025

Solid experience overall. They were patient with my questions and the email replies from Siraporn were always clear and unhurried. The watch came back a week later than originally estimated, which they mentioned in advance, so it was not a surprise. Timing is notably more consistent than before.

Full Movement Service

CL

Chaisak Limjaroen

Chiang Mai · May 2025

I live in Chiang Mai and arranged the service by post after an email exchange. The packaging instructions were clear and the return was well protected. The documentation they sent back with the watch was more detailed than anything I have received from a local workshop. For a piece I care about, the distance was worth it.

Considered Restoration

Case studies

Three journeys, in some detail

Challenge

A 1968 Tissot had not run in eleven years. The owner had been told by another workshop that the movement was too old to service — which proved to be an inaccurate assessment. The dial had some surface oxidation and the case was covered in fine scratches from years of daily wear before being stored.

What we did

Full disassembly showed the movement to be in serviceable condition — the mainspring had weakened but the escapement and balance were intact. We replaced the mainspring, cleaned and re-oiled all components, and regulated the movement. The dial oxidation was discussed with the owner, who chose to preserve it. We cleaned the case without refinishing.

Outcome

The watch left keeping time within ±12 seconds per day across positions. The owner reports it is still running at that level six months on. The original dial, with its patina, remains as found.

Duration: 6 weeks · Considered Restoration

"I was told it was beyond saving. It clearly was not."

Challenge

A client purchased a vintage Seiko 5 at a weekend market and suspected it had been partially serviced with incorrect lubricants — it ran but was losing around 90 seconds per day. They wanted the movement assessed and, if possible, regulated without full disassembly if that was the more appropriate route.

What we did

Assessment confirmed incorrect lubricant types in several areas and a worn pallet jewel. We recommended the full service rather than a surface adjustment. The full disassembly was carried out, the movement cleaned, and a replacement pallet fork sourced. Regulation followed across six positions.

Outcome

The watch left running at +8 seconds per day in the crown-up position. The client confirmed it was staying within that range after three weeks of wear and collected without needing the follow-up adjustment.

Duration: 3.5 weeks · Full Movement Service

"From losing 90 seconds a day to keeping time I can actually rely on."

Contact

Reach us in Phra Nakhon

  • +66 2 583 7142

    Tue–Sat 10:00–18:00, Sun 11:00–16:00

  • [email protected]

    We reply within one business day

  • 96 Maha Chai Road

    Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200

Appointments welcomed

We prefer to meet by arrangement so your watch receives our full attention. Walk-ins are welcome, though there may be a short wait during busier periods.

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Credentials

Professional standing

Thai Horological Association

Member since 2012. Active participation in technical exchange among Thai workshop practitioners.

International training

One team member trained in Osaka under Japanese horology instruction. Swiss calibre experience through fourteen years of workshop practice.

Consistent documentation

Every completed service is accompanied by a written record including timegrapher results. No job leaves without paperwork.

Your turn

Bring your watch in for a conversation

We are glad to hear about any mechanical watch, regardless of its age, brand, or condition. The assessment is where everything starts, and it carries no commitment to proceed further.

Get in Touch