What Sets Us Apart
The Difference a Dedicated Workshop Makes
Sixteen years of focused watch repair in Chiang Mai. A small team, a clear process, and an honest approach to every piece that comes through the door.
Back to HomeAt a Glance
Why Clients Choose Hairspring
Experienced Watchmakers
Our lead watchmaker has sixteen years at the bench. The team between them covers mechanical, automatic, and quartz movements across a wide range of references.
One Watchmaker per Piece
From intake to collection, the same person handles your watch. This removes the confusion of handoffs and keeps a single set of eyes on the condition throughout.
Written Documentation
Intake condition notes, photographs, and — for overhaul work — a written service record and timing results accompany every piece on return.
No-Surprise Pricing
Service prices are presented clearly. If anything changes during the work, we contact you before proceeding. There are no additional charges added at collection.
Post-Service Rate Testing
Movement overhauls are verified on a timing machine for a minimum of 48 hours before return. Rate, amplitude, and beat error are checked across positions.
Clear Communication
We respond to all written enquiries within one working day. Clients are contacted if timelines change. Walk-ins for drop-off are welcome during workshop hours.
Expertise
Depth of Horological Knowledge
The range of watches that pass through this workshop is wide — from modest daily-wear pieces to higher-value items with complex movements. Handling that range well requires a working knowledge of how different calibres behave, what parts tend to fail, and how various manufacturers designed their cases and crystals.
Our team's combined experience covers Swiss mechanical movements, Japanese quartz calibres, and the mid-range references most commonly brought in for strap work or crystal replacement. That breadth means fewer surprises during a service.
Process
A Method That Doesn't Cut Corners
Every service follows a documented process. The intake step establishes the condition of the watch before anything is touched. The service step follows the appropriate protocol for the job. The return step includes a check against the intake record.
This structure exists because it produces better outcomes, not because it's a formality. A watchmaker who starts work without noting the incoming condition has no reliable baseline to work from.
Service
Straightforward to Deal With
Bringing a watch in for repair involves a degree of trust. We try to make that easy by being clear about what we find, what it will cost, and how long it will take. Questions are answered plainly — if something is outside our scope, we'll say so rather than take the work.
- Free initial inspection before any commitment
- Clear collection date provided at drop-off
- Contact by phone or message if anything changes
Value
Pricing That Reflects the Work
Our service prices cover the labour and standard materials involved. Strap fittings start from ฿3,900. Crystal replacements from ฿12,500, with glass and sapphire options quoted after inspection. Full overhaul work including movement service and case refinishing from ฿31,000.
These are not estimates with hidden additions — they reflect what the service actually involves. The price presented at assessment is the price charged at collection, unless something additional is found and agreed in advance.
How We Compare
Hairspring vs General Repair Shops
| Feature | General Repair Shop | Hairspring |
|---|---|---|
| Dedicated watchmaker per piece | ||
| Written intake condition record | ||
| Post-overhaul timing machine verification | Sometimes | |
| Pressure testing after case opening | ||
| Price confirmed before work begins | Sometimes | |
| Service record returned with watch | ||
| Response to enquiries within one working day | Varies |
What We Do Differently
Features Specific to Hairspring
The Caseback Consultation
For overhaul clients, we offer an open-caseback viewing before the movement is returned to its case. Customers who wish to see the finished work can arrange a brief workshop visit at collection. This is uncommon in most repair settings.
Extended Bench Run-In
We run overhauled movements for a minimum of 48 hours on our timing machine before sealing the case. Many repair shops return watches after a visual check. The extended run-in catches issues that only appear after the movement has settled.
Multi-Generation Ownership Support
For watches being prepared to pass on — from parent to child, or to sell on — we pay particular attention to documentation. The condition report and service record we provide are written to be meaningful to someone reading them years later.
No Work Without Approval
If additional work is identified during a service, we stop and contact the customer. We don't proceed on our own judgement — the decision stays with the person who owns the watch. This policy is applied consistently, not selectively.
The Record
Milestones & Recognition
16
Years Operating
2,400+
Pieces Serviced
98%
On-Time Returns
3
Dedicated Craftspeople
Chiang Mai Business Excellence
Recognised in the 2023 Northern Thailand Artisan & Craft Services category
Horological Society Membership
Active member, British Horological Institute — continued professional development
Trusted by Local Jewellers
Preferred referral partner for Nimman-area jewellers since 2012
Next Step
Bring Your Watch In
The first step is always a look. Drop in during workshop hours or send us a message to arrange a visit. We'll give you a clear picture of what the watch needs before any work begins.
Get in Touch