Client Reviews
What our clients say.
We let the work speak for itself. These are accounts from people who brought their watches to us — some with simple needs, some with pieces that required much more time and care.
Back to Home15+
Years in Chiang Mai
1,200+
Watches returned to service
4.9
Average client rating
97%
On-time completion rate
Reviews
From the people who brought their watches to us
Araya Thongchai
Bangkok — May 2025
I brought my father's Seiko 5 in for a full service. It had not been touched in about twenty years and was running perhaps three minutes fast per day. Niran was straightforward about what it needed and the cost was as agreed. Got it back in just under three weeks and it now runs within five seconds daily. Good experience overall.
Stefan Weidmann
Chiang Mai (expat) — April 2025
I had a 1970s Omega Constellation that needed restoration — the movement was sluggish and the case was quite worn. Phaya took eight weeks, which is exactly what they said. They kept the original dial, discussed the case finishing with me before doing anything, and provided a written summary of everything they found and replaced. This is the kind of service I would expect in Europe. Rare to find in Thailand.
Pornpan Kaewsai
Chiang Mai — May 2025
Simple battery and crystal service for my daily watch. The crystal had a long scratch I assumed would need replacing, but they managed to polish it out well enough that it's barely noticeable. Took three days and cost what they quoted. Could not ask for more on a basic job like this.
Marcus Chambers
Visiting from Australia — April 2025
Was in Chiang Mai for two weeks and brought in a Rolex Datejust that had been running erratically. They were honest that a full service might take longer than my stay. We arranged for them to post it back to me in Brisbane once finished. The watch was returned carefully packed, on time, with a service note. A very professional way of handling it.
Naphat Rojjanakit
Lampang — March 2025
I sent my grandfather's Longines pocket watch for restoration. Niran contacted me to discuss the case before any polishing was done — he thought aggressive finishing would remove some of the character and suggested a light clean instead. That kind of thoughtfulness is not common. The movement came back running well.
Sirilak Laothong
Chiang Rai — April 2025
Had a Citizen automatic serviced. They told me upfront it would take about two and a half weeks, and it was ready in eighteen days. The watch runs noticeably more smoothly and gains maybe a second a day now versus the two minutes it was gaining before. Pricing was reasonable and clearly explained. I will return for a second watch I have been putting off.
Case Studies
Some of the more involved work
Challenge
1960s Omega Automatic
The watch had been stored in a drawer for over thirty years. The mainspring had partially seized, the dial had some moisture discolouration, and the crown was no longer sealing properly.
Our approach
Full movement disassembly. Mainspring replaced. Crown and stem rebuilt. The owner asked us not to touch the dial — the discolouration was part of the watch's history to them. We respected that and focused solely on the movement.
Outcome
Movement running within ±8 sec/day across all positions. Crown sealed. Watch returned in seven weeks with full documentation. The owner noted the dial exactly as they had left it.
"They did exactly what we agreed. No more, no less." — A.T., Bangkok
Challenge
Citizen Diver — Battery Corrosion
A watch brought in for a routine battery change had a failed battery that had leaked acid into the movement contacts. The case also had cracked seals that had allowed water into the caseback.
Our approach
We contacted the owner before proceeding, as the scope was wider than a basic battery service. After agreement, we cleaned the corrosion from the contacts, replaced the battery and all seals, and water-tested to the watch's rated 100m.
Outcome
Watch returned fully functional and water resistant. Total time: four days from agreement to collection. The owner had expected to replace the watch — the repair cost considerably less.
"I thought it was a write-off. Good to have it back." — P.K., Chiang Mai
Challenge
Inherited Pocket Watch
A client from Lampang inherited a Swiss pocket watch from the 1930s. The movement was not running at all — the mainspring had broken. The case and dial were in fair condition but the owner wanted no visible change to either.
Our approach
We sourced a period-appropriate mainspring through our supplier network. The movement was cleaned and serviced while the case received a careful clean only — no polishing. All original components were retained.
Outcome
Watch returned running steadily. Case and dial unchanged from arrival. Full written record provided. Completed in eight weeks. The client noted it as the first time the watch had run in their lifetime.
"The documentation alone was worth the visit." — N.R., Lampang
Find us
Contact Phaya
Hours
Postal enquiries and out-of-town clients are welcome. Contact us before sending your watch and we will advise on safe packing.
Credentials
Professional background
Swiss Horological Training
Head watchmaker trained to WOSTEP-equivalent standards in Switzerland
Established Workshop
Physical workshop at the same Chiang Mai address since 2009
Local Recognition
Recognised by the Chiang Mai Craft & Trade Association in 2019
Documented Restorations
Written service records provided for all restoration and conservation work
Your watch is next.
Reach out and we will let you know what we can do for it — with no commitment required at that stage.
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