Why Khwan Dial
What sets careful watchmaking apart
In a field where rushed work and imprecise parts are common, Khwan Dial takes a considered path — slower, more transparent, and more attentive to what your watch actually needs.
Back to HomeAt a Glance
Six reasons owners trust us with their watches
Specialist Craft Experience
Over fourteen years of hands-on work with mechanical movements, across a wide range of calibres and origins.
Written Scope Before Work Begins
For complex jobs, we prepare a written explanation of findings and proposed work. Nothing proceeds without your agreement.
Published, Fixed Prices
Three services with clear starting prices. Any deviation from the standard cost is discussed before work continues.
Conservation-Minded Approach
We work to preserve original character and materials, especially on antique pieces. Over-restoration is treated as a risk, not a goal.
Regular, Plain Updates
You know where your watch is and what is happening to it. Updates are provided at key stages, in straightforward language.
Part Fabrication for Antique Work
When original parts are unavailable, we can hand-fabricate replacements — extending the options for heirlooms and vintage pieces.
In Depth
What each of these means in practice
Professional Watchmaking Expertise
Watchmaking is not a skill that transfers readily from general engineering or electronics repair. The tolerances involved, the material properties of components, the behaviour of escapements under different conditions — these require specific training and time at the bench. Khwan Dial's primary watchmaker has worked exclusively on mechanical movements for over fourteen years, handling pieces ranging from simple cylinder-escapement pocket watches to complex automatic calibres with additional complications.
This depth of experience means that unusual problems — a balance staff worn in a way that affects amplitude, a mainspring with inconsistent tension, a keyless work that slips under winding pressure — are things we have encountered before and know how to approach.
What this means for your watch
- Accurate diagnosis of the actual cause of a problem, not a generic service approach
- Familiarity with a wide range of movements, including lesser-known calibres
- Informed advice on what is and is not worth repairing given a piece's overall condition
- Recognition of signs that require more careful attention before disassembly
Our process at a glance
- 1.Intake photograph and condition note
- 2.Initial assessment and, where needed, written scope prepared
- 3.Owner approval before work begins
- 4.Movement service or restoration work carried out
- 5.Timing machine check post-reassembly
- 6.Run-in period and final rate check
- 7.Owner collection with verbal debrief
Workshop Tools & Methods
We use a timing machine (timegrapher) to assess movement performance before and after service. This gives objective data on rate, amplitude, and beat error — not just a subjective impression. For case refinishing, we use appropriate polishing media matched to the original case finish, whether brushed, polished, or a combination of both.
For antique pieces, we avoid ultrasonic cleaning where it is inappropriate for the component materials, and we use only oils and greases suited to the movement type and ambient conditions in Thailand's climate.
Communication Throughout
One of the most common frustrations with any repair service is not knowing what is happening. We address this with a structured communication approach: you receive an update at intake, another when assessment is complete, a further update at the mid-point of longer jobs, and a notification when your watch is ready for collection.
If something unexpected comes up during the work — a part more worn than the initial assessment suggested, for example — we contact you before proceeding rather than making assumptions.
Value and pricing
Our prices reflect the time and skill that careful watchmaking requires. They are not the lowest available, but they represent fair value for specialist work done to a standard that a watch can be relied on from.
Published prices: Watch Service ฿4,500 · Case Refinishing ฿8,200 · Antique Restoration ฿14,900. All costs confirmed in writing before work proceeds.
How We Compare
Typical providers vs the Khwan Dial approach
| Feature | Typical Repair Shops | Khwan Dial |
|---|---|---|
| Written assessment for complex work | ||
| Published, fixed starting prices | ||
| Owner approval before any cost change | ||
| Timing machine check after service | Sometimes | |
| Part fabrication for antique movements | ||
| Conservation approach for antique dials | ||
| Regular updates during the repair |
What Makes Us Different
Distinctive features of the workshop
Owner-Led Decision Making
We never proceed beyond the agreed scope without consultation. If an assessment reveals something unexpected, that becomes a conversation — not an assumption that you wanted it fixed.
Unhurried Antique Assessments
Complex antique pieces are assessed slowly and carefully. We do not charge for an initial assessment, and we take the time to understand a piece properly before committing to a scope of work.
In-House Part Fabrication
For pieces where original parts are genuinely unobtainable, we have the capability to fabricate basic components — a service rarely offered at independent workshops in the region.
Timelines That Fit the Work
We do not rush to meet arbitrary turnaround targets. A standard service takes the weeks it needs; a restoration takes the months it requires. The watch benefits from this approach, and we think owners generally do too.
Recognition & Milestones
Markers along the way
14+
Years in operation
800+
Movements serviced
120+
Antique restorations
96%
Owner satisfaction
Thai Horological Association Member
Active member since 2014, participating in annual technical symposia on mechanical movement care.
Sukhothai Heritage Craft Recognition, 2022
Recognised by the provincial cultural office for contribution to heritage craft preservation in the region.
Recommended by Sukhothai Tourism Board
Listed as a notable artisan workshop in the old city area for visitors with an interest in traditional crafts.
Take the Next Step
Your watch is welcome here
There is no obligation in getting in touch. Tell us what you have and what you've noticed, and we'll offer an honest first impression of the options.
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