What People Say
Words from people who left their watches with us.
We can explain what we do — but these accounts from past customers give a clearer sense of what it's actually like to work with Wela Time.
Back to Home17
Years in Bangkok
850+
Watches serviced
4.8
Average satisfaction
3
Languages spoken
Client Accounts
From the people who came in.
Priya Agarwal
Expat · Sukhumvit
My husband's automatic had been sitting in a drawer for three years. I brought it here not really knowing what to expect. Krit looked at it the same day I came in, explained what was likely needed, and gave me a written quote before I even had to ask. Three weeks later it came back running better than it had in years, with a little report card explaining the rate before and after. That part surprised me — I didn't know workshops did that.
June 2026 · Mechanical servicing
Somsak Thitirat
Engineer · Bangkok
Brought my dive watch here for a battery change. What I appreciated was that they didn't just do the battery — they mentioned the gasket hadn't been changed in a while and explained the pressure test process before doing it. It cost a bit more than a quick battery swap would, but I now know the watch is actually sealed properly. The waiting time can be a day or two if they're busy, so calling ahead is worth it.
May 2026 · Battery & water care
Yoshida Makoto
Collector · Thong Lo
I own several watches from the 1960s and 70s and have had mixed experiences at Bangkok workshops — some well-meaning but inexperienced with older calibres. Thanwa speaks some Japanese which helped the initial conversation. Krit was careful, took photographs before opening the most valuable piece, and sourced a part from Germany that I hadn't been able to find locally. I wouldn't go elsewhere for vintage work in this city.
May 2026 · Vintage restoration
Nattaya Wongkusolkit
Teacher · Lad Phrao
My father's watch — a dress watch he wore every day for twenty-five years — had stopped and sat in a box for years after he passed. I wasn't sure if it was worth repairing or even possible. They were honest: the movement needed a full service and one small part had worn beyond use. They found a replacement, explained each step, and when it was done, they'd written a full account of the work. It was more than I expected.
June 2026 · Vintage restoration
David Hoang
Finance · Silom
Quick and honest. I came in for a battery on a sports watch I use for swimming. They asked when it was last opened, checked the gasket condition, and suggested the full water-resistance service rather than just the cell. I said yes. The turnaround was one day and the pressure test result came back fine. Straightforward experience — no upselling on things I didn't need.
June 2026 · Battery & water care
Claire Lefebvre
French expat · Asok
I'd been looking for a watchmaker in Bangkok who could handle a 1970s Swiss automatic I brought from France. The service took about three weeks. The result was good — the watch keeps better time now than it did when I arrived. My only comment would be that communication mid-repair could be a bit more proactive; I sent a message at week two to check in rather than receiving an update. Otherwise, the work itself was clearly done carefully.
May 2026 · Mechanical servicing
Case Studies
Three jobs in detail.
Case · 01
A 1968 dress watch back in service after 30 years dormant
Challenge
The watch had not been serviced since the 1980s. The mainspring had lost tension, lubricants had dried and in some places congealed, and the balance wheel required adjustment. The original bracelet clasp was also broken.
Solution
Full disassembly, ultrasonic cleaning, and reassembly with correct lubricants. Regulation brought the movement within +8 seconds per day. The clasp was sourced from a European parts dealer and fitted without modifying the original bracelet.
Result
The watch is worn daily and has kept time to within a few seconds per day for six months. Total time: four weeks. Owner received photographs of the movement before and after cleaning, and a written condition report.
"I didn't think it would ever tick again. I was wrong, and I'm glad I was."
Case · 02
Sports watch battery — with a water-resistance problem discovered in testing
Challenge
The customer brought in a dive-rated sports watch for a routine battery replacement. They used the watch regularly in the sea and pool. A standard battery swap would have left the sealing unverified.
Solution
Battery replaced with new gaskets on both the caseback and crown. Pressure test revealed the crown tube seal was failing — not visible without testing. The crown seal was replaced before assembly was completed.
Result
Watch returned fully sealed to its rated depth. The failed crown seal would likely have allowed water ingress within the next few dives. Completed same-day once the replacement crown seal was confirmed in stock.
"They found something I didn't ask them to look for and fixed it anyway. That's the kind of workshop I want working on my watches."
Case · 03
Mid-century automatic serviced without altering its character
Challenge
A 1959 Swiss automatic brought from Japan. The movement needed a full service, but the owner was concerned about the dial — a rare grey "tropical" variant that collectors consider more valuable unpolished and unrestored.
Solution
Movement serviced without touching the dial. Case edges were lightly cleaned but not polished. Pre-work and post-work photographs provided. The owner reviewed and confirmed the approach before any work began.
Result
Watch returned with movement running within +4 seconds per day. Dial and case character unchanged. The owner, a collector, noted this was the first time a Bangkok workshop had understood the distinction between conservation and restoration.
"Most watchmakers want to make everything look new. Krit understood that I wanted it to look exactly as it does — just running again."
Visit Us
Come in, or reach out first.
Phone
+66 2 634 87 21Address
142 Sukhumvit Rd
Khlong Toei, Bangkok 10110
Hours
Mon–Fri: 10:00–18:30
Sat: 10:00–16:00
Sun: Closed
Your watch has its own story too.
Tell us about it and we'll let you know what we can do — honestly, and at no obligation.
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