Why Nakara
The difference
attention makes
Not every watch repair shop approaches the work the same way. Here is what we do differently, and why it may matter to you.
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Six reasons people choose Nakara
Qualified Watchmakers
Our lead technician trained in Geneva. The team has over two decades of combined workshop experience across quartz, mechanical, and antique movements.
Clear Communication
We assess first, then explain what we found and what it will cost. Work only starts once you agree. If something changes, we contact you before continuing.
Every Watch Stays In-House
We do not subcontract. Your watch is handled by us from intake to collection. It does not leave our workshop during the service.
Transparent Pricing
Our service prices are stated clearly. There are no undisclosed charges. If additional parts are needed, we will quote them before fitting.
Written Service Record
Every completed service is documented. You receive a written summary of the work done and parts replaced when you collect your watch.
Timelines We Keep
We quote realistic timelines based on actual workload, not optimistic estimates. If a delay arises, we let you know promptly.
In More Detail
What each benefit looks like in practice
A background that shows in the work
Our lead watchmaker, Krit Thamrongsiri, trained at one of Geneva's established schools and spent several years working with Swiss movements before returning to Thailand. That foundation shapes how every watch is approached: with knowledge of what a movement should feel like, sound like, and perform like when it is correct.
For clients with antique pieces, this matters particularly. Period-appropriate methods, the right lubricants for older movements, an understanding of what to conserve versus what to replace — these come from experience, not instruction leaflets.
Swiss watchmaking training, applied daily in Bangkok
Experience across quartz, automatic, manual, and antique movements
Familiarity with Thai-market watch history and regional collector pieces
Ongoing technical study — watchmaking evolves, and so does our approach
How a service unfolds at Nakara
- 01Watch is photographed and logged at intake
- 02Technician assesses and prepares a written estimate
- 03Client receives and approves the estimate before work starts
- 04Service carried out in our workshop — no subcontracting
- 05Quality check and testing before handover
- 06Watch returned with written service summary
A clear process, followed consistently
Every service follows the same defined sequence. This is not bureaucracy — it is the structure that keeps things from being missed. A watch that has been properly assessed, correctly estimated, carefully serviced, and properly tested comes back to its owner in a state that reflects the work put in.
The written record at each stage also means we can answer questions months later about what was done and when.
An honest conversation, not a sales pitch
When you bring a watch in, our first aim is to understand what you need. Sometimes that is a straightforward battery replacement. Sometimes a client hopes for a full restoration, and after assessment we may suggest a simpler service is the better choice for that particular piece. We say what we find.
We are also straightforward when a watch is beyond what we can do well, or when the cost of restoration would not be sensible given the piece. That kind of honesty is what we would want from a workshop looking after something we valued.
Assessment and honest recommendation before any cost is incurred
Progress updates during longer services such as antique restoration
Plain English explanations — no jargon unless you want it
Questions welcomed at handover — we walk you through the service summary
Battery & Seal Renewal
฿4,300
Includes cell, contact cleaning, gasket renewal, and water resistance check where applicable.
Service & Timing Adjustment
฿9,500
Full movement clean, re-oil, balance inspection, regulation, and seal renewal.
Antique Watch Restoration
฿14,100
Complete overhaul, case and dial conservation, period-appropriate methods.
Stated prices, no surprises
Our service prices are fixed and published. What you see is what you are quoted. There are no charges added at the counter when you collect. If parts need replacing beyond the standard scope — a worn crystal, a broken crown stem — we will let you know the additional cost before fitting anything.
We consider this a basic form of respect: your time and money are your own, and you should know exactly where they are going.
Comparison
Nakara versus a typical quick-service counter
There are many places in Bangkok that can change a battery in five minutes. That is not what we are. Here is what the difference looks like across common questions.
| Aspect | Typical Quick Counter | Nakara Workshop |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-service assessment | Rarely offered | Every service |
| Written estimate before work | Usually verbal only | Always written |
| Work done in-house | Often outsourced | Always |
| Antique / vintage movement work | Generally not available | Core service |
| Written service summary at collection | Rarely provided | Included |
| Water resistance verification | Not always tested | Where rated |
| Timing machine test (mechanical) | Variable | Standard |
What Makes Us Different
Things you will not find everywhere
Period Research for Antique Work
For antique restoration, we research the movement's history and production period before opening it. Understanding when and how a piece was made informs every decision we take during the overhaul.
Same Technician Throughout
Your watch is handled by one technician from start to finish — not passed between staff on a production schedule. This creates continuity and accountability that assembly-line servicing cannot match.
Condition Photography at Intake
We photograph each watch before opening it. This creates a baseline record of the watch's condition when it arrived, which protects both the client and the workshop.
Honest Referral When Needed
If a watch requires specialist service beyond our scope — certain proprietary movements or manufacturer-specific tools — we will tell you honestly and point you toward appropriate options rather than attempting work we are not equipped for.
Recognition
Milestones & Memberships
15+
Years in Bangkok
Serving Phra Nakhon and the wider Bangkok area since 2009.
2,400+
Watches Serviced
From simple battery changes to complex antique restorations.
Thai Watchmakers Association
Member since 2011. Participants in the TWA's annual technical exchange programme.
Horological Training
Lead technician holds a formal qualification from the Geneva-based watchmaking programme completed in 2007.
Put Nakara to the test
The most straightforward way to understand what we do is to bring a watch in. Assessment is free, there is no obligation to proceed, and you will leave knowing exactly what your watch needs.
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