What sets us apart
Why owners bring their watches to Lanna
Not every workshop approaches a mechanical watch the same way. Here is what we do differently, and why it tends to matter.
At a glance
Six reasons clients stay with us
Specialist knowledge
More than fifteen years working specifically with mechanical movements, not general repairs.
Written assessment first
We examine your watch and share a clear written note before any work starts. No surprises.
Professional equipment
Ultrasonic cleaning, Witschi timing machine, pressure testing — the right tools for the job.
English & Thai service
We communicate clearly in both languages, so nothing is lost between the owner and the bench.
Documented service record
Every watch leaves with a record of what was done, parts changed, and timing results achieved.
Vintage watch experience
We understand that older watches have character. We work to preserve it, not standardise over it.
Professional expertise
Depth of knowledge, not breadth of marketing
Lanna's founder trained specifically in horology rather than arriving at watch repair through general electronics or jewellery work. That distinction matters when diagnosing an intermittent fault in a lever escapement or deciding whether a balance staff is genuinely worn or simply needs a careful adjustment.
The team has worked on watches from the early twentieth century through to current production pieces, across Swiss, Japanese, and German manufacture. Familiarity with a wide range of calibres helps enormously when sourcing parts or deciding whether a component can be safely reused.
Horological training, not general repair background
Experience with Swiss, Japanese, and German calibres
Familiar with movements from 1920s to present
Consultation available before committing to service
Witschi timing machine for quantified regulation
Professional ultrasonic cleaning with horological solution
Water resistance pressure testing after gasket work
Magnification and lighting appropriate to the work
Equipment & process
The right tools make a measurable difference
A timing machine does not lie. By measuring amplitude, beat rate, and rate deviation across positions, we can verify that the regulation we have applied is genuine rather than approximate. The results are recorded and provided to the owner.
Cleaning by hand leaves residue. Professional ultrasonic cleaning in horological solution reaches surfaces that tools cannot, producing a cleaner starting point for re-oiling and reducing the chance of contamination accelerating wear after the service.
Client communication
You are kept in the picture at every stage
From the moment a watch arrives to the moment it is collected, the owner knows what is happening. The initial assessment note sets out the condition and the recommended work. If anything unexpected is found during the service, we pause and discuss rather than proceeding quietly and billing for extras.
Updates are available by phone or email in English and Thai. We do not use automated messages or ticket systems — when you contact us, you reach someone who knows your watch.
Assessment note before any work commences
Direct contact, not automated responses
Bilingual communication (English and Thai)
No unexpected charges added without discussion
Fixed service prices stated clearly upfront
No obligation to proceed after assessment
Parts costs agreed before ordering
Pricing in Thai Baht, no currency conversion surprises
Pricing & value
Clear pricing that reflects the actual work involved
Our service fees are stated plainly on this site and confirmed at assessment. The price for a Movement Overhaul does not change because the watch turned out to be more complicated than expected — if that happens, we discuss it with you first.
Bringing a watch to a specialist rather than a general repair shop is not always the cheaper option in the short term. Over the life of the watch, thorough work done correctly tends to reduce the frequency of further issues and extend the period between services.
Outcomes
Watches that run correctly when they leave
The aim of each service is a watch that keeps accurate time, winds and sets smoothly, and whose case and crown are in sound condition. We confirm timing results on the machine before a watch is returned, and include the figures in the service record.
For fine restoration work, the additional aim is to bring the watch as close as practical to its original character — neither over-polished nor left with visible damage that could reasonably have been addressed.
Timing results measured and recorded before return
Function tested across winding, setting, and running
Service record provided for owner's records
Follow-up questions welcome after collection
How we compare
Typical shop vs the Lanna approach
| What to look for | General repair shop | Lanna |
|---|---|---|
| Written condition assessment before work | ||
| Timing measured on professional equipment | ||
| Ultrasonic cleaning of movement parts | ||
| Service record provided to owner | ||
| Fixed prices confirmed before work begins | Sometimes | |
| Vintage watch experience | Varies | |
| Communication in English and Thai | Varies |
What only Lanna offers
Distinctive features of our service
The finishing touches panel
For fine restoration clients, we produce a short written record of the surface work done — which areas were attended to, what methods were used, and what the result looks like — as a companion to the movement service record. Most workshops do not offer this.
Explanation on request
If you want to understand what was found in your movement and why a particular part needed attention, we are glad to explain in plain terms. Owners who understand what was done tend to look after their watches better between services.
International postal intake
We handle watches from clients across Southeast Asia who post their pieces in. We provide guidance on packaging, communicate by email throughout, and return via tracked courier. The process is simple and well-tested.
No queue, no backlog pressure
We take on a measured number of watches at a time. When our current workload would compromise timelines, we say so at intake rather than accepting the piece and letting it wait quietly. Your timeframe is discussed honestly at the start.
Track record
Milestones in the workshop
14+
Years in operation
870+
Watches serviced
94%
Client return rate
12+
Countries served
Chiang Mai Craft Recognition
Recognised by the Chiang Mai Chamber of Commerce as a specialist technical workshop in the traditional crafts category, 2023.
Horological Society Member
Founding member maintains professional association membership with the Southeast Asian Horological Society for continued development and standards.
Featured in Chiang Mai City Life
Profiled in 2024 as one of the city's notable specialist workshops for visitors seeking skilled technical services during their time in northern Thailand.
Get started
Ready to bring your watch in?
We are happy to discuss your watch before you commit to anything. Send a note with a brief description and we will give you an honest first impression of what may be involved.
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