Chiang Mai · Est. 2011
A workshop built on patience
Lanna began as a small bench in Wat Ket and has grown steadily by doing one thing well: returning watches to their owners in better condition, with a clear account of the work done.
Our story
Where Lanna comes from
Lanna takes its name from the ancient kingdom that once stretched across northern Thailand — a region known for its careful artisanship and unhurried approach to making things well. That spirit felt right for a workshop dedicated to mechanical watches.
The business was founded in 2011 by Thanakorn Siriporn, a horologist who trained in Chiang Mai and spent several years working alongside European technicians before returning to set up his own bench in the Wat Ket neighbourhood. The area's quiet riverside character suited the kind of focused work that watch repair demands.
In the early years, Lanna mostly handled watches brought in by locals and expats who had heard about the workshop through word of mouth. Over time, visitors passing through Chiang Mai began arriving with pieces they had been waiting to have serviced, and a modest but steady international clientele built up. Today the workshop sees watches arrive from across Southeast Asia and occasionally further afield.
The team has grown to three people, each with a defined role in the workshop. Work is taken on at a pace that allows every piece to be properly attended to. We do not aim to be the fastest option — we aim to be a careful one.
Our mission
To give mechanical timepieces the attention they were designed to receive — methodical, unhurried, and honest at every step.
Our values
- Transparency in assessment and pricing
- Respect for each watch's history and character
- Communication that is clear and never rushed
- Work that is documented and explainable
Our location
73 Charoenrat Road, Wat Ket, Chiang Mai 50000. A short walk from the Ping River, in a neighbourhood that has kept much of its traditional character.
The people behind the bench
Our team
Thanakorn Siriporn
Founder & Head Watchmaker
Over fifteen years working with mechanical movements. Handles movement overhauls and all fine restoration work, with a particular interest in vintage Swiss calibres.
Nattaya Wongsiri
Workshop Technician
Joined Lanna in 2017. Specialises in service checks, cleaning, and case finishing. Trained in both Thai and Japanese movement types.
Pattraporn Leelawong
Client Liaison
Manages enquiries, intake, and client communication in English and Thai. Ensures each watch is documented accurately from drop-off to collection.
How we work
Our standards and protocols
Initial assessment
Every watch is examined before any work begins. We document the condition, note visible wear, and test basic function. A written summary goes to the owner before any service proceeds.
Ultrasonic cleaning
Disassembled components are cleaned with a professional ultrasonic system using horological cleaning solution, rinsed, and dried before reassembly — no improvised methods.
Timing verification
After reassembly, timing is measured on a Witschi timing machine across multiple positions. Results are recorded and shared with the owner alongside the completed watch.
Water resistance
Where applicable, pressure testing is conducted after gasket replacement to confirm water resistance is restored to the manufacturer's specification.
Secure storage
Watches in our care are held in a locked, monitored environment. Vintage and fine pieces are stored separately from daily-service items to prevent contact damage.
Full documentation
A service record is completed for every watch, noting parts replaced, timing results, and any observations made during work. A copy is provided to the owner on request.
Watch repair and restoration in Chiang Mai
Mechanical watches are among the few objects that improve with proper attention. A movement that has been cleaned, lubricated correctly, and regulated runs more smoothly and lasts longer than one left unserviced for years. The intervals between services vary — a watch worn daily may benefit from attention every four to six years, while one kept in a drawer can go longer before the lubricants degrade.
At Lanna, we work across a range of service types, from a straightforward check and clean for a watch that has been running a little slow, to a full restoration for a vintage piece that carries family significance. Each service begins with an assessment so the owner has a clear picture of what the watch needs before committing to any work.
Northern Thailand has a modest but genuine watch culture, shaped in part by the many craftspeople and traders who have passed through Chiang Mai over generations. We have found that owners here tend to value durability and careful maintenance over novelty — a disposition that suits our approach well.
Our workshop is open Monday through Saturday. Visits are welcome during working hours, and enquiries by telephone or email are answered thoughtfully. If you have a watch that needs attention and are unsure where to start, a conversation costs nothing.
Start here
We would be glad to hear from you
Whether you have a question about a specific watch or would simply like to learn more about what we do, please feel free to reach out. There is no pressure to commit.
Get in Touch